Ronniesonic

I write this having been moored on a water point, next to a bridge, on a busy stretch of Canal......... mamby pamby, hoity toity, shiny weekend 'sunny only' boat steering, sandals & polyester trouser wearing from the back of a Sunday supplement magazine, voting tory but have a soft spot for the poor, not rascist as a mate I worked with was black, don't drink from a can, have a conservatory with wicker furniture from John Lewis...... I do not like these sort of boaters. I also do not like boaters who are scruffy oiks on crap boats, sponging & cheating C&RT, causing havoc wherever they go, drinking from a can, wearing combat trousers, dirty boots & unshaven for at least 18 hours, having logs on their roof & dirty brass vents........... Disgusting I also do not like myself for being so judgemental & allowing myself to pigeon hole everyone in an instant without even knowing them. And while I am at it......... People who eat marmite are just plain wrong, end of! (and tripe eaters) Excuse my sarcasm, but Im going boating & look forward to meeting all of you regardless.

Is all of this consultation malarkey just a complete waste of resource & ultimately funds, considering the items covered? Why don't C&RT just enforce the current rules? The whole thing is a scaremongering joke as we are talking about a few piss takers, that's all. Excuse the language but this whole thing is embarrasing in my eyes. Surely these consultations could better be utilized? I thought boating was not rocket science (with the exception of electrics!!). I bet many peeps reading these threads will be worried about the future. Complete overboard

Hi Cloudy- Adopt KISS! Stove at front, little 'Salamander Stoves' 'Pipsqueak' model in rear cabin (very small & completely ace mundo for the few weeks you need heat at the rear). Then instant hot water via a Morco. I do not do complicated. My Morco sits on bulk from Kitchen to Bathroom. Keep having fun & dig in buddy EDIT_ other stoves are available & I have no association with them at Salamander

Just trying to catch my breath............ There is no argument to be had here. This chap is a blatant pisstaker, period! He will singlehandedly screw all genuine CC'ers & those that 'dont totally abide by the rules' but do no harm to anyone & play the game, as it were. Move your boat & don't take the piss TOO MUCH! If only the small minority followed this advice. For crying out loud There are many people worried about their future on the Canals FFS & all this nonsense is not helping. And as it's Tuesday & it's raining & i'm pissed off, I will add something off topic. To those scumbags that throw their rubbish, effectively in their own backgarden, in the cut, on towpaths & down embankments etc....... Hang your heads.

Best wishes to both of you. I hope you are not making her wear a 'raddle red' dress & brass jewellery.

Bizz- Can you invent a cassette toilet with a pump for emptying? Lengendary status will then be assured

I heard Bruce Forsyth has dabbled with boating...... He does not like Private boaters & has often been heard saying... 'Higher Higher'. .................... incoming or coat?

As many have posted before the Boating community has it's good bad & ugly just like everything else. I like all sorts of boaters. The only things I do not like are marmite, tripe, poncy cider, Eastenders, Leicester City FC, bread they sell without crusts, people who think all Staffies are killers, generators at 11pm, polyester, dodgy barnets & syrups, Deal or no Deal, Bingo & finally BT. My favourite things are boats, my Staffie called Lt Ripley & Sickle (i love that boat) My mind is far to active & random but it helps pay the bills. Have a good weekend all

All this bog talk makes me chuckle. I remember when I was a kid in the mid seventies & getting caught short whilst out playing from dawn til dusk. I was wearing my 'Wednesday' polyester briefs with fetching blue piping. I was in desperate need of a sit down number. I hid, dropped my Gola polyester tracksuit bottoms & squatted hoping no to get spotted. I proceed to dispense of payload. However payload did not reach it's ground zero destination at first attempt! The aforementioned briefs had not been pulled forward enough, thus acting a missle cradle . What's the significance of this sordid / not for tea time tale you ask? Mistiming the drop angle of the payload did not bother me. However, POLYESTER as a main ingredient to any clothing item is simply wrong & those responsible should be held to account & be given a serious talking to if they have not been shot already. Even worse than itchy jumpers as a kid. Today's equivalent anyone?

Hi Mike- Hawkesbury actually 2x applications in. The one on the redundant Golf Course on the Cov side awaiting final approval, the other on the Oxford side still in early stages, so potentially even more berths. Putting to one side the 'market forces' will prevail argument, I agree with what you say wholeheartedly. Assuming all planned apps get the go ahead there will be Marina's go belly up as there are not enough boats to fill the berths even at reduced rates. Therefore, what happens to the derelict Marina's? Look at Barby. Friendly Mr McMaster couldn't even afford to build the bloody thing let alone fill it! Or, will there come a time in the near future where nearly all of the online moorings are got rid of & people have to keep there boat in a Marina? Those remaining being tied into leases etc. I hope C&RT act wisely.

do those Boatowners who have a pumpout because they 'cannot stand the thought of poop & all that' pick their doggy do do's up when they have been for a walk? '''''''incoming''''''''''' Cassette all the way for us. Fill up 2 as it allows you to balance when walking on an icy dark towpath in a squally shower 1/2 mile from an Elsan on New years Day with a stinging hangover. On arrival, realise you have forgotten your BW Key Start to cry, break a new year's ressie by scaving a fag & a light, momentarily wish you had not thought that this Boating lark was the best thing since sliced bread. Dust yourself down, get a grip, borrow a key, watch the clouds clear & the sun suddenly peep through, empty cassettes with elsan door open & breath held, scamper back to Boat to be told there is no gas left............................

The problem with ' bridge hopping' is that this situation has been allowed to continue, mostly unchecked for years, & people have designed their lifestyles around this. If this is now enforced rigourously there are many who's lives will be put into turmoil. I am not comfortable with this. Put yourself into their shoes for a minute. I am not in this situation but some of my friends are. Really nice people getting on with their lives. They are really upset / worried about what is going to happen to them. Now being hounded by the IPAD mob when moored 1/2 mile from any 'visitor' moorings, that btw have not been full all summer. I personally do not know what the answer is but have concerns about our fellow community members. Is this actually only a 'major' problem down south? Is it just a recent influx of people looking for cheaper ways of being able to have a roof over their heads? I was previously in the camp of 'if you cannot pay then tough cheddar as you cannot always get what you want'. However my opinion has changed. People are genuinely scared for their future on the water & simple but organised daily lifestyle. Geez, I remember when boating was fun, where politics was solely a haven reserved for Radio 4.

Stevie Wonder moves his head from side to side & he cannot even see PsycloudDavid wears clothes like Stevie Wonder & he can see! I love the look David & I am convinced you are a nutter. Check blazer wearing, detached double garage owning, Volvo & Prius driving, NIMBY's, sit down lawnmower driving, alway order a starter, always have cheese after dinner, never been to McDonalds, always wear a shirt & tie just to buy the Sunday Times, never owned a pair of decent denims, hockey stick weilding, horse owning, fox hunt loving, new Barbour jacket each Autumn, anyone male with long hair is a waster thinking, moan at those who leave dog poo but do it theirselves, middle lane driving, middle of the cut steering, singlehandedly ensuring the brass polishing industry remains viable, not racist because they thought Lenny Henry on new faces in 1975 seemed ok for one of those, port drinking, Harrods only Christmas crackers using, oh no Ive scratched my boat twice this decade, grumpy Steve Hudson owners would find you a scary mary. Move your head a smile everyone, it's what helps keep the 'life' better than that of the concrete jungle. Toodle pip, im off to a Bridge Club meeting

not sure if I have just wasted my lunch break or not But seriously, Gibbo is right....... albeit off topic. When my boat is back in the water I will just not use any light, Fridge, TV or radio. That should make it ok

I think that Mike & I are referring to affordable 'resi' moorings for anyone who would want them. More affordable for everyone. But I see your point. If this particular Marina had 20 resi berths with 50 peeps wanting one they could easily inflate prices & get the 20 with the most monies. What forward thinking Council in the UK would ensure that 1/2 the berths were affordable & what would put someone into this catergory? Thorfast, in hindsight...... good question

Morning Mike- I am trying to find out if 'resi moorings' are part of this plan. I think that looking at the normal issues; ie; roads / access & school places etc, then this Project has proposed 200 homes, 50 of which is Social housing. Therefore some resi moorings would not impact too greatly? Also consider that 400yards away is the 'Exhall resi Basin', circa a dozen boats. (very nice too). The crux is cost. The last vacant berth in the basin went for £5k per year. It is becoming clearer to me that there is a huge demand for 'resi' berths but not at £5k per year. Scenario....How would £57pw sound to everyone inclusive of C/Tax within a 'marina group' cost? Sounds great but this still equates to £2,964per year. £57 per week....... personally I would snatch your hand off. Is this type of figure (away from London) a decent ballpark that many would consider. FYI; A 1/2 decent 2 bed house to rent in Coventry is £400-£500 per month. That's £92per week for thr cheaper end. Anyway, I guess you can see what I am getting at I agree with Mike... Education & lobbying Planners / Councils is the way forward?

Morning All- I published a thread 2 weeks ago regarding a proposed Marina at Hawkesbury (the North Oxford side on the waste area- 2nd Marina). If Government give final approval on the initial Marina (details below) & the 2nd Marina also gets the 'go' I wonder if this would be deemed as too much? Getting a seat in the 'Greyhound' will be interesting However, an initial & separate plan has been given PP for the are on the Coventry side on the old golf course. From the Coventry Evening Telegraph this morning; A CANAL marina, a community centre and 200 houses could be built on land at Hawkesbury Golf Course in Exhall. Outline planning permission has been granted by Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council for the green belt development which will now be referred for government approval. The application has been made by a trust set up by the family of Ronald Wilson, whose agent, Jonathan Adams, told planning committee members that plans include 50 affordable homes, plus 40 allotments and public open space with foot and cycle paths. Lynne Price, representing Hawkesbury Village Residents Association, said the only objection was the number of houses but there were concerns over a lack of local school places and fears that the community centre and allotments had been added “as a smokescreen.” Coun Bob Copland (Labour) said: “This area does need some regeneration and I like the idea of a marina. “Highway issues are a problem and it is absolutely vital that the community centre goes ahead.” Party colleague Bill Sheppard said the development was “exciting” but was worried about the lack of infrastructure while Keith Kondakor (Green) said he would like to see fewer houses on the plan and shared concerns about traffic access down Blackhorse Road, crossing the Nuneaton-Coventry rail line. The proposal was accepted, with conditions to include the provision of affordable housing and Section 106 agreements, on a 9-3 vote. Read More http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/north-warwickshire-news/2012/10/12/marina-community-centre-and-200-houses-could-be-built-on-land-at-exhall-92746-32016213/#ixzz29LtwHhJO

Do a search of t'internet. It astonishes me how poor most Brokers are. The BEST, by a country mile are Dominic & the crew at ABNB, with an honourable mention for Brokefinder Brokerage. The former, both for service & their websites. The competitors, well considering I assume thay know what the opposition does defies comprehension they do not improve their sites. The worse IMHO; Braunston / Whilton / Crick- come on guys, it's shocking. It's 2012 for lordy's sake. Get a 12yr old to update it for you. As a footnote, I would not use Whilton FULL STOP. I was browsing, not long back & the Staff present must have forgotten I was there. What I heard was nothing short of shocking. They basically plan to screw everyone from what I heard. I eventually walked out & it went terribly quiet. Another example of how difficult it is to find GOOD stuff in the Narrowboatworld. By jove it's a minefield out there or a 'Whitefield' Now then, who can I get to service my boat without ripping the arse off me............... Thank god for this forum!!!!!!!!!!!!! I genuinely think the Canal world in general needs a bring itself into line. now breathe.............

I do not condone violence but I had to forceably stop my missus from hitting him. She has only ever hit me once & it decked me straight on my jacksy. In hindsight I should have allowed him to feel the force! How has he remained in business? He remains on my bucketlist, if I should ever require one. Singlehandedly the most vile human being I have ever encountered. You could not make him up..........

If planning is approved & the new marina offers superior 'services' then those already moored at another local marina may consider the new marina a more suitable proposition if the numbers stack up. They might even get water in the winter if they need it! I cannot believe people will pay so much to moor at Braunston. I think it is extremely poor value for money based on the what you get. 20 years out of date but in a deemed 'premium' location. I think Mr Coughlan is frightened of the oppostion, as simple as that. I don't think the planners will approve, not for a 500+ berth anyway.

Hi All- I am not a mechanic as this post will probably prove... However I have a simpleton question of comparison; I just got thinking that my last 3 works cars were diesel & I covered over 150k in them without a single breakdown, just serviced as per manual. I gauge that NB Diesel Engines fail more pro-rata than a Car Engine. If this is actually true, & now having read it back twice I am not convinced, what are the main reasons for this? I am thinking a modern BETA (others are available) & not older Engines. My 1st Car was a Chevette & was always off the road! My coat is ready if you don't go easy on me.

Hi All- Regarding 'setting' the price of C&RT Moorings. (I know Alan has posed a question & received a 'secret' answer) I do not get it! So many unsold. Scenario; 200 metres of moorings with grass verge & gate etc. No water, leccy or elsan. Assume not the most desirable place. 2x 60ft boats historically pay £1200 per year but 8 spaces are vacant. C&RT still have to maintain, cut grass etc.. Advertise at £1000 per 60ft space. No takers. Surely it's more economical to fill each space for a 'lesser price' rather than keep costs high but berths remaining vacant. This is the market setting the value? By a lesser price i do not mean a p*** taking £50 but something more in line with what Boaters would pay The more prime areas retain / increase their berth value, just like houses in London for example. Should C&RT take some revenue rather than nowt? Or will they just 'close' their Moorings, perhaps to get boats into Marinas? What does everybody think. Am I confused or just a bumbling fool?

The Police have suspects for thefts relating to Atherstone boats & numerous others along the Cov to Ansty & also the Ashby. At least one already known to them....... there's a shock! I spoke with Police by chance at the weekend. They are clever & not shy with their MO. Be vigilant for now. I do know they use a boat & or a cruiser for their acts. TBC Let's just say it will be better for the Police to find them first. Already 'upset' someone I wouldn't. My Boat not affected as she is empty in dry dock. Hope this helps... I live near Hawkesbury BTW.