Jump to content

Leaderboard

Popular Content

Showing content with the highest reputation on 27/09/20 in all areas

  1. This post cannot be displayed because it is in a forum which requires at least 10 posts to view.
  2. This day in 2013, Yangzhou, China. The first photo is of restaurant/trip boats, the second is a flood lock between the various waterways in the city, the third is coal being delivered to a local power station, and finally, do we need these lads to clear weed on our canals?
    3 points
  3. This post cannot be displayed because it is in a forum which requires at least 10 posts to view.
  4. If you have a laptop you can buy a 'snake' camera with a USB plug on one end for about a tenner.
    2 points
  5. This post cannot be displayed because it is in a forum which requires at least 10 posts to view.
  6. 2 points
  7. If it is controlled by a morse lever, then spare cable(s) of the right length. If you are lucky, then the same spare can be used for gearbox and throttle.
    2 points
  8. This post cannot be displayed because it is in a forum which requires at least 10 posts to view.
  9. I think that the dates will change in line with cars, I fully expect 2030 to be the cutoff for ICE in cars and boats.
    2 points
  10. Heck Road bridge has reduced air draft because of a subsidence due to mining. The legal air draft (1968 Act) is 3.8 metres and the maximum recommended now is 3.6 metres. British Waterways tried to get the Coal Authority to pay to have the bridge raised but the Coal Authority resisted legally (successfully) owing to the fact that empty barges were still passing underneath without difficulty by ballasting and pleasure craft didn't have a problem. As part of the study into the carriage of containers the bridges, Goole to Stourton, were all measured some years ago and Heck and Stubbs (3.76 m) are the only ones below 3.8 metres at normal water level. Seven are between 3.6 m and 4 m (albeit one is 3.99 m!)) - 4 m being considered the minimum air draft for containers at the time. The bridges (heck in particular) are monitored by a qualified CRT surveyor following comments from users but the surveyor tells me that Heck bridge has settled down and doesn't seem to be moving. Of course the water levels can fluctuate slightly and that was also discussed in the report. I recall the 500 tonners when tankers doing exactly as has been described when passing under the lowest bridges - very occasionally it didn't work! The comment about lifting bridges is interesting as the rail industry has being using simple techniques to achieve this quite successfully for electrification. Regarding the new traffic to Leeds Andy Collins (AC Marine Aggregates Ltd) reminded me the other day that it's actually 14 years since we first met to discuss his vision for getting sea dredged material into Leeds. This was based on his (correct) belief that as local quarry sources dwindled and new quarries would not get planning permission, marine material, which is more expensive than land-won would eventually be competitive in West Yorkshire. CBOA and ACMA have worked together on this since then, firstly with the Crown Estate (owners of the material) who have been most helpful, then many meetings with dredger operators in the UK and abroad (Van Oord provides the dredger). About five years ago we were at the stage when it would be economic to bring a dredger into the Humber and again there were numerous meetings with wharf and port operators. At John Branford's suggestion Hardings in Albert Dock were approached and could provide the facility needed. Inland terminals and wharves were then looked at including two in Knottingley, and two or three sites in Leeds, including Knostrop which was then available but the time wasn't right in terms of local material availability etc. By mid last year it was beginning to stack up. Knostrop's open space was fully let (apart from the wharf itself which is protected) but one of the occupiers agreed to give up enough space for storage next to the wharf and while agreeing terms and changing leases took longer than any of us would have wished we are now delighted that the traffic has started up and will hopefully increase. The vision of Andy Collins and his family and colleagues has been justified! regards David L
    2 points
  11. They should use the electricity from some of the wind turbines to power other turbines as fans and blow away some of the clouds that obscure our solar panels and cause flooding when they rain. A virtuous circle. ?
    2 points
  12. This post cannot be displayed because it is in a forum which requires at least 10 posts to view.
  13. This post cannot be displayed because it is in a forum which requires at least 10 posts to view.
  14. This post cannot be displayed because it is in a forum which requires at least 10 posts to view.
  15. I too was interested in the answer to Matty's question because I felt the statement he queried was somewhat misleading to say the least. It seemed to imply that @Aegidian held a license/approval from CaRT to be a boat mover. I also felt he was trying to imply other boat users may not be so licensed. In other words typical marketeers near lies and distortion to gain an advantage. I think the sentence @matty40s should be rewritten so it says exactly what is offered along these lines: "I have CaRT trade plates so am able to move an unlicensed boat on CaRT waters.
    2 points
  16. The elephant in the room when it comes to Gov.UK's Marine 2050 Plan is in the underlined word above. It can't be sustained. When I worked in industry if were to put any proposal before a board with such a woolly, unmeasurable objective I'd have been ordered out of the room immediately, my esteem in tatters. Likewise any board or executive would be delighted to accept any objective using the word "expect" as they may ignore it and not fail. "Well you expected and we did our best" In many languages the words "Wait" "Hope" and "Expect" are the same word. In fact in English they are often interchangeable. The dictionary says - Anticipate, hope for, look forward to, presume, suppose. None of these verbs are what they call Action Verbs, they are suggestions only, or at best what is likely to be preferred. (Definition of an Action Verb - Action verbs, also called dynamic verbs, express an action whether it be physical or mental. An action verb explains what the subject of the sentence is doing , has done, or must do. Expect, Hope and Wait are not dynamic, can not be demonstrated nor observed.) So, when it doesn't happen, the explanation will be. "Although we signed up to this 5, 15 or 30 years ago, we always knew new technology and immense capital investment would be required. Sadly it was not forthcoming, however progress in different areas have assisted us to reduce blah blah blah anyway." None of what I am saying reflects my personal preferences regarding Gov.UK's Marine 2050 Plan. However I fully expect, hope and wait for your assurance that I do eagerly await the opportunity to discard my 50 year old boat because of its treacherous diesel engine.
    2 points
  17. This post cannot be displayed because it is in a forum which requires at least 10 posts to view.
  18. Adge Cutler wore a smock late into the 20th century. It can't have been a poor person thing, because he had a brand new combine harvester and 23 acres, and I'm not sure he didn't go on to marry a woman with 43 acres.
    2 points
  19. In the end these self entitled types are doing their best to make life harder for liveaboards that understand that discretion, and occasionally going without is part of the gentlemen's agreement at the core of our lifestyle. Demanding 'rights' in the manner of a petulant child after more sweets, when it has already got away with eating 20 doughnuts comes to mind when looking at the situation they have engineered for themselves.
    2 points
  20. Therein lies part of the problem, I suggest. You are focussing too much on negativity, death and disaster. I call it catastrophising - dwelling on the worst possible scenario. Which is a very powerful way to descend into misery and depression. Try to have some happy thoughts, dwell on nice things instead.
    2 points
  21. Machete, especially if you are on the Thames and adventurous.
    1 point
  22. Wire, 2 mm^2 in red and black, a comprehensive set of crimp connectors and a proper crimp tool.
    1 point
  23. A couple of other thoughts occur to me. The Lady seems to go to great lengths to protect herself and others then says she leaves her nose uncovered. A sudden sneeze would infect others and she can be breathing in aerosol infection from others. Yes I know the mask isn't to protect the wearer but by drawing air through the material it must reduce the force of intake and so probably the viral load. Most railway platforms are open to the air and so not an enclosed space, which means the girls didn't need to be wearing masks until they boarded the train.
    1 point
  24. Thats 2 members I have met today, wife in stripy jumper? Reply with booking came through at 0707 this morning
    1 point
  25. 1 point
  26. I have a theory that three boats can fix anything. Between them they will usually have the parts, tools and skills to sort most issues. It doesn't seem to matter which three boats either!
    1 point
  27. A spare domestic water pump is a good idea. The cheaper ones seem to last around four years or so in full time use I've found. If the engine is relatively new, or you are reasonably sure it has been looked after, then these are less likely to be needed. An older engine then more likely. If the engine has a twin alternator set up, then a bit of hot wiring can get one alternator charging both battery banks temporarily until the duff one can be repaired, or replaced. A set of jump leads to jump the engine from the house batteries after the starter battery died got me out of trouble once. One good thing about having some tools and spares on board is the ability to help out boaters you meet that are less well prepared. Doesn't have to be boaters either. I once helped a tow path cyclist fix a flat tyre! Jen
    1 point
  28. I'd recommend fitting out in water rather than on hard standing, especially if ballast, engine and drive train are not already installed. A hull doesn't always sit exactly the same way in the water as out of it. I know land fitted engine/gearbox/reduction/prop shafts that were perfectly aligned on land but ended up wearing out bearings within a short time once under way. I had a boat years back that jammed every door the moment it was on dock. It only needs to flex a fraction.
    1 point
  29. I said... ' I don't think'.... and..' in my opinion'. I didn't say I knew.... I stand corrected ( said the man in surgical shoes)
    1 point
  30. This post cannot be displayed because it is in a forum which requires at least 10 posts to view.
  31. I'm sorry, I have to correct you there, from mid December to 12th jan, the town trees all sprout lightbulbs, it's a seasonal crop ?
    1 point
  32. I appreciate that you like to and choose to work long days when boat moving in summer. But I do struggle with your logic here. Would you expect your boatbuilder or engine repairer or electrician or plumber or... or... to work long hours for a standard daily rate just because it isn't dark outside until well into the evening?
    1 point
  33. This post cannot be displayed because it is in a forum which requires at least 10 posts to view.
  34. I think that very few boaters will be converting their boats at 12K a go so will give up. Hire companies won't be converting either because very few people will hire a boat that will be very expensive and spend half their holiday charging it. The only electric hire boat I know of is on the short Mon & Brec. The popular cruising rings like the 4 counties, Stourport ring, Avon ring etc will no longer be doable in a week. With the demise of the hire fleets and reduction of private owners CaRT & EA will have a much reduced income so the canals and rivers will go into a state of dereliction. This is just my opinion but having had a chat recently with a hire company guy whilst re-fueling my nasty polluting diesel boat was of the same opinion.
    1 point
  35. I have the biggest garden in the world, ohh, it is the world. But alas its all sea water.. Should have said If I had a garden?
    1 point
  36. The closer you can get it to you the better - even if it involves additional transport cost - you will enjoy the process more and find it much easier to deal with esp deliveries and keeping on top of the process esp quick 1/2 jobs in an evening to maintain progress ie "this just needs another coat before I can move on" Have you decided on her beam yet Have fun we need pictures..........
    1 point
  37. This post cannot be displayed because it is in a forum which requires at least 10 posts to view.
  38. I cannot disagree - the 'thing' is that much of the world has signed up to the same targets. Particularly the EU who have stated that they will be the first to reach the target, but 'the race has started' with the UK saying the same. It matters not to me - I'm unlikely to be around in another 30 years, and, if I am I'll not be boating.
    1 point
  39. Anyhow, I am not going to continue this reputation tarnishment exercise, I only move boats now when I have leisure time between boat paints so go for it, just dont make yourself out to be what is unobtainable in this field. Because you and me arent.
    1 point
  40. This post cannot be displayed because it is in a forum which requires at least 10 posts to view.
  41. While at the same time dodging my point on gas fridge safety in relation to other fuel burning appliances. As I said, you'll get a lot more CO emitted from your solid fuel stove so if you're worried about no safe limits everyone better get rid of their stoves too. Actually your stance isn't in agreement with the manufacturer because you're citing a safely issue and the manufacturer isn't. Gas fridges aren't approved for use in any vehice in which the base angle goes off horizonal by more than a few %, not just boats, simply because the gas cut out will prevent the fridge working in such situations. I suspect the boats the manufacturer had in mind weren't flat bottomed canal boats which largely ply flat water.
    1 point
  42. This post cannot be displayed because it is in a forum which requires at least 10 posts to view.
  43. On what used to be tidal moorings behind Three Mills a rope was attached to the handrails fore and aft and passed under the boat then attached to the pontoon. The theory being if the boat did stick then the rising pontoon would tip it a bit and pull it free.
    1 point
  44. "...they bought a bigger boat in order to start a family." Is this like "they got married as she was pregnant"?
    1 point
  45. I must admit that if I see someone not abiding by the guidance, I just keep well away from them and in no way do I consider it my job to try to change their behaviour. In fact, if I see anyone breaking the law ( eg by speeding in their car) I don't think it is my job to get them to slow down. Good grief, if I did that I would spend my life looking for folk not "behaving" and telling them to mend their ways. What a sad life that would be. With Covid, as with many other things, I just do what I think is right and what keeps me safe and leave others to do their own thing, although I do avoid them ? haggis
    1 point
  46. Leccy bollards to charge an electric boat are high current ones. Not only does there need to be the bollards installed, but a high power grid connection needs making and if there isn't already a cable nearby, then this will be even more cost. I've suggested before on the forum that CaRT start with a network of charging points on the popular hire boat cruising rings. Diesel is a large expense for the hire boat fleets and some turn over their fleet every so many years, so having some of their fleet electric would be a big help for them and little difference in build cost for new boats. This would encourage more private boaters to go battery electric. From there the network can be expanded to the less travelled routes. The capital cost of the bollards is a problem, but an incremental approach over the next ten years or so, with payback from selling the electricity could pay it back. I've seen no sign that CaRT is even thinking of the future of boat propulsion at the moment. It seems to be concentrating on walkers and cyclists for its future. The Broads Authority are well ahead of them, with charging for electric boats available. Jen
    1 point
  47. There are always going to be people who refuse to follow rules, guidance and guidelines. Just look at how many "Ccers" don't CC. What makes you think the general public are any different? And we are not in a worse situation than we were in in March. We did not have large scale testing at that point and were only testing hospital admissions. The true numbers infected were far higher than the number of confirmed cases suggested.
    1 point
  48. Of course I sound terribly lazy, we have however to get the house ready to rent out, sort out loads of other things as well...if we fail to find someone able to do it then of course we will do it ourselves, but just hoping to be able to spend the last few days getting the house ready for our tenants etc. Its all happening at once, as it so often does when you take severance and early retiruement and suddenly find yourlsef thinking ...what the heck have I done. But thanks for all the advice everyone, I hope to be able to wave at many of you on our travels coming up.
    1 point
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.