Dave_P

Thanks for this. I couldn't see a point to the anodes either. It seems the boat yard have just sent out a standard blacking quote. That concerns me, as it implies that they haven't really thought about what's needed here. I've advised my friend to ask about a DIY option so we can make sure it's done properly. The charity is not short of helpers and yours truly can oversee the operation.

Yes. The boatyard is about a day's tow from the final resting place. You may be right, but I think I'd quite like the look of an abandoned hulk with waterlilies in it. My friend is a very capable horticulturist so I'm sure she's got some think great planned.

I have a friend who has agreed to take an abandoned and derelict, but floating, hull off CRT's hands. It's to be used as a sort of floating pond (don't ask). I think it's to do with a charity. The boat will be lined somehow before waterlilies etc are added. AFAIK CRT aren't charging her for it and they legally have to crane it out anyway so it can't be reclaimed by the former owner. CRT have suggested that it should be blacked while it's out at the boatyard. Questions: 1. Would you black the the whole boat inside and out? Or black the outside and vactan the inside? Or something else? 2. Would you epoxy it? Is it worth the cost? The boat is virtually worthless, but once this project is in place, it won't be easy to black it again. 3. Is there any point in putting anodes on it? The boatyard seem to want to do it, but I've always assumed that the joey boats I see moored up have no anodes. This is kind of the same thing. No engine or electrics. The boat will not move once in place.

Yes, I found one similar. They're out there if you look. I expect the marinas rely on their moorers not bothering to look elsewhere.

Depends on your definition of a proper boatyard. The bad experience I described above was very much at a very well established and very highly regarded boatyard. Try ringing round a few and you'll find that friday to friday is very much the exception rather than the rule these days. Mosty boatyards just want you in and out as quickly as possible. Why do one boat a week when you can do three?

Much the same for me. I'm currently on the slipway and due back in tomorrow. I know it's early in the year but the last of the blacking went on Sunday afternoon and it's been a mild week. Covid cancellations meant a very cheap slipway came available at the last minute so i took it. My first blacking experience was quite similar to the OPs. I got a well regarded boatyard to do it while I was out at work. It went up the slip, was blacked and back in the water approx 48 hours later. I didn't know any better back then. Predictably, they'd done an awful job and the blacking must have been still wet when it went in, as the weed hatch had glued itself shut. I raised it with the yard and got a shrug and "well we're busy, what do you expect?". Needless to say I would never go back.

From reading this thread and others, I've got the impression that a good monitoring set up would be to have 2 meters. A Victron/NASA type to tell you when to stop charging. And a Smartgauge to tell you when to start charging. This Balmar interests me, because it looks like it's a single unit which covers all bases (if it works as claimed). Can anyone recommend someone who could fit one for me? I had a look at the 'simple' installation instructions, and I might as well have been reading Russian!

My copy of Another 60 Miles says it is BCN as far as Hednesford Basins to the North and Churchbridge Junction to the west. It states "Although the Staffs and Worcs Canal Co contributed towards the costs of building the branch it was still part of the BCN". If you want to be picky, you could say these parts are the Cannock Extension and the Churchbridge Branch, but they are part of what we now call the Hatherton Canal.

I see @BlueStringPudding is a facebook friend of his. Can you confirm?

I have 2 of those. Lovely bedtime reading! Thanks boss, I'm still not quite sure how any of this will work, but I'll be ready to help with the team!

Hi Cap, I'm another worker who'd love to join your team. I also have a copy of the other 60 miles, but unfortunately, it's in my drawer at the office while I'm working from home. I may be of some use though...

There's one for you!

I'd also add that if this works, why not do it every week? There's plenty of people feeling a bit isolated at the moment Ba Dum Tish!

This idea is not a lot different to our forum chat room, just with added video. The chat room used to be well attended and could get quite busy, but it's died a death. It's a long shot, but why can't we add video to our chat room on here? Simple solution: get a list of forum members who want to join and dm them the link

What am I going to do with this pot noodle now?

That was my doing!

Thanks Sue. I'll look out for it.

ok, but does that mean it's going to be published online or will it be only for participants?

It will be 3 years this year since I joined in with this as a boater, so think I'll probably throw my hat in the ring again this time. I can't remember if it's possible to see the scoring system before officially entering? Is it online somewhere or do I have to pay my fee first? Thinking about where the accumulator sections are and which canals score in both directions.

Interesting. Will there be an official cycling or walking entry this year?

I may cycle it again this year and try and beat my mileage from last year. If I'm clever I can strategically moor my boat for the saturday night to sleep on, start from one of the railway stations and try and do most of the BCN over the 2 days, then finish at.... hang on, where's the finish?

Maybe it's 2 posts now?

More questions: who is running it? Will the BCNS be a bit more involved this year? Will there be entry and scoring options for walking/cycling?

I've split this off into a new thread.

I'm moored in the centre of Birmingham at the moment. You're welcome to come and film my boat. (She's been on telly before and quite liked it). Kate - once you've made 5 posts on the forum you can send private messages to other members. This will help with arranging things.