Stormbringer

Thanks Robin2 I have tried to read and absorb as many post on here as I can to get myself clued up to some degree but I realise that the only REAL way to learn is to ask questions of people to get an idea and then try it out for yourself. Same as most things in life I guess - no substitute for experience ! I like the Skipper comment - I guess that helps clear communication and avoids confusion .. great tip thanks. As mentioned I am not generally shy about asking for advice ..... I thought about maybe going and watching (or even helping if I didn't get in the way !) at some local locks before we venture out onto the canals. Might well arrange that for the weekend Thanks again for the help - much appreciated Andy & Fi

Superb advice - especially regarding the fridge Seriously though - great tips mrsmelly ... Thank you very much. I am a pretty laid back kinda guy - so we will not be rushing anywhere. I refuse to do hurrying for anyone I'm afraid ( sorry if we hold you up though ! ) Andy & Fi Thanks Janet - we will look into it Many thanks - we actually live in Cheshire - just collecting the boat from Sawley - but thanks anyway. We will have a look at some training

Thank you all very much for taking the time to reply - much appreciated It looks like we will be having a run out tomorrow or Friday then to Aquaduct Marina and to Overwater. Thanks again Andy

Hi It seems to be on the interactive map if that helps ? Bridgewater Map Cheers Andy Edited to say it is not highlighted like the BW canals but it is there !!

Hi All Well, we have finally bought a narrowboat She's a 50ft cruiser stern (I know not everyones cup of tea,but it will suit us for now !) with a Lister 4 pot engine and PRM box. We should be collecting her from Sawley in about 10 days or so - and our maiden voyage will be to bring her home to Cheshire !! I have a few hours cruising experience thanks to a mate of mine and his Springer, but have yet to tackle any locks ! The Wife has also had an hour or two at he helm cruising on said Springer. We both struggled a bit with 'parking' but otherwise seemed to get by OK. We would be eternally grateful if any of you experienced people would share any tips or advice with us to help us to make out journey a success. There will be four of us on the boat (2 adults, 2 teenagers) so should not be short of hands (assuming the kids actually get out of bed this school holiday !! lol) All help much appreciated Ta Andy & Fi

Hello to you All Noob to narrowboating so please bare that in mind ! Just wondering if any of you knowlegeable people have have got any thoughts on Marinas in Cheshire? Current favorite is Tattenhall due to not being too far away by road and seeming nice enough BUT I wonder if there are any others I should look at before making a decision? Have been to Swanley (very nice but maybe a little far by road), Anderton (full up but very near by road) Preston Brook (full, only a few miles away by road and would need Bridgewater licence as well as BW one ?) Initially we prefer a marina as we would only be using the boat at weekends / holidays and need somewhere we can easily work on the inside of the boat - outside is pretty much OK for now. Is there anyone on here at Tattenhall who could let us know how they find it please ? (not lierally although it is out in the sticks and I do get lost on the way there ocasionally ) I think maybe other marinas are better for access to the wider canal network though (esp Swanley )I just wonder how much this will matter initially. All thoughts much appreciated Andy

Yup !! That's the very one.....

Thanks to all who replied In the hope that it helps someone else :- Went up to Plank Lane bridge with my mate yesterday. The pump out is a self service type which requires a card to operate it. Nice and friendly BW man who operates the bridge was able to sell us a card for £10 there and then Water was also available but no rubbish disposal there. As an aside.. Just after the bridge was a brand new (unopened) marina. Talking to BW man, the marina won't be opened until somebody buys it !! Very strange.. Thanks again Regards Andy

Cheers for that. Much appreciated Regards Andy

That's superb info RichardH Many thanks indeed I'll pass that info on Cheers Andy

Cheers Steve - I've passed that info on to him !! Would be good if anyone knows about the pump outs too ?

Firstly - Hi to you all . I am about 3 weeks away from owning my 1st narrowboat (woooo hooo ) and look forward to joining you all on the cut! However for today my question is for a friend in need Could one of you kind peeps please let me know where the nearest pump out facility to Dover Lock on the Leeds & Liverpool Leigh branch is please? My mate is up there at the moment and is desparate (sorry - couldn't resist!!!) He is hoping to head towards Burscough so if there is one not too far in that direction that would be great! I think there is one up by Johnsons top lock (?) but I think he wants to delay doing the Wigan Flight until he has been to Burscough if possible. I have tried contacting the BW office at Wigan for info, but am struggling to get through (for 2 days!!) Main BW switchboard has said 'someone' will call me back - but it hasn't happened yet ! If anyone can assist it would be much appreciated...... Thanks very much