Hi Mike
Presently we are using mains hook up heating, i.e oil filled radiater and a fan heater, these are adequate for life in the marina. We have decided to install a Webasto diesel warm air heater, we have discussed many heating options with friends, and decided this one would be the most suitable for us. In winter, condensation is our greatest problem, we are slowly working our way through all the lockers and lining them, this is proving very worth while. We keep meaning to buy a dehumidifier, this will probably help greatly, but its another big box wanting space in the boat.

When we eventually (few years to retirement yet!!) set off, its definately somewhere warm and sunny. Mike has great commitments to the RNLI (search and rescue) as he is a lifeboat station manager, so this as well as work limits our sailing. Presently we just have to sneek in the odd weekend and holiday.
Sue

Ok thanks Sue. Maybe someone else will see this post and comment. I did a lot of research before re-fitting my boat. A lot of work...but it was worth it. I've been kept warmand safe by all the work I did for the last 12000miles. Have you installed heating yet. Also are you thinking of going north or south when you do head off?
regards
Mike

Sorry Mike,
but I cant give you much info. We bought the boat from the lad (Andrew) who had sailed her across, from the States, the year previously. As far as I understand, the vat was paid during the years she spent in the British Virgin Islands, all we have is the letter of proof of her stay in the BVI, and the paperwork from the customs when she arrived. When we bought her we were obviously concerned about VAT as we had never bought a foreign boat before, but the broker (who also owns an American boat) assured us that it was the 'importer of the vessel' who was responsible, rather than the future owner. So if there had been any problems, they would be directed straight back to Andrew.
A friend in the Marina has an 'Oday 304' from the states, but again he purchased it in the UK.
Sorry that I cant help with more info,

Sue

Hi Sue,
Could I ask you about bringing Boats in from the States? I've been thinking to do that, but heard stories about paying Vat, and Euoepean cirts of conformity. Was it dificult?

Hi Mike,
On my first visit to the forum, while I was playing around, learning how to use and store information, I saw the non conservative yachties site and thought that could be good, hoping to get some good ideas, but was disappointed to find no subjects or information anybody had posted.

We are presently fiitting out, to make the boat more suitable, for living aboard, in the cold/damp climate that we live in. Previously before we bought her, she was on the East Coast, USA.

As we work Mon to Fri we only do short weekend trips, hopefully in the future, further longer trips will be allowed.
Sue

Hi Sue & Mike... I wondered what the non conservative yachties forum would be about..... I'm interesed in the use of materials and ways of working to make passage making and living onboard more comfortable...and a bottle of wine and chat