LoneEcho

When I first started looking at buying a boat to live on six or seven years ago, I didn't have a clue of BW's requirements for moving as a CC'er. Actually, I didn't even know what the term continuous cruiser meant. Anyway, having looked at several builders, decided on a Viking, who arranged a viewing of one of their boats owned by a couple on th GU at Hemel Hempstead. I was sold straight away to the boat life. I was told by the new owners that you can stay here as long as you like, and no one worries you, no need for a mooring, the most you need to move is a mile or so in a year etc etc. Seemed too good to be true, and as I suspected, it was. Having read the terms of BW, and the continuous navigation of the system rule, I realised I needed a mooring in case they actually start to enforce the rules, so made sure I had a mooring before getting a boat. In the six years I have owned a boat, I don't feel that the rules have changed, just that, as I feared the enforcement of the rules have changed.

While on the subject of tape, I recently discovered self amalgamating tape, which I used on some exterior satellite cable connectors. Now that stuff really has got some dark magic in its production. I now call it Harry Potter tape!!!

Try Steph & Nigel, who own Roydon Lock House on the Stort. They now deliver diesel, coal etc all along the Lee. Lovely family and very helpful. Tel: 07961740953

Another vote for Tuckey, who transported my WB from Watford to Ely. The day before I was due to be put in at Upware, there was a problem with the crane, and Monica, who I was dealing with at Tuckey, was most helpful in sorting out another crane nearby. I can't comment on whether their price was competitive, as they came recommended, seemed very professional, so I never shopped around.

I was indeed using the wrong starting point (Boston Sluice Doors). It will be a long time until I even think about attempting it, but good to know that it is possible. Are you still planning on doing the crossing?

I have just had my widebeam (12') put on the Great Ouse system, and at some point in the future may have considered doing the crossing in the opposite direction. However, when I put my dimensions into canal planner, it tells me there is no route from Boston for a 12' past Witham Navigable Drain? Is there another route? Or have I just entered details of route (York to Boston) incorrectly? Edited to add, I have just looked at google maps and it looks like a very straight and wide stretch, so maybe canal plan has got the maximum beam of 11' wrong.

I was meant to be on Michaels boat (Falco) that day, but couldn't make it. Small world!!!

I hope there is a decent bakers, because my donut making skills are not what they once were. Looking through some old posts on the Ouse, and see you know my ex next door (mooring) neighbour, Shaun (What's The Rush).

I am not sure. My mooring is on Riverside Island Marina.

A very informative thread. After six years on the Lee & Stort, I am going for a change of scenery, and having my boat transported from Watford to be craned in at Upware, then on to its new home in Isleham. It is a 12' Widebeam, so am going to be limited as to where I can go on the system, but it looks like there are still enough places to get to for weekends and short breaks away. In a strange way I think I'm going to miss having to do a manual lock every mile or so. Thanks to everyone who has posted on here, I feel a lot more informed about what is held in store for me.

I think that's how it works. Mine seems to draw hardly any power when on.

By looking at the manual for the one you have linked to, it appears it has the same cooling fan that the Belling has. http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Technical/DataSheets/Baumatic_2014/BMbo610_5ss_020413.pdf

I can't see any reason why it shouldn't be suitable. Looks similar spec to one I had fitted in my new kitchen last year(link below). Mine does require 240v to operate oven as it has a small fan. http://ao.com/product/XOU60LPG-Belling-Gas-Single-Oven-Stainless-Steel-12006.aspx

Just an idea, as you have not lived on a boat before.. You could try a marina for a while and get use to boat life with a bit of extra comfort, electricity, gas delivered, water on tap etc. I am at Roydon, which is about 35 minutes on the train from Liverpool Street or Stratford. It has it's critics, and for me getting too crowded, but for location for London is hard to beat. Along the upper Lee & Stort there are several places along the tow path that are within walking distance to a train station that will take you straight into London. Not sure on the Lee situation nearer London but understand it's been very busy this year.

As far as I know Viking make the correct calculations (using measurements to the gunwale) and will only build a 70x12 vat free. I asked them if there was anything they could do about claiming back on my 60, but they said no. There is another popular company that I mentioned previously that argue that there narrow gunwales mean the calculation can be used using measurement to the roof. I understand that HMRC have accepted this, so may be worth looking into for any prospective buyers.

One of the companies that new & used use, build wide beams with very narrow gunwales and put stickers on the boat to state the fact. They apparently have successfully argued that because of the narrow gunwales, the gross tonnage calculation can be measured to the roof line. The company I bought mine from (Viking) will only do VAT free on 70x12, as they use the measurement to the gunwales. This actually makes it cheaper to buy a 70x12 than a 60, and why you see a lot of 70' Vikings.

I fitted similar in my kitchen. Mine were from mapplin, but worked out more expensive than the ones on eBay. Because I had read that some LED's like a driver delivering a steady 12v, I used one of these http://www.boatlamps.co.uk/contents/en-uk/d191.html

A man on our marina has underfloor heating on his widebeam, run by a 9kw Webasto. This is his only form of heating and thus far (this is his first winter) he is happy with it. I am not so sure he is happy with the cost of the diesel he is having to put in every week, and I have my reservations about how it will cope when it does get really cold.

I fitted a Yale wireless alarm system (link below) to my mums house this evening, and thought the kit would suit boaters who are thinking of going down the alarm route. The kit is totally wire free except the power to the control panel, which is 12v. When someone recommended the kit, I was not keen, as wireless systems years ago were very hit and miss, but after reading reviews on various sites, thought I would get my mum one. You can set it up how you want, with settings for entry points, length of alarm etc. it has an auto phone dialler but this would only be of any use with a landline. Personally, I agree with others regarding false alarms, and easy to access sounders, but as I say if you are thinking of an alarm, this kit seems very good value for money. If I were to fit it on a boat I would probably place the dummy sounder outside in full view with the active sounder somewhere more discreet, maybe even inside the boat. I would also get extra contacts for side hatch and maybe not use the PIR's if false alarms were to become a problem. For the time being I will be sticking with my trusty security system that runs on pedigree chum http://www.screwfix.com/p/yale-premium-wireless-4-room-alarm-kit/54473?kpid=54473&cm_mmc=Google-_-Product%20Listing%20Ads-_-Sales%20Tracking-_-sales%20tracking%20url&gclid=CLvUvK-chrsCFfMctAodFVQAGQ

There are cheaper versions I believe, but something like this? http://www.cameras4sports.co.uk/product.php?xProd=190&xSec=19&jssCart=08fdbb13e92f622844ece1f3b2312f2c

I have thought about a separet villa (currently cassette), but reading the info on their website has put me off. Apparently once the container has been removed, you then have to let it stand with the lid loose for six months before it is ready for composting or burying. So if I have this right, I will have to store about 3 or 4 containers of waste for six months before they are even ready for composting. If I don't want to compost it, it is safe to bury apparently, so would have to find a suitable place to dig and bury it. Combine this with still having the liquid to deal with and I can't see the benefit (other than possibly environmental) of them.

I had the same problem after changing my last bottle. Removed the regulator from bottle, checked connector for burrs etc, nothing, refitted and still a small leak from where the regulator screws into the bottle. Removed regulator again and on further inspection of the valve on the bottle found a tiny bit of grit where the regulator couples with the bottle. This was enough to stop the metal to metal joint from making an air tight seal.

I have recently had one of the kits from ebay (mine was direct from the website of someone who advertises* them here from time to time). MIne was a full kt, with a new thermotop c 5kw unit. Items missing from the kit were a mounting plate and exhaust skin fitting (I knew this before ordering), £570. The kit is now installed and runs very well and according to the engineer who fitted it (approved webasto and bss examiner), very quiet compared to some he has heard. That's the good bit. The downside is that I don't expect I have any warranty, despite the 12 months mentioned on the website. These kits are imported from eastern europe and apparently the wiring loom does not resemble the wiring loom of the official marine kit, but the engineer soon worked out where the various plugs and wires went. The seller had little knowledge and was little help when we wanted to confirm what certain wires of the loom were for. To sum up, I took a choice and for me, it paid off (until it goes wrong anyway). Could I recommend buying one? I would find that hard to do, due to the risks involved. I think some heating engineers may have had trouble with the loom, and I was lucky to have someone who knew webastos inside out. *edited to add. "Advertises" may imply he pays, or has anything to do with this site. Spams would have been a more accurate word.

A friend of mine on here, had a very similar trip to that a couple of weeks ago.

Thanks for the link Nick, I will take look and see if they can do anything at such short notice. Laurie