Jocave

I do agree with your first point , as this is the first boat I have owned I have done all the usual checks like checking all the gas connections and pipes are in good condition and have installed a carbon monoxide and a couple of smoke alarms, but obviously there are items that do not comply , as disappointing as this is I want to ensure the boat is as safe as it can be , myself and my wife and occasionally family members spend a number of nights every few weeks onboard, I don't have the expertise to know if everything is safe so quite glad that some potential issues have been highlighted, we might only have one more summers use out of this if my wife's condition continues to detiriate at the rate it has so far ,so how ever much it costs to put right ,at least I will be able to sleep soundly at night, maybe a bit chilly if the heating is coming out..

Not seen the report but the marina have said various issues with the gas installation and various issues with the heating installation, won't know exactly what issues there are until I get up there next week, they are not too good with technology I asked them to scan and email me the report but they said they didn't know how to but they could post it second class, they didn't even tell me it had failed two weeks ago, Its hard work getting anything done ,I'm quickly going off the idea of owning a boat if this is what I'm up against.

Thanks for all the advice, I've had it done now and its failed spectacularly

Ugh , one thing I hate about this time of year, I know they are only out and about looking for a mate but if I see one its going to get squished, sky remote, phone, shoe, whatever is to hand, I can't stand the things I have been known to sleep in a different room if there was one spotted but can't be found, don't mind anything other insects or crawly things but house spiders give me the creeps.

Glad to hear it, pleased I haven't wasted the best part of a day sanding and varnishing the flag pole..

Was out today moored up minding my own business when an elderly couple walked past and the guy said "nice boat fella but you need to lose the flag" just replied thanks and carried on doing what I was doing, is there any problem with an inland boat flying this flag, it was on it when I bought it and 75% of the boats in the marina are flying it

The Bss expired on my boat at the end of last month, for various reasons its not yet been done , hopefully this week if all goes to plan but not 100%confident as I've been let down twice before, just wondering if this is a major concern and I am OK to still use the boat ,RCR state that any boat covered must have a current bss ,but more concerned that my insurance will be invalid if I had an accident..

Not hired it but we had a look around it when we returned Golden emblem in August, looks a very nice boat ,can't comment on how it performs but would be interested in any feedback you have after your trip, zircon will be our next hire for 2018

Robin just follow your heart and don't get too hung up minor details, if its something you have always wanted to do and are now in a position to do then just go for it, you can um and ah over things and then before you know it its too late and you have missed your chance, you don't know what is around the corner ,anything could happen, you are still young (well youngish) fit and healthy you can obviously afford it so why not, its only money and you can't put a price on happiness, at the end of the day you can't take it with you so spend it while you can ,if it doesn't work out you can always sell it later on down the line, at least you tried it, lots of people put things off and then something crops up whether its a health problem or a financial hic up and then you will always think "I wish I had done it when I had the chance" I have a long list of things I wish I had done but due to the other half's health issues I no longer can , our boat purchase has been the best thing we have done , it may only last another year or so but at least we have experienced it and we can always sell it when the time comes, OK we might lose money but who cares , go for it Robin and make sure you blog the whole experience, looking forward to following your journey....

Glad you managed to squeeze in at Horning ,and sounds like you had a good time..

Brinks serenade would be ideal after watching Robins review but unfortunately its booked up.

Thanks for the suggestions I will check them out now..

Had a chat with the good lady and its been decided that a week at the the end of September would fit in just perfect, I have two weeks holiday left to take, our boat is coming out of the water for a pressure wash, anti foul and I'm hoping to pop up to do an engine service and replace the rotten wood on the transom, but that should be done the first week , that leave's the second week free to head back over to Broadland, the search has started , wouldn't mind venturing past wroxham bridge this time as its somewhere we have never explored so far so looking for a boat that will have a low enough air draft, looking for something with an outside helm or at the very minimum a sliding roof so maybe a centre cockpit , needs to have low free boards or a lowish rear well or low step for the wife, only the two of us but would prefer something larger so as to have space to store a wheelchair without tripping over it all the time, any suggestions welcome to help us in our search..

I will check out eBay now I know what I'm looking for , was hoping for a cheaper solution as its only for an occasional table .

Perfect thanks for that

Yep that's the one ,just need to find out what size I need, thanks http://www.norfolkmarine.co.uk/shop-online/metal-seat-support-60mm-pedestals-p-3004.html

Thanks had a look but still can't find anything in the UK , I really only need the top part, I can buy the complete post and top and bottom mounts but as I want it in the same position as the existing seat post I would rather not buy the whole lot ..

All sorted managed to squeeze the Whale one in even though it was three times the size of the old one, works a treat now pumps out quicker than it fills up ,it does make a rather strange noise but at least we won't forget to turn it off..

Not even sure what they are called so even the correct name would be a great help, thanks

I'm looking for something similar to the mount on the bottom of my helm seat that slides over the post, I'm wanting to make a small table for when we are sitting in the cockpit, everything I've googled so far either swivels or slides or tilts ,I just want something basic that holds still for a 12" table for the wife's glass of wine, does anyone have anything lying around or can point me in the direction of somewhere that sells them , similar to the picture

That's good to hear , I'll report back on the noise when its fitted..

Ordered a Whale gulper from the Chandlers ,they are matching the online price and can get one for this coming Monday so happy days ,soon be back in action , another job almost ticked off the to do list, only 15 or so more to go..

I took the old one in with me and the guy chuckled and said "blimey not seen one of those for a good few years" so spares are a no no , the motor itself is full of rusty water so I think its beyond fixing.

Thanks but i need one tomorrow and I'm up near Preston, the Whale is listed at £103 , I can get one cheaper online but I need one sharpish, don't mind a bit of a drive and don't mind paying for something decent and maintenance free just wondering what else might do the job ??

That's the one currently fitted, best pic I can get as its located it a rather stupid place