Dr Bradley

You could email me to complain because I don't have a computer either>

I guess your hiring from Shire cruisers then I think the blokage is to be cleared before you go. But Pennine will do one way trips if the Rochdale is still shut (though I suppose you've done all the rest). Hope you can get it right this time. By the way, you have'nt claimed your free pint in the moorings yet. Colin

If you had the winches on remote control, you could look after your boat whilst locking single handed - not for me though.

It's Rushbearng weekend in Sowerby Bridge and I never miss that (too many good drinking opportunities). Where's the folk festival Moley?

I suggest you post your question on either general boating r equipment threads where you have much better chance of response. I'd answer but I don't even understand the question.

Depends where your using it. I tried one for going to work a few years ago but I live in the midst of the Pennines. It didn't last the distance, which is ony a 40 minute walk, but up a steep hill. Unless you have a particular objection, a 50cc motorbike will do the job much better. If you intend to use it in the flatlands, or just along the towpath, it may be OK.

When I first decided to get a boat to live on (18 months and I still haven't sold my house!), I thought I would buy secondhand and then upgrade the interior to what I wanted. After looking at second hand boats, I realised I would be spending a lot of money, then refitting and still ending up with a second hand boat. A sailaway will cost about the same and ending up with a new boat. OK, others may not consider it new and even I don't know what the result will be - could be a bit of a dog if my skills in house DIY don't come up to standard. I am however looking forward to the project, it will be all new to me after a housebound life of equiping with others castoffs. And if I come up to scratch will have an assett worth far more than I've put in to it. Not that my intention at present sees me trying to sell soon, but it has to be a consideration. As for time put in, which is something many peole mention, once I sell the house and pack in the job I'll have nothing else to work on. As for what I'll be getting, it looks like Liverpool Boats. As Gary says, I have to accept what I am getting and do. It would be very nice to spend an extra £6-10000 on a really good shell, but I don't see the value of that for me. Perhaps next time if, there is one I would go that route. It would be a shame to spend all that cash on a really good shell if I can't do justice in the fit out.

You appear to be getting an unwritten contract, which isn't worth the paper it's written on.

Why will there be more anglers on the canal bank during the closed season?

Having been on the forum for 18 months, you must have seen this topic come up several times before. So many people seem to wish to rent I've wondered about by to let NB's. Might be a good niche market.

My local authority was auctioning off some parcels of land, one of which had extensive canal (offside) frontage with a guide price of £5000. (And lots of woodland- i would have loved it). I spent lots of time arranging finance and all the other things I needed. Day off work to go to the auction ready to bid £15000. So much over the guide price I felt I was sure to get it. Went for £42000. Not a hope, and I presume went to a land bank bloody building company who will leave it derelict for years.

I'll be on the wonderful Isle of Arran, but if so many forum members are going why not try to arrange a banter?

I have a pair of these which seem to work though not extensively tested yet. £20. http://www.comet.co.uk/cometbrowse/product.do?sku=152331

Love to join in but if I don't finish doing up my house, I'll never get a boat.

scoobydog I followed your thread from the beginning and understood what you were doing. I think you chose an unfortunate one to be a single post as that is a topic much discussed, sometimes quite heatedly, on the forum. I think you got jumped as much for previous threads as your post. Don't be put off, it happens sometimes. Visit the VP and ahave a pint.