Rebotco

Bump! Still waiting patiently for some more wisdom on this question. Thanks. Brian

What's this fragment supposed to mean? Brian

40 - 60 ft narrowboat? I think not! And the more heat you used for the radiator, the less available to heat your water. And you would need another heating arrangement when you're moored up anyway. Don't think this one will win a Nobel prize! Brian

Thanks for that. By 'eck, you've got a good memory for an article two years ago! The thread doesn't really get past the initial difficulty of removing the access panel though. But its nice to know I'm not the only one to come across this question. Brian

Very drole!

And for the cost of it, we could have 2 new Royal Yachts, CaRT funded for the next 100 years and all the hospitals upgraded etc. etc. (Might be a slight exaggeration- but you get my drift!) Brian

I think Matty's explanation is right. The rope+ball is set at 65 ft in length, so when the ball touches the water, the mast will clear the bridge. I don't think any winching could work - just some very clever steering. Must be a heck of a force on the mast though! Still, if it broke off, he could then easily get under the bridge! Brian

My fresh water tank is at the very front of the bow, formed by the steel hull and coated with black stuff. Not too keen on this idea, especially as little black flecks come out of the tap sometimes. Can't really see how to recoat it though, as there is only a screwed-on 12" square access plate to get at it. I sure couldn't fit down that and suspect my arms wouldn't reach far enough to get in all the corners anyway! So what options have I got? Anyone used those flexible water bag things? I have seen them up to 200 lts but they cost around £300. Or is there any sort of spray on lining that could be applied? Thanks Brian

And the £32 BILLION on a bloody pointless railway line. Brian

Impressive! I must try that on my chimney next time I go through a low tunnel!! Brian

So is it looking up info that makes you a troll - or is it calling someone a pratt? Brian

Sorry if this sounds a bit thick - but what exactly is "trolling", and how do you do it? Is it supposed to be a bad thing to do, and why? As you may guess, I'm not a natural geek! Thanks Brian

Agreed. I always thought it was pure spite by Labour to abandon it in the first place. Brian

I had to pay a small extra premium on my policy to go down the Severn last year. But it was not stated as essential to have an official pilot. Just a competent/experienced person for the trip. Brian

There are lots of self adhesive printed vinyl woodgrains around. But they're a bugger to get all the bubbles out on a large area. Dunelm Mills and other Homeware/fabric stores sell lots. Or probably ebay. Brian

The tides are - the overtopping of the weirs is not. Brian

Yes, thats true on rare occasions on a spring tide. The "Tidal Wave" bore can overtop the weirs as far as Lower Lode, just South of Tewkesbury. I would not entertain being on the river in those conditions personally. Fortunately though, that is not the norm. Brian

Don't want to worry you - but that wasn't even a high tide! The river is non-tidal north of Gloucester. But it can be hairy enough just as a flowing river. In flood, it can be lethal. I have done the tidal trip Sharpness to Bristol in a 60 ft narrowboat. Pilot cost £160 to Portishead, although I had a friendly seaman who helped me for a bottle of Johnny Walker instead. Pilot's not compulsory, but for a first timer pretty near essential. You already know the Severn won't be mucked about with. The harbourmaster won't let you go if the wind is above force 4. But its a unique experience, and you'll be glad you did it. Brian

Exactly so. Mine is a cruiser stern, so probably gets more of it than yours. As I understand it, the area under the engine is "fenced off" so that any oil leaks/drips are not pumped into the canal by the bilge pump. But due to rain from the deck area above, its often got as much depth of water in it as the rest of the bilge. In fact I have just had a tonneau cover fitted to reduce this problem. Brian

I'll second that! Tunnel lights are for tunnels. Brian

That sounds an eminently practical and sensible solution for these circumstances. Brian

One died. The other is in hospital. Brian

Bugger that! Go for a normal pump-out. (That will guarantee this thread running for at least 6 pages!!!) Brian

Saw him on QI recently. Didn't like him at all. Brian