[Charging, inverter and solar.]

Don't forget to budget for the cost of fitting it ?.

[a couple of days for a newbie]

Maybe doing a boat handling/boat training course. You'd probably get more out of that it you're a complete beginner and it'll be less than the price of hiring.

[Port - Starboard ballasting]

Out boat lists a few degrees to port but handles well so personally I'd be loathe to change anything.

[Would really appreciate an opinion on this boat.]

Position of 240volt sockets so close the the fire is bad practice and potentially dangerous.

[Would really appreciate an opinion on this boat.]

I think I'd want to take the carpet up to see what's underneath. The boat looks in good nick for its age.

GH ask for a non refundable deposit of £1000 iirc.

 

[Ribble Link]

Just note that CRT stipulate a maximum draught of 27 inches.

 

[Historic Canal Film]

The North West Film Archive is worth a look https://www.nwfa.mmu.ac.uk/default_advsearch.htm

As is the BFI Player https://player.bfi.org.uk/search/free?q=canal

 

[Just for fun - film titles with a narrowboat theme.]

Prop Hat starring Fred Astern.

[Just for fun - film titles with a narrowboat theme.]

Pump Out of Africa.

[Just for fun - film titles with a narrowboat theme.]

The Thetford Wives.

Un Ohm et une femme.

Wigan Flight of the Navigator.

[Just for fun - film titles with a narrowboat theme.]

There's Something Kubota Mary.

Sump Like It Hot.

Nanni.

Nanni Get Your Gun.

[Just for fun - film titles with a narrowboat theme.]

Gunnels of Navarone

[Hero or fool]

He already has two children by an ex girlfriend. Did he think of his responsibility towards them?

[November Lockdown (Two threads merged)]

According to Dom it all starts at one second past midnight on Thursday. The regulations will be published on Tuesday, and MPs will vote on them on Wednesday. 

[November Lockdown (Two threads merged)]

Looks like lockdown in England won't come into force till Thursday (they have to make it legally enforceable apparently).

[Liveaboards - which stern, trad, semi or cruiser]

If you prefer a cruiser stern you need to decide on rounded vs squared - the latter normally gives you more usable space.

[St Marys Marina. Rufford.]

Haven't moored there (we're at Fettlers opposite) however did take the boat to St Marys for blacking a couple of months ago and was very satisfied with the outcome. Both staff and other boaters I spoke to were friendly and the former were also very helpful and knowledgeable. The maintenance facilities seemed good to me. The Brasserie is a nice place to have a drink and a meal (as is Tastebuds at Fettlers I might add!). Last I heard moorings were fully booked with a waiting list. Whilst I'm quite happy at Fettlers I'd have no objection to mooring at St Marys I think as long as it wasn't at the south end of the marina where you would have boats adjacent on three sides. The possible downside to both marinas are the seven locks onto the Leeds Liverpool.

[Liverpool and Leeds route]

CanalPlan is your friend https://canalplan.org.uk

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[Leisure batteries - advice on what to buy]

Another point to make your life easier... try to get batteries with the connections in the same position as those you already have - if you are happy with the way they are setup that is.

[Leisure batteries - advice on what to buy]

Whatever you buy just make sure they'll fit in your battery box presuming you have one.

[Anybody with a 40-foot Aintree beetle who can advise me.]

Just over 3 years ago my wife and myself were looking for a boat, we live not far from Aintree Boats and made an unannounced visit as we were just passing, I have to say I was impressed with their workshop, it was tidy and well organised and the boats looked as they say "fab", okay maybe a bit caravanny, they are perhaps not as flexible in redesigning interiors as some but that's reflected in their prices I think. As it turned out they had a 18 month waiting list (it was just after the Crick Show) and we wanted a boat soonish. As others have said depreciation of a new boat is something to consider unless your flush with cash. As with cars a nearly new boat can save you thousands if not tens of thousands. Many folks buys new only to realise it's not for them and sell after a year or two. Having said that I've spoken to a few Aintree Boat owners on the cut and they all seem pleased with them.

[Vinyl ?]

I've used https://www.funkymonkeyboatnames.co.uk/ in the past for stencils but they also do vinyl.

[Vanette GG 2200/2200 Replacement]

Maybe make sure it's BSS compliant https://www.boatsafetyscheme.org/boat-examination-and-certification/non-private-boats/part-8-appliances,-flueing-ventilation/flame-supervision-device-(fsd)/

 

[Folding bike]

I also have the similar Tern D7i albeit with 7 speed hub gears and built in dynamo, my preferred bike for commuting but 3 to 4 times the cost of the Uno.

[Folding bike]

Yes the Dahon is a good bike. I have the Espresso which is similar to the Jack, also easily converted to electric.