PMcC

Thanks, I'll be over next week so I'll have a look around, I'll certainly do Whilton and Braunstone and if I have time Rugby.

Thanks Jim, we've been in touch before, I'm the photographer who bought your book :)) I've a lot of experience in interior building, although as you say I've not enough knowledge. I'm sure your right that I need a used boat and have been looking. It doesn't look the right time at the moment as a lot are sold. I'm hoping that will change over the next few weeks, so I can buy one. Looking forward to meeting you one day . and thanks for your super input. Phill Thanks Bee If I can find a decent boat that suits me that's what I'm going to do, having spent a lot of time converting an old barn in France, it's time to enjoy a calm life

As I said I need advice, so more research is needed

Apparently these people do it, I was told 3000 by an aqaintence but I've asked for a quote from them.http://polyureaforboats.co.uk/polyurea-coating-vs-traditional-blacking/

here's another article , that I think is american. The last para is interesting Polyurea and polyurethane are copolymers used in the manufacture of spandex, which was invented in 1959. Polyurea was originally developed to protect tabletop edges which led to the development of two-component polyurethane and polyurea spray elastomers took place in the 1990s by Mark S Barton and Mark Schlichter (US 5534295 patent). Its fast reactivity and relative moisture insensitivity made it useful for coatings on large surface area projects, such as secondary containment, manhole and tunnel coatings, tank liners, and truck bed liners. Excellent adhesion to concrete and steel is obtained with the proper primer and surface treatment. They can also be used for spray molding and armor.[1] Some polyureas reach strengths of 6000psi (40MPa) tensile and over 500% elongation making it a tough coating. The quick cure time allows many coats to be built up quickly. In 2014, a polyurea elastomer-based material was shown to be self-healing, melding together after being cut in half. The material also includes inexpensive commercially available compounds. The elastomer molecules were tweaked, making the bonds between them longer. The resulting molecules are easier to pull apart from one another and better able to rebond at room temperature with almost the same strength. The rebonding can be repeated. Stretchy, self-healing paints and other coatings recently took a step closer to common use, thanks to research being conducted at the University of Illinois. Scientists there have used "off-the-shelf" components to create a polymer that melds back together after being cut in half, without the addition of other chemicals.[2][3] Polyurea has become a preferred long term solution for narrow boats. The traditional coating with bitumen, known as "blacking" is being replaced with the practice of polyurea coatings. The clearest advantage is that it is not necessary to reapply a coat every 3–4 years. It is thought that polyurea coatings last 25–30 years.[4]

https://maclennanwaterproofing.co.uk/deck-waterproofing/ Now of course I may be wrong , that's why I'm asking advice. There's a company that will grit an old hull and coat it for around £3000 which apparently means nothing more than a high pressure wash when needed. Of course the big advantage would be to have it done inside and out before fitting out.

Thanks

It's been spinning for a long time already :).

Apparently it drys rock hard and is almost indestructible and is the most modern hull protection , now that's only what I've read Thankyou I'll spend a couple of days in the area

YES i meant that I've no idea who does it yet.

Thankyou

Your an early bird any ideas where I should start

Thanks Dave, I'm thinking about starting in the Northhampton area is that a good choice ? Thankyou all good advice , if I go the sailaway route

She looks great but I imagine out of my price range, I also won't be financially ready until the end of April so a bit early. Thank you anyway.

I'll let you know :)) just a bit afraid of falling off

It's unfortunate that for the moment I live in France, all these comments are making me think I need to look at trad and semi trad boats. I'm coming over next week to do more research. Thanks Dave

Thanks that's interesting , what a great forum this is 5 note to myself , make a donation)

That's interesting Dave, I will be alone although my kids and grandchildren will be occasional visitors, My main problem with a trad or semi trad would be engine access as I'm 68 but unfortunately will get older . I really don't like the idea of a trad with the engine inside though, must get a bit smelly I imagine

Thanks , I'm just so nervous about an older boat, I've seen a lot of disaster stories, even after survey Do you know if there are used boats at Crick ?

Thanks Ian Spillaway edited (bloody auto correct) Thanks I think you have confirmed what I was coming around to.

Hi everyone, I've sold my house and in 8 weeks will be ready to buy a 57' cruiser narrowboat boat at around £60.000 max. I've been considering a spillway whoops sailaway:) with a pump out loo and a cassette for emergencies as I will be a constant cruiser. Can anyone tell me if waiting for the Crick or Brunston shows is the thing to do to get a good deal , or are they only completed boats at these venues. I'm considering a spillway but am nervous about electrics, the rest is no problem for me. Maybe there is someone that only installs the electric and tech side side, so I can do the rest. I'm thinking about a hull prepared with Polyrea finish before being blacked, does anyone have any experience. I really want a boat that will last and not corrode underneath to last me a long time. So let's say a total budget of around £ 85,000. I've been looking at non British boats but not so keen on their design. Any help advice will be very appreciated. Phill

What I don't understand is why not just fly over the tunnels surely it would be easier

Thanks "AIRDRAFT" I had no idea it was called that many thanks. Phill

Now I know why I LIKE THIS FORUM , is there a narrowboat joke forum ?

Hi Jen that's exactly the question how high is your boat ? There seems to be narrowboats of different exterior heights. Thanks for your reply