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Apologies for the long post but we have a real head scratcher. So we have a 93’ harboro boat. We have done a series of modifications including fitting a Victron multiplus 2 with 7 batteries and a new calorifier (75lt) with a 1kw immersion. We have also removed a very light bench style sofa and replaced with a sofa bed barn sofa all of this fitted to the port side of the boat. We noticed a slight list and so planned to remove a small amount of ballast. On the weekend we noticed that the bilge pump was kicking in and when we investigated it the engine bilge did have sufficient water around the sides of the engine (not under the engine pan). At first we thought that the calorifier had leaked as the pipes leading from the engine to the calorifier were empty - we called RCR who we paid to swap the calorifier and the engineer thought the water in the engine bay (was yellow) was coolant but he couldn’t locate a leak and opted to send another engineer at a different time. The second engineer came and checked the pressure on the water system which remained at 6bar although we couldn’t see any water in the header tank (we could still see water in the header tank when the first engineer came and we haven’t run the engine) anyway the second engineer cleared the water system and said that the water was sitting on the port side swim (uxter) and running down into the bilge and that he felt it was a slight leak on a weld or rust letting water through the uxter plate or through the side. we had the boat out of the water in May and blacked it and we didn’t see anything worrying. We replaced all of the stern gear and had to cut a sufficient amount of steel from the back and this was noticeably thick and well preserved much to the shock of our welder who thought it would be thinner. We have booked to get out of the water to investigate but I suddenly thought of something else. When we run the immersion heater and the victron is running the temp is c32 degrees and higher in the heat that we have had the last few days. Could we be creating crazy amounts of condensation in the bilge (all the heat stays in that area) the cooling tanks are directly located in the same area on each side of the boat Some additional points we do get rain in the bay as the gutters are poorly designed could this increase the amount of condensation? we also painted the bilges and cleaned everything in April again didn’t notice anything untoward, the boat had a survey a couple of years ago and the chines were worn so the previous owner paid to have a full over plate of the base in 6mm steel this was pressure tested and we have the receipts and could see the work when we had the boat out of the water in May we have removed the ballast and no longer list slightly but still creating very small amounts of water from the same place the temp is currently 26 degrees according to the victron and the outside temp is 18

Hi everyone, we are new to the community and new to boating, so looking for some advice on a boat we are considering buying (for a small business with commercial mooring; not live aboard). Before viewing the boat we were advised (by boating friends, sadly not local so couldn't come along) to look out for rust on the waterline and in the bilge. There seems to be rust in both areas (see pics), though we're unsure how superficial. The owner unfortunately has not had a survey done, though it has been out for reblacking about three years ago and he says should be slightly overdue another three coats now (Comastic). It's a 55ft 1999 narrowboat which will also be needing a new engine. Obviously we'd be looking to get a full survey done before commiting anything, but my question is, based on these issues, is it worth it at all or would it be better (particularly given our inexperience) to walk away (or possibly try to haggle down substantially)? We're not shy of doing the work, but would like to pay a fair price and know what we might be walking into. Perhaps estimated price ranges (for boat or work) would also be useful, though I know this might not really be enough info to go on. Thanks in advance! Attached are some pics we took of the rusty areas:

Hi. I'm doing some research for a book, a thriller. The plot involves a family traveling from Llangollen to Sharpness near Bristol via the canals and finally a small section of the River Severn to the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal to Sharpness . They are doing it in a 30 foot river boat type (birchwood 33 gt) Can anyone confirm that this rout would have been possible in the late 1990's between 1995 and 2000. The rout they want to take is: Llangollen to Hurleston Locks Shropshire Union Canal to Autherly Junction stop Lock Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal to Stourport-on-Severn River Severn to Gloucester Gloucester and Sharpness Canal to Sharpness The places I am concerned about are through Worcester and Gloucester. It seems to be possible now from what I can see here: (https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/canal-and-river-network) But would it have been possible in 1995? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you

Just come up to get the boat ready for trip at Easter, but can't fill the water tanks as the tap at Calcutt top lock is not working. Tap turns but no water. Too **** snowy to mess around going to another water point if that is closed as well! Anyone any idea why it is not working? Thanks!