Marjorie

I'm pretty sure I have misunderstood something somewhere along the way, but I've heard people saying that a trad stern gives you more useful internal space. I don't understand how. All the trad sterns I have been on (only 4 or 5, to be fair) look to me to be laid out more or less like a semi-trad, but with a roof on, which only gives you crouching room between the engine hatch and the ceiling. Is it that the trad sterns I have seen are not very well planned, or is this the normal way of things? I don't see how you are giving yourself more useful internal space with this vs a cruiser or semi-trad stern.

That makes me feel a lot better. I was starting to panic. Better just to think.

Shackleton is a 58ft Jonathan Wilson semi-trad (Josher style). I don't have a superhuman memory, I took a leaflet away with me She was beautiful, and the craftsmanship excellent (I didn't see Celtic Pride - bummer - anyone got photos?). The Shackleton team were lovely too (which does make a difference, doesn't it). She was not particularly to my taste (nor my budget), but I'd be surprised if may people weren't drawn in by her charms, and the enthusiasm of her team. I liked her compact engine room set up, and that you could see it (I was surprised at how few exhibitors provide information/ the opportunity to see/ wanted to have a conversation about the mechanics of their offering - or maybe I just don't look like I'd understand any of it so they didn't take me seriously).

You are opening up a whole new world of inspiration to me...

Oh gosh, that washstand is beautiful Rather marvellous wardrobe too. I can see that you have to be careful about the structure of anything you use, and (of course) the size, but it's nice to see someone having done essentially what I was thinking of (thanks for the photos!). Surprised to hear that modifying existing stuff might be more expensive that having things made bespoke, but I guess it depends on the particular builder, the quality and finish of what you'd want if you went fully bespoke, etc, etc, ad infinitum... Actually, I think we could probably manage some of it ourselves to a fairly good standard - other half is handy with a saw and a chisel, and I've got little fingers for the fiddly bits

Yes, a wardrobe for narrow gentlemen might work. Alternatively, one like this (pull forward hanging space and shelves): http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/vintage-gentlemans-wardrobe-/321415090496?pt=UK_Antiques_AntiqueFurniture_SM&hash=item4ad5d51140 That particular one might be too tall, I didn't really look, but you get the point. I know you'd loose some hanging space by making the top less deep, and need to modify the rail, but you could do it, couldn't you? I'm not mad? Usually, how wide is a narrowboat at it's narrowest point (that would be right near the ceiling, wouldn't it?). Fair point Bottle, I wasn't meaning to write off the fitted aesthetic, I have seen some lovely ones, by this beholder's eye is not generally enamoured...

The boat I saw was definitely a narrowboat (40 footer I believe. I was pretty Bohemian), and we went to Crick last weekend, so I have seen a few different layouts and options, but they all seem to be variations on a theme with various levels of expense. Just playing around with different ways of doing things and trying to understand whether I am a trailblazer or a fool (you don't need to address that one directly). Surely you could take, for example, an existing sideboard, put it under the gunwale (assuming it fits - mine will, with an additional 'proper' worktop fitted if the gunwale is 37" or more above the floor, which I think they usually are?), and have it as half of your kitchen. The one I have is 19" deep (which I guess you could extend by extending the additional worktop you put on top if you wanted). I thought I might fix some of the drawer fronts and cut out part of it's guts to fit a sink in. Or, get a narrow gentleman's wardrobe (assuming height restrictions are accounted for) and cut a chunk out of the back to make it fit to the contour of the gunwale (you might have to fiddle around with hanging space a little to make it work).

Sound advice Alan. I can see I'm going to like it here. I have lived on a (very different to a narrow) boat for 4 years, and since then the recurrent dream I have if I'm anxious about anything has changed from the old 'doing an exam naked having not revised' to 'water coming in from a hole I can't get to and no one cares.' It hasn't happened to me, but it has to a couple of neighbours, and one thing's for sure - you're never in danger of the 'no one cares' but coming true

Hi again Here's another one: I don't like the 'fully fitted' look (although there are some ingenious space saving options around, which I will not be discounting in some areas). I have only ever seen one picture (video actually, of a lady with a narrowboat moored on the Regent's Canal in London) where 'normal' furniture has been modified to fit a boat. Seems to me it would be cheaper than having fully bespoke everything, and would give the boat an entirely different aesthetic to the standard (which appeals to me). Am I missing something?

Thanks so far Personally, I find sitting on the floor perfectly comfortable if I have something to lean on (I'm young(ish), and used to sleeping on a futon, so low down and relatively hard is fine for me). It's more the draftiness/ coldness of the floor/ potential floor dampness (is that even a possibility? Presumably not if you have a good quality build?) that I'm unsure of. Briefly thought about a small futon, but they're not generally fantastic to sit on (mattress slippage). Keble, Bation - which models do you both have from the links you kindly posted? For me, those Captains chairs you speak of Junior are just a bit bizarre (HUGE! for a start), and they are about 10 million miles from my taste. You are, of course, all quite correct about the weirdness of the link I sent. I just chose the first one with a decent picture, I'm not proposing to buy from them (but my, you will keep me o my toes!). Anyone got one of those 'click clack' type affairs from the eBay seller elegantboatsofabeds4u? I did see another thread about them. Slouching appears to be an issue (which is unacceptable to me). But they do look nice and compact...

Hi all I've been reading the forums for a little while now and have learnt much (thank you!). Thought it was time I signed up. Particularly since I have a question that Google isn't answering (I know, imagine!) Here it is (it's an easy one, to start with): Saloon seating: I don't want fitted, I do want comfortable. Harder than it first appears, apparently... Are floor cushions a ridiculous idea? They are fine in my current boat, but the floors aren't especially cold - are they in a narrowboat? Here's the sort of thing I was toying with (slouchy sofa type thing, and also spare bed): http://www.leewadee.co.uk/meditation-and-thai-cushions/thai-cushions/4250587605457.html Looking forward to your tuppences. M