You have to maintain a houseboat just like you maintain a house. We raised the boat on land in 2014 and rebuilt and renovated most of it then, but there will always be things that need to be fixed. Right now we actually had not thought to fix with the boat, considering that we are busy getting the motorhome ready for departure at midsummer. But then there was one thing that absolutely must fixed ...
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ShareWheels are usually ... round, right?
Our gangway is constantly moving between the boat and the dock and often makes a little noise (mostly in a cosy way!), but lately it has been squeaking, creaking and whining more than ever. When I took a closer look at it, I realised that one of the wheels was no longer so much... a wheel. At least not if the definition of wheels includes them being round...
New wheels and a new colour for the gangway
It became urgent to fix the problem and Peter bought new wheels at the Tellus shop at Fridhemsplan. It was a bit tricky to change, as the gangway is constantly moving and rolling against the bridge. But of course it could be solved! Peter pushed the gangway onto a small wheeled trolley for toolboxes while he made the change ...
While he was at it, he decided to paint the gangway too! It was only painted with primer and had started to rust, so something needed to be done. It was both sanding and painting with new colour. We did not really have time for this if you say so, but it turned out well!
Projects in progress?
Do you have any renovation projects going on this summer with your house, holiday home or apartment? Or perhaps with your boat or motorhome/caravan?
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Lennart says:
Maintenance is important if it is to last!
14 June 2017 - 7:10
Helena says:
Yes, that's it ...!
14 June 2017 - 14:30
Ama de casa says:
Yes, I'm quite convinced that wheels are meant to be round... Nicely done!
I probably aim more at travelling than at renovation right now. Nice with a "new" apartment (at least it was brand new in 2003 when we moved in, time goes by... 😉 ).
Have a good day!
14 June 2017 - 7:36
Helena says:
Nice to be able to focus on travelling! It's never wrong (at least we don't think so) 😉.
14 June 2017 - 14:31
Mr Steve says:
Maintenance is important. It is so nice to see houses, houseboats, motorhomes or whatever are well looked after. It also saves many problems, unpleasant surprises and unnecessary costs if you take care of maintenance.
Here at Getingstorp we have ongoing maintenance and we annually update a checklist that we then tick off. It feels safe to know that "everything" has been checked.
14 June 2017 - 8:18
Helena says:
Yes, it is true that it can easily become more expensive in the end if you do not take care of the maintenance! It sounds like you have a well-functioning system for your maintenance!
14 June 2017 - 14:32
Emma, sun like sun? says:
No, there's no entertainment here. Although I am happy to be maintained, but in a different way. We rent the house and the car is serviced. But yes, the garden must of course be maintained! And the pool ... Ouch too.
14 June 2017 - 8:34
Helena says:
Haha, I was thinking about the fact that entertaining has a double meaning 😉 And yes, it's always easy for something to be fixed ...!
14 June 2017 - 14:34
Lisa in the village says:
I really hope you get your motorhome sorted by Midsummer.
This year we have no renovation of our house, or holiday planned. Stefan is free in weeks 30, 34-37. But during his leave he will help his daughter and her family. They are renovating "the other house".
But we will probably go on a day trip, or maybe with 1-2 overnight stays somewhere. //Kram
14 June 2017 - 9:01
Helena says:
Thank you, yes we have to get the motorhome organised! It seems that Peter has fixed the reversing camera and today he will look at the battery. It sounds like it will be busy for you, but day trips can also be nice! 🙂
14 June 2017 - 14:36
Mr Nils-Åke Hansson says:
There's always something at home, it's windows that have been coloured.
14 June 2017 - 9:03
Helena says:
Yes, there is always something to fix!
14 June 2017 - 14:37
Anna, New York - My Bite of the Big Apple says:
No, that wheel was hardly round anymore. 🙂 What a great job to fix this yourself and so quickly!
We live in a huge house so there is always something to fix but nothing urgent. However, we are thinking of renovating one of the bathrooms. A big process, in terms of finding the right craftsman, making different choices etc. But fun! It will be so nice.
14 June 2017 - 9:17
Anna, New York - My Bite of the Big Apple says:
Hardly* and become*, of course, it would say. Accidentally clicked away too soon again. I never learn! 🙂
14 June 2017 - 9:20
Helena says:
Peter is a craftsman, so even if he is tired of that kind of work, he is good at it 😉 Exciting with bathroom renovation! Agree that it is important to find the right craftsman. And many choices to make ... but fun to get new 🙂
14 June 2017 - 14:39
Ditte says:
Yes, maintaining houses, houseboats, boats, campervans and cars is a "chore"...
No renovations here in the pipeline unless an "emergency" arises. Feels very good.
But fun with a new colour on the gangway when the wheel had to be changed anyway.
14 June 2017 - 11:30
Helena says:
Nice not to have any emergency measures in front of you! 🙂 And yes, the gangway feels a little new and fresh now 🙂 🙂
14 June 2017 - 17:10
Goatfish says:
Maintenance is key. Both to preserve it and for the sake of appearance 😀 It turned out great at your place!
Apparently the landlord is going to redesign the kitchen taps and bathroom fittings, anything to do with water, to reduce costs. Will be done any day now 😉
Sunshine hug ?
14 June 2017 - 11:31
Helena says:
It sounds good that they are doing things to reduce costs! Have fun!
14 June 2017 - 19:49
Ruth in Virginia says:
Last summer there was a renovation going on here. Started with a bathroom, then it became the kitchen. A wall needed to be removed. Then it looked
the old floor was disfigured. As for the fireplace - get rid of it; had not been used since the husband died. Big hole in the wall that became a new window. New floors upstairs and downstairs. It was nice, and some new furniture of course.
The house was built in 1974, so it was really time for maintenance. 🙂
Best of all - I am very happy with the result.
As for personal maintenance - Njaaa?
14 June 2017 - 12:26
Helena says:
Wow how much you fixed! But yes, sometimes it is needed ... and maybe good to grab everything possible when you are still going! Glad you were satisfied! Personal maintenance? Haha, what a funny comment! Some people just seem to be still going strong all the time without doing anything special 🙂.
14 June 2017 - 19:51
Snows says:
Understand that you needed to change that wheel which had undoubtedly seen better days. There's a playhouse to be painted here so it's just a matter of getting on with it....
14 June 2017 - 15:54
Helena says:
Yes, there was not so much to choose from when it came to the "wheel" ... Playhouse is perhaps more difficult to get started with because it may not be in a hurry ... but it's fun when you get order! 🙂
14 June 2017 - 19:54
Britt-Marie Lundgren says:
Here, houses and things are always in need of maintenance. We have a skylight that MUST be taken out and fixed this summer. Unfortunately, it must be done when the weather is good and stable for a few days ahead, while many other things attract if the weather is good.... There will be a Moment 22....
14 June 2017 - 16:16
Helena says:
Absolutely understand your moment 22!!! Hope that there will be many nice days this summer, then you do not have to have Ågren because you work when the weather is nice 🙂 ðŸ™'
14 June 2017 - 19:55
Husis blog says:
The owners say it's always something, but I don't know if I always believe them.... I'll get new tyres next week, otherwise I hope to stay well.
The owners have oiled their terrace so it will last another year or so, trimmed the hedge, otherwise it is only the usual weeds to be picked and the lawn to be mowed that are planned with the house.
14 June 2017 - 19:02
Helena says:
Haha, a bit funny that you don't completely agree on this ... 😉 New tyres are good and otherwise we also hope that you continue to stay healthy! 🙂
14 June 2017 - 20:05
Matts Torebring says:
I am the first to realise that it must have scraped, squeaked and sounded really bad. Either soothing to sleep to, or disturbing. Now it will be more comfortable, rest assured.
14 June 2017 - 19:56
Helena says:
Haha, yes... We like the different sounds here in the marina, but when the wheel was half scratched it was a bit TOO much... 😉 .
14 June 2017 - 20:06
gun says:
Maintenance is certainly important. If you have a house, there is always something to fix! Indoors, I'm painting the stairs and then I'm going to lime paint the furniture. Outdoors there is also painting:).
gun
14 June 2017 - 20:45
Deciree says:
Of course you have to maintain everything. Lucky you live in a boat and not a big house. Think you had so nice in your nice houseboat, you have both worked well with it. Hugs to you
14 June 2017 - 21:31
BP says:
Having a houseboat is in some ways about the same as living in a house/villa - it has to be maintained. Some say it's an eternal project;-)
Yes, our kitchen would definitely need maintenance (read: should be replaced), but we just can't stand being without a kitchen for three weeks. Oh HSB takes care of the rest - fortunately, including new windows and doors:-)
14 June 2017 - 22:42
Daniel@BringBlingToTraveling says:
Looks like Peter has good technique there with the grinding:).
14 June 2017 - 23:47