[Tidal Thames - through the Barrier]

I live in the US on a major river that is in similar size to the Thames. Not tidal and while we don't have the Ocean going sized boats to deal with we still have big boats, long lines of barges being pushed buy big tugs, big waves and lots of wind at times. Summer thunderstorm rolls in the waves are measured in feet high. Our locks are similar in size to the ones I have seen that lead to the Thames.

 

To me, navigating the Thames, aside from the all the traffic looks pretty easy. So I am actually looking forward to making this trip someday.  REALLY looking forward to the scenery! 

 

Of course when your normal water is dead calm like the canals and just a few feet wide, I see how this could be very intimidating! It is all about perspective.

 

 

[Storing a boat for 6 months?]

Thanks for the input. I have a couple of years yet to mull it over. 

[Storing a boat for 6 months?]

We are seriously looking at buying a NB in the future. Being from the States we are thinking about living there on the boat cruising the canals for a couple of years.

 

We also thought that we might want cruise for 6 months and 6 months back in the states. Which leads to the question of the best way to 'store' the boat for 6 month unattended with us being thousands of miles away?  Seems to me it would be safer stored out of the water but not sure how practical that is? But a dry stored boat can't sink and no risk of electrolysis damage.  Of course the cost to haul and store? 

 

I know there is no 'correct' answer but just looking for your thoughts?

 

 

[Over plating questions]

Just to keep this on track, I probably not interested in a boat with a overplated bottom.  Replacing a section wouldn't bother me much if it was done right.  Ideally I will wait for a boat in good shape and I want to know about how to keep in it good shape so when we get ready to sell it we are going to be facing a big repair/cut in price. 

[Over plating questions]

Answers are all I appreciated, every one of them, great information. 

 

Keeping Up,  your example is actually very helpful or maybe enlightening is the better word. Sounds like most issues are related to Shore power and/or being in Marina with Shore mains. Am I correct in thinking that someone CC'ing would have less risk of sudden serious damage? Of course I realize that anything is possible.

 

Our goal, which being a few years off will may change, is buying a boat that is is good shape. Full survey will be done or I won't buy.  Expecting to spend a few weeks in a marina, fitting it out to suit us.  After that the goal is just CC the system. Depending on winter weather we might moor up for 2-3 months in a Marina? We are thinking we would like to do this for a couple of year and then sell the boat and move on to some new adventure.

[Over plating questions]

A quick intro before my question. We are a couple of Yanks that will retire in a few years. We are researching buying a Narrow Boat and spending a a couple of years CC'ing the canals and rivers. I have been raised around the water and boats. I am very familiar with wooden boats, runabouts and a little experience with the wood equivalent of your GRP cruisers here in the states. But no experience with Steel Hulled boats. The are just not common inland.

 

I understand what over-plating is. I know it is because of rust and that metal has become thin.  What I am trying to grasp is what are the causes? That is other than of the obvious lack of maintaining the boat, such as not blacking regular. Then I know shoreline power can cause problems.  When I see a 20 year old boat that has been over-plated it scares me a little. Not that it has been repaired but makes me question how it was cared for, or rather not cared for? 

 

If you maintain a boat reasonably, what is the expected life of a hull? How often should you expect to need to replate? I know water and steel are at odds with each other so there is a constant battle going on there. Just trying to educate myself and better understand this subject.