Rebotco

I feel much the same as you about locking doors, partly because thieves are likely to cause most damage and expense trying to smash in the doors. It would be more economical to let them get in easily and nick the TV, rather than replace a whole door and frames which can cost 4 or 5 times as much! The only reason I don't is that insurers will call that negligence and an excuse to not pay out. But my best defence is not owning anything of much value anyway - but they won't know that until they're in, so why risk having the doors smashed in? Brian

Could do with them wheeled boats on the K & A now we've got no water!!! brian

Had identical symptoms a few months ago. Nothing obvious, but in the end turned out to be the bog seal leaking very slightly into the the pumpout tank. When I told passengers to make sure they let the flushing lever return with a bang, the problem was solved. Probably the return spring had weakened or was slightly obstructed. If you have that sort of toilet, that may be the problem. Damned annoying ain't it? Brian

Never mind next year! It has today been announced by BW that the K & A is now cut in half. All locks from 61 to 80 have already been padlocked and no indication when they will be opened again. This is entirely due inadequate water to support the waterway. Now I can't cruise anywhere much, wonder how much of the cruising licence they will refund me? Brian.

On the K & A(I think) recently after restoring a lock they were delighted to receive several tons of ash from a local steam train line, which they tipped into the canal against the lock gates. This apparently was the best way to get a watertight seal, and a common practice in the past. Brian

Didn't relise that bike was supposed to be a "sculpture" - always thought it was a boatman's warning to any wayward cyclists speeding on the towpath! Doubt it will be there much longer judging by the rust eating away at it's vitals. It will at some point come crashing down, probably on a boater. Cyclists' revenge, do you think???? Brian

Are you sure you mean the BW Licence? As these are for a maximum of 1 year, I am puzzled by your reference to "still one year left". That would mean the seller has only just renewed its licence. But if you mean the BSS certificate, that is for 4 years and could easily have "one year left". Both are compulsory and both relate the the vessel, not the owner. Brian Are you sure you mean the BW Licence? As these are for a maximum of 1 year, I am puzzled by your reference to "still one year left". That would mean the seller has only just renewed its licence. But if you mean the BSS certificate, that is for 4 years and could easily have "one year left". Both are compulsory and both relate to the vessel, not the owner. Brian

Thanks for the explanation. But what was most enlightening for me was the realisation there was an "L" in soLdthehouse! Up til then I thought you were expressing a strong preference for your boat over your house. (Must visit Specsavers) Brian

Well, I signed up to the draft form of this manifesto, and I've sought to highlight it on this and other forums. What have you done to improve the future direction of our waterways? Brian

This manifesto is very well presented, and in general does reflect my views. It has been sent to those who need to know and they have responded in a sensible fashion. I would think that the more boaters who express their support of this initiative, the more effective it will be in helping to shape the canal system's future according to the needs expressed by its users. There is always the small gobby minority who sit on the sideline contributing nothing at all, except to spout off any negative twaddle they can think of. Quite a few of them seem to inhabit this forum. If they could put half the effort into making a positive difference, the canals would be a far better place for all of us. Brian

It is quite true that in Britain, home ownership is far more popular than it is for our continental neighbours. As a financial advisor specialising in mortgages for many years (now retired), I believe there are historical reasons for this. One of the main ones was Mrs Thatchers "Right to Buy" initiative. When Council Houses could be bought at a real knockdown price instead of a lifetime renting, home ownership became a reality for millions who otherwise had little chance of owning their own home. In addition, the favourable treatment MIRAS made mortgage interest tax free and therefore exceptionally cheap. In addition the mortgage market in the UK became the most sophisticated in the world, with a huge range of possibilities available, which were never available in other countries. The law of supply and demand then kicked in - millions became able to buy their homes, demand therefore rose, and prices followed demand. This then increased demand even more, as people relised that it was also the best investment they could get and almost without risk (Safe as houses!). After 25 years they had a huge asset in the house they had bought, whereas the renter had precisely nothing. No contest! There are of course other lesser factors, as well as exceptions, but those are the chief reasons that Britons buy and continentals rent Ah! Come back Mrs Thatcher - all is forgiven! - Well, nearly all! Brian P.S. I've forgotten what the subject of this thread started out as!

They would only have been registered at Companies House if they were a limited company. If they were a sole trader or partnership they would not appear. Are you sure about the LTD in your title? Brian

Trailer boats maybe - but with a 40ft+ narrowboat, your average thief isn't going to get far at 3mph and would probably be knackered at the first lock or swing bridge. Not a good career move I would suggest!

GCHQ funding has been seiously cut. Rebotco