G_M

Thanks for those thoughts. Must admit I hadn't considered the added beneit of dispensing with the Heads and getting extra space! Would have thought in this day and age getting a watertight/airtight seal shouldn't be too much of a challange, but maybe I'm wrong. Anyway, cheers!

On the Broads, many cruisers have a sliding canopy eg like this I've not seen a similar design on any narrowboats, and wondered whether they exist, if not why not, and whether a boatbuilder could build such a design? I'm not think so much of an internal steering position, more of a way to open up the interior.

You'll need an ICC (International Certificate of Competence) including Inland Waterways. The RYA test/issue these in the UK. Element one is boat handling (equivelant of RYA Day Skipper, or, I believe, Power boat Skipper.) Element 2 is the CEVNI rules - knowledge of signage/rules of the road etc on European inland waterways. You'll also need insurance, proof that your vessel is VAT paid, registration. If you cruise to France you'll need a licence (The VNF (Voies Navigable de France) but I don't think the Dutch charge this. Google 'Holland waterways' or similar and find LOADS of useful sites.

Thanks for the welcome and replies! Still interested in contractors, but I found this leaflet which might be of interest to anyone else contemplating a similar project.

Anyone got any experience of constructing an end of garden mooring? Different ways to protect the bank? wooden/paved/grass quay? Ballpark costs? Alternatives? Contractors (E Midlands). Cheers!