Mr.T

I know how you feel, I sometimes lose patience with people who like to give it out but can’t take it 😉

Many thanks that’s very helpful. I kind of get the feeling that some people think I’m not taking on board what you lot are saying. I’ve learned alot since yesterday and you’ve given me alot more to think about so thanks very much.

Thanks all, it’s been recommended a few times to take a walk down the canal path to have a look at some boats and maybe chat to some people. My local canal is the Basingstoke and there’s not many boats on there so my next nearest is the Kennet & Avon which is where I would likely be based. Anyone know any hotspots between Newbury and Reading where I’m likely to find some boaters? Or maybe some members on here are local and wouldn’t mind me taking a look at their boat?

That’s fair enough but the boat will already be lined so I shouldn’t need to have any large sheets left to do, unless I’m missing something? I get the point that getting a kitchen and sofa in requires abit of prior planning and thought. And after all the comments I’ve received on here, I have reduced my expectations of getting it done in a month or two. Thanks

I’m definitely concerned with the loo situation. I like the idea of composting but that’s not ok anymore so as I’ve been told earlier the other options are cassette or pump out? I didn’t realise there would be an issue with fresh water though. So from what you’ve said am I right in assuming that the water from canal water point is not drinkable and has to be filtered? I’m open to a solid fuel stove but the storage of logs/coal puts me off slightly. Diesel stoves sounded abit easier and can be left on without having to do anything to it?

Thanks, your system sounds actually really efficient and makes me feel better about getting through winters on board. In terms of engines, I’ve heard that beta 43 is a good one. Showing that I know nothing about boats again, does this engine come with a decent enough alternator or would I have to upgrade?

Yep totally understand that this has been brought up many times and I did apologise for that in my first post. I do appreciate all the advice and I’ve definitely learned alot since yesterday. I also think I’ve been respectful to the the members throughout but that post from Tracy deserved a small bite in my opinion. Happy to make up and become best buds though 🙂

No problem. I’m a newbie who knows nothing that’s for sure but your post was intended to mock and not helpful at all. Also my response was fair, I didn’t disagree with what else you said but your comment about working in a confined space was not true.

Great thanks, so I assume for the other 3 months you’re using diesel to top up the batteries?

Many thanks, could you go abit further into the unforeseen issues? Fully understand that gas for cooking makes sense now, especially in winter. And absolutely, if I could find the exact boat (or near enough) that I want second hand and was only a few years old, then I would probably go down that route.

It’s not an argument on my part, apologies if it comes across this way. I’m just trying to fully understand the issues of buying a new boat. The last few post have helped understand the boating world works abit differently and I’ll definitely be a lot more cautious before buying new. Thanks

How would you know if I know what it’s like to work in a confined space, my friend?

Understood. You said ‘external water leaking into the hull’ so I assumed it was not fit to go in water. I came on here to learn and I definitely have. So many thanks for your comments

Thanks. Totally get the argument for buying second hand. I’m not looking at spending anywhere near 200k on a boat. From the second hand boats I’ve seen online, they’re not that much cheaper than what I expect to pay for a new one. A new one being a sailaway lined as mentioned, I’ll finish most of the internal myself. But alot of the second hand boats don’t come with the energy systems that I would want so that would obviously cost to upgrade the boat. Fully understand that it might not be for me and I will lose some money if buying new, but I would expect a new boat with solar, lithium batteries etc to still sell for a good price.

The gas problems comment was rectified to gas problem, that being an explosion. I then went on to say that I know this is unlikely if installed and maintained properly. I also said I wasn’t against having gas, just would rather not have it if possible. Thanks for your comments though, they’ve been helpful. I will definitely do as much research as possible before deciding to buy new.

Sorry but this just doesn’t make sense to me. If that boat you’re talking about was ‘better than most’ and not able to enter the water then surely the boat builder who built it is not a boat builder at all and shouldn’t be in business. Are you suggesting that all new boats come with problems, or is this just one a few minority boats? In my mind buying a new boat with all the electrics, plumbing, heating done by professionals should guarantee a problem free boat for at least a few years. But again I could be wrong, which is why I’m here 🙂

I really don’t see how that is possible but I’ll take your word for it as you’ve been there and done it. Maybe it’ll take longer than expected but it is what it is I suppose. Windows and doors will already be installed. The walls will be lined and bulk heads fitted. So the finishing of a fairly small space seems fairly straightforward to me but you lot are out there living on them so I’ll take your words for it 🙂 many thanks for all the advice

Many thanks for your replies, maybe I’ll be proven wrong but the boat will be arriving lined and bulkheads built and all the tech bits will be done by professionals. So I don’t see how installing a galley and bathroom suite, laying a floor, painting and building bedroom furniture (basically a bed) will take that long. Unless there’s something I’m missing?

Ha well I could be wrong. But I’ve been working in construction for 20 years and installed many a kitchen and bathroom so I’ve got a good idea of how long it takes. Also with painting and laying flooring.

So does this apply to myself installing the galley, installing the bathroom suite, building bedroom furniture, laying flooring and painting? Any solar, diesel stove, gas work would be done by a professional.

I’ve learned alot. You’ve all been really helpful

Apologies, I should’ve been abit clearer. I work in construction so fitting the boat out will be fairly straight forward. I don’t plan to live on board whilst doing the work. My plan would be to take a month, maybe two off work to complete the boat internally and carry on living with family. I think I would have the boat on land whilst this is being done so I’m assuming there would be power available? I have a large van so I’ll be able to get materials that way. There are parts of the fit out that I wont do such as installing the power systems, so I’ll be looking for someone local or willing to travel who knows what they’re doing with that sort of thing. I’ll be in the Reading area if you know anyone. Many thanks for the post, all very valid points which is what I’m looking for.

Many thanks, that’s really helpful

Wow 2 years? From the couple of boat builder’s I’ve spoken to they said the turn around time for a sailaway lined was 10-12 weeks. One could get started pretty much straight away and the other has a 5 month wait. Completely understand there will be a loss from buying new but from what I’ve seen online, boats that are a few years old seem to be quite expensive still? Oh and I’m able to move in with some family whilst the build is being done. And yep I do want a fridge, which I haven’t mentioned. Would that be doable with a good set up of lithium batteries?

Many thanks, hadn’t thought of an outside fridge but sounds like a good idea