What a pleasant day today.  A wee bit of rain but that was soon over and the clouds parted to reveal a beautiful Winter sun.  Lottie had an itchiness about her today… a cleaning itchiness.  She’s off school due to an hospital admission where she was discharged yesterday.  Nothing serious in the end but suspected appendicitis to start with hence the admission.

Anyway, up onto the roof she goes giving it a bit of a clean.  Reappearing about half an hour later asking for the Brasso.  “Our mushrooms are black!” she exclaimed.  Reminiscent of expensive Truffles I’d say

I was inside the boat when I heard Lottie talking to our neighbour.  I popped out to mingle and he said that our mushrooms were way beyond simple Brasso treatment alone and nipped off only to return with a little box of magic under his arm.

After a lot of rubbing, both abrasive and non-abrasive, he brought one of them up a real treat.

I’ve now ordered the products he recommended and bought them online from Miracle Leisure.  Once my supplies arrive I’ll send Lottie back onto the roof to sort the remaining mushrooms out!

As we’re not able to use the standpipes to clean the boat I’ve had a brainwave.  I’m going to wait for the next ‘downpour’ and wash the roof off.  Free water and a rinse as well.  Sorted!

I had a good old natter with my neighbour.  He’s a very experienced boater and has lots of handy hints and tips – plus he’s a really nice bloke.  I tried to absorb all the info he offered to store for a later date should I need it.  Which of course, I more than likely will!   We discussed our chimneys and old boiler flues along with secondary double glazing, window seals and condensation.  I’ve been put off replacement double glazing as it will come in at around £5k+.  I certainly need to replace the rubber seals though as they’re perishing before my very eyes.  I will now try to find a tradesman that can do the seal replacement for me.

All in all it was an hour very well spent.  Thank you neighbour

I also had my last visit from Chris Berry who came to furnish me with my boat safety certificate. I’d passed some weeks ago but was having a bubble tester installed so he came to pass that off prior to giving me my certificate. All done now and no recommendations either. Pucker!

Although I only know Chris by way of my safety certificate and full boat survey, he’s a boating expert. And that’s for all types of water craft including sailing. He was very interested in my Helmsman’s Course and if he decides to go into that line of business too it’ll be a good thing as there aren’t any ‘employable’ instructors in this area hence my having to employ someone from up North. If you’re in the Wiltshire area and need a survey or safety certificate and of course, tuition, then give Chris Berry a call on 07710 175871.

I’ve included some more photos from the top of my boat including the offending boiler flue, chimney and dirt

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