Jak

It's great to see all the money the PO has spent on lovingly caring for the boat. I've similar binders going back 15 years. It's also a clue to what you will be doing ove the next few years! Good luck with the new boat. I know just how you feel.

Well mine works. I had the door on the squirrel open whilst opening a new bag of fuel. All the windows and doors closed. Its bloody loud!

Thanks. Though I've still yet to find the imaginary float operated second bilge pump the PO is sure was fitted...

My surveyor advised a gas detector too, so I've wired one up to the 12v. Necessary??

I did this today. Proved the CO2 alarm works anyway!

My previous owner left his number and I had to call him about: - stern gland greaser (this is important) - switch for water pump - did he put in any anti-freeze Think that's it. He gave me walk though of the boat which helped a lot... Edit: Paul is right. I didn't do this.

I think it's a good idea.

That's clever. I'd seen silicon recommended but thought it was a daft idea. Will be buying some of this, thanks!

The hull may have been 6mm thick once. But 2006 was a long time ago. Have you seen a recent hull survey? Good to know how thick the hull is 10 years on.

Ajax has some neat rings on the flanks and the ropes for the fenders clip on. I didn't do it but it works well. So mean that I only have two so the crew have to move them over for whichever side we are mooring!

I'd be interested in reading some more on solar as for my weekends n holidays use there would seem to be real benefits.

There will be no end of experts along soon I'm sure, but on such a boat you will probably want to consider significant solar. At least in the summer you can reduce all of that engine running.

Thanks for all the tips. Sunday lunch at the Grove was very good. Can see why it's so busy now. But we were the only customers arriving by boat. Probably because it's November and raining. Mum and Dad up for a longer cruise when it's a little warmer! And in a 47' it's easy to wind at the top of the lock without pranging any of the marina boats, honest

Great news Froggy. Looking forward to seeing some pics

Thanks. Will try to fix it

Do you need navigation lights? My 'tunnel light' is broken as I realised when trying to turn it on a couple of weeks ago after dusk!

It's a small world. I've owned Ajax less than a month so just getting the hang of things. Thanks again for your help. There's an element of advance planning needed when you are an inexperienced boater with an elderly relative. Top of the lock it is then. This is a very short trial run with Mum and Dad. If it works ok longer voyages will follow soon enough!

Thanks. Dad is over 80 and has limited mobility so will drop him off right outside the pub then moor up below.

Thanks for quick replies

So I'm still a newbie and planning to cruise over to the Grove Lock Inn on Sunday with Mum and Dad to show off the boat and get a nice meal. Coming up the GU from the Leighton Buzzard direction. Can someone with local knowledge please help by letting me know: - where can I turn either below or above the lock (only 47' long) - any idea how busy it gets on a Sunday? Booked the table but the guy taking the booking had no idea about mooring Thanks for any help...

Lol. Thanks for that. The name was significant for the last owner 15 years ago. . We are renaming and repainting in the near future.

Yes. The new basin is all done now and all the boats moved from the old one in the centre of Aylesbury. Great new facilities and a friendly welcome to visiting boats. Dry dock, water, pump-out, diesel and club house. Find the welcome boat and Bryan will be able to help.

Hi. I came up the arm from Circus Field to Leighton Buzzard weekend before last and all was working ok. Not aware of any issues. If in any doubt contact the ACS http://www.aylesburycanal.org.uk/. Nice bunch of people and always happy to receive visitors at Circus Field basin. I'm bias being a member

My new boat (and first boat) at home in Leighton Buzzard

Very true. Still in my first month of ownership.