Kiwipeter

My 3 year old Sony All in One PC has just committed suicide (if I hadn't recently backed up the data I would have been next). Any advice on a replacement (All in One about 22 in screen) - I thought possibly an ASUS and no I can't survive till the sales as I am using a 10 in Samsung Netbook that would make a good doorstop

The minimum kit that will give you sensible forecast data is something like the Davis Pro (or equivalent) http://www.weathershop.co.uk/shop/davis-vantage-pro2-weather-station?gclid=CP2ijpuVtrMCFcbLtAodMmYAlw but it needs to be static and it helps if you you build up a good data baseline. Fairly useless on a narrowboat. I ran an amateur weatherstation on a remote farm in NZ (linked into a NZ wide network) A good hobby but the kit can get seriously expensive

I would have liked a brief summary of the canals that have been successfully restored and those still underway - it might have generated more support. Peter

Torch - for off boat one of these http://www.farmingparts.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=1849&gclid=CPGA8vDQtbMCFaTMtAodSBMARw A lot of money but semi indestructible (and spare parts are available). I found the cheaper Sealeys etc equivalents lasted less than 6 months under regular use

Thanks for the 'kickstart' - not the Flame cutout but it has a safety switch that prevents the grill from operating when the oven door is closed and that was sticking. Much relief as I didn't fancy a big bill Peter

My built in Electrolux gas oven/grill needs TLC. The grill has stopped lighting (lack of gas). Note the piezo element is OK and everything else is getting gas OK incl the oven (and I put a new bottle on to check pressure). Is there a gas jet I can clean or could it be something else? Peter

Sagar built to their structural standard not the buyer's ie it was our way or the highway (which is why Steven Sagar had a reputation as 'occasionally difficult'). I guess after building 50 odd Dutch barges they felt they knew what made a good (but expensive) one. Peter

Sagar are Cat 'C'

If you want something newish and on the smaller side then http://www.apolloduck.co.uk/advert.phtml?id=236129 this is just an example - though I am moored nearby

Yes I did (shows my ignorance) but perhaps pigeon holing groups of people without engaging brain should be deprecated regardless?

Actually it is the Class war warriors that you need to watch out for with Trotskyist hat badges and with knee jerk reactions - the ones that object to anyone having a nice boat or car (and have suitable paint scratching objects to prove it). Who object to anyone reading a Paper that isn't the Daily Star or Mirror. Anyone who plays hockey or enjoys horse riding (or wears a shirt and tie rather than cast offs) must be 'toffs' etc. What a sad lot of narrow minded gits. Peter

removal see http://www.funkymonkeyboatnames.co.uk/glue_remover.php

I reckon the OP must be stunned at how his original posting developed Added to which a high proportion of Minervois customers are British who have experience with narrowboats (or visually appreciate them) and therefore feel comfortable hiring them - at least initially. Seems like a good niche business.

The photo snuck on before I could adjust it - no it is towards La Segala (west of Castelnaudary) and there are similar double and trebles (+) on most of the 'quiet' canals eg on the Midi there are 18 multiples. No problem if you have good boat working areas

The pretty pics of the Garonne by Dog House can give the wrong impression as you need (as he pointed out)to move on commercial canals/large rivers to get to the quiet spots; for example: Proper ecluses Big rivers Small canals with peniches Cross big etangs and even on the Midi the eclusiers like filling double and treble locks at once (and if in a hurry, before you are tied on properly) so the suggestion was not that a widebeam couldn't do it, but the Oxford canal it aint

Roger did say on the majority of the canals. Minervois is a very small firm operating on one section of canal (Midi/Garonne) and they certainly don't operate off it. The move of this topic off narrowbeam vs widebeam is my fault - as I thought Dutch barges should be considered as well, especially if the OP was considering cruising in Europe. It was not meant to denigrate wide beams which have their place - which IMO isn't in Europe unless you are content to potter up and down one of the smaller and quieter canals. This is not to say they can't travel further, some do, but they are certainly not best suited for that. Peter

Have fun in the commercial locks and going on the bigger rivers (how big is your engine)? Best wishes etc

I agree the feedback/instant response of a tiller is better but after a few months experience wheel/hydraulic steering is fine (I exclude chain rudders which I haven't used). Peter

Down to 14 degC on the Midi and trying to convince La Capitaine it is time for a Central Heating test run

I can't imagine why people buy a widebeam rather than a UK compatible dutch barge - the latter usually provides better living space and working space and is much more usable if you want to venture to Europe. Peter