Leggle

Cracking first instalment, I can't wait for more

What a night! Love the blow by blow account. Bit of a nightmare but at least you won't forget it I'm looking forward to further updates!

Tbh sound like you have access to some great ways to keep living costs down that many of us can only dream of! Just have to see whether you could get used to being without some of your creature comforts and big appliances. Embrace different types of entertainment. I have microwaved porridge for brekkie most mornings and often batch cook and microwave portions, but a microwave wouldn't work too well cruising and trying to use minimal electric. What's the alternative? Overnight stove top porridge? Having my big reheated meal for lunch on days I'm at the office? I think I'd really want a stove with a small oven (current oven barely big enough for a chicken so no change there!) but I haven't seen many second hand nbs with them. In many ways I think life onboard would be MORE luxurious for me but I really do love my microwave! Can you get away without using a fridge in the colder months if you keep everything in a locker outside instead? Edit... Maybe not if you keep meat for long but if you are getting in fresh and eating it that day it could work?

Renewing passports is really easy, just do it to your sons address a few months before they run out so you have time to pick the new ones up. If you are careful to request paper bank statements and anything else you may need when you know you'll visit your son, you will be fine. Register at a dentist and doc near him and time appointments. Otherwise use nhs walk in centres or temp patient where possible. My gp has even done prescriptions over the phone and faxed them to the nearest chemist. I don't live aboard but I'm a property guardian and move a lot, no fixed address, utility bills, council tax etc. I've been fine like this for years, the only thing that was a pain was changing banks but if you can be on the electoral roll at yours sons address it will help a lot. Would drawing up a rental agreement for a nominal amount (or just don't pay) between you and your son help to separate your credit at all?

Being hard to resell has been mentioned a few times in this thread, should I not consider it at all? I know most work I do myself wont look perfect or professional.

Reminds me of those dodgy tips you get in waiting room mags. Make the kids jigsaw puzzles by shredding unwanted school photos!

What do people think are the most important things to consider when looking for a first boat that will resell? As well as personal must haves like a casette toilet!

Ex army and navy store? There is a very good one near QE hospital in Birmingham, few hundred yards from canal if you're ever passing through.

What about tabata, intervals or circuit training? There are lots of equipment free workouts online that are suitable for snall spaces. Or some British military fitness style workouts on the mud? Clear a little space and alternate a minute of skipping with some press ups, burpees etc or kettle bell exercises. Flowing vinyasa yoga routines done at a bit of a speed are great for stretching, cooling down and improving flexibility. Saying I do yoga is a bit like saying I live on a boat - there are several different schools of yoga with different uses and techniques. And of course it won't be everyone's cup of tea. Fitness blender is a great place to start looking for ideas Personally I love a grueling grubby cross country run but it aounds like you'd need hosing down before going inside after running in winter there!

Are there any areas you particularly recommend looking into for a home mooring(leisure) in West London? I'd love a basic home mooring Denham/Uxbridge inwards, like Northolt, and to cruise central. I only know of those run by CRT or EA so would appreciate any advice.

Congratulations! Are you keeping a diary? It'd be great to hear how you get on with everything.

Wilko? I use them for books and paper. I've got all sorts of tatty fabric fom where I've thought "this'll make a lovely patchwork..." Including bits from my Nan's old stash so god knows how old some of it is. Probably no good now!

Have you tried tk maxx? They have lots of odd bits of bedding. Or if you have a mattress with those button types things on it, sew loops of wide elastic to the corners and hook them on the underside buttons. Good for keeping a too big sheet in place if you've already got ones you like.