Mr Norman

As predicted, Lidl are offering the bog once again on May 7th! Whilst these may have a small waste capacity at 21 litres, they are made by Thetford and can be a good source for spares. They even come with the dollop! The Bogs Trevor Edit to add that they also have a windup LED lantern and a solar powered shower!

I took a bit of a risk and bought one from these folk! Tellys Has been faultless (touching wood now of course!) Trevor

Once you are a settled Norman owner, come and visit us on our Norman Boats website. Lots of info and examples of what Normans can be! Like here, we have a helpful forum as well.

I suspect the advert would have specified an outdrive such as an Enfield. NYA are usually quite descriptive in their ads. I notice there is nothing shown for the drive type at all. Despite what Dan has said, I still think its pricey even with the Broads premium. For a Broads based boat its low on bells and whistles as well, heating and hot water for instance. so, should the survey show anything, stick with rectification within the selling price. Are you going to be present for the survey? Steve is usually quite happy for this. Take as many photos as you can while its out of the water. I take it you realise you will likely get a hefty bill for the lift as well? These Norfolk yards take no prisoners on pricesI I can vouch for that.

No problems with a Norman 24 on the canals. Normans were built for them, hence the 6'10" beam. The underwater draft is only 1' 10". Unless its a very special Norman I'd query the value of a full survey! I wouldn't expect you to be paying anything more than about £5000 - £6000 for a very good one. Better to concentrate on the engine condition. Its likely to be a sail drive (engine/drive combination) if its a Volvo. Very expensive for bits! You make no mention of a safety ticket? Is there an advert for the boat anywhere on the web?

Don't they guard El Papa? Trevor

The only one I'm aware of is York Marine Services at Bishopthorpe. They have a couple of wide beam boats. http://tinyurl.com/York-Link Trevor

Thanks Nicknorman, you read me correctly and thanks for your well meant comments. Trevor

Wasn't there a time gone by when we used to dread the prospect of meeting a canaltime boat? I seem to distantly recall tales of somewhat dodgy helming! Also that the window/doorless front was a risk reducer! Trevor

Might be stating the obvious or maybe I've missed something! Wouldn't having fenders down lessen the chance of getting hooked up to some degree? Just a comment really, not the start of a debate. Trevor

Enthusiastically recommend CraftInsure. I've had nearly 10 years experience with them, including smoothly handled claims, and consistently competitive premiums. Trevor

Regarding the TV/DVD combinations, it may be worth noting that quite a few of these specifically exclude the DVD player from the warranty! Trevor

Not an immediate solution but keep an eye on both Lidl and Aldi's offers. At least a couple of times a year they have a portapotti on offer at a very good price. Actually branded as "Mobil" but is of Thetford origin. Granted, the cassette is small but all the rest is a good source of spares. Trevor

Don't bother wasting money on such things as TCP, Detol or that infernal germolene stuff! Microbiologists have grown many wondrous bacteria on all of these and the "antiseptic" properties are very dubious. By far the most effective antiseptic is simple salty water! Trevor

BT Opensone and BT FON spots are free to BT Broadband subscribers and, if you are close enough to pick them up, can give a very good connection. I think you have to opt into the Fon scheme (provide one from your connection) to take advantage of others. I've used them many times on the Broads with good results. There just are not enough yet! Trevor

The Norman Boats Appreciation Society http://www.normanboats.co.uk The name says it all really. Also has a lively forum