AlX

I'm trying to get ready for winter. What do you use to heat your stove? Wood and coal are options I'd prefer not to use but am thinking of pellets, briquettes etc.

Can anyone recommend someone who can supply and fit a solar panel in London area?

Thanks a lot for your replies. Could you also recommend someone to install solar panels (apart from Ron Gooding who's been mentioned but is currently not close to London where my boat is)?

Can anybody recommend where to buy solar panels for a narrowboat in London?

Is Stowe Hill Marine considered to be a good narrowboat builder? I'm thinking about buying a Stowe Hill Marine boat from1988.

Can anybody comment on Alan Broomfield as a surveyor?

Is it common to call the surveyor of a narrowboat survey commissioned by the seller to ask about details? Also, would you trust a seller survey or in any case have your own done? Thanks a lot

Hi, can anybody comment on Stefan Fritz as a surveyor of narrowboats. Would you recommend asking him to do a survey?

Thanks so much for your (quite divergent) views!! The pitting (at least where it is deepest, up to 1.75mm, and can become an insurance problem) seems to be only along the waterline. I guess over-plating this or treat otherwise isn't that expensive? Also the seller says they would pay for it but I wonder if the problem is then solved or just postponed. Interestingly, the survey from around 3 years ago which detected the pitting problems around the waterline didn't propose to take any measures.

I'm interested in buying a 10/6/4 narrowboat from 1993. Base plate and sides are in quite good condition (thinnest points 9.5 and 5.7mm respectively) but there is pitting to 1.75mm along the waterline (1mm on base plate). How much of a problem is this and how much does it reduce the value of the boat?