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Newbie question re bike storage: I'm in the initial stages of planning a 57 foot trad stern bespoke Narrowboat build for full time solo continuous cruising. I will be using an electric assisted mountain bike (pedelec) pulling a cycle trailer as my primary off boat transport. I want the bike to be easily accessible, but secure when I'm away from the boat. I am currently thinking of building a 'bike shed' into the boat design, and I'm wondering if there is a reason why I shouldn't. Let me explain... I am planning on a tug design, with Boatmans/guest cabin, engine/laundry room, bath and small galley area, and the bow saloon doing double duty as lounge and main bedroom. This to be achieved by the bed rolling two thirds under the tug deck during the day (bottom third forming a sofa), rather in the style of a boat I read about called Electraglide. The tug deck above, with a hinged cratch cover could then offer dry under tarp storage in winter, and a summer sitting out space. My thought for bike storage is to put a 'Potters Cabin' forward of this tug deck and as far into the bow area as possible (the boat will be gas free so I don't have to worry about a gas locker.) I'd intend this 'cabin' to be the same height as the living quarters, and the bike would store vertically in it, so would need only to be inches wide at its narrowest, broadening to slightly more than the width of the handlebars., forming a vertical bike locker/shed. I had in mind a curved, 30s style 'streamlined' effect, like an Airstream caravan, or the Mallard locomotive, with the tunnel lamp set into the locker and a charging point for the pedelec inside. My main concern, as a complete newbie to the practicalities of liveaboard issues, is whether having such a cabin presents any operational difficulties, particularly for a solo boater? It will make accessing the bow stanchion trickier, for example. All thoughts/opinions eagerly awaited...

Hi all! When I got my boat it had a rusty decommissioned pump out tank. This summer I replaced it with a new plastic one. The tank is under the bed and had a load of polystyrene and other materials above it. Do you know whether it might have been put there for storage as they had leftover polystyrene, or was it to insulate the tank? If it's the latter do I still need it there with a plastic tank? The reason I ask is because it would free up about 5'x 2'x 6" of storage which would be perfect for storing instrument cases. Any thoughts very welcome as I'm currently rebuilding the bed (complete with hydrolic hinges to access storage) and if I can do away with the polystyrene and box the poo tank in, it would be much easier at this stage! Many thanks!

I see some great roof boxes. I am looking for a roof box - no lid as going to use canvas and want the base to fit the roof (i.e. curve - not on legs) Can anyone suggest where these may come from? Are they made by individual chippies because I just cannot find anyone on the internet. I think I remember seeing a box like this at Crick Boat show this year but cannot remember who it was that made them.

Interesting use for an old metal clothes locker - seen at a local cafe (as evidenced by my half scone!!). Might not work with a modern boat but if you are into industrial decor....

Hi We have a u shape kitchen. We want to put a food storage area under the gunne, in the walkway through the kitchen, to store tins of food and jars. Has anyone got or seen a tin storage area under the gunnel they could share a photo? I am looking for idea's Thanks