Baron & Mrs Boater

In this months (July's) Waterways World there is an article on page 92/93 about the "Captain's Perch" - might be what we are looking for ?

Going through a bridge hole the other day, I saw a cocker spaniel just like mine running along the towpath - it was mine ! She has not done it before, and she was cursed - I guess I will be thinking of some form of dog fence now.

Blimey - I am so impressed, both by your bravery in tackling the project and the speed in which you have completed it. I know its been said before, by many, but well done - you have inspired me to do all those jobs I've been getting round to for ages. When you pass Norbury - I'll buy you a beer !

It did look lovely - August isn't that far away - absence makes the heart and all that ! Have fun with it, and keep that engine shiny !! Matt

sorry, back on topic why not try http://www.onlineboating.co.uk/narrowboat/...s_for_sale5.htm

I thought I recognised your boat from your Avatar, Ally. Is it as beautiful in the flesh as it looked on ebay ~ I was tempted !

I bought a 12v car fan from Halfords for about £12. It is great, but I can't use it in the bedroom as it makes a noise like a harrier jump jet taking off, thus preventing restful shut eye !

I would agree with this point - I have no problem with people mooring in the middle of nowhere, but why do they have to moor on visitors moorings in towns and villages for months on end ? I know of at least one boat in Brewood on the Shroppie, that has been on the 48hr moorings for months - incidentally I don't know whether it is licensed because I don't bother to check everyone elses boat. It would be nice (in this popular location) to be able to stop and moor up, and not at 2pm so to guarantee a space.

We've got gold membership too and I have to say it is a brilliant service ! When we broke down after collecting the boat (our first trip on the BCN) they came quickly and fixed the (minor) impellor problem and then when my father managed to catastophically blow up the engine they assisted and got the boat to a place where civilisation started again ! We have used the engine check over service (after we had the engine rebuilt) and I would recommend them. They are friendly and pleasant and though you hope you never see them again, if you need to its good to know they are just a quick call away !

I have just bought a new v shaped bow fender and long button fender from a very nice chap in the Walsall area (Brian Mcguigan). I am very impressed with the quality of the workmanship (which includes turks head detailing). He and his wife have a website if you are interested: http://www.bcnboats.co.uk I would recommend them !

Gary - how much would it cost to retro fit some of the seats ?

You could try dek tek tiles - similar system, made in the UK and cheaper ! http://www.dek-tek.co.uk/ Or perhaps wooden "duck board"

Now that, is a good idea ! :) :) :)

We hired a boat on the Kennet & Avon canal before we took the plunge and bought Baron. It was an old boat, from Sally boats in Bradford on Avon, but it was clean, well kept and we didn't half enjoy it ! Great cruising, super pubs and things to see (Dundas Aqueduct / Bath etc). www.sallyboats.co.uk Where we are moored at Norbury on the Shropshire Union, Simon Jenkins hires out his small fleet of boats. They are comfortable (from what I have seen) and homely. My parents are taking Baron out in April, and their friends have hired off Simon - so I will be able to tell you more when they come back ! www.norburywharf.co.uk

Do you use the water purifcation tablets at all ?

We have tried curly non-kink hose, that wrapped itself around my leg and nearly pitched me into the canal - and it was awfully difficult to store in a small locker (like fighting a python back into a basket). We have also tried a three ply roll flat hose, that seemingly dropped the water pressure coming out of the BW tap and literally took hours to fill up our water tank. This now has a hole in it, so it will be going in the bin. What does everyone else use - we are not drinking the water that comes out of the tank, so I am not too worried about using catering grade hose - just something that is easy to store, and transfers water from the tap quickly to the tank. I am sure I have seen a fellow boater with what looked like a fabric fire hose - has anyone got one - where can I get one ? Ideas, suggestions very welcome.

I have a generator, should the need arise, but it hasn't yet ! I have PM'd you re the moorings.

Having owned a cruiser and a narrowboat, I think that the narrowboat is much easier to steer and doesn't get blown about nearly as much as the cruiser. That said, both are incredibly good fun ! Relaxed on the water, midges or no midges, is where I'd rather be anytime.

We had this trouble with weed blockage on the Wyrley canal. By using a hand pump, located in the strainer basket (nozzle down the inlet pipe) and with some very vigorous pumping we managed to blow / suck the blockage out - but not before we had overheated the engine ! Keep an eye on the amount of water coming out of the exhaust and buy one of the tube hand pumps - at six or seven quid they are worth the money !

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Eco-fan-narrow-boat-...1QQcmdZViewItem Thought you might be interested ! Eco fan on ebay.

I think it will be a lovely boat, and I hope you will be very happy living aboard.

I have used an old remedy.....it has really worked for me. Mix a stiff paste up of Brasso or other liquid metal polish and cigarette ash. Rub on the stain with small circular movements and dry off with kitchen towel. You may need to polish or re-wax afterwards, to get rid of the white bloom, but if you don't go mad with the elbow grease you should be OK. This remedy also removes coffee cup rings - just need to find someone who still smokes. You need quite a lot of fag ash to make the paste. It really does work ! You could also try the following method, but I haven't used it so cannot vouch for its efficiency.... Apply a small amount of non-gel toothpaste to a damp, clean, lint-free cloth. Rub toothpaste over the water spot. Remove film with a clean, damp cloth. Dry with a clean, dry cloth. Polish. B& Mrs B