Phil Ambrose

Yup Houdini hatches rain on you during colder months. I double glazed mine by simply fitting secondary glazing a piece of clear acrylic with a strip of draught proofing around the edge. The panel is held in place with swivel clips . I take them down and put them behind the sofa when they are not needed. Phil

Yes it was due to pisstakers and Ely and EA decided to ask local boaters what they wanted......... a referendum no less . We all filled in on line and the sensible option was chosen. I believe a number of boats headed out to the Middle Levels in search of free moorings and all the other stuff we pay for. Their reprieve was short lived. Phil

Don't just restrict yourself to the Ouse and the Cam . The Wissey, Brandon Creek and the Lark are all worth a visit. Phil

Yet again there is money making mentioned, all through this thread I keep reading " at a cost" etc etc My App came free, where is the clutching hand going to come from. Phil

All this "yes it's good" " no it's not" is pointless. Having another string to your bow must be a good thing. Phil

There are many things you are not allowed to do but that never stopped anyone Phil

You can always do as many already do......... dangle a lead out of the window. Phil

A double skinned chimney is essential, single skinned flue pipe is ideal in the boat as it gives out extra heat. The double skinned chimney increases the draw of the fire . Phil

Er oil based paint is the proper stuff. Phil Er oil based paint is the proper stuff Phil

When I sold my boat I provided a paper trail including original invoice, insurance docs, EA registration invoices for all extras bought for the boat and work done, all bearing my name this backed up by proof of ID by way of passport, driving licence etc etc. Fairly positive proof I thought Phil

This so difficult to call, for example my 30 year old Colecraft had a hull survey which the surveyor said had the best bottom he'd ever seen , you just don't know, peace of mind is everything. Phil

I had given some thought to this issue when I upgraded to a 90amp alternator and concluded that the engine was using a large volume of air just to run so my thinking was the engine was using hot air in the engine bay replenished by air drawn from around the deckboards. I simply fitted a clamshell vent to allow a lot more cool air to be drawn in. I coupled this with a computer fan directed onto the alternator. This arrangement seemed to work OK. Phil

Regarding ventilation in the engine 'ole, I fitted a "clam shell vent" in my deckboard and mounted a computer fan to cool the alternator. I think this helped because if you think about it, the engine itself draws a lot of air in just to run so it will draw in cold air, the clamshell vent just makes it easier. Phil