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Archaeologists have found the 4,000 year old remains of a river boat in what was the city of Uruk in what is now Iraq. It used bitumen based blacking on the hull. The article says they plan to put it in a museum, rather than paint the interior white and advertise it on Apollo Duck. https://arstechnica.com/science/2022/04/archaeologists-unearth-ancient-sumerian-riverboat-in-iraq/

I'm not sure why people are adding costs like food and wine to boating expenses? Yes, they're living expenses, but once you start including things like that where does it stop? Everyone will have different living expenses. Are you going to include your, car insurance, commuting costs, holidays, etc? If you want comparable costs it's best to stick to those related to the boat

I only realised recently, and it's not been noticed in six BSS examinations, that the nice louvre vents on the front bulkhead are screwed onto solid sheet steel!

Wow! Uruk was home to the eponymous hero king, Gilgamesh. In that tale there is also a reference to a flood survivor, the immortal Utnapishtim and his wife. (Yes, he's basically an early Noah). Anyway, old tablets unearthed referenced the use of copious amounts of bitumen to seal reed boats at the time. This lecture is well worth the hour watch.

It's because they stand so still. Wait til it moves, then you'll see it.

If I were a newby I would stay within the published dimensions, there is to much that can go wrong unless you have the experience to know how to deal with it.

Wood burners in the bedroom, you should sleep like a log.

The Ribble crossing is a much more managed event. Tarleton Lock will be manned and you will be despatched when staff deem it right for the tides and rivers - it is a complicated navigation, going down stream at first and then up stream, with tide having its own say on the matter. At the Ribble/Preston end it is also managed and you are likely to be held on the pontoon after the rotating lock to ensure necessary headroom. I also recall that the final locks are also managed as they are not straightforward. The river transit is also monitored in case you end up having to divert overnight to Preston. At least that has been my experience but it is a few years ago now. Might get there again this year . . .

Couldn't have worked that well or they would have found the wood as well. 😄

Ah. The Goole breach as everyone else called it ...

On this day today, outdoor street food, craft stalls, music and beer at Victoria Quays, Sheffield.

Thank you How about having a high pressure water mist to keep the curtain wet all the time

The curtains could be made from an old fire blanket.

I used to use a pin to stick on the photo. When I heard a spurt of air, that was the ball

Thanks everyone. Really appreciate all your insight. We are moored in Harlesden on the grand union at the moment. Natasha

He's been a member on here since 2013 so is he new to boats/canals or has just decided to put a wheel house on his boat?