James Dunleavy

CRT have said pretty much the same but we've not come across anywhere selling them.

We are moored near Leeds Dock and desperately need a pump-out card as every marina and boatyard around here no longer sell them. CRT only offer to sell online, which they say can take up to two weeks. If anyone has one for sale please respond yesterday! Thanks, Jim

We have always needed to tune in our LG Smart TV periodically, as we’re constantly cruising. For several weeks we haven’t been able to tune in our TV at all and it doesn’t seem to be because of being in an area of insufficient transmitters. The TV has the latest software so we can watch catch-up tv which swallows GBs of data, but not live terrestrial channels. We have a Milenco Power 900L(low height) aerial, and we’ve checked for loose/disconnected cables. Any suggestions?

Thanks for clarifying what I meant - we are indeed looking for anyone to join us for this trip, under the guidance of an experienced pilot. Being new to this forum, how do access your private message? Jim

We are a 57' narrowboat planning on doing the above towards the end of May '22 so we're interested in hearing from anyone wishing to join us. Comments/advice from anyone who's done this route or Wisbech-Boston will also be much appreciated. Jim

Thanks Tony, Ours is a new build, currently at sailaway stage about to be fitted out. Should we have, or do we need a power audit? We plan to live aboard for at least a year from mid-Jan and cruise straight away, weather permitting. When moored, or stationary due to weather I assume that's when recharging batteries is key so are 4 x 140A Vetus AGM domestic batteries large enough to provide a robust 12V system, and easily rechargeable? Other than the fridge, we'll have an under dinette 12V freezer and I believe the LED lights are 240V, which along with any other 240V appliances(toaster, tv, microwave, phone/laptop chargers) will be supplied by a Mastervolt Ultra 3000W inverter/charger; do you have a view on any of this spec in achieving an effective charging procedure?

Our new 57'nb will be powered by a 42hp engine with twin alternators & 240V is courtesy of a 3KW inverter/charger. The 4 x 140A Vetus AGM batteries are supported by 2 x 250W flexi-solar panels. My question is simply this: do we have enough firepower for a standard 240V fridge or is 12V still a much better option? Again, substantive reasons for either helps us and keeps the nb fraternity bubbling! Jim

I would never have thought flexi-panels would cause corrosive problems to the metal roof.

Whether new build or retro-fit, just looking at energy efficiency which is better: flexible solar panels which follow the contour of the roof, or fixed which can be tilted to the sun? Are some designs and makes better than others? We would rather invest a little more if the results were better - but knowing which brands give better results is the secret!

But, if you've the choice and money, have both fitted. Do you mean have SF & a diesel stove fitted?

Very interesting comments with the majority in favour of having a stove, and the majority of those having an SF - where is wood free?. Maybe the builder doesn't want the hassle of installing a stove, similar to his opposition to installing a dog box? Certainly a stove provides a homely warmth and SF offers insurance against the diesel engine going AWOL, but how unreliable is a brand new diesel engine? So in scoring major brownie points with 'er indoors how does an SF stove compare with diesel, in terms of heat and cost?

Thanks Rob. Do you find its heat output to be easily managed? My worry is it wouldn't be used unless it's VERY cold. This new boat has foam sprayed insulation and even though the boat builder has a vested interest in installing a stove he's saying we shouldn't - however, the Mrs wants one! Who do I listen to????

We're looking at fitting out a 57' nb, reverse layout, so the lounge will be mid-ships. Is a solid fuel or diesel stove too hot and turn out just to be nice to look at?

Thanks for your truly experienced opinion, in particular the Dutch barge. I have looked at this option, is it more limited on the canal network because of its cockpit?

We are in our 60s, never having owned either. We don't know how long we will live/travel on our boat though it will be at least two years. We are flexible on budget up to £100K but not knowledgeable on the fundamental must-haves for mechanicals ie engine, boiler, heating etc. We realise the navigable limitations of a wide beam but suspect its comfort is a positive trade-off. Thank you for your helpful input. Jim