Leaderboard

The odd thing is that that the Hull was originally built as a 72 foot livaboard with full length cabin which against the builders advise had a vertical sides, and once complete the buyer cancelled the order. She was then reworked by said builder with topsides removed and purchased by David and Brioni for the eventual working Boat Stokie No1to come to life. It had been a dream of his to work commercially, but it was not to be. We lost Dave my best friend, in 1995. I then with Brioni made it happen. We with help of Brian Greeves, " Blacksmith Afloat" and the late Brian House fitted tanks and a pump donated by the late Sir John Knill and his son Jenkyn, we started selling fuels as an RDCO (registered dealer of controlled oil) in 1996. So in effect, she has gone full circle. We won the IWA Cressy Award (Best Live aboard) three times and the AJ Ritchi Cockeral for best working boat once. There are other notable things that Stokie achieved, as well. A long time ago, Granada tv did a documentary on her revealing that she was the only working boat with " Mobile links to the Internet", ( I'd built an office under the sheets complete with pc and 20 " monitor, printer and scanner....) When we lost David, the hold was full of sawn trees, we were the first working boat to unload at Bradford on Avon wharf since the war, . Discovery channel used Stokie in a tourism documentary. An episode of the antiques trail was filmed at Dundas with her. We faught the demise of low tax diesel by forming the Red Alert campaign. Lots of other things too. Yes, she made us proud. If only she could talk.

I’ve just posted these pics on Facebook and thought I’d post them here for you non-facebookers! What have we got here? Tycho, Oxford, Aldgate, Greyhound, Darley (Will Newton)- or at least the bow, Greenock (with blue tops), Stewart & Lloyd’s No. 1, Atlantic, Governor, Maureen (Ex-Electra) Not sure if Stratford or Pacific were there so maybe they were on contract... Paul

Once again we're running a series of traditional canal crafts workshops. Our team are really keen that these skills & crafts are passed on from generation to generation and kept alive on our living, working waterways. Many CWDF members have had enjoyable weekends on our previous courses. Our first course this year is Roses & Castles with Phil Speight weekend 23-24th Feb 2019 It's a fabulous two day hands on Workshop where you will learn how to paint traditional narrowboat roses and castles with renowned master Craftsman Phil Speight. Phil's skills, knowledge & passion for this traditional method of decoration shine through to guide, teach & inspire trainees. You don't need any previous experience, just an interest in this fascinating traditional skill & a desire to learn. Lunch and all materials are included, plus you'll take away your completed practice board. The course takes place at our working boatyard at Bollington Wharf. Throughout the year we'll be running more courses including signwriting, boat painting, fendermaking and advanced roses & castles. For more details of all our courses & dates see:- https://www.bollington-wharf.com/canal-crafts Cost: £135. We require a £50 deposit to secure your place. To book, please just call us on 01625 575811 or email enquiries@bollington-wharf.com Cheers, Brian - NB Alton

You seen the weather. that cold the dam tape wont stick to make the patterns. I got the pattern for the top section near done then it started to bloody rain. In the end i give up as i was just wasting good time so got on with the inside sanding it all back good ready for lining out. I started the varnishing inside but i made a mess of it and is full of runs so that will be sanded back here and there. Next time i will roll and sponge the varnish on to give a thinner coat, will need a few more coats but better than faffing sanding it back. Gutted as i had a week of to get some work done on the canopy but still time. Its more cash flow now thats going to hold me back to get it launched as a few things have come up. always something. Still i am sure it will ready for the 18th May 2019. Not 100% done but enough. Oh yes steering is near all set up, new cables etc. Just looking for some stainless steel plate for the outboard mount. Captain Faffer

I love this photo and apparently Cath was enjoying herself

I followed the ebay link and saw the pictures. @Graham Davis, you are responsible for me now having to go scoop out my eyeballs with a spoon. Jen ?

Under bed operations complete, and battery covers all in place. The wires are the USB cable to the Arduino, and a remote reset switch, as it's necessary to be able to reset the processor to upload new code. Second photo is after the usual junk has been returned to the under-bed space Third photo is control panel. The new BMS interface is the dial on the right. MP.

I learned some time ago to stop wondering why when it comes to boats. That way, madness lies Richard

Here's a bit of winter snow and ice, at Castle Mill Boatyard, Jericho. 1973.

No comment

I am sure all boats in Amsterdam are electric and also in Copenhagen in Denmark? which only goes to show it can be done, On a different note my electric motor in the widebeam was fired up in anger today, didnt move anywhere but it was straining at the mooring ropes

But public opinion is currently more concerned with city air pollution, hence the move to limit diesel vehicles entering city centres, wood burners being DEFRA approved and banning the sale of wood not ready to burn. So to clean up city air is the priority, later (when London) is in danger of flooding will climate change move to the top of the 'things to put right' list, then we can worry about all the CO2 caused by sorting out city air. As to boats, in a few years time I can see diesel boats in problem cities being banned unless they have emission controls (Euro 6) with an up to date test certificate showing that their emission controls are working. Before then I can also see many city moorings being for 'smoke free boats' only, ie no solid fuel/diesel stoves running and no engine idling. Be cold or be electric.........

He could "crowd fund" any export fees - I'd contribute towards taking that thing off the UK inland waterways!

Stowe Hill on a Frosty Morning

The UK taxation regime is such that an increase in refinery gate price means an increased tax take for HMRC. Forecourt price = Refinery gate price + petroleum duty + VAT on the whole lot. Yes, a tax on a tax. Shocking isn't it! The figures I could find were only for road fuel -- not sure how big "X" might be, but perhaps a figure between 1 and 5 (percent)?

I did?. It's difficult being absolutely precise on a forum. I was referring specifically to the illustration kindly supplied by Jen-in-Wellies, for my particular setup.

Not really needed. If it starts smoking all the tarantulas will start coughing and wake everyone up.?? N

Well, I like them, not sure how that relates to her mystery electric bits though

Sometimes calling a halt and having a rethink is the best decision. I'm sure with knowledge gained at this attempt that a better job will be done next time around. Prefer this action to a possible open ended job which could a have serious seasonal impact. Hope they can make the first lock more single handed friendly whilst they are at it. Yes.