Retardedrocker

I'm in a marina and don't get out nearly as much as I would like, but I work full time with a longish commute and there are, of course, family commitments that take up a certain amount of weekend time. I live alone, so shopping, cleaning, maintenance etc are all down to me. That said, I thoroughly enjoy going out when I have the chance and when I retire, in 18 months or thereabouts, I intend leaving the marina and CC ing. What I can't get a grip on is people who buy boats, usually shiny, don't live aboard and only 'visit' their boats for a couple of days a year, if that. More money than sense, or is the TV image of boating making it a 'must have': 2.3 kids, a dog, a caravan etc........and a boat? T.

At the end of September I will be starting my third year living aboard. There's just me and I can't imagine myself ever moving back onto the bank: I have never been happier. The only reason I can come up with for (couples) leaving the cut is that there isn't enough room for shoes and not enough electric for hair dryers. T.

Congratulation Miss Max. I've followed your search with interest and I knew you would find what you were looking for. It's been said many times, but it's true that the boat chooses the boater. All you have to do is turn up and you'll know at once if it's right for you. Enjoy. T.

Walk through and pump out. I take the point about the privacy and convenience off 'off corridor' but I like the extra space and the full size shower. With reference to the pump out (and I take my life in my hands here) I wanted a pump out and it's fine, but if I had to choose again I might go the other way. Cheers, T.

Very good news indeed. I was surprised that he scarcely looked at the stove, which, if faulty, is more likely to kill me than a missing clip. As has been said before, it's all about third party.

Hi Chewbacka. That's what I mean. Because it's a bulkhead fitting it does NOT require a clip within 150mm. Cheers, T. As I understand it, 500mm. Section 7.8

I don't know if this is the correct section or not, but here goes. My boat recently failed the BSS examination for, what seems to me, a number of fairly trivial non conformances. That said, the rules are the rules, so I've addressed all but one. That one, however, while not technically difficult, is a bit of a pain in the bum and I don't think it is a requirement anyway. Specifically, the guy says I need to put a pipe clip on the LPG pipe in the gas locker within 150mm of a joint. The joint in question is actually a bulkhead fitting and according to the BSS website that does not need additional support. My problem is that I don't know how old that info is or whether it has been recently changed. Does anyone else? Many thanks in anticipation. If I was 20 and of a slim build, I would just do it, but I am neither of those things and while I may shoehorn myself into the gas locker, you can bet your sweet lives that I would never get out again. Cheers, T.

I talk to many inanimate objects on a daily basis. Some are my colleagues: nothing between their ears but sh1t. T.

This will be my third winter onboard and I've got to say I can't wait for the cold weather so I can light the stove again. It really is the heart of the boat. I have diesel central heating, but never use it. The stove keeps me as warm as I want to be throughout the boat and it's on 24/7. I'm moored in a marina, so have access to electric and spend about £2 per week, winter and summer. The saloon and cabin (bedroom) are carpeted, which I think helps and I've dealt with most of the draughts which makes a big difference. The key is to learn to manage your stove. Cheers,T.

You're absolutely right Alan. My father was very good with wood, but mechanical stuff was my bag and yes, I still have all of my fingers. The only injury I had was a clip round the ear for 'hammering' nails with a wooden mallet. I learned how to wire a plug and change a tap washer in the B.B. Most of my colleagues are late twenties/ early thirties and they wouldn't know where to start. Sad isn't it?

Like many others, I don't put anything in the water tank except water. Two years on (OK, I'm just a novice) and no ill effects. I seriously believe the chemicals do more harm than the microbes. T.

When I was eight or nine my father often gave me an old Black & Decker power drill to play with. I spent hours drilling holes in an old tree trunk which lay in the garden for years. Another pre eleven plus pastime was sawing logs with a woodman's saw. Wouldn't happen now I guess, but I learned a lot of skills back then. T.

Yes, me too. I'll try milling them down first and take it from there. I'll let you know. Cheers, T.

Well, it was meant to be, but there was a bit of a slip of the pen (or finger.) Tony, I agree, it's a very poor design. I'd rather replace the broken bricks, than try to cement them up. I was thinking of machining a couple of mm off the top corner of the side bricks where they have to slip down the side of the throat plate. It ight make it a bit easier to get them in as well as out. Cheers, T.

Today I undertook what is probably my least favourite annual task: sweeping the chimney. It involves removing the top baffle plate and that involves removing the fire bricks. This is the second time I've done it and the second time I've broken the fire bricks trying to get them out. Can it be done, or are the bricks sacrificial? Cheers, T.

When I bought my boat there was carpet in the cabin (bedroom) and laminate in the saloon and dinette I went to a local carpet shop which had experience of narrowboats and caravans etc. They recommended polyprop carpet, which has proved to be hardwearing and, in my opinion, good looking. It can be washed, even cleaned with bleach if needed. They came to the boat while I was at work, took up all the old carpet and laminate, fitted the new with underlay and gripper rods, and took all the old stuff away with them. Excellent job, excellent service. Total cost £400