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huami

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  2. So this is my boats new name (You didn't like my first choice!).

    in New to Boating?

    Posted

    Hi Guyz ..... So, you didn't like my planned boat name of Gayzing!

     

    Panic not as the problem has now been solved.

     

    I had a competition with some friends to decide on a new name (which I suggested should be a play on words), and I finally decided on one that I really like.

    I heard that some other Chinese Internet and mobile company uses something a bit similar (Who are we?) and I bought a very nice tablet from them, so my new name is a play on the same.

     

    As soon as I can get the old panel sanded and re-painted to remove the old name and the names of the former owners “Harvey and Jane” I will be ready to rename my Chinese built boat.

     

    The new name will be (all in lower case font) huami (Who am I?) and the text under the name in a smaller font size will be itsme.neil

     

    Have a lovely day …

    Neil

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  3. Saturday 25th January - The day has arrived for my return.

    in New to Boating?

    Posted

    11 hours ago, Captain Pegg said:

    When Neil said “I’ve saved it” I believe he was referring to the Whilton Marina Instagram post rather than the boat. It seems to me PD responded to Neil on the misunderstanding he was referring to saving the boat. On that basis his response was not valid irrespective of whether it’s true in other circumstances.

     

    JP

    Thanks for clearing that up.  Yes I  saved the article in my saved photos... and for the "petty" I'm too old and have no interest or experience in saving boats!

  4. Saturday 25th January - The day has arrived for my return.

    in New to Boating?

    Posted

    On 30/01/2020 at 09:22, Galilee said:

    Just dragging it back to the boat briefly, this from Whilton's Instagram

     

     

    whilton.PNG

    Thanks for posting this ..... 

    I have saved it and it certainly is a lovely compliment to Whilton Marina.

    I already have good feelings about the boat and about the reception I received from Andy at Whilton Marina.

     

    Are Harvey and Jane still forum members? .....  It would be nice to say hello and to reassure them that I will be looking after it in the future.

     

    Have a nice day,

    Neil

  5. Saturday 25th January - The day has arrived for my return.

    in New to Boating?

    Posted

    On 30/01/2020 at 09:50, doratheexplorer said:

    https://www.whiltonmarina.co.uk/used-narrowboats/details/5082.aspx

     

    When I first saw that it was a 44' with a cruiser stern, my first thought was - crikey that's gonna be too small!  But looking at the pictures, the fit out looks very clever and really makes the best use of the space.  For one person, living simply as a liveaboard, I can see how it would work.  They've even managed to cram a pullman in! 

     

    It wouldn't be right for me, as I have way too much stuff and it just wouldn't all fit in there (not even a proper wardrobe and no space for a washing machine), but we're all different, aren't we?  It does look very well looked after.

     

    I would strongly advise getting some solar panels fitted, before you even take possesion.  A good amount would be around 400 watts (or more).  We're almost back into "solar season" and the panels will probably have paid for themselves by the end of the year.  You'll also benefit from not having to run noisy engines to charge batteries, and will save on wear and tear.  You could even look at incorporating the panels into some low level roof boxes, for useful storage.

     

     

    Hi Doratheexplorer, 

    Great minds think alike! ....

    Solar is a must and I will be asking for advice again very soon.

    I'm hoping to take possession on Wednesday if all goes good. The boat has been out of the water for a full survey and epoxy two pack blacking and should be ready to get it's bottom wet again on Monday or Tuesday after the safety report.

    I would love to hear from anyone who can point me in the direction of someone to install solar in the vicinity of Whilton.

     

    Busy, busy, busy doing all kinds of everything at the moment but I will soon be back!

     

    Everyone a lovely day,

    Neil

  7. Saturday 25th January - The day has arrived for my return.

    in New to Boating?

    Posted

    4 minutes ago, Athy said:

    Be thankful that this is an atypically mild winter: maximum daytime temperatures are going to reach the fifties all week and weekend. We have had no snow at all here in the Fens this winter; whether we've escaped it entirely remains to be seen. But, unless you like sledging and building snowmen, count your blessings.

    Hi Athy .... 

    Amazingly I forget what day it is today, or why I went upstairs (or was I coming downstairs?), but I do remember being very young and sliding down the hills in the snow just outside of Scarborough, Then again everything is "lovely" when you are so young!

     

    I am happy to be back after such a long absence and looking forward to my new boat as a new adventure.

     

    All the best to you and have a lovely day,

    Neil

  8. Saturday 25th January - The day has arrived for my return.

    in New to Boating?

    Posted

    2 minutes ago, tree monkey said:

    She looks a lovely boat and I hope you have many years enjoying the canals, the forum can get a tad grumpy sometimes, more so in the winter, but it is often a useful place packed full of help, information and even occasionally kindness.

    Oh and silliness as well

    Thankyou Tree monkey,

    I certainly had a great "first 7 seconds feeling" which I have been teaching my students for years ..... we are evaluated on the first 7 seconds of contact be it personal or business, or something we see for the first time and it has to be good because we don't get a second chance!

     

    Have a lovely day,

    Neil

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  10. Saturday 25th January - The day has arrived for my return.

    in New to Boating?

    Posted

    19 minutes ago, doratheexplorer said:

    Welcome to the forum!!!  :giggles:  You are far wiser than me in staying quiet until these things calm down!

     

    This is how boaters tend to be in January.  It's cold, dark, damp and miserable.  Hardly anyone is going boating and we all get grumpy.

     

    Out of interest, what subject did you teach?

    ESL English as a second language for University students.
    You said " You are far wiser than me in staying quiet until these things calm down!" Yes, I just watched from a distance whilst they all strangled each other, but it was that or Netflix!

     

    I'm hoping to get on to the boat next Thursday or Friday.

     

    Keep smiling and thanks ... Neil 

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    Saturday 25th January - The day has arrived for my return.

    in New to Boating?

    Posted

    So Have you all finished killing each other?
    Teaching University students for many years in two different countries was more restful and less aggressive than some of the "Drama Queens" on this forum!

    Possibly I might think of re-naming MY boat Titanic? ..... But whatever I decide will be my decision, so we will end the story there!

    If anyone has any "Non boat naming" comments, suggestions or advice it will be lovely to hear from you.

    Thanks to all who replied (in there own way!).

     

    Have a lovely day

    Neil 

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    Saturday 25th January - The day has arrived for my return.

    in New to Boating?

    Posted

    Hi guys.... I 'm here! .....  so I finally arrived, and before you say it, yes it is a bit cooler (about 36 degrees cooler!), but I have bought a scarf to wear with my tanga!

    I am very happy to be back home and have even managed to open a bank account. 


    I have also already bought a boat that I am very pleased with. I have bought the nb Hosanna with a very good offer and deal from Whilton Marina. I won't go into details other than to say that I was very happy with the reception and deal that I was offered and I was very happy with the quality of service from the moment I arrived. 
    The boat is undergoing a full independent survey and is at this moment being "blacked" with a two part epoxy resin.
    I'm hoping to move on board sometime around 10th February, so if you are anywhere in or near Whilton marina then please come calling and let me offer you a drink. 

    I will be changing the name of the boat from Hosanna to "GayZing" as soon as I can get the old name painted out, so keep your eyes open. 

    Please keep in touch as I'm sure I will need to ask you many more questions and for your valuable advice in the near future..... and I look forward to meeting lots of new friends. 

    Wishing you all a great day...

    Neil
    Ps. Photos will follow soon..

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  13. Saturday 25th January - The day has arrived for my return.

    in New to Boating?

    Posted

    1 hour ago, TheMenagerieAfloat said:

    If you're gonna be staying with the bf in Ldn (sorry, haven't been e-stalking so may have missed the life updates) then have a look at Boat Shed London and also BWML. Also Apollo Duck (awful site but lots boats from loads of vendors, inc. private sales), Facebook Groups and even Gumtree. I wasted plenty of time/money travelling to the Midlands but found both my boats elsewhere. Neither through the sites I've mentioned (one was an estate agent, the other Apollo Duck/brokerage elsewhere) but I don't feel I wasted so much time/money with them.

    Edited to add: I wasted the money on a survey of a boat at ABNB - they made anything seem possible but when it actually came to it it would have taken their ppl months and months to do up boat (which was leaking from a number of places) so it just wouldn't have been feasible for me. Nice (dog/child/vegan-friendly )pubs to eat in in the area/friendly (albeit overly pushy on occasion) staff but leaky boat and despite bullying me into the survey they didn't get the sale for the owner... the boat I had surveyed mid autumn is still for sale now.

    Hi MenagerieAfloat,
    Interesting reading and thanks for your input.
    I hadn't seen the "Boat Shed London" site but on checking it out I had the impression of London prices!

     

    Just a few more days (Next Saturday I hope to be already viewing my first boats!).
    Exciting (and nervous) times for me but it helps a lot when people on this site share their knowledge.

    Thanks, and I hope that you have a great day,

     

    Neil

    1 hour ago, TheMenagerieAfloat said:

    Edited (again) to add: what does 'last out of the water' mean on an advert? The boat I had surveyed in half term Autumn 2019 says 'last out of water 2017'... does it mean 'last out of the water at owner's expense'? Happy to share survey details with anyone thinking of buying it who messages on here. Wouldn't, obviously, be anything you could rely on but I was happy with my surveyor (used him for both boats I bought and also this one).

    I have understood that 'last out of the water' would give the impression that the hull (underwater) could not have bee inspected or had any work done on it since that date.

     

    Neil

  14. Saturday 25th January - The day has arrived for my return.

    in New to Boating?

    Posted

    3 minutes ago, LadyG said:

    Be aware that Sundays are "engineering" days, so expect disruptions [at weekends I find it best to get on any fast train going to my destination even if holding a restricted ticket]. Northern Rail/Arriva/LNER have a few such issues at the moment. 

    Hi LadyG,
    Yes, I have heard of the "engineering" days on the trains. I will keep everything open with "options", but I'm sure I will arrive at my destination.
    Thai trains are a 100% disaster, so anything will be better.

     

    Neil

  15. Saturday 25th January - The day has arrived for my return.

    in New to Boating?

    Posted

    41 minutes ago, Mike the Boilerman said:

     

    I can see you think things through but I'm not sure you fully appreciate the impact on your mobility of these two factors combined. The only ways for you to get about will be public transport (shockingly sketchy and sparse outside of city centres) or walk.

     

    May I suggest your No 2 priority when you get here (No 1 being booking a B&B) is buy and insure a car? Or if you have the spare capital, a campervan/motorhome? Once you have transport and accommodation, the pressure to buy a boat in a hurry is off. You can buy a motorhome easily, there is a motorhome centre with a selection of second hand ones to drive away in Weedon, the epicentre of where you need to be.  The downside is they are expensive but one will release you from the need to keep returning to the B&B every night. Or an old car with 6 months MoT for £300 from Gumtree might be a better bet.

     

     

    Hi Mike .....
    Ohhh ... No, no, no .... 
    I have no interest in buying a car (I'm trying to get away from the roads to the tranquility of the canals).
    Also I have everything planned and shall be quite mobile with Taxi's. No need for hotels as I will have a day return on the train from London.

    Anyway, thanks for your concern ...

    Have a lovely day,

    Neil

    16 minutes ago, doratheexplorer said:

    I do wonder if there might be a forum member who lives around Northamptonshire who might be able to chaffeur you around the marinas and help you look over boats, for a reasonable fee?

    WoW! ...  That would be a wonderful option ..... but I'm sure I shall survive with Taxi's.
    Thanks again for your suggestion ...

    Neil

  16. Saturday 25th January - The day has arrived for my return.

    in New to Boating?

    Posted

    12 hours ago, Dr Bob said:

    I echo what Mike says about Whilton. It is a good place to go to see the range of boats available. When we bought our boat 3 years ago, we had been looking at boats for around a couple of months. We were based in Cardiff and came up to Warwickshire for a couple of days. We saw what looked like a great boat in Wigrams turn marina....but was surprised we had to make a booking to see it- non of the 'just turn up!'....... we hummed and ha'ed. We then went off to Whilton and within 5 mins of looking at all their boats with a handful of keys, we were on the phone to Wigrams to buy the first one.  Never looked back. My opinion is the only thing going for Whilton is convenience which in some cases IS the overriding thing. 

    It is a good place to start but then look at Crick, Braunston, Wigrams and Dunchurch amongst others. 

    Hi Dr Bob,

    Thanks for your very comprehensive and informative post.

    I can see your point and fully understand the "looking around".

    One of my problems is that I arrive in the UK on the Friday and need to go viewing on Saturday/Sunday and I have no transport!

    I don't have a car, and although I have a Thai driving license that is valid for one year on UK roads, very few (or none) hire companies will rent me a car, that with the fact that I also don't have a credit card!

    I will keep you informed of my progress but it might be limited to three marinas around Whilton/Braunston.

     

    Thanks again and have a lovely day,

    Neil

  20. Saturday 25th January - The day has arrived for my return.

    in New to Boating?

    Posted

    1 hour ago, rgreg said:

    I use Three and have travelled the length and breadth of the network with mostly good signal, and I generally moor out in the sticks. £20 per month covers all my phone and internet requirements, including hotspot to tablet and laptop.

    Hi Greg ... Three certainly seems the way to go but as my phone has slots for dual sim I could always get another one should I need it.
    I also want to moor "out in the sticks" so who knows we might pass each other somewhere.

    Have a great day,
    Neil

  22. Saturday 25th January - The day has arrived for my return.

    in New to Boating?

    Posted

    2 minutes ago, LadyG said:

    I used a Three shop, excellent advice £20pcm unlimited internet £20 and lots on the phone for £13.

    I bought a Huwai with ariel sockets , not needed where I am, it cost £110, works everywhere inside boat 97% of the time.

    PS please link to a few boats.

    PPS have you got an independant surveyor lined up?

    Hi Lady G, and nice to see you again, you certainly are an early bird as I think it must be about 4am in the morning?
    Three is looking good I think but I will find out when I get there. As for the boats and a surveyor, I haven't got anything lined up yet, but I will be treading carefully.
    My preferred destination is Whilton marina as they have been very informative and helpful when I have called them, but time will tell. They also seem to have quite a selection at the moment for under the 50,000.

    I look forward to seeing you somewhere in the future, and thanks again for your very valuable input.

    Have a lovely day,

    Neil

  23. Saturday 25th January - The day has arrived for my return.

    in New to Boating?

    Posted

    3 minutes ago, Boater Sam said:

    Are you going to have to pass a Habitual Residency Test? My friend back from the Philippines had to after 23 years out. But he needed housing benefits etc.

    No, but I wouldn't know how to spell it anyway! .... I'm actually bringing money to put on my bank account.

    Nationwide Building Society are very easy to get a bank account with he found.

    Thanks for the thumbs up  ... I will bear that in mind if RBS doesn't work out.

    EE network works for me, via ASDA its cheaper I think.

    Ok, thanks for the info!

    Most Libraries are able to help with re-establishing yourself in the UK.
    Interesting! ....  I will definitely check that out ...

     

    Thanks again and have a great day ..

    Neil

     

  25. Saturday 25th January - The day has arrived for my return.

    in New to Boating?

    Posted

    4 minutes ago, TheBiscuits said:

    The EE network is regarded as the best for coverage on the canals, but is quite expensive (for comparable package deals) compared to Three, the second best coverage on the canals.

     

    Your "best" coverage depends on the signal where you keep/moor your boat - if you can't get a Three signal, you might get an EE signal, or vice versa.

     

    I just use Three, and if I can't get a signal I keep moving until I can.  Other people have both EE and Three SIMs and switch between them depending on where they are moored.

     

    If you are intending to move around the network,  I would recommend getting a Three SIM and consider getting an EE SIM if you can't get a signal where you want one.  Other people will no doubt recommend doing it the other way round!

    Hi Biscuits ..... Thanks for the info. My Samsung phone does have the ability for dual sim so your suggestions sounds like a good idea.
    Have a great day...

    Neil

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