Mike Todd
-
Posts
6,189 -
Joined
-
Last visited
-
Days Won
1
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Events
Gallery
Blogs
Store
Posts posted by Mike Todd
-
-
6 hours ago, Francis Herne said:
What is the offside vertical post of a single gate called? On twin gates it would be the mitre post, but a single gate isn't mitred!
Not quite clear what you are referring to but if you mean the edge of the gate furthers from the quoin, in the case of twin gates this is the mitre which is an important part of making a seal. On a single gate it forms no part of the seal (assuming you refer to the 'end' face - otherwise it is part of the gate itself. Single gates seal with the face of the end post against the stonework as indicated in our photo where the water leaks through. Water also leaks from the heel post side but that is a slightly different case as the heel post itself is rounded to allow the gate to turn in the stonework, also rounded, and water can then leak around the heel post itself.
While we are at it, it is worth noting that leakage around gate posts is not necessarily a 'bad' thing. The original design of locks needed to take into account that lower pounds usually need a continuous feed from above. Most locks now have by-washes but some still depend on water passing through the lock, sometimes using the paddle culvert(s). In other cases the top level of the bottom gate is marginally lower than the top and so a normal state of overflow. I have also read that some locks relied (and still do) on the inevitable leakage around gate posts.
-
5 hours ago, T_i_m said:
Is the long / short maybe postcode related as I am aware of many un-licenced / un-insured / un-tested boats that have been on the river for ages, along with all the sunk / abandoned ones?
It has been explained in detail before but in case you were absent from school on those days, I repeat:
1. CaRT have clear internal polices that place a strong emphasis on finding ways of keeping boaters on the water legitimately
2. Where a boat is lived on (or claimed to a court that it is so) then the legal processes are much lengthier. Historically the derive from laws passed to prevent the Rachman behaviour, named after an infamous landlord of many substandard properties who used strong arm tactics to evict tenants.
3. In such cases, the cost of the process, especially from a boater well-supported by knowledgeable 'friends' can eke out their time before possession for quite a long time though it would take a very determined boater in a niche situation to take as long as George Ward. Time, in legal processes, is expensive.
4. CaRT have a very finite budget for enforcement and can only bring a small number of cases each year although they can still make it a bit uncomfortable for a boater in the meantime (so long as they do not do anything approaching harassment) Hence they choose the cases carefully to avoid losing in court, which just adds to the budgetary problem
5. For undisclosed reasons, CaRT appear to have made a policy decision to focus on just one of the legal routes although some commentators have claimed that alternatives would be more effective. Given the fact of clear definitions in the legislation that permits 'no home mooring' the approach for the last few years has been to wait until a situation arises (usually based on not complying with T&Cs) and then refuse to grant a new licence. As far as I am aware, they have not actually withdrawn a licence with time still unexpired as that is a bit more complicate. Better to just wait a few months.
6. In the case on an abandoned boat, CaRT can only act quickly if it is causing a genuine dangerous obstruction (Yes, I know back in the old days before traffic wardens - remember them - and parking tickets, the police were reputed to have a quite imaginative mind when it came to obstruction cases! Absent such a condition, CaRT have to go to some lengths to try and identify the owner of the property and take action to comply with a requirement to remove the vessel - or pay someone to do it. Boat removals are again not cheap and there is an on-going need to store it for some time just in case the owner comes to claim their property.
The cited post does actually refer to a river rather than a canal. Depending on the river the legal detail may vary, and the relevant navigation authority may not be CaRT (eg on the Thames) EA seem to use different legal routes but their powers are different, especially since the passage of new bylaws by local authorities. Prior to that is seems that they could only use an obstruction route and on a wide river that could be harder to establish. From media reports I have seen, it seems that the recent spate of seizures have been consequent on the new bylaws (arguably the reason they were created!)
Finally, you claim to be aware of "un-licenced / un-insured / un-tested" vessels but how do you know for sure that they are so? Whilst the legal requirement on CaRT waters to display a licence remains, CaRT would, like DVLA (or whatever it is called today!), prefer to abolish that obsolete requirement but it would need primary legislation. May be one of the things that the Commission could recommend. However there seems to be little interest in its enforcement - better things on which to spend money.
-
6 hours ago, David Mack said:
But after a stoppage has occurred is there any way of telling whether it was a planned or unplanned stoppage?
If it was planned - assuming properly announced (if not it could hardly be called planned) then the evidence will be in the public domain, even if only from one of the 'way back' websites. Defending a claim that stoppage was in planned is harder as it means proving a negative but in the absence of any evidence of it being on the planned list it is unlikely that anyone would claim otherwise. Of course, if there is need for malign action then I suppose CaRT could claim that a stoppage was planned even if the notice only went out the previous day. CaRT make quite a thing about the stoppage plan so it would be hard to argue from anything else.
-
Both Rob and Tonka's responses are the answer (or at least in our case!)
NB mobile not-spots do occur but same happens with sat dish or terrestrial aerial, especially in built up areas.
-
11 hours ago, T_i_m said:
I think if the rules were written clearer it could be made such that the boat owner has the responsibility to keep their vessel up to code.
This is the case with the MOT where it only really covers the day of the test, after that it's the drivers responsibility to ensure the vehicle is in a roadworthy condition?
That's why I was fairly happy to opt out of the MOT for my classic / kitcar, given it was my responsibility to ensure the vehicle was roadworthy for the other 364 days anyway.
What teeth do the various bodies have if you don't get a good BSS cert and so insurance? How does it make things safer for you or others?
Basically no licence. And from there a short or long route to no boat.
-
The current CaRT advice for CCs with planned stoppages is at https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/boating/license-your-boat/continuous-cruising/continuous-cruising-your-questions-answered and specifically says
What if there's a closed lock or bridge and I can't move my boat?
Firstly, always use our notices to plan your journeys so you don't get stuck. Any planned stoppages are published as soon as possible to give you time to take an alternative route. If an emergency stoppage does happen, don't worry, we'll help you work out a plan. If you think you're going to be stuck in one place for longer than 14 days or are worried that your 'movement pattern' might break the rules, then contact our team. -
18 hours ago, Tacet said:
What sort of gas leak and explosion can occur - if I follow industry installation recommendations? Or are you close to saying you cannot have effective insurance for gas incidents?
The reason for insurance is largely to cover for the mistakes of the insured. If insurance was readily voided by making mistakes, it wouldn't be worth having.
I suspect you will find that a mistake judged to be negligent will invalidate your insurance. Or at least lead to a mush reduced payout.
-
5 hours ago, LadyG said:
Im actually concerned about my 20mile range this year, lets hope it rains before September. . ....
But . . . the CaRT advice on how to persuade the Board that you comply does say that being 'caught' by previously advised stoppages is not an acceptable reason. Strictly (I say with caution!) you should make sure that you find yourself on a pound that is long enough to comply before the locks are eventually closed. But you could apply to Licence Support for an exemption beforehand . . .
-
On 30/04/2025 at 15:06, Stroudwater1 said:
It’s lovely isn’t it- unwisely we decided to trail the Elsan over the pedestrian crossings having overshot the turn. I think we will reverse under the bridge and into the basin next time..
The FM &C sign is impressive too. Similarly sunny day earlier in April when an ice cream seller would have been handy
Easier to moor on the main line just south of the entrance to the wharf. There is a door with a standard BWB key/lock and the waterpoint is just inside. The elsan unit is on a few metres further than if you were inside - which is not often available anyway.
-
1
-
-
10 hours ago, T_i_m said:
I think this all comes under the 'Don't Let Perfect Be the Enemy of Good” and trying to work that in with real world stuff but it can be very difficult for the average Joe to determine and whilst trying to balance say environmental issues (replacing stuff unnecessarily 'because' or 'just in case') with real tangible risk.
If I took over a s/h boat (or car) I would know what things I should check or replace because they could be high risk and / or were likely to be ignored (like rear drum brakes).
If you want your BSSC then you really don't have a lot of options if tgd examiner fails you.
-
1 hour ago, Ray T said:
A salutary lesson for those who like to predict imminent demise - in 1986 the C&H hand spikes were about to disappear entirely. So what were those things that I have used now called then?
In any case, do we know how much the lack of standardisation is costing us? I note that a fairly limited exercise by the lock gate makers resulted in an anticipated worthwhile cost saving by using a more standardised set of components that could, in small quantities, be stockpiled (I cannot recall the details of how they did this) Given some investment one wonders how much saving could be made across the network by recuing the variety - even though I enjoy seeing all the historical evolutionary experiments.,
-
12 hours ago, Jerra said:
You are assuming everybody is as sensible and responsible as yourself. They aren't! I have had hundreds (thousands) of individuals through my hands in the 40 years of my career believe me many aren't.
How long since you took your degree? Both my daughters have taken them recently (3 courses between them) and they weren't like you suggest.
The same is true of the MOT. So what relevance has the MOT.
Yet again you are basing your suggestions on what you as a sensible responsible mature person would do. Rules and regulations can not function on such a level as not everybody is sensible, responsible and mature.
Now that there is a MOT true prior to the MOT there was no standard or check on road worthiness. Just like boats before the BSSC. The insurance on a boat might be invalidated but after the gas explosion and fire it might be difficult to prove it wasn't safe. Unless of course you say every fire etc is owing to the boat being unsafe then what value in insurance.
A slight hint here that suggests that those who are 'not responsible and mature' are somehow feckless and wilful. However, fixing these things, potential fails, costs money usually in large lumps. Perhaps worth pondering what you might stretch to doing if you found yourself without the savings to fund the repair or fix.
-
1 hour ago, Momac said:
On expiry of the BSS the insurance is not invalidated providing the boat is off the waterways that require a BSSC.
Similarly a boat that is off water may be unlicensed but the insurance remains valid.
My insurance makes no specific mention of BSS and licenses but it does say the boat and the skipper must comply with local regulations.
Anyone wishing to take advantage of this advice should closely check their policy to see if it is true.
-
1
-
-
1 hour ago, LadyG said:
These extra costs levied by the CRT may have been a reasonable idea when they started, but im not convinced that the scheme is anything other than an added expense. If a boat has a Certificate and there has been no change, why is a renewal necessary?
Things break. You could use the same argument with MOTs.
1 hour ago, LadyG said:Nothing to do with that, the boat must be insured to be on CRT waters,, the CRT demand, and it was not always so, that a BSC is held by every boat. The owner pays the insurance, agreeing that his boat is Certified, and that the Certificate is valid.
if his BSC is invalid, his insurance is invalid, it does not matter if it becomes invalid two days or ten years after the Certificate is issued, it is still invalid.
Not always understood is that the BSC is only valid at the say and time of issue. Any significant change invalidates it and should be re-certified and then the insurer notified. Rather more commonly I guess is that boaters wait until the next routine date before having the changes inspected.
-
23 minutes ago, PeterScott said:
Complete with a bath for singing in!
-
1
-
-
22 minutes ago, Lily Rose said:
Mine does that randomly and quite frequently. I discovered years ago that if I give it a bit of a whack with my hand it changes albeit not always correctly. If the 1st whack doesn't fix it the 2nd usually does.
In the days when computers used thermionic valves (might first experience) such treatment was known as 'preventative maintenance'. Best not done when coming to the end of an hour's computation.
The underlying logic was codified into a 'facility' in which, at the start of a day, or session, the voltage to the valves was increased (I cannot recall whether a steady state of sudden) The logic was that it was better for a failing device to be replaced before losing computational time (which was precious)
-
38 minutes ago, ditchcrawler said:
There is a video of it going in on Facebook, taken from a gate security camera, It was a big splash The Friendly Narrowboat And Waterways Group... | Trent and Mersey up above rumps lock Middlewich. | Facebook
Full link
That clip shows the lorry already on the wrong side of the road. The driver of the on-coming vehicle must have taken a deep breath . . .
Just now, magnetman said:Sounds like Loughborough Junction SW9 (Brixton) and SE24 (Herne Hill).
Try again!
-
20 minutes ago, magnetman said:
Limehouse cut is in Poplar.
I used to live on Limehouse cut and sometimes the address came with Poplar depending on who sent the letter.
Bit of a while since I lived in London (almost 60 years!) but in any case I was south of the river and any where north was considered alien country . . .
On the other hand, I guess you do not have to be in Bow to hear the bells (and important claim for some folk).
At one time the Post Office (with its new fangled postcodes) caused problems with on-the-ground culture. Where I lived was close to the boundary between two postcodes. The name of one was known for its poshness and the other for it gangsters. The PO did not quite align with subcultural boundaries!
-
48 minutes ago, Arthur Marshall said:
I've not managed to complete a planned cruise for years because of a combination of water shortages and lock failures. I'm planning what might be my last long cruise over July and August this year, and if, once again, I have to cut it short to race home before they shut the system down it makes paying my over two grand a year for licences and fees an unaffordable and totally unworthwhile joke. The point is that while we all know CRT is short of money, so am I, and they either have to provide value for it or it will stop coming. An at least two year delay at Todbrook, where it seems to have been more important to appease the local yacht owners than keep the canals open, plus other reservoirs being run down because, again, lack of maintenance, doesn't give me much faith in the system lasting more than another year or three. These things are cumulative.
There's another breach waiting to happen on the lower Macc at a big spillway at Congleton aquaduct, where a large coping stone has been missing for years and the water is now only held in by a bit of ancient piling that is almost rusted or rotted through.
Again, I suspect there is a bit more to the Toddbrook after effects story that is generally indicated. It was certainly a wake up call for all reservoir owners who had for a long time not come to terms with increasing statutory requirements. (One of the problems with making comparisons with the past is when the goalposts shift!) The fact that a surprising proportion of CaRT reservoirs have needed substantial work at the same time (even though there are in total more than is generally recognised) does at least suggest that someone (either inside CaRT or in the regulatory bodies) has been prompted to take a closer and more rigorous (pedantic?) look at the way that the regs are interpreted.
-
15 hours ago, Arthur Marshall said:
Perhaps a slight sense of urgency in sorting out Todbrook might have helped those of us on the Macc and the T&M. Was supposed to be completed summer 2024, now we're looking at 2026. I reckon a lot of people are starting to wonder if it's worth paying three grand a year to keep a boat that never actually lets them complete a summer holiday. Or whether it's worth risking a grand to hire one that possibly will leave them stranded miles from their car.
Most hire companies I know will go to considerable lengths to ensure that their hirers are not stranded far from their car - if nothing else, they also need to get the next hirers to the boat, having serviced it in the meantime. Private owners - a different matter but if you are like us, doing a long cruise in shorter segments, you do get used to finding ways and places to do the car shuffle.
11 hours ago, Ianws said:The content of the notification references some previous comments on here about reduced reservoir capacity, because of concerns about the reservoir structure, but the wording is quite opaque " We're also part-way through a programme of major reservoir improvements, as required by legislation, so we were not able to start this season with complete holdings for several reservoirs."
I remember my boating history getting off to a stuttering non-start on the Leeds Liverpool, though it's hard to remember the exact timeline.
I did an engine maintenance course first week of Feb 2020. Completed the engine maintenance on my boat just before Covid hit. Where I live most or all of 2020 was in complete lockdown. After that 2021 and 2022 were (I think) either partly in lockdown (2021) or navigation on L&L was closed due to water shortages.
I can see Arthur has a good point. One hire company has already closed because their hire business is not tenable if their hirers can't go anywhere. Other canal businesses are at risk if their customers can't get to them. We had to put back scheduled blacking a couple of years ago because the locks between us and the boatyard were closed for months on end because of water shortages.
That hire company matter has been over quoted - at the very least I have not seen the full back story, at least not on here. Since it seems to have been an isolated instance, and that they still continued with day hire, it does give me a sense that there is a bit more to it.
-
39 minutes ago, Alan de Enfield said:
Is the correct spelling not "Poplar"
With that thinking, if it was on sand, would it be at Sandwich ?
Poplar may be full of midwives but, unless Limehouse Cut counts as Poplar (Thought it was more Bow), not really a canal area.
-
Glad to hear good news for once - all too easy for us all to post the bad but not the good!
Trust you had a good night's rest . . .
-
The canal boat insurance market is quite small anyway and some boaters opt for very basic 3rd party, enough to get a licence. Within that, the number of overseas boaters will hardly exite even the most assiduous of brokers. It would be interesting to know the reasons but I'd hazard a guess it stems from a closed mind application of money laundering rules.
-
1 hour ago, agg221 said:
There is a fairly recent Cruising the Cut video (last autumn I think) which is an interview with Rugby Boats. It goes into a bit of detail on this subject.
Alec
https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2024/11/30/vlog-352-asking-price/
but it does not give a clear solution!
Lock gate terminology
in General Boating
Posted
I did mean what I said, I have perhaps seen a few more than you but also many as you describe but they do not contribute to planned water transfer.
It is fascinating to see just how much experimentation in detail went on and also how, with later canals, quite a bit of Time and Motion went into the design.