Mad Harold

The maintainance costs for any boat are a guess.A steel narrowboat can cost several K in repair and maintainance one year,and very little for the next five years,it all depends.(Don't ask me how I know) A grp boat will/should be cheaper in maintainance,in that it will only need to come out of the water every five years or so for inspection and antifouling. A new outboard will cost about £2000 compared to £10+ for a new narrowboat engine. The advice so far is good.Buy a sound boat that is fitted out to your requirements and you should be ok. A camping stove on a boat is a no no.The majority of boats will generally have gas fitted. This is probably a good time to study the internet and broker's websites to further your knowledge of boats and stuff.Because of the lockdown you can't physically go to inspect a boat,so read up as much as possible.

I do largely agree with Alan's post. I don't know if you are diy skilled or not,but from my experience of buying boats (and cars and motorbikes) I have found that buying one that needs work to bring it to a satisfactory (for you) standard,costs more and causes more grief than buying one "ready to go".Yes you will pay more,but it is better in the long run.

That one looks to me to be worth a visit. It looks to be a MK 1,so will be quite old. This is ok because fibreglass doesn't corrode. It appears to have a modern Tohatsu outboard and these engines are good for canal use,in that they pivot up via some sort of ratchet mechanism when the outboard leg scrapes the bottom or hits a shopping trolley minimising prop damage.It says it is 9hp and this is quite adequate for canals. Quite tempted to go and have a look myself . Being a comfort lover,I would fit a blown air heater to it,and unless you are handy yourself,it could be expensive.

Your budget is quite ok for a fibreglass cruiser.I have a Norman 20 and the costs are roughly, Mooring £60 pm Insurance £93 pa BSS £130 every four years Canal licence Forgotten how much. The Norman 20 is a sound design,however the accomodation is very cramped. You can pick up a Norman 20 very cheaply,but for a really good,fully equipped one (good engine,decent gas cooker,good fit out,good paintwork some form of heating,gas or diesel.) expect to pay £3500 to £4500. Suggest you visit one or two Norman 20s to see if you are supple enough to move around inside. There is also Norman 22,23,and 24.These are much roomier boats and they handle pretty much the same,and are fine for single handers (once you have fitted mounting blocks in the cockpit.Because if you are a bit short legged getting in and out can be a bit of a stretch) The bigger Normans will cost more of course,but again you will see some advertised cheaply. Suggest you join The Norman Owners Forum (as well as CWF of course) and there like here you will find everything you want to know about Norman boats,as well as (like here) many knowledgeable people willing to share their experience. Let us know how you are getting on.

Crikey Alan,surely there's food bank somewhere near!?

I have posted this question on here before and there was only one comment. My cat I know visits neighbour's houses and if he is petted by someone with the virus,will the virus be on his fur?

I'll offer £51K providing you include carpets and curtains.

Can a cat carry Corona Virus on their fur? I have a wandering tom,and I know he goes into neighbour's houses as I have been told how lovely he is by more than one.As he loves being petted and stroked,I am a little worried.

Speak for youself, Grandad.?

I was recently given a 10W solar panel by a fellow moorer having a clear out.Was told that only being 10W there was no need for a controller. The boat is now going to be left for some time,so I thought it might be prudent to disconnect it. When connected to the panel,the battery voltage reads 14V.Connecting the voltmeter to the solar panel it reads 1V. I thought that I should disconnect the solar panel from the battery and cover the solar panel,but the reading on the voltmeter with the panel covered was 6V. Most puzzling,so did it again with the same result. Been told that leaving a solar panel disconnected in the sun will damage it. Two questions,will disconnecting the solar panel from the battery damage the panel? Will leaving the solar panel connected to the battery damage the battery? As the voltmeter reading on the battery is 14V,I assume the battery is fully charged. Thanks for any advice..

I moored opposite once and walked around to the gate hoping for a natter and a cuppa,but was refused entry."Sorry members only"Hope you get in without meeting some officious prat!

There appears to be a variation in standards between inspectors.What one inspector thinks is ok may well have another failing the boat. I have used two inspectors,one was very strict,and the other was more laid back. Both boats passed,but with some recommendations from the strict inspector.

Had lunch on the boat today while pottering around. Heated a small pan of soup and there was no smell. Cleaning the kettle base reduced the smell,and after a few minutes when it heated up,the smell went. The kettle is large enough to cover most of the stove,and the soup pan is much smaller.So it would seem the size of the pan or kettle has a bearing on the fumes produced as system 4-50 pointed out..

Very little.When I bought a new co alarm I tested it by holding it over the boat's exhaust(diesel) Not a peep. Same on the car (petrol) it twittered away.

It is very easy.I did secondary perspex glazing,cutting it with an angle grinder and rounding off with a file.(Don't use a saw) I stuck the inner panes to the window frames with double sided tape. If you can't find anyone to cut them for you,then you have no option but to do it yourself. I believe that magnetic tape would be better for sticking the secondary glazing in that it would be easier to remove the inner pane to open a window.In my case the windows don't open,but there is an opening skylight.