Leaderboard

I can bear personal witness to the dangers of the windlass. I was working the paddle on the downstream gates of Bath Weston lock (the big lock that is the first on the River Avon). The spindle is very awkwardly placed and I must have failed to hold the windlass fully onto the spindle and it flew off. It DID hit me in the face - I literally saw stars and staggered back - I was lucky not to fall into the lock. I had a cut below my eye and a very bruised temple. Unfortunately I had suffered damage to the eye and eventually (after 6 operations at Bristol Eye Hospital) lost the sight in that eye. I manage OK, but I have to be very careful judging distances especially when driving - parking and reversing are a real challenge. I have fitted extra mirrors to the car (and the boat) which helps, but spatial awareness is compromised.

Prolly doesn't, it's another in the stream of pointless questions she is well known for.

It worries me when I see a windlass left on a wound up paddle and as well as standing well back I suggest that the windlass is removed and explain why. It is not just hirers who might be forgiven for doing it but I have noticed an increase in the number of presumably boat owners doing the it. It worries me especially if there are children nearby Haggis

Don't worry, I have a spare! And also a wife with more sense than me, who's dispatching me shortly to empty this one anyway.

Just as well! If you don't appreciate the Listers, you are hardly a suitable custodian for the boats!

Rubbish windlasses, use a proper solid square one with a taper in the square. These junk ones have no taper! both bits of tin have the same size hole.

Here's an interesting historic boat one of only 3 made excellent local pedigree https://www.shipsforsale.com/en/ships-en/shipid/1043/raddningskryssare_3_gemini-explorer/

Can I just say that the folk doing flower beds & tidying by the NIA are mainly volunteers,my husband being one of them.Volunteers are not the ones to contact & update people-they are minor cogs in a very large wheel.

Thanks also Jennifer. We're just about to start the Leicester section of the GU and that was very useful.

I am interested in this topic because I have been thinking about taking Dotterel on this trip. I have had a look at her hull and the lowest downflooding point is the front door sill via the front deck drains. The most threatening are probably the engine bay side vents. They are 30cms above the water line with the boat level and no crew on board. Coincidentally a nearly identical boat from Alevechurch moored opposite us last week and the vents have been covered. See pic. Should I think about doing something similar and sealing the front door for the tidal bit? Also if seal the side vents should I ventilate the engine bay through the deck? Cheers Graham

Me for one.

Whats it like to have to sleep on your abnormal side? ?

Ive been using the canal here recently and find it hard to turn a 40ftr around. That combined with how shallow it is at places. The maximum size of boat that can navigate the canal islength: 55' 2" (16.8 metres) - Firepool Lockbeam: 12' 6" (3.8 metres) - Higher maunsell Lockheight: 7' 3" (2.2 metres) - Huntworth Bridge (No 12) and Obridge Bridge (No 36)draught: 4' 6" (1.36 metres) - cill of Higher Maunsell Lock Like Magpie Patrick said you could probably cruise from Bridgwater to the first lock and maybe turn around at Wide Waters but not guaranteed. You can get craned in at Bridgwater Docks outside the animal feed place. If your that interested why not hire out one of the plastic boats or charter the narrowboat from http://www.somersetboatcentre.co.uk Its the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal not the Taunton and Bridgewater. (no E in bridgwater) that's one way to annoy the locals

That’s better. Its all about maintaining harmony - no-one has disagreed with you on that point.

Was up at 4:30 so our Morris side could dance up the sun ...... some may scoff but who knows what might happen if we failed one year

Correct - fingers faster than brain !!!!

I think that's the key description. Out of interest, what's the hull of this boat made of? Did the basic survey cover this?

Your boat is ruined, I'll give you fifty quid for it. Robbing myself at that price but mates rates.... what can you do???

I know people are concerned that the restricted hours will ruin the challenge but it is a challenge and we should respond to that challenge and plan routes that cope with those time limitations. We might all end up on the same route but that would be fun too. Cheers Graham

Food Hygiene ratings explained: Ever wondered what the food hygiene ratings mean that you see in pubs, cafes and restuarants? Most people know that higher is better, but what might you typically find in a kitchen with each rating? Jen-in-Wellies explains. 5 Might just about be acceptable to your Mum. 4 Similar to your own kitchen. Mine on a good day. 3 The rats have been trained to wash their paws before entering a food preparation area 2 Rats in the kitchen have obvious bubonic plague symptoms. 1 Fewer rats than 2, but only because they have already died and the plague fleas are looking for customers to bite. Jen ?

Yes you can but the more panels you lose, the keener you'll get on drilling and tapping holes.

My boats full of web developers, they all come abseiling down from the vents and hatches.