Ral Duke

Even more interestingly; I'll actually be speaking to one of the brother's - Matt - tonight. I heard their starting point was a boat that had a completely burnt interior and they need to install electrics and the whole shabang. I think our project benefits from the boat being in good nick.

I have a futon which we will use to sleep on for a period and in all seriousness, we are young so porti-poti and camping stove is more than suitable and I'm glad to hear someone else suggest it. We're moving from our house as we are both renting and are purchasing the vessel as our first place to live together. I think we will have on-shore power for 2 months and then borrow a generator. As for plastic water pipes, I've recently read how they are a good idea due to fluctuations of heat and corrosion - thanks. Power Audit - Yeah, that's something I will be doing. We plan to install LED light - strips (not excessively) etc in order to keep requirement down. We won't have mains power available for the first year but I'm going to look into this - We're going to buy a gas water heater (paloma?) for the sink and so, the boiler would solely be for the shower - I've just started to read about this so, as of yet, I'm not sure which is the best option in terms of boilers. I did find a posting where someone recommended boiling a kettle and using a mug to pour the water over themselves - wonderful pragmatism.

Thanks for this. This is essentially the kind very of break down and approach similar to our own. Really helpful. We won't be sleeping on it for the first two months. Although, I may have the odd occasional nap. Did you ever have anyone come and assess your progress - if so, what kind of approach did you take with this i.e from design stage or later in the build? Or would you say your fully capable? Thanks Hi, The sentiment of the aforementioned 'getting-away-with-bodging', and resulting death I do not take lightly and I appreciate the advice. A friend of ours has previously installed a couple of multi-fuel burners on boats and is willing to advise/asses our work. In terms of Gas work, I will do what I can but yes, I will certainly invest in a Gas Safe registered fitter. Marevellous. Thanks!

Hi all, Thanks for the responses. I'm just beginning to look through the blogs now. The sail-away comes with a 2x Leisure batteries, inverter, fuse box and wiring. I will be installing light fittings, sockets, etc etc. As for colour initially we'll have two colours to get the paint down fast. Any ideas for how much it is appropriate to budget for a full water system!?

Hi. Yeah, we are going to do it ourselves.

Hi all, So, myself an my partner are considering buying a 'sail-away' which will consist of: Shell - primed and blacked, Windows, plywood floor, battoned -out and spray insulation, electrics in situ (inverter, fuse box, 240/24v). I will also purchase a multi-fuel burner (4-5k) and install it. Now, im considering doing The plumbing, gas, and installing partition walls/kitchen/bathroom with one other person full time for 2 months and moving to part-time for the following 6. We have budgeted 8k for the whole build and we will be purchasing second hand items to lower the cost I.e a kitchen with appliances can be obtained for >500 on eBay. I have been dabbling in carpentry for 5 years, I have enough tools and access to a industrial work shop with a CNC machine (yes, that's right floral cut-out partitions!) I have also been living on a boat that requires constant attention for three. I can provide a break down of the projected costs but is 8k realistic? One thing I know very little of is plumbing. Is 1.5k enough for a full water system cold/hot: Boiler (for shower only), accumulator, pumps, etc I appreciate this question may invite the polemicists but lay off the pejorative answers! Thank you in advance