the barnacle

I was just about to type the same - I am in the same boat as you (sorry about the bad pun lol) my thought is to get a boat but be sensible at the same time.

shame you couldn't make the box universal with small adjustable feet on the corners to alter the support, or make the unit in 2 halves I own a plastic / stainless fabrication business and I find some people are unable to measure, but you are aiming at a market where most people are very practical, to make a box and rely on someone giving you a curve will be hard but some good suggestions have been made to achieve this.

Thanks for the reply - much appreciated, i will see if i can track her down

i have just read this complete thread but I was wondering if anyone would recommend a good boat builder in the midlands, thanking you for any replies

Hi, I am told Frog tape is good but not used it myself - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FROG-TAPE-24MM-X-50M-PAINTERS-MASKING-TAPE-ROLL-MULTI-SURFACE-PAINT-BLOCK-GREEN-/140996131607?pt=UK_DIY_Material_Paint_Varnish_MJ&hash=item20d4063b17

(@; - that's going to Tarnish my name for sure. the name has a story behind it and I hope to have it as the name of my boat when I get it.

Autosol from a car body shop - gives a great shine and also protects it for a lasting shine

Thank you for the link, much appreciated.

Can anyone post a map with the location of the lock on please?

Hi Can I first that everyone for their replies all the advice is much appreciated, Biggles the link is not working? - I feel a bit happier with the thought of having a home fit out now but understand I have a lot more to think of than I first thought. Thanks again, Steve.

thanks for the great advice - its already making me think of looking into it more, - i think the datum points are a good idea, along with fiting doors while afloat.

hi, i don't really have any neighbours but do own a big yard so housing the boat wouldn't be an issue, i do know a chap that owns a boat yard local so might ask his advice on launching, the other problem i would have to consider is getting the boat here as i would want to buy a finished shell.

Thank you for the reply i had not thought of distortion or even considered it, do boats distort much when in or out of the water.

I am planning in the near future to get a narrow boat, i have a plot of land at home that i could keep a boat while fitting it out, might be a silly question as i am new to this but is it feasible to fully fit a 50 - 60ft boat out then move it when finished, the reason i ask is that i think i would get more work done if it were at home and i would save on the canal fees as this may be a long on-going project for me and my lad. is it easy to move boats by road?

sounds like the ideal chance to get to know the new boat, i think the crane move would be to much hastle.