MattA

I would be interested in people's views on when they would expect a new build boat to have to have its first blacking (obviously after the one done before it was first put into water)? I always was on the understanding that blacking needed doing around every two years, but my builder is saying it should be done between 12 and 18 months after buying the boat. This seems very quick to me. Your thoughts would be most welcome. Thanks.

I should have said before, but thanks for everybody's comments very useful I think I know what I plan to do now. One further question ... On the subject of tiles, are there any that I should not use around the stove and any types I should use? I heard about staying clear of the very shiny ones as these will tend to crack. The reason I ask is that I was just in the process of buying some from the local tile shop and they told me not to use them round a fire as they might crack. I can understand that if it was an open fire I was burning against them, but an enclosed stove? How hot can they really get with an air gap between the stove and the tiles? Anybody had any tiles crack near a stove? I suppose the only issue might be the ones the stove actually stands on as they are in contact with the heat? Feedback welcome. Matt

I was just about to do this post and saw the other thread on Solid Fuel Stoves and thought someone had just got to it before me, but my interest is slightly different ... As most people are saying it is that time of year when you really need to start thinking about a solid fuel stove if you have not got one already and that is precisely what I am doing. So had anybody got any recommendations on how to fit a solid fuel stove into a boat? What are the must have requirements to fitting one? Any hints and tips on the best way to fit one in? I was thinking along the lines of the stove and chimney itself rather than the plumbing side of things. Some questions still going round my head... - What should the stove sit on? Tiles etc? - How much fire protection does the surround need? Are tiles enough? - Is there an easy way to cut out the hole for the chimney? - Do you need to be able to weld to put the chimney in? - What is the best way to seal the chimney and stove and roof? I get the feeling the answers to these question might be useful to a lot of people at this time of year. Thanks, Matt

Thanks to you all for your information and advice. Will be joining up soon. Thanks, Matt

Hi, I was thinking about what happens if I break down in my new boat when I am away from my home mooring. I have heard of River Canal Resue ( http://www.rivercanalrescue.co.uk/ ). Does anybody use them, is it worth the money? Are there any other people doing a similar thing? Any thoughts would be most useful. Thanks, Matt Made link 'clickable' for you! - Jon

Has anybody had any recent quotes for the install of gas pipework and fittings in a boat? How much should I be expecting to pay for bottles, auto changeover, pipe install and connection to cooker? Any guide would be useful just to make sure I don't get quoted a silly price. Cheers, Matt

I am just about to finish building the bed frame for a permanent 4 foot wide bed in my boat. Can anyone suggest types of mattresses to stay clear of, or any high recomendations. I am going to be sleeping on it at least a few days a week, but not full time. I was thinking of just going to my local bed shop and getting a mattress from them the right size. Thoughts?

Errrr .... that is my site. Sorry for the confusion, but at least you can see some pictures on there

On the subject of volt drops.... I can do the calculation of volts dropped per metre based on the current flowing but can anyone comment on how much volt drop different appliances can cope with? For example I am sure a normal light blub would be quite happy with a 1 volt drop (it would be just dimmer), but how much volt drop can a water pump deal with? I think they are the figures I am missing. Cheers

Hello All, I have just bought my first narrowboat and I am in the process of fitting out the inside. The only major problem / annoyance that I have got is that the 12V distribution panel is in the middle of the boat. I can understand why this has been done as it means the voltage drops on the cables are going to be smaller, but it just gets in the way a bit, whereas if it was at the rear it could be hidden away a little better. The question I have is do I move it to the rear of the boat or leave it where it is? Some thoughts ... As I am going to have my galley at the rear of the boat with fridge and cooker would this actually be better? The heavy items of equipment in the front of the boat are going to be toilet and water pump so I guess as long as they are wired in 6mm and 4.5mm cable the voltage drop should be minimal? The cables all run down the centre of the boat so are fairly easy to replace. Could I replace the main runs and leave the cables down the walls in place? (There are already joints between long run and wall run) Any thoughts and comments would be most welcome. Cheers, Matt