Jason G

Thanks for replies so far I want 12v out. I understand that the method "3" from the link would be ideal. What I dont understand is why is why feeds from 3 pairs of "diagonal" wired batteries isn't just as good as "method 3" but with less wiring. Quote - Finally, if you only have 2 batteries, then simply linking them together and taking the main feeds from diagonally opposite corners cannot be improved upon. On the website it says it isn't worth doing unless the bank exceeds 8 batteries. Quote - Most people (myself included) don't consider the expense and time to be worthwhile unless expensive batteries are being fitted or if the number of batteries exceeds 8. JG

Having read through "smart gauge" info and taken advice from various boaters I am now a bit confused! There are as many opinions as there are boaters! I have 6 new but cheap batteries to install. My existing bank is of 5 batteries and I have had some new suitably large connectors made up. My main question is :- should I put all six in a diagonal parallel or 2 lots of 3 or even 3 lots of 2? Does it really matter with cheap batteries? The examples on smart gauge are with four which is fine but 6 seems to be a tad more complicated. They are charged by one of a twin alternator (80amp) and topped up/Trickle charged by an 80w solar panel. I dare say I will need to provide more info so ask away. Thanks in advance Jason G

Thanks for feedback and after taking NB W's advice I had a good look at the fit out - it was very amateurish (owner not Liverpool boats) with electric sockets that moved when switch was pressed and light covers removed where cupboard doors snagged on the fittings. Areas where the panelling didn't meet the bulkheads. The panels were not sanded down and it left me wondering what was the state of things behind the panels? Coupled with the fact that I had made a special 90 mile journey (one way) and the marina manager? didn't show up and so I was unable to start the engine or test the shower etc. We walked away unimpressed but thankful that I had had some key advice. There are still 2 more promising boats that we are looking at. Jason

Nothing specific that worries me except spending large amounts of cash!! Just want to make sure we end up with something we are happy with. The survey is a given and any probs can be used for negotiating. I guess I am just getting a little nervous and want some opinions from people without a vested interest and more knowledge than I.

Well I'll take the risk - We've let a few boats slip through our fingers as we have wanted to make the right decision and are unwilling to rush into anything. http://www.bartonmarina.co.uk/p5_1_1.htm is the page - Narrow Escape (original eh! ) We have checked out moorings with mercia and barton - both have some spaces or winter moorings.

Hi to all, After searching around we have found a boat that we would like to put an offer in and get surveyed. It is an unfinished project (a sailaway with galley and bathroom and temporary furniture). Liverpoolboat from 2003 with a beta marine engine. Checked it has an RCD, CE plate, BSC and made plans for finishing it off. What else do I need to think about? Am I allowed to place a link for the boat on the forum? Jason

Has anybody tried fitting a roof top tent to a NB? What potential hazards would prevent it from being a great idea? They are well made - marine ply and canvas and very comfortable to sleep in. It would effectively add another double berth nicely stored on the roof. There are various widths which should mean it can be mounted central (or off centre) as required. For those not familiar it is roof rack mounted tent certainly no taller than some boxes I have seen on NBs when folded away. This link is a my blog from Africa but the 3rd pic is the tent mounted on our Landy there's a few other pics lower down http://kateandjasonontour.blogspot.com also http://www.oec4x4.com/index.php?option=com...4&Itemid=46 Jason

Thanks for info and links. Probably about to open a big can of worms but..............I was warned away from springer built NB also from brand new boats! At this rate I'll be procatinating for years to come!!! It looks like I should give all boats that fit my remit a fair unbiased look regaredless. It has to be said though that the more NBs I view the higher my budget seems to go!

Thanks for replies so far. The survey is a certainty but would be the final thing done before handing over any cash - look with the heart, decide with my head!!!! Would it be safe to say that a post 1990 boat is a better bet unless it has obviously been looked at? There seems to be two schools of thought on ex-hire NBs and so I think I'll look at them but be cautious about about getting too excited. I know deisel engines are generally bullet proof and a NB (presumably) doesn't load an engine but friends who own a boat have spent thousands on replacing an engine that broke a rod. Jason

Hi Guys and Gals, Going to a couple of marinas at the weekend and pondering a few questions, any help to any or all. 1 - Do NBs have a finite life span? 2 - Older boats (70's/80's) are much cheaper - what are the pitfalls to be aware of besides ware and tear? 3 - WRT engines, how many hours is too many? assuming most people will say it has been serviced regularly? 4 - What other pertinent questions should I be asking? We are not in a rush and only just starting to look. Thanks, Jason

Thanks for welcome, Gary, I've already got an old version of that book - and done plenty of web based and book based research. I think I really need to start talking to people with experience. Ian, much in life is down to personal taste or compromise - I'll try not to get caught in the middle of any of those arguments - what about cross doubles as opposed to walk through bedrooms? Jason

Hi Everybody, After a few glasses of red wine and a quick google search I found you . I've limited experience on the canals (a few canal holidays and my parents owned a small cruiser that we used on many weekends) and now a friend and I want to buy a NB for cruising/office/fun/extended holidays. Can someone point me in the direction of FAQs so that I don't make a proverbial pain of myself - well I'll probably have a bunch of questions anyway! Thanks in advance Jason