Bettie Boo

Hi Kevin, And the offer/support is welcomed, I actually did have a couple of other people pm me saying if they had had more notice they would have gone up with us. Your observation about it being "kick the newbie week" made me laugh. It's ok though, I've got pretty thick skin and don't normally bit back unless IMO the comments are either downright rude how just plain nasty. See comments below about the boat B~ Hi Phil, just got back a couple hours ago. The boat looks & sounds Great. Interior is finished to a really good standard, Oak & Ash above the gunnels, T&G painted below, hardwood floors throughout except the head and 2 bedrooms, T&G ceiling with Oak trim. The engine has just a little over 200 hours on it, so not really broke in completely yet. Bow thruster on the front with 2 batteries for it and it's own gen. No gunk or crap anywhere around the stove chimney. Brand new cratch cover, all it needs out there is a wee table, some cushions and a couple glasses of wine. The galley is perfect for me, loads of top & bottom cupboards and galley / saloon is Very open plan which I quite like as well. It's a Trad Stern, and entering from the stern the first thing is a small electrical / utility room. Again, I really like the idea of that, with us planning on being CC's I appreciate we will be on the move in all kinds of weather and until we can afford to get a pram cover, at least the rain, sleet and snow won't be going directly into the bedroom - that's got to be a good thing. Dave has noted (not worried or concerned, but aware) that IHO it will need a couple more batteries, maybe a battery management system and not overly happy that the central heating is currently run off kerosene. The gentleman selling the boat said it could easily be changed over to white diesel, but Dave want's to look into to this to see exactly is required to change it over. We've told the seller that we are very interested; however I made it very clear that I had big concerns about the legality of the sale, with it being a self build and not being 5 years old yet. Thanks to you lot, and the ppl who sent me the links for the RCD's, I "kinda" sounded like I had some idea about what I was talking about (well he didn't laugh in my face anyway and there were no raised eyebrows). And was able to quote a fair amount of the requirements from the RCD and said there would be no money exchanged for a down payment or survey until we were satisfied that all the documentation was present, accounted for & correct. Including owners manual & declaration of conformity and what that needed to contain, receipts for the gas hook up showing that the installer was a Gas Safe Registered person (I believe that's the new term used to replace CORGI registered), the electrical diagrams, the CIN, Builders Plate, photos from each stage of the build (which he has), all the required technical documentation which conforms with the ESR, electromagnetic compatibility, the notified body assessment in regards to all the essential requirements, exhaust assessment. Well those were the bits I explained we would need to see anyway. He seemed more than confident that he would be able to comply no problem and took the whole grilling in a fairly relaxed way. Once he has produced the correct documentation to show he Can sell the boat legally, then we'll proceed with the survey and hopefully purchase :) fingers crossed Going to do a bit of surfing, and then go to bed and may dream of what "might" be our new home Well, actually I may print off a couple more of the RCD annexe's and do a bit more "light" reading Thanks ever so much for thinking of us today. Ta B~

Hi Norman & Jan, Not speaking from experience, just what I've picked up from research and reading many many posts on forums such as this; but here are a couple of things you will need to consider before making any hard set plans, and some points of information I found most helpful. - If you want to cruise all the canals in England from North to South a narrow boat is needed, there's a "wee" bit in the middle known as the BCN (see I got it right this time ) that although lovely will only take a narrow boat (6'10" wide) - If your planning on using the same boat to travel the English canals & waterways as well as those in Europe you will need to consider how to get it to Europe from England or visa versa. My understanding, after reading a very long thread on this forum about that topic; is that the general consensus is "some/very few" canal boats are designed to make the crossing. It has been done before, but the majority of posters recommend not attempting it regardless of experience. - I highly recommend googling C&RT (Canal and River Trust UK) they seem to manage the majority of the canals in England and have loads of information, including maps of the navigational canals & rivers, "regulations" for a lack of a better word. - Another one I found to have a fair amount of info was BMF (British Marine Federation) - RYA is another good site - Waterscape - decent info re: insurance / licensing / boater's handbook (realize your experienced boater's, but this also covers boater's eidetic UK style, which may differ somewhat from the States & Canada), guide to buying in the UK & BSS - They use acronyms for everything over here, buy reading the RCD (Recreational Craft Directive) I've managed to pick up numerous meanings. The above are a few spots I found (am still finding useful) quite informative - this forum is brilliant as well. Word of warning though, what ever you do avoid these topics at all costs....pump out vs cassette, Stern styles, and whatever you do avoid the topic of Lawyer's or Solicitor's at all costs (that one I am speaking from experience ) oh and pros and cons of following the RCD can be a bit sticky topic as well. Actually most topics on here can be; but if you keep your sense of humor, you'll be fine. The non controversy ones seem to be; pics of boats and recipes Best of luck to you both, and hope the above helps a bit. B~ B~

Your right on both accounts Mike, she was born Canadian and remained solely so for the first 31 years, 2005 she became an Yank; but retains her Canadian citizenship. And as a Canadian, I can attest that a lot of us don't really get irony. sorry for dragging it again B~

LOL sorry about that, was just comparing it in size to Manchester / Preston in size on the Google map B~

Well after printing off 3/4 (well up to Appendix 7 anyway) of the RCD, I can honestly answer your question now Starcoaster...and sorry to say the answer is NO I'm not happy that I have a strong enough understanding to make an informed decision to buy or not to if it doesn't comply. But, I'll do my best to break in my new reading glasses tonight, making notes of the bits I don't get and bombarding you kind folks here, as well as the British Marine Federation and RYA with questions tomorrow Thank Gawd, I used to cram for all those high school exams years ago. I feel like I'm 17 again and my finals for grade 11 start tomorrow, and I've remembered to bring home some text books to have to a read of. LOL the naivety of some of us newbie's, must put a smile on you face from time to time. 3 or 4 months ago we had a simple idea of slowing down our lifestyle, that then lead to a complete lifestyle change, which in turn has lead me tonight to learn such acronyms as CRD / ISO / EEA / RSG / CIN & of course the ESR. I know I'm a wee bit old fashioned in some ways, but when exactly did we stop spelling out complete words and start using acronyms for Everything??? Thanks to all the "ppl" who've pointed me in the direction of the RCD. As always, much appreciated. Ta B~

LMAO - sounds good to me Should we look for a Politian then? JUST JOKING B~

Thanks for the tip - Freecycle has been added to my "boat book" under contacts to make and arrange before the move Surely my plan of limiting sentimental items to a shoe box each (along with whatever I can stuff into said purse) won't be too much clutter on a 60' wide beam? LOL and defiantly wouldn't take up as much space as a guitar or two No option available to us as far as family members homes. I had thought about paying for storage, but then decided that would be like paying rent for something you never see and a complete and utter waste of hard earned funds. BTW I love the new chest in the pic - Very Nice B~

Tony / dor / Keith & Keith M; Thank you for taking the time to respond and sharing your thoughts & knowledge & suggested sites/links to visit. I've read all your posts and am just about to go back and reread them so I get the most from them. Sorry I should have made my understand clearer, in my description of the "trades" people involved in the kit out of the boat. The seller has "told" me he is a plumber by trade, and has done a lot of work/favours for the boat yard where he completed the fit out. His "mates", the sparkie & chippy both work at the boat yard fitting out boats as full time jobs. If it's a reputable boat yard, I would "hope?" they only employ qualified people to do their fit out. Again, something else we better to check into. Please keep sending advise / experiences / suggestions, our steep learning curve continues. Ta B~

Hi dor / Alan, Understand your comments fully. Just to reassure all, Dave in No way suggested, sent, asked or implied I respond on his behalf. I did it all on my own, without his knowledge, approval or blessing. I simply read what he had posted, and the first 4 or 5 responses and thought "oh dear, better nip this in the bud" before it gets out of hand. We have both been long standing members or other unrelated forums and I realized quite quickly that he couldn't make the comments that he had without causing damage. He hadn't been here long enough or made enough postings for people to form their opinions of him yet. If he had been a well established member and people had an informed idea of his "style & humor" they may not have been so quick to jump to conclusions, which I completely understand that they did. Anyway, rest assured, I'm down beating the "Dave's a kitten, please give him a second chance drum" here; as we've got so far off topic now I'd be surprised if anyone reading this thread would remember that My original post was seeking some assistance on Saturday from anyone willing to able to share their knowledge. For those members who have made relevant postings / pm's and offers of assistance I really do thank you. Ta B~ That's very generous Bobby and stands you in "good stead in my account"

Hi All, Very informative thread, below are the comments I received from the gentleman who owns the boat we are going to look at this Saturday, (just a couple of answers to a long list of questions I asked him before making the trip up north) Do they "hold water" (sorry, bad pun)? 20)I can't find the boat safety certificate at home think it may be on the boat, they usually last for 5 yr, but in any case the boat will require a full safety certificate for a sale to take place, as the one I have is for self builders and not suitable for the purpose of sale. The cost of this would be down to me. I thought a BSS was good for 4 years? but all the same is it correct that he (the owner/fitter) will be able to get the BSS (assuming the boat complies with the Safety requirements)? 21) licence runs out end of November but will be renewed for next 12 months and also has a CE number which will be stamped on the boat. Won't the CaRT licence need to be sorted out by us as I was under the impression that they are not transferable from seller to buyer? Have I misunderstood that? Little more info.....the seller had the hull built at a boatyard as a sailaway for himself and his partner in 2010, finished the internal fit out himself being a qualified tradesman, along with the help of mates who were also "qualified sparkie & chippy" no idea who did the gas fittings at this point, but will be sure to find out. I believe the fit out was completed in 2011/2012, in time for the 2012 "season". Does it "sound" like he's in a position to sell this boat legally? Regards, B~

Brilliant thread, very informative - thank you B~

LMAO - fair enough, you've made up your mind about Dave and that's by far your right. But do you mind explaining why you've chosen to inflict your nastiness on me? or is the simple fact that Dave and I are married and therefore, by association in your small-mindedness, I get the displeasure of your comments as well. Copied and pasted from my post # 23 above there was a fair amount of wit "intended", does that imply it "was" funny? I don't think so. Does it imply it was All meant to be humorous? Again I don't think so. Maybe, I've simply "misunderstood" the intent of Your post, and indeed "you" are the actual "kitten" amongst the lions; I highly doubt it, but unlike your "implied" self-righteousness; I'm the type of person who is willing to give anyone a second chance if it's asked for. Again, my advice to you would be: go out this weekend, do something nice for someone you don't really know all that well, it's a wonderful feeling. I wouldn't suggest anything to big though, for someone just getting started on being "nice" it might be something like holding the door open for someone at a shop, or giving the right of way to another driver/boater when it's actually your turn....start small, work up to the bigger stuff that actually takes a bit more effort and conscience and next thing you know, people will be saying what a wonderfully nice, helpful & caring person you are (and I believe can be) Best of luck to you as well Regards, Betty

Good point DH, and I do appreciate that Dave's post caused a lot of ruffled feathers, and understandably so. btw, knowing him as I do, there was a fair amount of wit "intended" in his post, however his lack of correctly placed punctuation and "smiley faces" made it read as a poorly scripted scene out of a 1970's psychic horror. Hence my post of apology on his behalf and trying to give an explanation (not excuse) for his post. Although most have seemed willing to give him a second chance, I guess there will be a few who have their minds firmly made up about him and unwilling to change their opinion - again fair enough. I just thought I had covered all that in my OP and wouldn't be inflected with such comments in "my" request for assistance. But truly, I have picked myself back up, dusted myself off and have vowed to not let petty minded posts hurt, instead I will simply go back to the post and try to clarify what was intended; humor or sarcasm and then respond accordingly Ta B~

Hi, Just south of Preston in the little town/village of Chorley off the M61. Like I mentioned, we will be driving up from Coventry on the day and more than happy to take a detour to pick up a willing helper/friend along the way if they don't have a car or would prefer not to drive to the location of the boat. We would like to get to the boat around lunchtime / early afternoon so affording us enough time to have a good look at the outside of the boat (she's already out of the water on hard standing) Ta B~

This is a Great link lampini, Thank you. I had actually started to read it some time ago, but managed to crash the pc and couldn't remember how I got to the link in the first place. Have just printed it off....will make some great bedtime reading for the next couple of nights I think. Much appreciated and looking forward to meeting you on the water B~

Well I confess, I am a fairly sentimental person. I had a fully furnished 3 bedroom home in Canada and struggled to get my most "precious" items into 2 trunks and 8 fairly large transit boxes to move over to England. 15 years later and I find myself downsizing again This time I'm planning on taking one of the trunks empty (I've convinced hubby it will be good for storage and/or a coffee table) every thing else other than cloths will need to fit into a shoe box each (good job he has big feet), and a cat carrier each.....mind you I don't think the cats will want to share their space with my bits & bobs so that's out, but what hubby hasn't realized I will be carrying my largest purse and I plan on having it stuffed to the gunnels so to speak OH and when I say "precious", I don't mean in the monetary sense, it was all either cloths or highly sentimental value. LOL and I've got my head around only having 3 electrical kitchen appliances as well.... the chosen ones are - slow cooker, food processor & bread maker. Anyone have any use for a sandwich maker/grill, Fab coffee maker (I might try and sneak this in the trunk though), hand mixer, toaster oven, electric kettle, juicer/smoothie maker? When the time comes to move aboard, they will all have to go B~

thanks Phil - can honestly say after reading his post I was about to quite the forum altogether, but then my stubbornness kicked in and I won't let someone like that get the better of me. There are too many genuinely helpful, nice people here to let the odd slightly off apple spoil the entire basket. Ta again B~

Hi, RCD as in circuit breakers / testers? or does RCD refer to something different in boats? Sorry, to sound inept

Really??? Is that your style of humor? or was it Meant to be sarcastic and nasty? If it's the first fair enough, if it's the second you have my pity. Hope you enjoy your Saturday whatever you decide to do with it. And end the day feeling like you've done something nice for someone - you really should give it a shot - it's a wonderful feeling. Did you bother to actually read my original post? "And of course that comes with my guaranteed promise that you will see Dave in his true light. That of a kind, fairly quiet, considerate, and quite humorous & equally intelligent kind of guy" Most Sincere Regards, Betty

Hi Starcoaster, Here's just how much of a newbie I am....I was thinking "why is he asking me about circuit breakers" surely that can't be one of the "most" important things to look for at this stage I had actually started to read the RCD quite some time ago, pc crashed, I got distracted then couldn't remember what the site was called or how I found it in the first place. Have been given the link below and will be finishing reading it tonight. Will post any questions we have regarding it later tomorrow. Thanks for the heads up B~ Well, the gentleman who is selling it, told me he bought it as a sailaway, & with the help of a couple of mates who work in local boat yards fitted it out. It was meant to be for himself and his partner, but didn't finish fitting it out until late summer 2011. Then in 2012 they only used it for 3 or 4 weekends and this past summer he said he was only on it one 1 day. It's costing him a couple of grand a year in mooring fees, insurance and stuff so he's put it up for sale. Seemed liked and sounded like a fairly believable tale to me on the phone. I haven't asked how many hours the engine has on it yet, but I believe he's referring to the original engine as still being in new condition. Will double check that on Saturday. Ta B~

Sorry Alan, I don't get your meaning?? All I was referring to is that "my personal preference" is to have a lot on natural wood on the inside of a boat rather than other optional finishes. If you took exception to my reference to cruise the Southern waterways rather than the Northern, it's simply based on trying to get to the warmest place for the winter months since we will be constant cruisers. Since a wide beam has to make a choice between North or South, I picked south for that reason alone, nothing to do with anything else. It just seems however I phrase a statement or question, I end up ruffling someone's feathers on this forum. Sorry I caused offence, it was Not intentionally. B~ LMAO Sorry Alan - just spotted my typo.....obviously it was meant to be Cruising the Southern Canal systems B~

Thanks Alan, most helpful - I'll make sure I get it right next time Ta B~

Hi All, OK here's the deal - We have arranged to look at another Wide Beam 57'x 10'10" (decision one made), in the Lancashire area on Sat. 16th of Nov. It has a pump out loo (decision two made), I think it has enough wood on the interior so I can get the feeling of cursing the canals & waterways of Southern England, as if from the centre of a tree - It has pretty much the layout that we have been looking for (decision 3 made); although Dave's not sure about the Galley layout!! I have explained to him, that if he were the one who would be spending the majority of their time in the Galley than his opinion would hold a lot more weight - I don't interfere with the look of the engine room after all, as I really don't plan on spending any great deal time in it. Fair is fair after all. - It's on the wrong waterway for us; but thanks to info I've tracked down on this forum I've been able to get a "rough" quote as to hauling out - road haulage - and putting her back in the waterways on the southern side of BNC (did I get those initial's in the right order?) & have also been able to get a "rough" insurance quote; again with info from this forum. An may I just add what a pleasant surprise that was - WAY below my budgeted figure!! (more money for warm socks and long-john's) Anyway to the point (sorry guys, I have never have been known to be one of those people who are short, sweet and too the point), well maybe the first two, but never the latter. Anyhow....... Is there anyone willing & able, who would be interested in joining us on the 16th either meeting at the boat in Lancashire, or that I could pickup on our way up from Coventry. All we really want is to simply pick your brain on what you looked for when buying your boat.....electrics, engine, power supply ie batteries, generator's, power packs. Yes we have researched all of the above topics, so are not "complete" numbties, just basically would like to hear someone else's thoughts other than the owner/builder. Compensation would include, but not limited to lunch/dinner/supper (whatever time of day it is) in a (hopefully) nice pub, whatever your tipple happens to be on the day as well as any financial remit you feel fair. And of course that comes with my guaranteed promise that you will see Dave in his true light. That of a kind, fairly quiet, considerate, and quite humorous & equally intelligent kind of guy. Here are the boats details we are going to look at: Vessel type: Canal Boat Designer: Owner Builder: Cuttwater Boats Year constructed: 2010 Berths: 6 No. of engines: 1 Engine model: Barrus Shire Engine power: 45 HP Fuel type: Diesel Drive type: Stern drive Length over all: 57' Beam: 10' 10" Hull material: Steel Hull type: Flat Bottom Fuel capacity: 150 Gallons Water capacity: 300 Gallons Holding tank capacity: 150 Gallons Engine(s) Brand new Barrus Shire 45hp with 240 alternator which gives you travel power whilst sailing or moored with engine running. here's some more boat details....these were in reply to questions I've already asked.... 1) there are two alternators one for engine battery and one for leisure plus one 240 volt unit for power pack 2) water tank extra size and stainless steel 3) two starter battery's 100 amp 4) 5 leisure 100 amp each two thruster 100 amp each 5) thruster charged by engine alt via master volt spliter 6)approx 7ft x6ft 2 drawers built in bed 7) 4 fire extingusiers one blanket 8)brand new cratch fitted in June 9) blacked when built but in a epoxy coating extra long life 10) 4 large anoids still as new 11) 12 volt halogen lighting plus 240 volt lamps to bedside 12)shower doors work fine idea of lower doors to keep room more open and standard shower doors are to tall 13) you could possible fit a freezer in engine room 14) 12 volt headlight to front for tunnels 15) TV booster on roof plus TV Ariel and extending pool for areas with bad reception 16) gas locker to front takes two cylinders plus storage 17) the stern is self draining 18) all outlets are 240 but 12 volt is available in the front of boat via fuse box next to tv point 19)the water filter is fitted under sink 20)I can't find the boat safety certificate at home think it may be on the boat,they usually last for 5 yr, but in any case the boat will require a full safety certificate for a sale to take place, as the one I have is for self builders and not suitable for the purpose of sale. The cost of this would be down to me. 21) licence runs out end of November but will be renewed for next 12 months 22)yes both the sofas and all other items of furniture go with the boat, they are not sofa beds Regards, B~

Hi dor, Ta The reason we haven't looked at sailaways is the simple fact we "assumed" (I know, I know "ass out of me) that we just wouldn't be able to stretch our budget to include sailaways. It wasn't until reading Toni's post that we thought "well maybe we can". I've contacted 2 already.....Viking & Piper who are getting back to me. Will give a few others a call as well as the one you've mentioned above. Again, Thanks ever so much B~