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Can't see why we should expect an update or anything else apart from the satisfaction of knowing that we helped a bit. I didn't bother to update the forum with the state of my gearbox after getting helpful replies to my query, but I will if you like.

It was done for at least 2 reasons #1 the tyre stopped the knotted rope fender getting caught up on poorly maintained lock structures protruding bolts bits of bent metal plate & before you say don't let the boat touch the cill/ top gate it's some times in fact most times not possible with a 70ft boat in a lock only designed to take a max dimension 70 ft boat. #2 Do you like to spend money when not necessary? If putting a piece of tyre that is not fit for it's proper task around a rope fender will extend the coir fenders lifespan I'm all for it. If your "hubbie & yourself are in work that pays well (good for you to enjoy your hobby & replace a fender that wears out quickly, your call ) when it was your job that didn't pay very well & in cases where you had to pay for replacements making kit last as long as possible would not be classed as silly. I didn't do any pleasure/leisure boating, my boating on the canal 1958/72 was spent load carrying or Hotel boating both of which meant I had to make a living at it As an example the last load I carried for BW was a 12/14 hr day 5 day round trip which payed £23 I had to buy my own engine lubricating oil around £1 10 shillings? a replacement fender at around 1963 cost between £7 to £10 dependent on if it was made from used or new rope. So extending it's length of life was a must. A fender question from me why have fenders dangling down the side when under way when the boat has 2 or more full length welded guard irons Each to his/her own

It's payable on the broker's services, not on the boat. My sister, in the course of her job, once came across someone who was genuinely called Helen Highwater.

Or is may be because whoever stole the boat was a reader of this forum and learned where searches were being carried out, what the identifying features were etc on here. IF that was the case (I seem to remember there were suspicions on that front) I can understand why the Police may have told the couple not to say anything on here. Also, if that was the case I think I might understand the couples reluctance to say anything anyway. Just a thought. I must admit to feeling a bit uneasy about some folks views that we are owed an explanation. While it would be nice to know what happened, especially if like us you have a boat moored in that area, we may have to accept that one is not forthcoming. At least not yet. haggis

I'll get some new pics. This weekend as I cant take pics with all the stuff in the way, I'll have to have a look on the camera as it must have some pics on there from when we viewed her on may 1st

Do it yourself, they're your quotes. I don't have time to waste baby-sitting you.

Perhaps after their traumatic experiences when the boat was nicked they don't feel like coming on here and chatting about any 'boaty' issues. They may even have decided to sell their boat or perhaps even given up boating altogether.

On a vaguely related note are you going to let the forum know how your hire trip in September went? It would be nice to know. JP

Not so sure about that!. There are a lot of boaters who do not engage in internet discussions about the price of diesel or what coal to use and that is fine. No one says they have to or even should. As far as I can gather, they were unaware of this forum until their boat was stolen and they were pointed in our direction and it was great to see how helpful everyone was and the efforts that many on here put into helping trace the boat. I think that Graham and Chris only contributed to the thread about their boat and even there, it was others who kept us updated. I don't think Chris and Graham are "forum people" and seldom, if ever read this forum. yes, there are folks out there who don't :-) . I am sure that when they are allowed to say anything they will come on here and tell us more but I very much doubt if they will take part in other aspects of the forum. haggis

The only time I can see a boat being cold is if the fire or heating dosnt work. That said there are plenty of small heaters that can be used. I know I have a slight advantage that my boat hull dosnt get as cold but a bit of insulation on a metal boat must help alot. The heating costs must be lower in a narrowboat than in a house surly? I know quite a few people who would rather sit in thermals and thick jumpers than turn the heating up a few degrees in there house and not because they can't aford it They just have this thing about not turning the heating up. I'm the opposite ill have it cranked up so I can wear a time shirt and shorts in the house if i could. Hate being cold especially in my own house. I've been in quite a few boats in the winter and had to have doors or Windows open as its been so hot. I think if I was living on a boat i would def have a fire or heater with a boiler to heat up radiators there are lots of low cost diesel fire heaters around. I also have to admit with gas around alot of people won't have a fire going for cooking now unlike before.

I think those having a niggle at the moment have had little experience of how the system staggers along in this country. Regardless of it being Police, CPS or whatever. It can take so long to get something to court in order to answer a charge that it is common for them to instruct .... not ask .... request .... nor advise ...... they tell you not to discuss any detail of anything to anyone in case it helps the defence. They may even frighten you by saying that if they lose the case and can trace anything back to something you said openly they may charge you for wasting their time. So calm down everyone, they've had to put up with scrotes nicking their boat, now they have to put up with an under-funded, over-stretched system bumbling along making up its own rules dependant upon current pressures.

If whatever happened has lead to a crown court hearing it could be months before they can talk . As I recall there was enough speculation and negativity interspersed with the good stuff to maybe put them off further engagement.