Addvise needed

[dennirc]

Hi I have just bought a Shetland 570 I have not yet picked it up as its still in Wales and I'm in Coventry It has been used on the sea , and has a big outboard that has had oil feed clog ond ruined engine pot, but as I want to use It on Canal Im told I need A four stroke 9.5 the man I bought It from was very good and told me he had a ( or 10 hp he would let me have I just hope it will be a 4 stroke, IM completly green on the ways of being a boat owner and verry excited at same time, would like to know wwhat I have to do regarding safty certs morrings ECT and in what order should I do them an approx how much, she has been standing as I know about for to five years the white cabin is green with algee, I have not looked inside her yet but belive it will not be too bad I just fell in love with her straight away, Im not rich so have to be carefull on my spending , But if someone would give me advise on what to do first untill great day to launch, I wll be able to put her at back of my house for a short while (I hope) as land belongs to council I already have permition to drive my car accros to gain back entrace to house
Thanks in Antisapation Dennis

[daveinglasgow]

Hi

Ok big questions so lets start by saying how a boat looks is an individual thing so I will concentrate on the safety questions and usability.

Trailer: You must check the bearing before you tow her. If there is any play then you risk a wheel coming off . Also have light board and tie down straps/ rope. As you only plan to tow this once as long as the boat fits and the tyres are ok then this should be enough to get you home.
Engine: a 4 stroke for the canal would be a lot better but buy from a dealer if you dont know about engines and size is about right but you would also get away with a 7hp. A 2 stroke though cheaper will use more fuel and will not like going at slow speeds.

Re safty certs: this is a big area and depends on what you have in the cabin and where you are moored i.e. do you have gas or any other fuels in the cabin for cooking, heating etc? The best and quickest way is to speak to your marina but do have the following before you ask : fire blanket, first aid kit, fenders, ropes, a throw rope, working navigation lights etc.

re hull: jet hose down or just a hosepipe and brush will work and then you need to anti foul with for freshwater. This is nasty stuff so I would use old/ cheap rollers to apply it and v old clothes with gloves on to protect you.

hope this helps.

Dave

[boris]

hi, just done exactly the same - fell in love with a total wreck, which i will do up as a project over the summer [wrong way around i know, should have done it over the winter] i too am in the midlands and boats in london!!! And it doesn't come with a trailer - anyone got a V.cheap one to suit a blackhawk or any recommendations for a cheap 'boat mover' if there is such a thing. No experience with boats so this is gonna be ablast!!

[deeandmartin]

Hi, well done with your purchases, you would do well to look through the old postings on the old site the link is shown above the postings section, they are a mine of informaiton and you can still search for specific details. We purchased our first boat a 535 in spring 2008 and carried our lots of refurb work (pictures in the gallery under Goldned Days 535), We now have a 570 and about to start all over again. Good luck, the working on the boat is nearly as much fun as cruising!!!

[goodevans]

Hi folks,
Regarding the 570 being used on a canal a 7-10 hp is ideal but make sure that it is a 4 stroke otherwise you will smell like 2 stroke oil after every trip as you will not be able to travel fast enough to get away from the smoke. Any questions regarding the boat safety scheme can be found on the British Waterways website. And of course by your friendly Shetland Owners Club member. Don't go out buying loads of safety items without reading the book first. As I also live in the Midlands I can put you in touch with an examiner when you are ready. Regards Andy

[sarahmc]

hi and welcome , i too bought a 570 over a year ago now and it was a shell , a wee bit of time and effort and you will have a good size useable and easy to manage boat , mine was used in loch lomond all last year , photos on site under sarah mclaughlin , i have now down sized to a 536 safety first , as i was out on my own a lot of the time , but sticking to shetlands , heres to another good season of boating , all the best wi yer projects , keep yer chin up ,

[boris]

Thanks all,
Woke up this morning with one of those 'oh s***t' moments, what have i done!!!
It seems a bit daunting, but having property managed a number of properties including electrics, carpentry and rebuilt classic cars in the past, this can't be too hard can it????
Still cant come up with a trailer solution and if can borrow one, how the hell do i get it off to give the trailer back??

[boyjim]

Hi Boris
Have a look under "Useful Links" at "Small independent boat haulier"
You never know it might be cheaper than you think.....
Regards

Ray
www.centralboathaulage.co.uk

[dennirc]

Just like to say thanks to you all for advise up to now especially Dave as I never thought about the trailer told you I was green It seems first get it back after safety check trailer, hope to get it to rear of house up a 9ft 6inch entry straight into space for it then start work on her , This is somthing I always has a dream to do, whoo its like falling in love again