nyima77

Anyone there just now? what are the river levels are like? In amber/close to red? Thanks!

Sorry, been offline for a few days and preoccupied with buying a boat, little things like that(!) No link not because I don't know how to post one or even because I was afraid of being gazumped - it's just that we made an offer before it was officially advertised. British Maid (50') built at Norton Canes in 1979. We should be moving on board and moving all of us to Mercia at the end of this month.

Are they good boats? Any views?

Make sure you get your own survey, with your own surveyor (not one recommended by the broker) and talk to the surveyor face to face. Ask directly who owns the boat (is it really on brokerage or is it owned by the company selling it to you). This particular boat must be owned by the broker as we sold it to them a month ago, and we wonder whether the same was the case when we bought her (from the same broker), even though they told it it was a brokerage boat (no way of proving it but the broker's name was on the survey and the sales documentation did not name a private vendor. Remember that brokers are salesmen, not your friend. I would personally not buy from this company again, but I guess it is wise not to name names. The above advice is probably sensible for any purchase...

Mercia Marina at Willington had space when we asked last week - at least there were half a dozen choices for a 50'. For an additional £200 you get 'residential' status i.e. postal address and no restrictions on how much time you spend there - though you do have to shuffle berths a couple of times a year (regs to do with council tax, not the marina). We had a (leisure) mooring there for 4 years and were happy with it - will be moving our liveaboard there at the end of the month (touch wood)>

We've moved on. Or rather, we've moved off.

Just seen that she's back on sale at the original asking price, listed as having a 'recent survey'. And now under offer. I hope whoever's buying gets their own survey.

They mostly stayed outside our last boat , not sure if this was just because it was well sealed or if the dogs ate them all. Or maybe they just don't like Springers (boat not dogs). New one is an unknown quantity in this respect. We're due to take ownership end of week but I'm superstitiously not posting photos or getting too excited until the deal is done. For anyone who followed my post last month about survey/broker issues - oh yes, we did commission our own survey this time. Happily nothing too serious. It's a Dennis Cooper build, not that I know much about this but he has a good reputation right?

Found it thank you - I'll have to work on the beard! Does a hairy mole count? I hesitate to ask, but why spare underwear?

Steve Hands was booked till end Oct so we went with Peter Brookes FYI he seemed to do a good job. Couple of bits of work to be done but nothing major so looks like we're good to go - here's to living aboard!

We got frozen in just below Fradley Junction new year before last so I know! Mind you a 52' boat may be slower to heat than a 32' one. And yes, we did take the flue cap off the stove...

Steve's not available until the end of October. Peter Brookes is recommended on another thread and is available, does anyone else have experience of him?

We had a 32' Springer for 4 years, weekends and holidays only. After 16 days wresting with cushions and bedding every night (it's particularly interesting after a couple of pints) I was seriously considering sleeping on the roof. So whatever you do I'd get one with a fixed bed, or one that can be left up. Or maybe I just really, really hate making the bed.

We (2 people and 2 dogs) are about to take the plunge (not literally, I hope). Just curious to know, what do you experienced boat dwellers wish you'd known before you moved on. If the advice is 'don't do it' it's a bit late for that... We're not complete newbies (owned a boat for 4 years but weekends and holidays only - it was only 32')

Can anyone recommend a good one who is local or would travel to that area? Just made an offer on a boat (and have learned lesson the hard way about NOT having our own survey/relying on the broker's choice). Thanks!