gill

????do I use the same antifreeze for the central heating system as the engine or is there something different?

We have always had a household security door chain fitted to our rear doors. you can leave the doors ajar at night for some air but the doors will only open a few inches, push and slide off the chain and you can exit easy.

I have had lockable fillers fitted( 2 fuel tanks one engine, one heating), yes we have had fuel stolen on our past boat and if the price of fuel goes up it could become a major problem, also a yob in a bad mood could ruin your day! We used the motorhome/yacht type, had to saw off the bent bit and then jubilee in to place. no good for retro but new build,was no problem, Black plastic does not have the trad look, but so what, I am not trying to pretend anymore!

Well we are in June and we finally have paint on and most fittings inside nearing completion. Please be warned if you are thinking this is an easy option, fitting out yourself, first estimate how long you wil take then treble it, assume you will have some problems, then change that to nightmares, assume you will lose sleep. And most of all assume that everone you deal with is an idiot, Assume that you will be sent, not what you order, that it will always have a broken bit, fault, wrong colour, wrong size etc. And without naming anyone, we are talking big names here, who will argue that when you order a rolls and get a mini, they will say, it is the same. Its not just chandlers etc, even our 12metre special order lino was 11.75 m and had to go back. Maybe we are cursed. Maybe British business needs a kick up the backside. Take note all those who venture down the self fit out, look around the canals at half finished boats, and wonder WHY? But we will finish and see you boating this summer..... Gill NB No Brass

One problem with this site is that I am so busy working on the boat there is no time to sleep.........promise you all photos soooooooon Floor is down, battens and insulation in , we are being very hands on.

I would get the plans as suggested and adapt to your plans, you will pick up the skills and ideas. You have to start somewhere

I would put Barton Turns top of my list, The loos dont just flush, but you could also eat off the loo floor, unusual for the muddy feet we boaters throw at marinas. and Barton is a great village....

For those interested in newbie boats, me and the other half are having a narrowboat built on teeside( home to boatbuilding,once!) 57ft semi trad beta 43m engine with hydraulic bowthruster 10:6:5:4 steel and looking very solid. Mikuni heating ( sorry no stove, Sick of the mess) Worcester marine S type windows and ports 1 pair side doors Builder Nessie Narrowboats to our own design, sorry but we have spent years looking at all your boats and stealing everyones ideas! We are doing the final fit out ourselves on land, and hope to be on the water later this summer.................... build started november 04 and engine is just going in the shell Boat name No Brass and you can guess why...? watch this space for more.

Went on Saturday and it was full of caravan folk,the only people boat looking was the caravan crowd being nosey, not many canal themes or interest. shame, got bored and went home, waste of time and money.