Boaty Jo

One thing to be aware of is that some of the northern French waterways are commercial and pretty large, some say not ideally suited to narrowboats. This is partly because on-boat bollards are not ideally situated and gunwales and fore decks are not easy to walk around, particularly if you're in a panic. With this in mind it's worth considering being dropped in mid-France, Migennes or St. Jean de Losne for example where there is access to smaller (and lovely) waterways. The other point is that there is debate about how long these smaller waterways will be open due to funding. There are mutterings about closures so don't hang about too long.

Perhaps it's time for someone in the know to check out your electrics.

The house we recently bought has a thermodynamic water heating system. It's something I'd not heard of before but I gather it basically works like a fridge in reverse. The panel is tucked away under the eaves on the permanently shady side of the house, never seees the sun, and it heats up a 180L cylinder to 55 degrees. Now I've got it I'll use it (if I can persuade the scaffolders to replace the panel they knackered). Would I buy the system from scratch? Possibly not. Anyhow it may be food for thought... https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/solar-energy/solar-thermal/thermodynamic-panels

http://www.dutch-barges.net/steel_kits.html Try these guys. I realize the boats there are barges but they may be able to help.

? The otter had eaten all the best bits which left our collie cross.

15 years ago on the Llangollen adjacent Whixall Moss came across an otter having breakfast on the tow path. Early morning, 5.30 or so. It scooted off when the dog paid an interest leaving a half-devoured fish.

When you're flying over Littleborough give us a heads-up and I'll brush my hair.

Not looked in depth but there are a couple here that may help some..... http://www.european-waterways.eu/e/info/germany/rhein.php https://www.french-waterways.com/waterways/north-east/river-rhine/

I used one for years to charge a 24v genny starter battery.

There is a photo or two in here that show the floor and sub-floor congifuration on our old barge (1904). We could set the shower tray down about 4 inches but were restricted by the iron bearers. https://renovations.abargeatlarge.co.uk/#collection/4

An interesting stretch this. This lock is one side of the canal summit? Called Rechicourt? The other side is an inclined plane at Saint-Louis-Arzviller. Both the big lock and incline plane replaced a series of original locks and were introduced to cut commercial boat journey times. It's an amazing stretch of canal and a lovely part of the world.

Very interesting, good for you. Presumably you re-charge via mains / genny if there's no solar available . How does the system cost compared with a regular (50hp) engine?

The (Aarow) Becton Bunny has been discontinued I believe. We bought a Dunsley for our home (not boat). Made in Holmfirth, Yorks and have a good reputation. 3 years on, no complaints. http://www.dunsleyheat.co.uk/index.html

Chris, we lived in Shropshire (in a house, just before we spent 12 years living on boats) and did a house swap with a couple from Creston BC. Great experience, great trip. Cherries and beer. Just backing you up in a way, I love western Canada, somebody has the chance for a really memorable exchange.

If you go for 'something like that' you've blown your (upper end) budget by £20k already. That's before you start on the internals which can easily add another £20k ++. 'Doing the interior' that you mention is not just the woodwork, the expensive bits can be the electrical, gas, heating etc. etc. installations.

Is it a new engine? Within warranty?

From the Guardian A nice view . Are there really almost 10,000 livaboards?

Frog'opper is a very narrow boat. There aren't many that can moor behind the armco.

Your words, "As it is though, we'd probably be cruising bristol, oxford, london and back again route." Why not get to Oxford and keep going north for a year, then back down to London? If so, a 57 ft narrowboat is probably the answer. I'm sure the dogs will learn to tolerate you! After 2 years whe you've conquered the UK, sell up and buy a barge, which is far more suitable (and safer) for continental europe.

If this is the man who was involved with the restoration of Saturn, he was indeed a gent. RIP

For something that will keep you warm, last more than a season and have an installation that won't kill you, you may need to up your budget. At least two-fold, possibly three.

HOW MUCH?? Local high street shop here (Littleborough) around £8 / bag. Not far from the canal. They would deliver half a dozen gratis I'm sure. Obviously no good for most folk but as a price comparison........