Daiboy

Looks like the weeds are growing nicely!!

At the moment on the GU near Uxbridge as can be seen on my avatar. Moving on next week all points north. I am Welsh born and bred and I have the audacity to say what things look like and how they are pronounced eh! Look you boyo. Bye the way, whose coat is that jacket by 'ere isn't it.

I am overwhelmed by all your messages. Thank you all, especially 8 hairy feet, for that wonderful poem; it makes me feel a lot better as I was feeling rather guilty even tough the vet said there was nothing she could do. Thank you all.

Just a quick update for those who may be interested in the epoxy filler. This is the one the boatyard used and the surveyor was more than happy. Dai

I think this could be a start of another thread, what it looks like and what it sounds like. "Folkingham", I am trying to think of the pronunciation without being rude!

Boat Name:Alnwick (pronounced 'Annick' I am not, in any way, being derogatory or offensive so please do not take offence, but why not call your boat Annick? I know there are a whole load of English town names being pronounced differently as to the spelling. I can't quite get my head around it though. Phonetics 'r us.

Anyone tried Wetherspoons? If there is one near, go to it. They have a plethora of establishments throughout the country (I think around 800 or so). Great meals, great beer and mostly good service, although you might find some of the clientele a bit iffy.

I do not really know why I'm sharing this sad news but I suppose I am just getting my head round it and if I type it out, it will become reality and it's then something to face up to and accept. You don't have to reply. After 15 years of good companionship, fun and laughter my dog Minty died today. She was well known and well liked where I lived before giving up bricks and mortar and well liked by those I met when living on my boat. She didn't suffer and died peacefully on the table at the vets. RIP old mate.

As has been mentioned, a Kindle and Kobo are a must. The Kindle to buy books to keep on the machine to read again and a Kobo to download ebooks from libraries that you belong to. You can borrow for 7, 14 or 28 days and after the specified time they disappear from the Kobo and are "returned" to the library. No late fees!

A good whack with a fly swatter and a good foot on their head when they are down. Don't go mad on the spray stuff it will taint your food and wine (or beer). They are a bloody nuisance though I must agree.

I must have been VERY lucky in my purchase. I looked at the various adverts (Apollo duck not withstanding) and searched for my dream boat. I had around £30,000 to spend and wanted a 50 foot (ish) cruiser stern narrowboat. I gathered together around 6 boats to look at throughout the country and with my mate in tow did a 300 mile round trip to look at them. I had it down to 2 boats. Went to my local pub to discuss the outcome of our journey when a friend of mine asked as to the finding of our search. As I was explaining to him of our results his wife came along and said that her hairdresser was selling her boat which was a long metal thing. After getting more information and especially her phone number I arranged for a meet on the Sunday. Fell in love with the boat at first glance. No survey done (maybe foolish I know) it had one (out of the water) done 3 years previous, and bought it there and then (£26,500) This was 3 years ago. A 1975 Hancock & Lane Norsman Hull with washing machine, tumble drier, 32" tv, double bed and everything else I could want. My insurance company (Collidge & Parts) needed a full out of the water hull survey and valuation for my renewal in July this year as the last survey was of course about 7 years ago. Fair deal. Just had the results through. No overplating has been done and none needed. A few bits of pitting around the water line but nothing a good blasting back to bare metal, a coat of epoxy primer, filling with epoxy filler (the name of which I shall find out and let you know), 2 coats of epoxy blacking and the job is done. The surveyor said that as for the age of my boat, the hull was in very good shape and the overall condition was excellent. Go with your instincts and your sight.

Halal or not to Halal. I hope you stunned it first!

Dredging is now about half a mile from the basin at Sough central. The dredging from bridge 6 to Cowley junction will be spot but should clear all the weed as after the dredging will come the weed clearer, called something like Tarantchular. If you go to the Friends of Slough Canal facebook page, you will have an update on said dredging.

I've a Hyundai HY3000si which cost about £800 a couple of years ago. Not as quiet as the Honda but considerably cheaper. It only runs flat out when I'm using the washing machine and tumble drier otherwise it has a reasonable level of noise. It is however quite heavy and watch your back when lifting it back to the rear cabin. I always run it until it stops, when it's run out of petrol, before bringing it back into the boat.

Hi Bigcol, Sorry there is no breakdown as the cost is an all inclusive price for this type of blacking at High Line. Lifting boat out of the water, shot blasting back to bare metal, primer coat, 2 part epoxy coat and a finishing coat of black gloss and lifting back to canal. The cost here "in the South" can be quite expensive but the job is well done. Just an update on the survey. For a boat built by Hancock & Lane in 1975 there has been no overplating and the hull is in great shape apart from a little pitting on the water line. As the insulation is expanded polystyrene I will have the pits filled with a chemical "metal" as apposed to spot welding, as this could melt or fire the insulation. It will cost around £500 extra but I'm sure this would be the same cost as spot welding the pits. Anyway the survey report is great and just right for my insurance renewal next month. I will post some more pictures of the bottom as the work proceeds. Dai

I did the narrowboat helmsman handling course with the RYA at Bisham Abbey in March 2012. A 1 day course on the river Thames taught me a lot of things I had forgotten, a lot of things I did not know and a load of helpful things to be brought into my life as a single boater. Well worth it.

Couldn't agree more RLWP. On nice straight bits I stand in front of the tiller with the end of the arm between my legs (I actually sort of sit on it) and steer with slight movement of my body weight and leg movements. I also have a high stool which I sit on for the very clear straight bits, BUT when coming to bends, locks and other slightly precarious situations, I stand in front of the tiller with my hands behind me and in easy reach of the throttle and gear units.

I saw a boat at Rickmansworth festival last month with two complete car wheels which had a piece of plywood on the underside of the wheel attached with ropes to the handrail. Looked pretty sturdy, although held the boat off the bank about a couple of feet.

Bloody hell, are we expecting another end of life rainstorm?