Jak

Yes. I only have Unlimited data / WI-FI and fire sticks now. Never short of telly to watch and no messing about with antennas. Don’t miss that 😆

I suppose it depends on what you mean by “small”. This one is 24” and I didn’t think it was too big. https://dealbuyer.com/viewproduct/21190/Sharp_24_Smart_LED_12v24v_TV_with_Freeview_Play_Prime_Netflix_Satellite_Saorview_PVR_1T-C24DH2KG2FM?gclid=CjwKCAjwgr6TBhAGEiwA3aVuISxeQBNGD9Ds2Xv4PPML_J3G8RiFyjv7kBX0T27MGAGNMoD635sfohoCkhgQAvD_BwE

Same as Ronnie, but using Virgin mobile for unlimited data. You don’t even need the fire stick if you fork out for a decent 12v smart telly.

I’m a big fan of these guys. https://www.photonicuniverse.com/en/catalog/list/category/folding-solar-kits They have a range of kits and mounting brackets. My panel kit was installed 5 years ago and a small upgrade more recently. Very pleased with the results.

These are exactly the same as my early 80s windows. Never noticed any markings indicating a manufacturer, but I will check.

I did this. Cheap and simple upgrade. Far better than the old ACR. On a 1500 BMC diesel. 75 amps may not sound like much, but it is so much more then the 45 amps from the original!

There is a lot to comment on here, and I’m no expert. But I’m going to pick on “36ft boat”. If you are going to live on a narrowboat a permanent bedroom is very desirable. I’d also want a dinette as well as a main saloon. You need more like a 45ft+ for that bedroom and more for the dinette. Do you really want to live with a sofa bed, made up every night? I know I would not. Good luck. And do rent a boat if you haven’t. It’s from enjoyment of rental boats that we realised we love the canals and bought one.

I wish I was allowed a gas fridge. We had one on our caravan and it worked well. The previous owner “upgraded” the boat fridge to 12v. I don’t see that as any sort of upgrade as without a leccy fridge we would need very little power. Again did I miss something? Gas fridge on the face of it is a better solution? Why not??

Where did you get your leccy from? Our boat was 12v only to start with, but I still wanted to watch my 12v telly and charge my phone….

Thanks for your advice. Solar was the best upgrade ever but, like everyone says, it’s not great at this time of year. We survived the last few winters so let’s see.

I’ve been wondering about this. With little experience we have probably missed a trick or two. I have 300w solar which is great in the summer and is still bringing in some power now in deepest winter. I fitted an uprated alternator with my new batteries (Only 55amp as it’s an easy replacement on the 1500bmc diesel) to replace the original. Running the engine for a couple of hours a day when needed uses little diesel and provides our hot water. Boat is off grid. I fitted 3 new cheapo leisure batteries 5 years ago and they are still performing well so not managed to knacker them yet. Why would someone need a genny? The noise, security and petrol issues seem to rule them out. thanks. Jak.

I work in implementing complex IT business systems. This does not help in any way whatsoever for looking after an 80s narrowboat. But I want to learn. I’m far too mean to pay someone else. And it feels like cheating. Thanks again.

Thanks all. Great advice. I feel much happier about taking this on. As they are cheap enough, a new set is on its way from EBAY. Hope that I might help you out one day. My field is IT 👍

As I suspect they are very old we might be due a new set too.