BGA

I presume there's no point sticking your head out the door and shouting "SLOW DOWN" when one of those go by

I fancy myself as technically minded so the information I will be looking for is the engineering detail, location options for the engine, different drive options, manual or automatic stern greaser, location of pumps, tanks and electrical systems, heating and ventilating options, etc etc etc. I realise that as you build bespoke boats all these options are negotiable so maybe more examples of these systems in boats you have already built.

Be interesting to see how a robot barge removes a tesco's trolley after its got wrapped around the propeller.

So, Daniel, the short bed stops you sleeping at night hence the 3.00 am posting online. Maybe altering the bed should be number one priority.

I haven't decided what I'm doing next week never mind next year.

It amazes me that Waterways World don't have a website, I think that's a step too far in keeping the past alive

Carlt, maybe you should get some sleep, 4:48 in the morning sheeeesh!

This looks like a miss-match of systems, hydraulic systems require the pump to be running at optimum speed whenever the hydraulic motor is required. Therefore if a hydraulic bowthruster is fitted the pump should be electrically powered. If the boat has a hydraulic main drive then the bow thruster could be operated using the same power unit, because the diesel powered pump will be running at optimum speed whether or not the drives are engaged.

98.9p/ltr BP garage in Milton Keynes

It could get even more complicated, consider the boat equiped with diesel heating or the boat whose main engine is used for power generation. Both of which uses I understand would still qualify for red diesel.

I recently did a RYA inland waterways course (one day) and whilst it was a lovely day out pottering up and down a section of canal. There was no river work with any sort of current to deal with, tidal river to deal with (which I suppose could be argued is similar to fast flowing current), no twin screw work. Yes there were useful hints on boat handling (narrow boat) but I wouldn't feel competant to handle a lot of the situations likely to be met on the inland waterways based purely on this course. I suppose I'm suggesting you look for a course based near a river as well as canal, ask how many will be taking the course with you ( don't accept a course with more than two or three others), ask questions whilst your'e doing the course, you won't be an expert at everything when you're done but you will have the basics, but most of all ENJOY.

Have you considered vacuum forming plastics as an alternative, its alot less messy, alot less toxic and quick (once you've made your master mould). Check out the following websites, http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/product.php?pid=20 http://www.castcraft.com/prod12.htm http://www.ploughbooksales.com.au/008222.htm http://www.warmplastic.com/p-r.html

It would take some engine to get a narrow boat to plane like that

I recently cruised the Stourport ring, day 1 the tardebigge flight from Stoke Prior. I noticed that on the top gate of each lock was a large metal - - - - - - - well I can only describe it as a bollard on the top of the gate opposite the hinge. Will someone tell the purpose of this, I'm sure the builders of the canals wouldn't have put it there for show.

Hi All, just joined this forum and having read several posts about pump out problems I was wondering why with all the other pumping systems that modern boats have don't have pumps dedicated to pumping out their own tanks. All you would have to do then would be to take the black water hose to a suitable drain and the boat empties its own tank. Systems like this are already installed in many American motorhomes.