RickS

I've got one quote, waiting for another, but also dropped an email to Primrose Engineering. I'd be interested in what they have to say, thanks for that suggestion

OK you asked for it ? Apparantly, the engine has been plumbed in so that the calorifier is heated first - there are also parts missing (I think re: plumbing). These parts can be taken from another Lister Petter available and the plumbing sorted. This may or may not sort the problem. If not, then the next step is to look at the head gasket. There is not a great desire to do this as it may turn up other problems. the present cooling system is external 2 inch pipework run along the swim (I have a photo but I'll have to scan it first if anyone wants to see it). The engine runs OK with the expansion cap off, but heats up very quickly (10 mins or so) All this is from others more knowledgable than me (which frankly could be anyone, but these people know their onions) as I said before - it could be just the plumbing, in which case a nice cheap fix, but don't want to just keep spending more and more money. Fitting a new engine etc takes the worry out of it for me.

Are you suggesting I wear large nappies? ? Shows what i know, I can't even see the mooring pins you are refering to - you must have sharp eyes! Not 100% about the bath either - there is a crack in it (filled with sealant) so it needs to go at some point. Just not sure whether to replace like with like or go for a shower only. Long story with the engine (cut short) is that the plumbing appears to be wrong, with parts missing. This is all fixable but may not cure the overheating, so next option is the head gasket. the engine is also cooled via external pipes rather than a skin tank apparently - also not clear if these are sufficient. So plan is, rather than keep throwing money at the problem , which may not solve it (although it might!) - throw large amounts of money at the solution and get external skin tank and a new engine. Quilt no longer there - not my colour but happy to take your wife's word about the level of skill required to make it ?

Perhaps I am being unfair then ? No not in a state at all. Just a few possibly obvious things: carpets need replacing, a couple of bits of rust on the roof, kitchen worktops need oiling - stuff like that, nothing major at all I agree about the engine, it is lovely and clean - runs OK but sadly it is overheating (long story) so the plan is probably to change it for a Beta 43.

Thanks again to all who replied to my posts. I have now bought a boat - not on the K & A in the end, but up in the Midlands, near Daventry. It is a 66 foot 1998 trad called Country Dreams - really nice condition - need a bit of TLC etc but it is 20 years old! Anyway - I'm sure no-one is interested after such a long time ? - but I will attempt to put up some pics for those who are. Many, many thanks again for commenting / helping out with advice etc. i daresay i shall be on again shortly with more questions. Cheers (probably too many pics)

As soon as it's mine, i will do - don't want to jinx it ?

I was looking at that boat Tasemu - looks really nice. I have found a boat myself now, not on the K & A so slightly off-topic - just have to have a survey next week, and, all being well and money changing hands etc . . .

Thanks Tracy, sounds like good advice. Not going to happen now on original boat, but never goes to waste 'Perfect optical finish' ? 'shiny palace' ? You overestimate my abilities hugely ?

I agree, the inside is what drew me to this boat in the first place. Sadly there weren't any pictures of the paintwork, and I didn't think to take any myself. All a bit academic now as my initial offer was rejected and I didn't want go where the seller wanted, so at a bit of an impasse. Off to see another one tomorrow - slightly older but looks in far better condition, and just generally nicer - fingers crossed Sounds like good advice about painting in sections

No, not them. But I imagine they are incredibly close to Great Haywood

The broker in question (as far as I can tell from their website) seems to be a big one. The original boat I had enquired about was now under offer - even though that wasn't showing in their listings. They have been mentioned - mostly negatively - in other areas of this forum, which information is always useful but subjective. But their attitude, as I say, does not inspire me to deal with them - certainly not hand over £2k to view a boat.

Intending to continuously cruise in my wildest dreams! To be fair the cratch board was in a mess that I don't think is indicative of the rest of the boat. The paintwork was rusty and tatty but not in as bad a state as the cratch - and of course much more easily fixed / bought

Absolutely agree MrsM about this forum. I will be tapping into the collective knowledge and experience as much as I can now I have seen how helpful people are on here - and I need all the help I can get ? Thanks LadyG for your observations - all make sense and the electrics in particular I hadn't thought about. My offer on the boat was rejected sadly and wasn't entirely happy about upping it to the level wanted, considering the amount of work probably needed. Learned loads from this forum by asking about it though, and makes me confident enough to look at others now ?

After I thought about it a bit more - I could maybe (maybe) see where he was coming from - a bit. The broker was based a distance away from where the boat was, so I sort of understand paying someone to show people round. Makes sense to try and get as many people to view within a specific period - a weekend. But asking for a deposit to view did not feel right. If you have to effectively turn people away from viewing because it doesn't fit your staffing pattern, perhaps they are over-reaching themselves and their business model is a bit flawed. Didn't inspire confidence so, sadly, won't be looking at their boats - which is a shame because there are a few that I liked

Crowbarring this in here but not sure how normal this is. I have had my initial offer on the boat I started this topic about rejected - no problem, upwards and onwards etc. Expressed an interest in another boat with another broker who told me it was available to view this weekend - I can't do this weekend so suggested anytime next week. They have a problem with that as they have to 'employ people to take people around the boat' and would only be available at the weekend. Then asked whether I would like to put down a holding deposit to be able to view within 7 days (seemed to contradict point 1). Ddin't want to hand over money without seeing the boat first. Asked again about seeing it in the week - told it was in a marina where I would not be able to gain access !! All sounded like a load of old cods and the aroma of rat was making it's presence apparent. I said not to worry and that was that. Is this normal broker stuff?

It is nice - bath will go if they sell it to me. Don't even think of being tempted ?

Thanks Tracy. Couldn't agree more. Wood I am more confident with ! ?

Nice one Dharl! In answer to your question - not experienced at all! The video was interesting and made sense but never actually done any of that myself. The boat in question makes his boat look practically rust free - many, many more little blobs of rust, with large solid blobs of ?? who knows what. At least i now know it's do-able Thanks again Detling - apologies for getting your name wrong! Richard, Bee, thank you. I shall watch those vids Richard. I have a corded sanding / vibration tool thingy which I inherited that is similar to the DeWalt tool in the above video. Don't want to get too hung up on the painting - important though this undoubtedly is - there are other things to deal with first. This is assuming my offer is accepted. Again, apologies if this is against protocol, but here is a link to the boat if anyone is interested: https://www.devizesmarinaboatsales.com/ayer-rajah An example of work that needs doing - not intended as a criticism to the seller, just for interests sake Rick

Very kind of you Tracy but almost couldn't be further from NW England ? - Boat is on the K & A. Absolutely intend to get a survey - just wanted to check there wasn't anything screaming 'don't do it' to others who know better. I think I shall attempt to paint it myself as I don't think I can afford the prices you mention - I sort of recall reading about DIY painting courses under supervision so there is back up if needed. I shall have to look into those. Dharl - thank you. I certainly shall be getting a survey on any boat I am interested in. Good to be reminded , thanks ? Deteling - thank you also. Reassuring to know about the water. I know the boat has been un-used for a while so maybe not constant vigilance on drips via the stern gland. There didn't seem to be any serious rust around windows or tucked away under vents etc, just general not-great-paintwork. Tracy, I think it is Keith Wood rather than Woods - my fault - as far as I know he mainly did fit-outs but have read that he made shells too. Not sure whether this boat is just his fit-out or shell as well. Yes, by the sound of it, i am worrying too much if people have 30-50 year old boats! ? Thanks again all Rick

Thanks Tracy I have just been looking at chimneys and, even if they are completely knackered, it doesn't seem like a massive expense to replace them, I hadn't realise they were seen as a consumable, but OK with that. I think a repaint is likely needed as the paintwork is tatty generally - as i say it is more the blobs of filler that worry me. Reassuring to hear that it is unlikely to have rusted through. It's a semi-trad, with a pram cover so I am surprised at the water. It's not a lot, but neither is it just a drip or two - I was told that i can expect water in the engine compartment in any boat - which is worrying in itself The boat is a 2004 Keith Woods 64 foot semi-trad. Bit dated but seems sound inside, if slightly cramped. I just like the layout and potential. I don't so much mind buying work, I just don't want to buy massive problems - as i have said my knowledge and experience is virtually nonexistent Thanks again Rick Meant to say - £200 - £300 perfoot for painting Ouch! Hadn't expected that much. Thats the best part of £20,000!!

Hello I have been to see a boat I am interested in again today. I hoped to see it with my head this time rather than just my heart. It is in general need of TLC but reasonably tidy - no obvious damp. woodworm etc etc ? However, there are three areas that seem a bit more serious so i was hoping to tap into the knowledge and experience of this forum - because I have very little in this area myself. 1 The exterior paintwork. Many little rust patches, some pickable with a fingernail but nothing deep. What is more worrying is the occaisional hard blob of what may be filler, and painted over. 2 the chimney from the stove - the joint at the stove itself is abit corroded, but the exterior chimney and collar (don't know the correct terms) are rusted to **** 3 there is a little rust on the floor of the engine compartment - doesn't look serious, but to one side of the engine block is a puddle of liquid, and there is a full bucket and mop on deck, but i don't know if this is from clearing out the engine compartment to be fair. Are any / all of these something you would throw you hands up in haorror and walk away or is this just normal for a slighly tatty 17 year old boat? Really appreciate any help and advice before i commit myself to a possible purchase Thanks Rick

Thanks Howard and Nightwatch for your replies. Very helpful Rick

First post, complete newbie at all this but spent a long time dreaming and looking. I have found a boat I am interested in - got to the point where I realised I would never find the perfect boat, so I had to find the nearest thing and make it perfect :-) It's a bit 'tired' but the price probably reflects this. Haven't had a survey yet but wanted to ask - and apologies if this is bad form - is Devizes Marina a good broker to deal with? Also, does anyone know a good surveyer who works in that part of the world, or who travels? Thanks for your collective help Rick