Momac

What's the problem with leaving a substantial gap? A boat of a little less than substantial length might fit in it, if required. I once moored next to a narrowboat and he then started up his stove forcing us to move due to the fumes filling our boat . I am sure it was a deliberate act . Sounds like the same in your case .

I suspect not.

I did the antifoul on my 33ft cruiser myself two years ago - wet sanded, barrier coat , antifoul for about £150 for paint and materials plus the lift out and back at about £300. It was the first time it had been antifouled in 5 years and only really needed it for cosmetic reasons. I have lift out every two years to service outdrives which you would not need with an outboard engine. Based on the Trent at Farndon. The boat is due for a lift out this winter but hope no more than a jet wash is required . The waterline usually needs a clean as there tends to be a limescale build up. There is no real need to let GRP hulls dry out every couple of years - its a myth. I do my own inboard engine servicing which saves a fortune . I think the expert was pulling your leg Should be able to find a boat almost like new at that age

Not everyone has a dishwasher at home. In my house a dishwasher was required otherwise my wife threatened to give up working. That was in the 1990's. But not required on a boat.

That's not a law or regulation. In any case I dont have any contract with any bottle gas supplier. When I get a refill I just pay and get a receipt . No contract.

Locks should be left full , or filling when left . The reasons are 1. If someone eg drunk person, falls in it is less far to fall and easier to get out. 2. The water pressure from a full lock is greater than the retained earth pressure . Therefore for part of the time countering the long term creep deflection of the lock walls due to the retained earth pressure. Therefore prolonging the service life of the lock walls. 3.Gates are best kept wet . If they dry out they will shrink just like wooden boats need to be kept wet. Constant shrinking and swelling will reduce the service life of the gates.

What law or regulation prohibits the practice of filling small cylinders from large cylinders on a DIY basis? (Just curious. I don't plan to do it)

The chief used to argue with me but now we hardly speak to each other.🙂

The RYA Helmsman training covers the basic principles. eg how to throw a rope, tie a boat up, go through a lock, check the oil etc. Steering/handling a boat and man overboard . It is quite basic. The way trainers work you may as well do it with your OH on your own boat . I did the helmsman course before I bought a boat . I learned how to handle a boat only by later experience with my own boat. What do you hope to learn? You already seem to have that experience ?

Looks like house prices in London have stalled so perhaps the observation and reasoning regarding boats for sale is correct. But I think in the long run London property prices will always recover. Working from home at least part of the time , for those who can do it , is the new normal. But it might not last long term.

Toast - we used to dream of having toast . Sounds like a monty python sketch

Another vote for gas. We have a mains 230v kettle when we are on shore power , but appreciate space may lead yo to stick with gas only.

I think the engine itself is quite capable of drawing in as much air as it needs and a little 12 fan makes no difference. If the combustion air supply is not sufficient a larger vent would be a better investment. But if the fan is to remove fumes from the engine bay, especially before starting the engine or when the engine is stopped and hot I do begin to understand the thinking

For what purpose? My engine room blower in my lumpy water boat is an extract to remove fumes from the engine bay. To be honest I never use it. Some boats have these automatically on when the engine is running but really they should run on for say 15 mins after the engine is stopped .

I expect a few signs (say a dozen as there is ever just the one sign) at one lock takes two people a day for a site visit , measure up, decide what signs are required and sizes . Then someone has to make the signs - say another day The two people on site to fit the signs, that's another day . Probably about the same as fixing a paddle ?

Me too.

A good question Also could be worth trying premium petrol. May lawnmower was running rough but likes premium as does my small 3hp outboard which starts more easily. .

About £1.50

Taking inflation into account would make that 6.4p equal to 80p to £1 today depending on which website is to be believed.