snigsnig

Same old question, sorry, but just wondering if anyone knows of any online liveaboard (or discreet liveaboard) moorings available or coming up on the north half of the Shroppie, inc. Middlewhich and Llangollen branches, and the 'Wirral' stretch. Many thanks N

I'm looking to have my tatty old hatch door liners replaced, and wondered if anyone knew of a reasonably priced carpenter who specialises in this. I'm in Cheshire, but would be looking to remove the existing door liners and send them to whoever to make new ones, rather than making them in situ. Thanks very much Neil

Thanks everyone. Had a mooch, bit of a fumble, gave things a waggle, and lo and behold it started charging fine the following day. All connections seem tight and clean, but she's quite an old boat so something must have just needed a bit of a nudge!

Cheers Tim. I've really only just got around to starting to sort my battery bank, so thanks for your advice. I did assume the alternator could cope fine, so hoping I've just go a loose wire! Neil .... typing from a rapidly dimming cabin Only started since changing the batteries, yes. I have no way of giving any exact numbers and figures, just welcoming any obvious things I may have missed... the first being checking again for loose connections first thing tomorrow! Thanks. N

Nope, nothing! N

Hi guys I recently replaced 3 x 110ah batteries for my domestics with 3 x 135ah, but now the alternator barely seems to be charging the battery bank at all. I have a Beta 1903 with twin alts - could the one charging the domestic bank now be too small (but would it stop working almost completely this way??) or is there something else I'm overlooking. Ran the engine for a couple of hours today but stored power ran out within half an hour or so. The same batteries had previously lasted 2.5 days after a full charge from shoreline. Thanks for any help! Neil

Rumour has it that Lakeland Leisure who own Tattenhall Marina - where most of the Shady's boaty clientele head down from - have bought the pub, but I'm not sure how true that is.

Thanks guys, although really just after a decent supplier. Anywhere doing a buy 3 get 1 free, that kind of thing? Cheers Neil

Hi guys Does anyone know the best place to get a good deal on a new bank of batteries please? Many thanks Neil

Cheshire Cat is great, lovely boats and Mark and Linda couldn't be more helpful. Linky. But yes, too far perhaps. There are hireboats at Swanley Bridge now, a good spot to start from, but again perhaps a bit far. N

http://www.jacarandanarrowboat.com/ This is the single boat based at Tattenhall. Would recommend Chas Hardern or Cheshire Cat. N

No-one knows for sure what happened, they have started trying to raise it today by pumping it out (not much luck so far), but as you would expect the marina is full of theories! Its a fairly old cruiser stern, the general consensus is that it had been taking on water for a while and then reached whatever entry point in the hull (large engine vents perhaps?), but at the same time nobody noticed, which is strange as there are a lot of liveaboards at this marina. Its a very big marina, incidentally, and there are plenty of staff around but as I say no-one noticed it, staff or other moorers. I have heard of a case at another marina where staff actively didn't intervene in a similar situation due to 'health and safety' concerns, but I can't imagine that would be the case here, plus most of the staff are also boaters so could empathise at how horrible this situation would be.

Will dig out the details for you no probs.

I've never seen a boat sunk quite so quickly in a marina. Very sad sight :-( http://goo.gl/uIvVWT

Hear hear. I refurbished my 70 foot liveaboard for the amount I suspect some people on this forum might spend on their weekly grocery shopping!! Extravagant doesn't even cover it! If you consider £3000 reasonable for a couple of overhead cupboards (and btw LMAO!!!) then I fear that not only that living on a narrowboat may not be for you, but you should possibly seek psychological help. N p.s. I bought a 'custom made' mattress from a company online, they cut it to the exact measurements that I needed for the two pieces for my pull out double bed. Cost me £100, and I've never slept so well.

Like I said, it was generally always busy.

To be honest, its been so badly run by the most recent landlords it was comedic - I spent one afternoon drinking orange squash in there as they had run out of everything else I asked for!! I've never really understood why they struggle so much.. it has boat trade, camping trade from their own campsite at the back, bikers (its a popular stop-off point for biking clubs, both cycling and motorbikes), the Sandstone trail passes by Wharton Lock and hence the pubs gets a lot of hikers... when you go in there its generally busy... very strange. It really does deserve better, as Catweasel says its a beautful spot, and could be fantastic in the right hands. N

It would appear that the Shady Oak in Tiverton near Beeston has closed its doors once again. This time however I've heard that the site will be redeveloped, but can't get any firm information. It'd be such a shame to see this pub go, and just wondered if anyone knew any more about it? Cheers (or not!) Neil

Brilliant, have just PM'd you! Neil Great idea - thanks! Neil

Hi all I'm looking for a 3" ID roof uxhaust collar, basically like a mini chimney collar, cast iron etc. BUT I'm on a budget and the only one I have been able to find is £80+. Does anyone know where I could source one please? Used is fine. Many thanks Neil

Thanks N

Hi guys Does anyone know where I might be able to source a side mounted stop solenoid for a Beta BV1903 please? Mine has burnt out but they are £120+ from Beta - I'm currently switching the engine off by pulling on a piece of string! Thanks Neil

Hmmmm, Tattenhall is certainly windy, but having moored at Swanley and Overwater, I'd say they are both equally bad - and Tattenhall has a windsock which is of great help; Tattenhall also has the bonus of the amazing view - one of the best on the whole system IMO. But yes, generally a very safe a secure area, only really when you get towards Chester and beyond that there's any need for concern, Christleton is probably the cut off point. N