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An update..... I found a CV boot that was the right size. Works well and looks neat.

Just before Xmas I picked up this model of an old narrowboat. It is 39” long and done in what might be described as ‘a naive style’. I think it is a real beauty! i’m wondering if it is a model of the Hardy that was in the news this year for sinking, and that is being currently restored.

**Pud admires her new pair of earrings in the mirror**

Last time I checked she hadn't got to me, I suppose I should check I have been a touch vulnerable the last few days

Water tanks are a bit like batteries on boats, You can have as much capacity as you have room for and can afford, but you still have to put back what you take out

Hi, joined a week or so ago. I am first engineer on a gas bunker vessel (big tanker). I have boated on canals a few times and find it a massive stress reliever. Intend to buy a boat when I have learnt more about narrowboat life and had a couple more hires under my belt. regards

Closer to home...

A mate of mine was servicing his and phoned me with a cry for help. He’d removed the leg and replaced the impeller and was driving the shaft with a cordless drill. When I looked at what he was doing I asked “Are you sure you’re turning it in the right direction?” He reversed the drill and out spurted the water. He said “Please don’t mention this down the pub!” So I went down the pub and said “You’ll never guess what Bob was doing...”

Exactly! 4mph is too fast for many situations and unnecessarily restrictive in others. Given I don't even have a speedo fitted, I pay attention to my wash relative to the condition of the canal, moored boats etc not some imaginary speed limit. George

One of the greatest insults you can call a working boater. To quote the retired narrowboat captain I visit, "We wern't f****** gypsies, we worked for our livin."

I agree you won't currently be able to get in the basin, but turn up outside and say "Help!" and you are unlikely to be ignored. Won't be Paul at the moment though.

Oh no, hope you both feel better soon.

Did you have a survey before purchase ? (Good luck)

Welcome to the forum. I dont know enough about the layout of a dutch barge so cant really answer about water in the bilge but a lot of boats have such a flat bottom that if you find a pool of water and clean it up, water from the rest of the floor will flow back to that area. Therefore keep mopping it up ie ten or more bucket fulls and see if it stops collecting there. Having put some grease in the stern gland it may have stemmed the leak now and you are just seeing the water that has come in in the past month. Then again, you may have a leaking window, leaking water pipes etc. Running the engine in gear might increase the leak if it is coming from the stern gland. Mop all the water out and if it is still collecting then get someone to look at it. Hopefully someone on here will volunteer to come out. If it is coming in too quick and you cant find anyone, call RCR (River Canal Rescue). They will charge you to come out, but they will help diagnose the issue. Then join the RCR for future problems like this!

With one notable exception.