Martin Megson

I would apply a rust treatment such as Fertan.

I was surprised when in London to find that Paddington Basin is considered, by CRT, to be a different "Place" to Little Venice despite being within a couple of hundred yards.

If he resorts to Ray's solution just insert a couple of mooring rings while it's still wet ?

Thanks Matty. Looking forward to it as its all new water to me.

Hi I'm planning to go up the Leicester Arm and Soar to join the Trent. I seem to recall mooring in Leicester is not recommended. Is this still the case.

No it's along the towpath just above the service point.

Came through today and filled up with water. Several boats moored there - not sure which is the problem house so can't comment on it. Edit. To add is that the slowest tap on the system ?

Plenty on the Southern GU below Tring summit state they are to be left empty and bottom gates open. I believe it's due to leakage through the lock walls.

Thanks for posting that Ray. Seems to be asking the right sort of questions.

This is a party political broadcast on behalf of the NBTA.

The following link should take you to the CRT guide to the Soar. Hope this helps. http://www.waterscape.com/things-to-do/boating/guides/download/2f1a8e6b75fdef2c6c1b75e0d8285561

Definitely chilly over this last couple of days. Not put the heating on yet but will see how the day goes.

Very true. They don't so much swim as run over the water.

And just to confuse matter Coot chicks have red beaks which then fade.

Clearly advice only useful on wide canals or where two short boats are travelling together.

Here's a link to the spec sheet for that pump - hope it helps. http://www.hydromarket.fi/files/PDF/70-S3901-0203-3901-0213.pdf

It might be worth trying your boat insurer. I notice that Towergate Mardon who used to insure my boat also do car insurance.

The following extract from the London Canals site seems to confirm the 1970's with additional work in 1985. During the 1970's a huge scheme to install electricity cables underneath the towpath between Acton power station and Islington got underway. Despite not actually being part of the towpath improvement schemes, it did contribute greatly towards a better environment for walking. By the mid 1970's people were easily able to walk westwards from Little Venice as far as the Grand Junction Arms in Harlesden on a hard surface towpath. Unfortunately this scheme introduced that awful contraption which still stands to this day above the eastern portal of Maida Hill tunnel. This 'contraption' carries the electricity cables down to the towpath after travelling under the pavements between Blomfield Road and Aberdeen Place. In 1985 the towpath was further improved and widened by the electricity generating board. Much of the canal towpath between Harlseden and East London is its responsibility as well as Canal & River Trust's.

Below a link to the restriction notice on the CRT website. The map shows it covers the length from the turn up to the bottom lock. Mooring on the North Oxford above the turn isn't affected. https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/notice/8255/braunston-historic-boat-rally-25-and-26-june-2016-grand-union-canal-reserved-moorings

An alternative solution to the cooling water would be to to attach tall candles to each foot to maintain the water at a comfortable temperature.

Not a problem. Just ask a VW dealer to do the emissions test if you want a pass ?

All sorted booked into Rutland 16 July. Thanks for the help