bargemast

I'm happy with that, as I don't think that they make a difference in the fact that it's a small or a big house, do they ? Some people that have a VAT zero rated Dutch barge live in a house, so it's not even their sole residence, but supposedly when they say that at sometime it will become their sole residence it's good enough for HMRC to allow them the zero rated VAT. Colin Stone is as far as I can see using his barge for 'pleasure or recreational purposes' as he's exploring the countries on this side of the Channel, that makes it pleasure and recreation for me, but I've got nothing to do with HMRC, so it's not my problem. But as I wrote before, I think that it's unfair for people that have a boat that doesn't reach the 15 Tonnes calculations, for which their boat is their only residence and who aren't entitled to the zero rated VAT. As soon as the boat isn't a commercial entreprise it shouldn't be zero rated (that is what I think,and that's just my thoughts). Peter.

I think that this VAT at zero rate is a fiddle anyway, why would people that easily can afford to have a big boat (barge) built, be exempt of having to pay their VAT. While many people that are a lot less well-off have to pay this VAT, even if their boat is their only residence, it doesn't sound fair to me. There was also some talking about the Dutch Barges and the VAT at zero rate, that as long as the owner had intention to live on the boat in the future, they could be bought at the zero rate, all pretty confusing. Peter.

It would indeed be interesting to know if they are allowed to calculate to the top of the boat (roof-height) instead of gunnel height. Peter.

That's why I wrote in post 116 (how nice we can quote post numbers again) : "unless HMRC is willing to supply you with a paper proof that they're happy for this boat to be VAT zero-rated". Peter.

To get the required 15 Tonnes the 9' wide x 60' long boat has to have a gunnel height of minimum 1.87 m That wouldn't be a pretty looking boat, would it ? Peter.

For a 60' x 12' boat the minimum gunnel height to arrive at the 15 Tonnes would have to be 1.405 m, which looks still quite reasonable if the boat would have a 2' draft. Peter.

But when the company has 'folded' in a couple of years time ??????????? I have to agree with you for 100% Alan, as that will always be a big risk factor, unless HMRC is willing to supply you with a paper proof that they're happy for this boat to be VAT zero-rated. Without being over-pessimistic, I can't see that happening in a hurry. Peter

It is very clear as has been explained in several previous postings that a boat with these dimensions won't reach the required number to be entitled to be sold with the zero-rated VAT. But if the builders are prepared to sign a paper in which they state that they'll pay the VAT in case it will have to be paid anyway, then that shouldn't be a problem for the buyers of their boats, but I can't see them willing to do that. Peter.

They do say it in their publicity, if they're prepared to sign a paper for you stating that they will pay the VAT in case of problems with the VAT folks, you're alright. Brand New Pioneer 60' x 9' In Stock Now £104,950 Ex VAT* *VAT Exemptions for liveaboards, Call for more details. Fully Fitted Pioneer 60' x 9' Canaline 60 95kgf Bow thruster EuroCruiser Stern with Seating & Tiller Bow Pram Cover Stern Pram Cover Cashmere White Granite Work Tops Cream Panels on Walls & Ceiling Fitted Washer Dryer High Specification/Extras List Available to view at Wincham Wharf Peter.

As long as there's no smoke outside and the neighbours are happy, the rest isn't all that important. If you remove the batteries from your smoke alarm, you can have a real long sleep without being disturbed by alarming beeps . Peter.

On the latest types of Rayburn the chimney comes out inside the boat, this is done to please the neighbours in the houses, to have (outside) smoke free boats moored in front . Peter.

I like the description, 65Hp Volvo engine, and ....automatic gearbox. Peter.

I can only add: "Good luck to you". Peter.

Good job Crow, now all that's left to be done is : "Go cruising, and enjoy all the work you've done on her". Peter.

I hope for you that the impellor is still willing to change shape, as after such a long standstill it would be a good idea to change this item to stand a better chance for a trouble free cruise. Draining the carburettor of the old petrole doesn't do any harm either, and with fresh petrol (and a new impellor ?) you shouldn't have too much trouble getting the engine to run again. Peter.

Hello Nick, another slight misunderstanding, I didn't say that your PRM 150 wasn't supposed to turn in both directions, but only Jennies PRM 120, and that only the later and bigger boxes were good to do that, yours included, but my writing must have come over as confusing. Sorry for the trouble I've caused you to have to find your gearbox documentation, I've got most of that information here too (somewhere) of Lancing. Peter.

That's a very important point Mike, good you came up with it. Peter.

Nick, I think that only the later (and bigger ?) types of PRM can turn in both directions. On my twin engined boat I have 2 exactly the same PRM boxes of which one is turning in reverse to go forward, which is perfectly alright for them. Peter.

Hello Jo Cocker and Leon Russell, or just simply mad dog n' Englisman, you quoted me with something I didn't say, no problem for the rest, it only wasn't me. Also you wouldn't hand over £70k to a private buyer, as you'll have to give it to a private seller, slight difference, but I see clearly what you mean. Of course before handing over any money, some serious checking has to be done, there are still (some) honest people in this world, but they're getting rare, and it isn't easy either to find out who is, and who isn't, one can't be careful enough. Peter.

Rugby boat sales is supposed to not be as good anymore as in the Dominic days, but probably still worth a try. The boat of the link doesn't look bad, OK it's made by a budget builder but it's there and ready to start doing to her what you want to adapt her to your own wishes and taste. She's only 3 years old, and only 1200 engine hours, you can of course always try your luck with a cash offer, which many sellers are very interested in. Questions about topilets are imo a waste of time here, as there are some people that only want cassette toilets, others that only want pump-outs and then there are the increasingly popular composting toilets too, it's all a very personal choice, but shouldn't be the reason why you buy or not buy, as it's not too difficult to change from one to another. You can also find on the forum that people that only wanted a cassette toilet, found a boat that thicked almost all the boxes for them apart from the toilet system that they were definitely going to change, and live happily since 5 years or more with exactly the same toilet, and wouldn't want to change for anything else now. Good luck with your search, Peter.

That's another very good remark from our friend bizzard, something that's often completely forgotten, and even more if this breather pipe isn't easily accessible. It's far from an easy- or nice job to do if the heat-exchanger has to come off, as long as no bolts snap off it will be a nice job for Mark the mechanic. Don't leave with the boat until you're happy with it, and assured that it will give you good service, it's easier done now with this mechanic around than somewhere in the middle (or outskirts) of nowhere after you've broken down, if that would be because of a lack of oil, it will be very expensive to repair (complete engine overhaul). Good luck, Peter.

I've always heared of the term "Bridge bars" too. Lots of hire boaters remembered them at least for several weeks after having hired one for the headaches they caused them, hitting hard when getting off the boat in a hurry without paying enough attention, quite usual for inexperienced hire boaters. Peter.

Yes Nick, those are the famous boats, thanks for the photo btw, I've always liked their bows that are so much different than all the others. Peter

OK, and some of them even had BANANA engines too Peter.

The Harborough Marine Bows were known as "Window Breakers" or "Window-Smashers", due to their shape, which probably wasn't clear enough in my previous posting. Peter.