Jo_

In addition to what you say, I much prefer trad layouts. But the original poster was looking for one of these so I thought it wise to post it to help in the search. Perhaps, if the boat isn't too far away from where he is, he can pop over and walk about (the Marina is just by the A50/A38 crossover, just down from Derby). I found - when we were looking - that there's nothing to beat actually getting onto the boats and walking through and beginning to get the feel of what works for you. We've now bought a little cracker and I KNOW we made the right choice!!

http://www.merciabrokerage.co.uk/stock_det....asp?bro_no=489 Went onto their listings just a day or so ago ......

Never you mind, Emily! We've just bought our first boat and I know the agonies of 'I know nothing'!! We did it through a broker and thankgoodness the surveyor confirmed all the descriptive detail. It is a terrific boat in great condition. But I am only now really getting to the stage of know what questions to ask and, next time, you'll be well ahead of the game. And you've gained more (in terms of experience) than you've lost (in terms of time and a bit of pride)! Good luck with the continued hunt and if there was a 'huggy' smiley, I'd attach it! Edit I found it!! Jo

We have one of those on the boat we've just bought Phil. I think it's a Status with a booster. Freeview works just fine for us where we are moored. But I assume it depends on the strength of the signal as well as the kit. What do your moor-neighbours* say works for them? Jo * perhaps experienced FMs would let me know if there a name for these please. And is there, in addition, a collective name for a lot of boaties together? If not, then perhaps a new forum thread could gather suggestions?

We've gone with Towergate Mardon (via Michael Stimpson) as well. I have a house insurance policy which includes the personal possessions away from home and that covers laptops, jewels (like we have any!), gizmos etc. wherever they are. But it doesn't cover the nb's removable items .... personal possessions left on the nb when we're not there. So we have contents cover added to the nb Towergate Mardon insurance policy. In reading all the paperwork carefully in advance, the 'key facts' document from TM states: "You are not insured for the person in charge of the craft will be over the age of 18 years of age ....". It's a misprint, of course, but it reads as though anyone over the age of 18 is not insured! Michael Stimpson is getting the leaflet corrected and says noone else has noticed it despite years of sending out the leaflet. So I guess all the other TM insured boaters haven't read their documentation properly, hmmmmm???

The name!

Did you mean the Lockmaster maps? http://www.canalshop.co.uk/acatalog/lock.html We use them alongside Nicholson's and Pearsons. Canal Shop are very speedy in their delivery and the tubes keep the maps tidy on our nb!

I've just been ordering some up for my b'day from everyone ... suggested the Doro WT91X Pro Extended Range 2-way Radio. They are waterproof! And indeed we may not use them often but mobiles don't always get a signal, we're moored at a marina so communication between us there will be handy and my OH is a tecky. AND - most importantly - I never had even toy ones when I was young so this is my chance!!

I'll make sure my OH reads the bit about bringing the manual! Assuming you're doing the Sawley course next weekend? He's got his overalls ready!

My OH is doing the Engine Maintenance course at Sawley in a week's time. He's no beginner in terms of engines and electrics but, since we are very very new to narrowboats (like about seven days into owning our own!), it seems a great way to get stuck in! Jo

Thankyou for this!!! I'm still at the browsing and reading everything stage and you've pointed me to a great site for our future travels and general everything. Hooray for fuzzyduck and CWDF!!

Hi Becki This is off topic ( ) but just wanted to wish you well with your narrowboat. We take ours over tomorrow - four years' old and in great nick thank goodness because we're not brave enough to do too much for our first boat. I hope we all have a great weekend! Jo