LadyPatricia

Sorry Iain, I wasn't going to mention any names on here. Just after advice. I will of course continue with PM's to any relevant replies

After some advice please people. We've just got back from a weekend up at the boat doing some work. This was the first visit since the marina had lifted her out for the winter. We noticed a couple of bits of damage to the boat that were definately not there on our last visit. The canopy has some small rips / tears in it and there is also clear signs something has rubbed against it as the green on the canopy has been rubbed away ( the canopy has not been cleaned for a while ). Also the rubber around the edge of the boat has come away. I think this may be an easy fix though. My dilemma is how do i approach the marina. As sure as eggs are eggs they will instantly deny any knowledge of this damage even with photographic evidence and I cannot prove any different. How would you guys go about this Thanks Steve and Deb Edited to add attachments

Not sure anyone would want to tie up to our little 24ft, narrow beam norman. With the canopy up there is nowhere to walk to get from one side to the other That said, being the kind people Deb and I are, I would move and tie up to them unless it was one of those stag or hen parties then I would definately refuse. The Broads is about relaxing and meeting new people, sharing a cuppa or a beverage in one of the many lovely riverside hostelries. Life's too short and it's only one night Steve

The point of getting back onboard has got me thinking now. Are there any 'emergency' ladder type things available on the market? A sort of one size fits all type of thing Steve

Thanks for all the replies and thoughts. That pic Strowy has attached does show graphically how a crutch strap is required IMO looks like we will go for the automatic ones as well Steve

Evening guys n gals We are looking at getting life jackets as the one's that 'came with the boat' when we bought it are the big orange bulky things. Not great when trying to pass along the narrow free boards (I think thats what they are called) down the side of our Norman. We've found these on the web, any advice as to wether these are good or bad? http://www.crew-safe.co.uk/acatalog/Parmaris-Life-Jacket-Raider.html#aRaider_20Life_20Jacket_2e Hope the link works Steve

I'm not a drinker really because I drive all the time and It's against me to get anywhere near the car after a drink so I generally only drink on the boat. The 'beer run' Deb and I did for you would suggest otherwise young sir. All I will say is it was a good job we went in the van

Nice evening in for us. Not sure we will be awake to see the new year in, Deb working early again A very happy new year to you all Steve & Deb

Looking really good mate. You guys really are getting on top of it now, doing a great job The rate you are going you need to get that mooring sorted out ASAP Steve & Deb

Never thought of that JM, I suppose being able to see where we are going is a major point to take in to consideration

While Nav lights are being talked about May i be so bold as to ask some advice On our little Norman 24 we have port and starboard nav lights. Am I right in thinking that if we fit a 360* white LED on a mast then that will cover all the rules for navigating the Broads after dark? Also is there a regulation as to how 'high' this must be fitted? We will only ever be on the rivers if that information is relevant. Apologies to the OP for taking this slightly off topic Steve

We had a fantastic day. Deb worked morning and evening but was home for Christmas dinner, cooked by yours truly. I have 3 lovely daughters from a previous marriage who all came for Christmas Day. It was so nice to have all of them together again at the same time. Aged 19, 21 and 23 they are all doing their own things these days and generally only contact Dad when they want something . Santa was very generous to all and we all sat down to a lovely Christmas dinner. To sum up the day - great fun, great food and a loving and caring family all together. The perfect Christmas in my eyes Steve

Looking really good guys, Keep up the hard work and she'll be up on the broads before you know it A very happy Christmas to you from Deb and myself. We may pop up in the new year just to make sure you are not slacking Steve & Deb

Just love the brother from the hood. "Never hug a hoodie" ....... Priceless. Thanks Robin, roll on next year Steve & Deb

Here you go Robin, a very well known landmark Steve & Deb Sorry not converted to B&W.

You mean like these ones Gracie

I see what you mean Robin, a little like a threshold joining two floor coverings in a doorway. Definately something to consider. I'd love to go all out with LED lights and strips but Deb would go mad. I may write to MTV and see if they will pay to have all the latest flashing lights and gadgets on the boat ...... They could call it "Pimp My Norman" Steve

Ok, bit of an update, We've been and taken down the headlining in the cabin. The old lining was fixed to 4mm ply. We had a brief conversation with Alan (JawsOrca) when we met him the other week and got some really good advice and information, thank you Alan The old panels were screwed in to the fibreglass roof. Having seen what it is like behind the headliner now I'm thinking the best way to put the new panels up would be with strong Velcro strips. Any advice or thoughts? Originally she was fitted with 2 long panels running the full length of the cabin, We intend to make 4 panels instead of 2 for ease of fitting and removing if required. Can any suggest a place I can get the 'wood trim' to cover the joins in the 4 sections? Attached a couple of pics to show the cabin roof. Steve & Deb

Are these books available on kindle? Steve

You HOPE they are black

And a very Merry Christmas to you Iain and all NBN members. Hopefully Deb and I will meet a few of the lovely folk from here next season. It will be nice to put faces to names. Good health to you all Steve & Deb

Well that wasn't what I expected, made me chuckle though

Rusty Angel ....... I thought that was a plane that had been planted by its tail section Steve

Was a pleasure to meet you today and to be able to see all your hard work first hand Alan. Dave giving Deb a quick tutorial on painting a boat hull was worth the extra few miles , and will save us some time next year. You have done a great job and your hard work looks fantastic. You may live to regret you offer of help Steve and Deb

Thanks for the input guys, We will look at the HH site later Alan, I do recall you singing their praises in a few previous posts I have read. I also did see the great job you did with your boat Frank. The roof looked really smart. Does it not lose a bit of warmth through it in the colder months with no lining though? Steve