The Grumpy Triker

Cheers Mark - great stuff - I haven't got a handbag so I should be safe, just make sure I choose before that bar opens

There were several around London most days so you never know, you may get lucky and be able to view others IF this one proved worthwhile to view. I could never get more info on the London boats I picked out. kathryn Louise boat in Uxbridge is on Apollo.....am a bit bothered by the number of knives on the wall though looking for the knife throwers spinning wheel to attach their assistant to.

True, but as a buyer it would cost me £80 to go and view this one given location so not encouraging non-Londoners.....although most Londoners think that London is England & that there is nowhere else except Scotland, Wales & maybe Cornwall.

Hey there Mrsmelly That's a good point, I have large plates for hands, hadn't thought about the feel in the hand other than not wanting hard cheap nylon feel. So much info around these threads...start getting dizzy with some of it. A lot of good feedback as well. Is it worth fitting a central eye to the middle of the boat & middle of roof for a central line? Was going use a rope either side and tie it to a roof rail....need to get one of those fitted as well, realised that the boat I'm looking at doesn't have one. I am so clumsy am bound to fall in too often without one

Have used up their 12 free photos and not paid to add any more although I would guess they have photos of every little knob, tap, lever, etc. just not paying to add them I guess. I had more photos when selling a Hornby set with layout at £150 - this is £31,000!? I saw a similar advert for another boat but was immediately put off by missing info, always think ...why is everything not included. Most boats of this length were at or about £27,000 if in good condition.

Is there an easy guide for thickness to boat type/length/weight ratio. For a 60 steel hull narrowboat 12-14mm or 14-16mm recommended? like the advice on length of line required .....keep it long, as am planning on being a solo runner, longer seems a better solution....just got to keep them tidy.

Thanks for all & Zena & Tony Being tempted to do just as you say but just lacking confidence in own abilities after so long of not working on my own car engines. Wasn't going to rely on the surveyor as guessing they are not mechanics...but you're right, they should be able to give me a level of confidence.

That for all of the aove - that's a huge help. I wanted to get a brighter colour on to contrast with the black/dark grey with gold/yellow coach lines so good advice above - cheers

Is that dark or light red or all reds? Was going to have a deep red surround with a dark grey/black inside the the coachlines...well that is one of 16 options ATM

Not even for a Goth!?

On the basis that Blue & Green should never be seen and Pink & Blue is .........Phew!? .... i realise that colours are down to personal choice but if I go for a full repaint, are there combinations that people have dreamed of but which REALLY did not work?

Why the change of mind? What is the benefit of a cratch cover against your initial wish list? i only ask as I don't like the look of them but wonder whether I am missing a trick.

Will let you know how I do in 9 months time ...after one of our beautiful winters.

Can't seem to get the profile photo to see anything...click on it and it is like tring to tempt a cat with a lettuce leaf...nothing Cheers for that, will try that one now

Three quick questions folks - please? 1) How do I load up a profile picture from iPad?...all my photos seem to big as I have no options when I click the profile update option. 2) when can I start using emojis?....guessing I need to be a member for a bit longer yet 3) IF!...all goes well on the survey in 2 weeks and I get my new home, Following a lot of reading, which scares the &@£? out of me given all that could go wrong, I am tempted to get a full and thorough service by a registered engineer on the Beta 1505 engine. The boat has not been used in anger for a couple of years, but has been turned over and given small trips etc., hence I am certain all oil and filters need changing but would also guess that everything including pipes and hoses etc. needs a good check....am guessing this detailed level is not part of the survey. Would you recommend this or if I just change the basics I should be off and running?...I worry about the lack of use and it's possible impacts. cheers all & getting excited now. :-)

:-D

Quite fancy a Red Ensign flying as am proud of the history but didn't want to look even more of a spanner than I will already with 'L' Plates up :-D

Cheers - all good info thanks DHutch

Sorry for delay - see above :-) yep was a it worried about the flag, wanted a St George Cross fluttering with a Red Rose with stem curling around it to denote the name English Rose. Either that or a couple of other options. Was going to ask about the red ensign, seems a bit much but then again does set you aside from the hire boats....as does your ability :-) ....but not mine yet Apologies again . As per above :-) can you fit a weed hatch to any boat or are options limited to initial build?

Sorry, as per above dropped my iPad and just got insurance replacement - cheers Sea Dog :-D ...yep, know things can get edgy so thought I'd better sound you guys out :-) will keep the name just wanted new artwork on mine :-)

Sorry dropped my iPad and just got insurance replacement - cheers Neil....be lucky if I don't clog the first lock while trying to get the lines sorted...tripping over the centre line whilst holding the stern line in my teeth and bow line under my left foot :-)

:-) good point! ...I do need quicker than slow but not as fast as ambling one thing I can't find, are there any rules for what can and can't be painted on the side of the boat?....within bounds of decency I should add. Are you allowed national flags fluttering or coat of arms etc. Just trying to think of items that may not be considered public property etc. Have a load of different ideas for the Boat Name picture but not sure if any are out of bounds for the waterways.....really naive question I know

Cheers Peter, I'all certainly give canalplan a look thanks both, think I had hoped for too fast a speed although I did do this thinking that if I plan for an 8 hour day then I do have an hour or three to play with for flexibility (lock times allowing) not sure if I will be soloing on L-Plates or if I can find a scurvy crew of 2 to help...ideally 1 with experience

Cheers again Neil, good to have options to think through, will have a bit time to read back through it all before I have to make a choice for certain. Hey there Sea Dog, good point, surely you don't expect rain in the U.K.!?...be lucky if we have any water in the canals this year :-)

English Rose :-) cheers Neil2...did wonder about the alternative but not found a big run for it and concerned that it will need grit blasting at every repaint...or will it cope with a clean and fresh layers.....is it a professional only job or can I do a DIY?...just things that float through my mind when I put down the + & - in a list...sits both sides atm