system 4-50

You need a certain level of competence in some rather difficult to define skills to engage in the enterprise of getting a boat built. It is not just a question of the builder's skills, the customer must have some too. I would ask the OP to question whether he/she really has the competence to engage in this sort of business. The lack of knowledge shown after two years research would suggest not.

But it must be true! I read it in a newspaper!

Sorry to dampen the festive spirit, but a quick plea, if you have been in contact with anybody who has had the norovirus within two weeks, please stay home! I read that that is the period within which you can pass it on.

Would it be in CART's interest to grant a connection holiday of 5 - 10 years to a new marina? Could a new marina get an EU subsidy by classifying it as a reservoir? ok I'm not doing a lot at the moment... (just trying to think outside the hole...)

Any chance of a picture?

How about a raffle?

Full English for me too please. But no chuff.

No implication that they would be provided by CART was intended.

Services - what should they be like? I'd like: 1. Water points with 22mm/1" supply taps, sat in fully insulated housings that don't freeze until there is 12" of permafrost. 2. Rubbish points with recycling facilities and skips for non-domestic refuse, also waste oil and facilities for large items like old mattresses. 3. Showers that work and are comfortable to use. 4. All situated on a site that is not under pressure i.e. not in or between adjacent locks, bridges etc. 5. Run by the same bloke that runs my corner shop, open 07:00-20:30 7 days a week, with somebody on-site all the time. 6. Offering a complete delivery receiving service for post & parcels, with phone support. 7. Situated a convenient distance apart. 8. Available to subscription customers only. 9. Able to receive Ocado / Tesco type deliveries to order and store cold stuff. What would your perfect service point look like? And how much would you be prepared to pay for it per week?

Are you all painted then?

I have used a 60W heater to prevent freezing in a domestic situation but the output is so low that you need to consider very carefully exactly where the resulting warm air goes. If it sets up an air movement cycle it can result in a higher volume of colder air being drawn over a more distant part of the establishment and make things worse there!

Poll please! We haven't had one for simply ages.

please can I have one or more of the following in my xmas stocking? 1. An engine drip detector that will precisely record the location of the first drips of a leak regardless of how much subsequently comes out. 2. An engine levelling device that will enable me to precisely line up my engine with the drive shaft, and, will alert me whenever the alignment becomes excessively out of true. 3. A device to tell me accurately (to within 6") the size of the gap in the line of moored boats, before I have passed it. 4. A Lockwheeler (I think that is the correct term) to operate locks for me when I am single-handing together with glass cupboard to reside in when not required a la fire extinguisher. Preferably female & petite. 5. A universal windlass complete with subdued alarm that sounds if left in the open unmoved for more than say 10 mins. 6. A backscrubber on the same lines as item 4. 7. A stove flue alarm that quietly sounds if my (single) flue gets too hot or too cold. 8. A pump for removing the oil from my PRM gearbox that can remain permanently fitted like my engine one. 9. A level alarm that will sound if my boat is tipped excessively along the length or width when the engine is running, corresponding to me being caught under a gate or on a cill etc. 10. An anti-thief device that will taser intruders AND automatically eject them into the canal. To handle up to 6 individuals at a time. Must be able to discriminate between persons of nefarious intent and do-gooders who are merely trying to assist in the event of boat adrift etc. 11. The address of a moderately priced marina reserved solely for sail away fitter-outers, where camaraderie exist and noise abounds and a machine shop is available. Please note that I only have a 4" inch flue so you may need to diet before you visit. TIA

Yes, awaiting with bated breath! Don't give up now!

Vandalism. An invitation to others to do the same.