In which I visit Granny in her Aynho care home

Wot, no cruising log?  No.  Granny's been at Aynho Wharf for three weeks now, waiting for the assorted surveying, insurance claims and work to fix my diesel leak disaster.   Until that's done, I can't really stay on the boat.  I could cruise it, I guess, but only for the day and I'd need to return it to Aynho Wharf each night.

After the diesel problem came another: the water pump is leaking.  I'm not sure if this was a result of a sharp frost after the heater failed, but the surveyor said it would have to be a separate claim, if at all.  Sigh. 

Hopefully the work will begin this coming week.  Ian and the gang at Aynho Dock Services will remove the remaining fixed furniture (cupboards) in the saloon area, along with the stove tiles.

They will then pull up the floorboards and remove the rockwool insulation and diesel-soaked concrete ballast and clean out the bilge as far back as it goes (hopefully no further than ten feet).  New ballast will have to go in, new floorboards and new tiling in the stove area.

But while the floor's up, this is a good time to inspect the water tank and replace the water pipe, which has always rattled noisily.  I'll also ask Ian to put the water pump right at the front, close by the water tank, and in a sound-damped box.

Once it's all back in place, what to do about the carpet?   A carpet on a narrowboat is a hostage to fortune and a waste of time, I've concluded.  It's the only reason why I need a vacuum cleaner aboard!  Far better to have a wipable, moppable hard surface, and to put down rugs for softness.  You simply shake the rugs outside to clean them.  Of course, I'm probably the last person to have realised this, and what took me so long?

It's occurred to me that I've never done a guided tour of Granny Buttons.  I never tidied up, never took proper interior photos, and gave you a walk-through. I think it was the long, large, smoothly furnished saloon that persuaded me to buy the boat in the first place.  Now, if I ever give you a guided tour, it'll be a substantially different one, at least for the front half of the cabin. 

Comments

[Clive E.R. Field]

Well said Nick!
What wonderfully encouraging words for a boater with a problem.
Keep smiling Andrew.

[Nick]

Hi "Granny Buttons"

Just a quick message to say keep your chin up during this time away from the water.

I often dip into your website to find out what you are up to and where you are - so it's sad to hear you are stuck waiting for repairs. I'm sure it will all be worth it in the long run and give you an opportunity to do other maintenance at the same time.

I'm a frequent holiday narrowboater who's always fancied your way of life - but as you've probably heard from many people - they want to do it but for various reasons don't get around to making the leap of faith!

Anyway keep up the good work on the website. I enjoy dipping in late at night with a glass of wine in hand to see what's going on. It makes great reading.

All the best

Nick

[Mark Brentano]

Hi. Great site. I also live in a narrow boat and, take it from me. get rid of the carpet. As soon as I saw the grim trail of ingrained mud running through my boat when I bought it, out came the Stanley knife and up it all came. Underneath was good oak flooring which I sanded, stained and varnished. This needs redoing after every winter, but a mop and bucket is a lot easier than a vacuum cleaner. Enjoyed reading your site. Regards Mark