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Well I guess instead of folk bemoaning the state of affairs on the canal they could do what they did 40-50 years ago (and some still doing today) and get stuck in and do something about it. Whist I agree there are some significant challenges ahead I do not see it as being as bleak. If you think the canals are bad now you should have been boating in the 1970s. I rarely now come across a lock that are near impossible to open and paddle gear that won't budge unless you stand on the windless. If anyone lives near Northampton then why not join in with the IWA who have officially adopted the Northampton Arm to look after and improve from this summer. They are having regular work parties to gradually improve the run down to the Nene from the GU. Wouldn't it be great that all the people who moan switch their energies into positive action and form groups to adopt canal pounds etc.

Does the same go with holding IWA and NABO to account?

Well, I suppose getting rid of linear moorings would clear a lot of us off the canal system completely. I certainly could never have afforded a marina mooring and have happily sat on farm moorings for nearly thirty years. It would leave the system nicely set up for the rich and shiny brigade (bit like the way they seem to want the rest of the country to be!).

If you buy wallpaper from the biggest manufacturers in the world, you would still check the batch numbers matched on the rolls wouldn't you? If you wanted to match exactly the colour of different types of paint, wouldn't you check that they are to a standardised colour? First? Sorry, but I think your criticism of Toplac paints is unwarranted.

Biggles has a big widebeam. My widebeam had a 19" x 13" prop on a 55hp engine but I had to have the pitch reduced to obtain more revs and more hp. It's now 18.5" x 11.5" but I probably could have taken a bit more off the pitch. Although I was advised not to reduce the diameter (because it would make it difficult for the prop to get water around the wide swims of the boat as well as reduce stopping power), I had half an inch taken off the tips of the blades just to make sure it wasn't too close to the uxter plate which causes cavitation. The re-pitch has improved things.

I love the Macc With the sun on my bacc.

Here's my take on it: Musings I want you to know how I'm feeling, Now that I'm fully retired. The fact is my mind just keeps reeling; I'm excited, renewed and inspired! Each day is a new revelation And each revelation a gift. Each gift fills my heart with sensation And I feel my whole being uplift. It's a joy to be out on the water; To feel the boat under my feet. To see all these things as I ought to, Simple and humbling and sweet. And then when I tie at my mooring And watch the sun setting at last, I need have no false reassuring, I'm happy with all that has passed. The birds are all courting and singing And the air is alive with their song. In the distance a church bell is ringing, This is doubtless the place I belong. GWL 2013

Perhaps English Heritage could become the Castles And Ruins Trust - that trips nicely from the tongue, "CART".

Can I point out that the remaindered waterways are in such poor condition that Tawny Owl only managed to cover 60 miles and 33 locks in 24 hours Richard

No luck with a part number from the reconditioners; so lets see what we can find using this photo of the business end of Bobs starter. There seems to be a distinctive cut out to one side of the upper mounting bolt hole; any vetus owners know if that is required to clear something on the engine? http://i657.photobucket.com/albums/uu293/eeyore_boater/20130626_1138102.jpg (Had to change to a link, as site objected to me posting the image direct from either Dropbox or Photobucket. Says that the extention is not allowed on this forum?) This according to vetus is the later starter. It has a vetus part number of STM9973 (from vetus website), and a mitsubishi part number of 31B66-00101 (from mitsubishi parts catalogue Nov '07) The engine backplate and flywheel remained the same after the starter change, so the earlier starter should fit. It has a vetus part number of STM7964 (from vetus website), and a mitsubishi part number of 31A66-00101 or 31A66-00102 (from mitsubishi parts catalogue Nov '07) The earlier part numbers produce the largest number of search results, but as prevoiusly posted the cross references are very diverse/unreliable. There is however a recurring reference sugesting that the early starter is likely to be the same as fitted to the previous mitsubishi K4 diesels. Some evidence to support this comes from the fact that the clearance between the starter and engine block varies, the later one has room for fingers, whilst the other does not. Hope this is of use. Steve (Eeyore)

Only half serious, I have the Samofa to use for this. I won't bid if you are interested. MtB P.S. I didn't go after the Kromhaut your sent me, many thanks, physically too large to fit. Otherwise I'd have gorn for it for sure....! !

Indeed so, and not at all in accordance with what they have to say in their terms and conditions when you took out a licence; 9.1. We will do our best to keep the Waterway open for cruising. The Licence fees are calculated on the assumption that you will be affected by closures from time to time and accordingly refunds of Licence fees will not be made for closures as described in this condition. The age of the Waterway will inevitably mean occasional unforeseen failure requiring closures. Essential maintenance work may also require closures but, except in emergencies or for other unavoidable reasons, we shall try to arrange our maintenance work to cause you the least disruption. This means that most work requiring closures will be done between the beginning of November and the end of March. There may be other occasions when, due to causes beyond our reasonable control, we have to close part or, (exceptionally) all of the Waterway. Arbitrarily closing a canal for a reason unrelated to essential maintenance is NOT what licence holders signed up for, and a complaint would be quite in order here

total agree a lovely place to moor, the restaurant was great and the food was amazing, we moored for one night for £8 on a Tuesday went to pay and the agent said come back tomorrow got up on the Wednesday went to the office and there was a notice on the door which read Shut on Wednesday, o well happy days

Had two days in the basin last week. Paid our money, hooked up and made good use of the electrical appliances onboard. Washed clothes, dried and heated the water. I don't think the charge is excessive. Some marinas charge a lot more and then you have to buy your leccy via a card! Wish there were more places like this on the system. Market Harborough is a loveley town, we really enjoyed our stop there.