davidR

Good point! Are either Braunston or Stoke Bruene likely to claim my chimney if I end up passing someone (going the other way I mean)

Thanks all,guess we will be able to stay warm!!!

Hi all This may seem a silly question but being totally new to NB's and having just bought our first we are eager to start crusing but being moored at Blisworth which ever way we go, north to Braunston or south to Stoke Bruene, we have to go through a tunnel and I'm aware that the notices say "extinguish all naked flames except pilot lights" I assume that goes for my solid fuel stove too, or does it?? Seems a shame this weather to have to put it out but then I can understand why but just wanted to check that I was right in needing to. Cheers David

October 20th was a day to remember in that it was the day we parted with our pension pot, (having managed to extract it from the banks before they decided to pay their executives some more pocket money for totally failing to run their businesses) and bought ourselves a narrow boat. She is/was called Stephanie Jane but as that was the name of the previous owners wife we have changed it to "Blue Moon" as in - "Once in...." and she is moored at Bisworth. If there are any readers of this blog who are there please do say hello and let me apologise up front if I happen to bump into you on my travels (literally as opposed to figuratively!) as I am not what you would descibe as an experienced boatman. We should really have hired a boat for a few weeks to get the hang of things but that seemed too obvious. We always do things the hard way, so we had a one day course with Willow Wren, great fun and very informative, and so then knowing everything we needed to know (!!!!!!!!!) we decided to take the plunge. We've been in and out of the marina without major mishap several times,have sussed out the method for turning round and now on our next visit next week will embark on our first cruise through locks and tunnels! Watch this space and do say hello if you see us. David & Sarah

Hi Most gorgeous autumn day today but as we approach winter for the first time with a NB I wondered what yo wear to keep your feet warm whilst at the tiller.

Hi all Can anyone recommend a good insurance company? It doesn't have to be the cheapest but one that honours its cover without too much hassle would be good!

Hi all Has anyone experience of yacht type freezers? We have seen a couple on boats we have looked over recently but been advised by someone that they are not very effective at long term storage. He was a bit vague as to what he meant ie 1 week or 1 year! We would want something that worked whilst we were aboard on extended cruises. Thanks

Thanks everyone. In the end we didn't view it as by then we had decided we didn't want a cruiser stern, which is what it had. Have however puchased a trad stern 57' which we cant wait toget our hands on!! David & Sarah

Thanks for all your replies. We did test drive a boat and are now in the process of purchasing it so we are looking forward to joining you all on the cut. Cant wait for the survey to be done so we can get our hands on it! We will be mooring at Blisworth Marina so if there is anyone on this forum who is there we would love to hear from you. David and Sarah

We are viewing a s/hand East West Marine boat next week built in China. All marine parts, engine heating galley equipt etc are UK made but I just wondered about the hull and handling. Has anyone any knowledge of these boats, good or bad? Thanks

Hi Totally new to all this and for the first time we are viewing second hand nb's to puchase next week and I just wondered whether it is normal to ask for it to be taken out so that we can see how it handles or whether we should just expect engine etc to be run on the mooring. Is it something one would do on first viewing or only after making an offer? Thanks

No We are looking between 52 - 60 feet Thanks for all the advice, no idea at the moment what gearboxs are fitted but will bear it in mind. I was aware of benefit in having a flexible coupling thanks

Hi We are looking to purchase our first NB and would like to hear both sides of the argument for conventional or reverse layout interiors. Do you like having the galley or the living at the stern? etc Thanks DavidR

Hi all We've just joined the forum as we are in the process of looking at nb's to buy. I just wondered if anyone could advise regarding the size and make of engines that can be recommended. Most boats we are going to look at have a Beta 43 but one has a Isuzu 42 Should that be a factor in deciding if its suitable? Thanks DavidR