Paddlin Panda

Any updates on this topic. KB appeals however, as others have said, I would be in terested in results data after a few years in the drink. I will have to do blacking relatively soon and certainly cannot afford grit and two pack at the moment having just paid for the boat! If any one has any fresh details I would appreciate learning about them. Thanks.

Thanks all.

Thanks guys. Some good options. Just got back from the boat and the central heating is working a treat. I think for moment I will go with the oil fill rad back up option. Look again at stoves when the coffers are less depleted.

Thank you all very much. As I suspected it is going to cost me however, as we are heading in to spring (?!!) hopefully soon I have some time to save up and plan before next winter. The Eber appears to be working nicely and if necessary an emergency lx heater can be brought in to play running offf shore power. Thanks again. Ian.

Gas is not the question. I should be clearer. The boat has a working heating system that runs radiators and hot water from a diesel fired Eberspacher D4W. I am thinkling I might want a scondary source of heating so as to not be soley reliant on the Eberspacher for warmth. Being mostly in a marina electric oil filled radiators may be an option however, I was wondering about the cost of either solid fule stove or Diesel stove. I was wondering how much it would cost to have a stove fitted by a competent person. Ball park upplyy and fit to standard. Thanks, Ian.

I have yet to decide which type of stove I want however, the boat I have under offer only has a Eberspacher D4W diesel system heating water and some rads. I am thinking about having a stove fitted. Not sure yet on coal or diesel however, I do want it fitted properly and safely. Can anyone recomend professional fitters in the East Midlands please ? Many thanks, Ian.

Was there an answer to this ? I would like to know of reccomended diesel stove fitters in the East Midlands area ? Thanks, Ian.

Good point and saves a few quid too ?

Thanks for all the input. Personally I would replace/resite existing cabling and clips. Relocate and replace sockets/spurs with water/dust resistant type (possibly integral RCD ?) pretty cheap £15-30 Test all cabling sections and earth/insulation. Tidy up and use cable tray/conduit where appropriate and or cable vanity panels. Cannot stand looking at arctic blue cable which has been surface mounted with plastic nail in clips at eye level. Would drive me bonkers. This is not an exhaustive list but, you get the gist. Thanks for the advice, it is appreciated.

Well, I have had a look onboard and it is a nice clean boat. Seems the owner was a gadget lover and tech hobbyist. Generally the electric wiring looks ok with the exception of the 13 amp sockets in the head. The leaky pipe section has been replaced. Apart from taking out, replacing as appropriate the power sockets in the bathroom it is ticking a lot of boxes for me. Thanks a lot for your help. I will find, copy and save the various guidelines ready for haggling time. Cheers, I will report back!!!!

I have seen some photos of a boat for sale that shows what appears to be 230 v mains sockets in the bathroom situated near a shower mixer tap and also next to the vanity basin. This seems dangerous to me, is it allowed ? The boat has a bsc from 2019 but I am wondering if "upgrades" have been doen for sale. When I was a training young sparks back in the dark ages sockets were not allowed in bathrooms and I assume it is the same on a boat ? https://www.davidmawbyboats.co.uk/motor-boats-hallmark-sole-mitsubishi Thanks.

All posts on here are of each person's own opinion. However just as a for instance we have lived aboard over thirty years on 8 different boats so have more idea than plenty of the noobs who stick stuff on such as you tube. All opinions are valid but....? Thank you, the point is understood. Happy New Year.

Top tip: make sure you are there for the survey. Go round with him and ask questions. Makes complete sense to me. They will be working for me/you and it will be a good opportunity to learn and see what the boat looks like out of the water. If anything needs moving for access one can at least supervise or do it yourself. Thanks.

Hi Peter, Fair point however, for a first time buyer I think I might still go with a survey. Maybe down the line with a few miles and dirty fingernails I might use my experience to judge however, as they say Caveat Emptor. Cheeers!

Hi, Firstly good luck and remember all the posts on here are just opinion although most I am sure are well meant. I am in a similar position to you and have spent the last few weeks looking around for a boat to live on. I have found one that I really like and and have been to see it twice, the last time with friends for a second pair of eyes. It is nice and tidy, airy and light yet still cosy, Recent blacking and in what appears to be superb condition and well maintained. Even has double glazing! I reckon I could move on with a suitcaes and a bag of shopping! I think the boat will go for 30K although the poster price is considerably higher. Although I really like this one and it has made me smile on both visits, practically I also know there are many others out there and there is no rush to make a poor choice. I have spent a lot of time doing "research" including a couple of old fashioned books and online as well as Marina visits.. I have seen about a dozen boats, some are Ok, some are complete dumps and others have potential... The one thing that always comes up time and again is get a FULL Survey done by a reputable professional Marine Surveyor. Good luck and happy New Year.