Happy

John and Mary-Ann. 50th post eh. I can see we will have to have a few drinks to that in May!? Regards Alan and Eve

About 2 years ago I purchased a 'Broads Beat' outboard cover for the outboard on my tender. This morning I received a telephone call from Hoverton police station. First reaction was panic-whats happened to the boat!? It was then explained that the call was on behalf of Broad Beat to explain that when using the covers "the original engine cover must be removed first". I explained that I did realise this but she explained the reason for the call was that two outboards had recently been stolen, both with Broads Beat covers fitted, but also with the original engine covers still intact! The mind boggles. Regards Alan

We went up to My Panache as planned on Thursday and Friday. Journey up took us 4.5 hours instead of the usual 3! However the weather was very kind to us and she is now re antifouled and looking pretty good and shining. Few more jobs to do but she can now go back in the water and return to Beccles. Hope to see you out on the water soon-I cannot wait! Regards Alan and Eve

Alan and Eve (aka Happy) Boat name 'My Panache' Hopefully Friday-Monday subject to no probs.

mbird, thanks for that. Whilst the boats out of the water my son is going to cut it back with some special stuff that we get from a body shop supplier (don't know the name of it and don't really get involved as its hard work even with a polisher!) after she is cut back then we are using an American polish for fibreglass which is supposed to 'be the best'-as were going to the boat Thursday, will let you know! When she is in the water we used to use wash and wax but will get some greased lightening for future use . Thanks. Regards Alan

Hi Alan, RanworthBreeze. Yes I did use the 'magic sponges'. I got mine off of e bay after seeing them mentioned on the forum. They are good, but I think a sink full of bleach used with them also helped! Regards Alan.

Hi John-Yes, what dedication. Just hope it lasts on Thursday and Friday whilst we are working on the boat as the pub across the river (which we like) is in full sight from the boat. We will have to be good and pace ourselves! Regards Alan. and

Well as stated we are up to the boat Thursday and Friday. Two good days and I reckon she will be ready to go back in. So much so that I spent all day on Sunday cleaning the fenders. They came up really well and it kept me out of the pub! Regards Alan.

So come on guys-anyone on the forum with more time (and brains) than me want to set something up? I will be your first customer!! Regards Alan

To add to my original post I think I can confirm the views of Strowager etc. Before I decided to give up on this idea I did e mail 2 people off the Boat Buddy site who appeared to be ideal candidates and guess what-neither have replied! Really should have spent the money in the pub!! Regards Alan

Thank you all for your replies to this. Seemed like a good idea at the time! I now think I should have spent the £25 joining fee in the pub and not bothered! On reflection I am NOT going to get involved. I have however arranged for four of us to go to the boat next Thursday and Friday and get her sorted, as long as the pub across the river doesn't distract us too much. Regards Alan.

Hi Hocham Admiral. Likewise, we (my son!) needs to polish My Panache before she goes back in. Have looked and tried various fibreglass polishes in the past years. Got any recomendations? Regards Alan

Hi Ranworth Breeze. Thanks for your input. Yes I agree this needs to be looked at in a proffessional manner. If I do decide to go ahead will take you up on your offer, Thank you. At the moment there are two guys on the listing that seem to be ideal-will keep you posted. Regards Alan.

Gracie. I think you have missed the point! Its not a case of just letting anybody take over the boat for a 'jolly'. After an initial meeting to see how both parties get on, a simple contract is drawn up to cover both parties and at that time the appropriate names etc will be added to the boats insurance. Simples! With Regards Alan

Hi Gracie. Only people with proven boat handling and maintenance skills would be invited!! Regards Alan ps Its worth Googling 'Boat Buddys' to read what they are all about

Hi, help please. Have any of you got any feedback on Boat Buddy please. Having had boats on and off on the Broads for around 30 years and living about 170 miles away, we don't use the boat as much as we should and I think its a crime to leave her moored up rather than being used. This scheme seems quite sensible but as I see it could be open to many problems! Any info please? Regards Alan

So now I am getting worried! You are all talking about getting your boats back in the water and we hav'nt even started on 'My Panache' yet! Its a round trip of nearly 400 miles for us so hoping for a couple of good weekends to get the jobs done and get her back in the water. Regards Alan.

Hi. The Barnes built boat was made for 'Broads' use and will be ideal if this is the type of boat you are looking for. You don't only have to think about buying the boat but maybe selling it again at a later date and I know that the Barnes would be easier to sell. Go for it! you will wonder why you didn't do it years ago. Happy sailing. Regards Alan.

Hockham Admiral-If it aint made of wood I wouldn't let him get near it!! Regards Alan

Well minor 2011, I totally disagree with your statement. I have had my own boat on the Broads, on and off, for the past 40 years and am fully aware that a great deal of hire boaters can handle a boat better than some owners! The Broads are there for all of us to share, £3 is not a lot of 'beer tokens' so leave the hire boats alone! Regards Alan

Ref. wooden boat. Sorry I gave the wrong item number. It should have been 221352958127. Must be an age thing!

650xs. Since you and many other forum members give me the impression that only wooden boats are 'real' ones, then you should all look at item 181301050258 on e bay. I suppose a few days work and she would be back in the water?!! Regards Alan

Have you got him that pint yet! I assume that as you are based in Kent that the work is being carried out at a boatyard near you? We also live in Kent and its exactly 166 miles door to door but more than worth it when we get there! Regards Alan

I assume the 'photo taken on 27th December was of Dave? He looks like he could do with a couple of pints after all his hard work! I am enjoying this. Keep up the good work! Regards Alan

I totally agree and belong to both forums and enjoy most of the contents of both and hope they get up and running again soon. Regards Alan.