Bones

Just found it! Goodness me.... that will keep me the wrong side of the locks for a while I expect!

I had an electric piano (clavinova which ran through a marlins adapter whatsit via my 12V sockets) on board but found the piano so tedious I sold it and got a proper one. It came from another narrowboat - it passed from their window through my door. They still have a piano (a different one) and I love mine. Someone down the way has a full upright on their boat. Mine fits below the gunwhale. My piano seems to find the ambience of boat life rather congenial to it's melodic offerings (never mind the player). The only issue is the keys tend to stick if you keep the boat temperature below 10degrees. If you want a piano, and have space - don't hesitate. There is no reason not to have one.

Any pictures!?

That's the best idea EVER!

My tuppence worth is to have a look at all the places (Such as Tooley's in Banbury, The yards at Aynho, Enslow and Eynsham and any others) that offer boat painting, find out what they offer, have a look at their work and then go from there. You could also ask who does the painting or ask at the yards if there is a boat painter they can recommend. There are a few places that have DIY facilities too.

Someone said it looks like a lister in there... but the good news is she is now floating again! The pump is running so hopefully it will keep her up. edit - it still have a Ruston in there..... and this morning it is still floating! hurrah.

Hurrah! May you have a brilliant time!

I am going to walk down late afternoon and leave the dog at home but I am not eating so I will leave when the food starts. Looking forward to it!

Are dogs welcome in the Folly?

Not a helpful post just one to say that I hope you manage to get it sorted out. I have 2 85w solar panels and 4 leisure batteries to go with my 1 starter battery. My Smart Guage tells me my batteries are over 80% . I have my fridge on. Your system sounds much swankier than mine so it sounds rather puzzling Fingers crossed you get it sorted really soon!

When someone hit my boat with a phenomenal thwack and caused £4500 pounds worth of damage and didn't stop I felt quite sick. The feeling sick was from the adrenalin rushing through my body following the boat keeling over and spinning around from the impact. (Edit to add the boat that did the damage did show up the next day and insurance dealt with the rest) I don't like bumping other peoples boats and if I do, it is an accident. I tend to think that if someone else bumps my boat they don't mean to either. If someone is prodding with boats with a pole I will generally pop out and offer assistance as a misplaced/slipping pole can easily go through the window.I would also take random revs and tiller movements as an indication someone might need some help in which case I ask if they need a hand. If I can help I will. There is no need to go about hitting other peoples boats but sometimes these things happen. I still haven't lost the ability to say sorry if I do.

MOLLY!!! Shame Boots' swimming lessons didn't go quite so well.....

and from me too.

The update sounds really good. Thanks for the pictures. Was the Celotex glued to to the steel? I ask because I have put some under my front deck and have been concerned about the layer between the steel and the celotex and thought I should glue it....but I don't fancy using glue in such a confined space.

this sounds fantastic. Thank you

A friend of mine makes straight and interesting chimneys out of 4mm steel. I can pm you his number if you want.

My potato variants (sweet potato) are too big to fit in the ashpan

Brilliant! Thank you everyone, How do I know whether I need 2, 5 or 15 amps

Looks like an interesting book. let me know how you get on with it. Good luck with your electrics. I really enjoyed learning about mine.

So am I right in thinking that I can use the 5amp 3pin plugs on my boat such as the ones Alan Fincher posted from Tool Station or the ones David S used from days gone? I currently use in car socket whatsits and i would prefer to use the plugs. I have got my head in a right pickle trying to work it all out.