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| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Haggrad |
Posted - 12 Apr 2017 : 09:10:52
Would like to start by saying hello
We have been looking at boats for a while and as we are completely new to it we didn't know what we wanted it was the same when we bought our first caravan.
After looking at what seems like thousands we decided the Norman was for us.then the next problem which one ? Finally decided we needed one above 24ft with us the teenagers and dogs.was all set on a lovely ready to go then had a crazy impulsive exciting moment "let's buy a project".well have committed to buy a Norman 27 on 3 pictures and very little info. Will be getting more info from seller later today all I know at this point is its just inside renovation but until we see her it's blind guessing.but now the headache of storage will it float if not what do we do it was pictured with trailer but since been informed it isn't part of sale I'm thinking of storing goole Selby area does anybody have any suggestions and might seem like a really silly question how do we store on land if not in water without a trailer. Hopefully will have more info later can't even tell off the pics what engine if it's middle or end cockpit but at the minute focusing on where to put her how to get her there and start writing to do lists. |
| 7 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| df |
Posted - 18 Apr 2017 : 21:40:39
Before you do anything to it download the boat safety scheme guide and have a read so you don't end up having to rip your work out and do it again, getting it right first time costs very little to comply but re-doing gets expensive.
NBAS--The communal colostomy bag of the boating community.
 Visit leomagill.co.uk |
| Haggrad |
Posted - 18 Apr 2017 : 20:26:03
Thank you for the advice we have towed boat to boatyard on Monday the traffic was nice and quiet and it's not as bad as people would think she floats well all exterior is all done thankfully the very nice boat people was on hand to give the once over only going to be on dry land for a short time don't like the bottom of the boat in blue but that's personal choice and all our projects tend to be a roll the sleeves up and get started sooner we start the sooner we get to enjoy. fully understand the structural support and have cunning plans on how to utilise the limited space having had caravans understand the small confinement but still smiling got a lot of caravan spares shops around us and they are reasonably priced will get the sewing machine out for recovering. electrics have already been done and have a gas man and plumber in family which really helps so onwards and upwards will be enjoying the rivers and canals by June fingers crossed |
| Knighty |
Posted - 15 Apr 2017 : 13:03:37
Can only agree with above, I personally wouldn't buy a boat on a few pictures. Pictures can make even a project look good. Buying cheap rarely means cheap boating, costs can soon escalate then folk loose interest. If you have family and want to enjoy the boating life get a river worthy boat that you can tweak to your own demands. Chap next to where I moor my boat bought a 25ft boat as a project to get on the water with his young kids, over two years later and pulling his hair out with it the boat hasn't left the moorings and basically looks no different from two years ago if i'm honest. |
| stratford4528 |
Posted - 15 Apr 2017 : 07:59:44
I completely agree with cliveshep. I bought a Norman 32 and completely gutted it and rebuilt it. It took me over 5 years. First of all a lorry to transport back to my place. Then I built a temporary trailer to put it on.Then I bought a proper road trailer to carry it. Boats are money pits. I have more advantage than most people because I have the room to do it. Also I have a fully fitted carpenters work shop and I am a self taught engineer,electrician and plumber. So far I have only had 2 days on the canal with it. So as some one said there are many abandoned boat projects out there. I should know I have three more Normans besides my 32. Every one has full intention but don't realise what is involved. If you do go ahead I wish you luck and happy boating. |
| cliveshep |
Posted - 14 Apr 2017 : 13:20:01
You are a very brave man and wife indeed - confessing complete ignorance and to considering a 27ft "project" boat pretty much all in the same breath.
So - a husband and wife and a couple of teenagers? Please, reconsider the project aspect and buy something you can at least stick on the water and use even if far from perfect. I seriously fear for you and your family - you will need to get serious with this project, be totally committed to the exclusion of all else, budget at least twice what you think it will cost, and embark on a learning curve for skills you never knew existed and expenditure on tools you have hardly heard of but will find you cannot do without.
If you have good DIY skills and a committed and willing family to back you up then go for it, but if you don't want to spend hundreds of hours and thousands of pounds getting the thing in a fit state for the family to go away on do consider spending a little more for a "goer".
Either way, you'll find endless advice on here so don't be afraid to ask - trust me, no question is stupid. Well, asking if it is supposed to go pointy end first or flat end might be a bit silly but no one expects a novice to know anything, and we all learnt from others or our own mistakes, or good advice.
But trust me - do ask first BEFORE you rip anything out. Walls in boats are called "bulkheads", they don't just create cabins, they are most often structural elements keeping the hull in shape, same with bunks and cockpit lockers, and in any event you'll need anything you rip out as a template for it's replacement.
One vital first tip if you do decide to go ahead with a project, buy a good 6ft spirit level - this is not a joke. One of the hardest things to get right in a creature that is all weird compound curves is the line that will need to be level side to side (athwartships)and end to end (fore and aft. Get it wrong on your project and you''' walk uphill to bed, or down hill and the water in the sink will be higher one side than the other - a dead giveaway - or when you open the toilet compartment door the thing slides out into the cabin.
So when you chock up on land, spend a moment standing back and looking at your present nightmare/future dream, and visualise it on the water. It will probably have a dirty waterline already, but does it look right? If it had (or still has for that matter) half a tonne of bilge water that line might hold the bow down and when you look at her she just doesn't look "right". The spirit level is to make sure you get the boat chocked under it's keel to the fore and aft line YOU want, and then to ensure that side to side is perfectly level.
Then whatever you get up to you can be certain of one thing, you'll put in bulkheads, floors, bunks, cupboards etc perfectly plumb and level and everything will be perfect. When the day comes to launch and your dream lurches to one side with it's nose down you ballast it with bags of gravel or lead or scrap metal/old chain in appropriate places until your level tells you it's correct. Of course, people and stores will alter trim but it's up to you to stow sensibly.
You can always leave the fattest teenager with grandma if it helps the trim LOL. (Just kidding) Good luck and welcome to the aquatic nuthouse where volunteers are always needed to pump the bilges!
Finally living the dream!
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| trevork |
Posted - 12 Apr 2017 : 13:48:33
And another welcome.
How are you moving the boat to where you want to work on her?? If you need transport, Tony Tugboat is highly recommended. Tony would also be able to advise you on how to store and work on her on land.
http://www.tonytugboats.com/13.html
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| df |
Posted - 12 Apr 2017 : 09:35:38
Welcome to the asylum.
If it's a 27 it will be centre cockpit, on land should be chocked up on the keel at regular intervals preferably near the internal bulkheads and supported at the chines to keep it upright (main weight should be on keel though), most marinas will chock for you, if the trailer can be borrowed and has rollers you can often use a good jack and carefully withdraw the trailer as you chock but be very careful on a 27 as it's a big heavy lump.
Check under for any seacocks or open holes, if none or sealed it should float fine, may as well sort any problems on the underside first though.
NBAS--The communal colostomy bag of the boating community.
Visit leomagill.co.uk |
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