AllanW

Suprised by double glazing seals being broken by boats hitting locks... surely the double glazing fitted to campers and caravans has a much harder time? Allan

Hi Gary I have to agree with posters who have asked for good quality pictures... There is nothing more frustrating than sites which have postage stamp sized pictures of just what you want to look at! So may I suggest that any thumbnail pictures are linked to a full sized picture? I would also be interested in seeing the options 'as fitted' - for example I'm interested in the incinerator toilet you mentioned elsewhere, and I'd be interested in seeing how it looks built in, and similarly others will be interested in the different heating systems, or cooking options Another idea that could be unique to your site... I've been looking everywhere for 'blank' drawings that I can tinker with (for example of what I mean please see Chris's excellent drawings on the 'Belle' site http://www.railwaybraking.com/belle/layout.htm). So would it be possible to to include 'blank' drawings that your visitors could print out for the diferent styles and lengths? (ie. Trad, Cruiser and Semi-Trad in the most popular lengths?) As for site design - I don't believe that a site has to be the most high tech to be the most impressive - content and presentation are (for me anyway) always the most important factor Anyway - Good luck with the new site! Allan

Oops - here's another one... I just got this so I take it the problems not been solved yet then? - - - (copy) - - - Hi Allan You don't know me but I wondered if you could do me a favour nevertheless and pass this email on to one of the site crew: I've tried to register with Canal World Forum and went through the reg process o.k. However, I haven't received the verification email and so can't log in. My forum id should be 'clydebuilt'. My registered email is [removed] Unfortunately it's not possible to use the email buttons on the site unless you're registered, nor is it possible to post, so I'm effectively locked out. You were the first person I came across whose profile had a full email address, hence my email to you. Thanks in advance and sorry for the inconventience. Frank Kelly

Yup - totally agree - have been following Sue's story for quite a while, and it's always a good read I take a look at most of the sites occasionally, but the only other one I generally follow is good ol' Granny Buttons What I liked about Chris and Stelle's build blog is seeing how the ideas have evolved, and the drawings and pictures illustrate the story wonderfully... I hope they get to keep the blog going once they're finally afloat Allan

Hi Chris and Stelle I just took a look at your website and build blog... Congratulations! It's about the best narrowboat build blog around - 'Belle' looks amazing, and I look forward to seeing her finished and floating! (For those here who haven't seen the website go do so now!!! http://www.railwaybraking.com/belle/introtext.htm) BTW - I've sent you a PM about the .xls drawings Allan

No it's not... LOL Allan

Apologies if this has been posted elsewhere... I just picked it up from http://www.expressandstar.co.uk/2006/09/23...eck-narrowboat/ - - - (start) - - - Raiders wreck narrowboat A couple were made homeless when heartless raiders broke in to their narrowboat home and set it alight as they left with their possessions. Firefighters were called to the blaze at Coven Heath Cruising Club, in Cat and Kittens Lane, in south Staffordshire, at around 3.20pm yesterday. But the fire had already ripped through the vessel destroying everything the thieves had left behind. The couple, who did not want to be named because they “couldn’t bare the sympathy”, were out for the afternoon - one of the first times the woman had left her home of three years since recovering from breast cancer. She said: “We’re one of the only people that actually live here and act like unofficial security which is a joke now. The rest of the boats are moored and the owners live nearby. “This was actually our home and we’ve now got nowhere to go. That’s something we have to sort out today.” Scenes of crime officers from Staffordshire Police were investigating at the scene this morning. The heartbroken homeowners said thieves had broken in to the boat and used the on-board dingy to get away with their spoils after setting fire the boat. She said: “They are the scum of the earth. I just thank God that I took my dog out with me. He’s only small and heaven knows what would have happened to him.” Firefighters were called by a boater working on his own craft some way down the canal who spotted the smoke from the vessel. Sergeant David Cartwright, from Staffordshire Police, said: “Fire investigation teams and scenes of crime officers are now involved in a joint investigation to try to establish the cause of the fire.” Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Staffordshire Police on 08453 302010 and ask to speak to officers at Watling CID. By Daniel Pountney This entry was made on Saturday, September 23rd, 2006 at 7:00 pm and is filed under News. - - - Allan

Hi Ross I've just come back from a boat with an Alde fitted (the boat is around a year old), and personally I was impressed at how near silent the whole system was Allan

Surely that should read 'velly ricely'? Allan

The report states that the boat made contact with the bank at the time the man was seen to tip overboard... Obviously I don't know for certain, but It's quite possible that the rudder was knocked causing the tiller to kick across. This is where good practice comes in by ensuring that the steerer is *always* positioned in front of the tiller And that's why I sudder when I see folks sitting on cruiser stern rails while steering in reverse - If that tiller kicks with 17 ton of boat behind it, you are not going to stop it from throwing you over the rail or cracking ribs! It's sad to think that this man died a horrible death which was so easily preventable I'm sure I speak for many here when I say our condolences and thoughts are with his loved ones

Hi Gary How's the trials with this going?

Hi Ron If you are thinking of the helmsmans course - I can absolutely reccomend Malcom at Top Lock I went on the two day course in June, and it was excellent - I learned so much, and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it! An added bonus for me was that it took place on the beautiful Peak and Macclesfield canals Malcom only takes two at a time, and this allows for plenty of 'hands on' learning with no feeling of 'it's about time for my turn' - but what I particularly liked, is that he explains *why* things are done in a certain way - *why* the boat behaves as it does - and (for example) *how* water behaves in a lock, rather than the usual "you wind this paddle first, and that one second". As you go through the two days, Malcom also points out things that boaters are doing (things I'd been doing for years as well) and how easily a small slip could then get them in trouble - and he then shows or explains the safe way it might have been done. (BTW - after this course you'll never use a pole to push off a muddy bank again!!!) Malcom's boat is specially converted for the course. It's his old Four Seasons restaurant boat (which he sucessfully ran as a business with his wife Alison for quite a few years before retiring to a quieter life). The boat is a 57 foot semi trad - but with a short cabin which allows you to see what's happening to the boat rather than what's happening to the roof It's suprising how much *easier* (and safer) cruising has become after this... The novice would learn much - but an experienced boater might just learn more I'm sure you'll enjoy it - do let me know if you book Allan

Paul... Thanks ever so much for that - I hadn't expected such a helpful reply! I've been looking at the canal planner site and Nicholsons, but from past experience it's always useful to talk to those who've done it, so I've printed it off and will certainly be taking your advice I'll be sure to let you know how we get on All the best Allan

Following on from my last post, I was doing a bit of research and looking for a few pics and found this... http://www.eberspacher.com/ - - - (from the page) - - - The WC16 has been developed for use where disposal of human waste is a major environmental and logistical problem. The WC16 eliminates the normal cost of disposal, vehicle downtime and treatment and avoids the rigorous health and safety implications of disposal. How the system works After flushing, all toilet waste is passed through the macerator pump, which is then conveyed to the waste holding tank. A level sensor within the tank alerts the incinerator that there is waste requiring incineration and the incineration process begins. A measured quantity of waste is pumped into the chamber and combustion commences, whereupon all contents of the chamber are incinerated leaving a sterile chamber. When the incineration process is complete combustion ceases and the incinerator begins its cool down cycle. If the holding tank level sensor indicates there is still waste in the holding tank, further incinerations are initiated until the tank is empty. The WC16 has the capability of incinerating up to 16 litres of waste per hour and larger models are available to cope with higher flow volumes. The WC16 meets all required Environmental and Health and Safety regulations - details of which are available on request. - - - (end) - - - Don't know what others here think, but this looks to be a perfect solution if it works Anyone had a price for fitting one yet? Allan

Apologies to Jon - I tried to put this in the 'for sale' section, and the post has gone for review so please feel free to delete I wouldn't usually post a boat for sale from another site - but this one will be of interest to forum readers who are looking for a boat with a good residential mooring at a reasonable price. It's on a site which doesn't carry too many narrowboats so there's a few here who will have missed it... http://www.boatshed.com/viewboat.php?boat=11137 - - - (from the advert) - - - This traditional style narrow boat has a warm welcoming feel. Her large windows and portholes in the living areas allow in lots of light and are all opening for additional ventilation on warm sunny days. Her much sought after permanent residential mooring is available with her (subject to landowner's approval). It is in a secure but picturesque spot in the heart of the Cheshire countryside, has a 70 x 8 foot garden and benefits from a BT Landline, shore power and mains water. - - - (end) - - - Allan

Anyone here on the Stratford canal? I'm looking for suggestions here folks! I've hired a boat out of Tardebigge next week with the intention of traveling down to Stratford on Avon (6 days and counting!!!) I'm not familiar with this part of the network, so does anyone have any recommendations on where to stop (or where not to stop?) - are there any do's or don'ts for this area - and what are the best pubs/restaurants along the route? Many thanks guys... Oh - and I'm on the Golden Ghyll (Anglo Welsh) so gimme a wave! Allan

Hi Gary How's the trials with the new loo going? And do you have any photo's yet? Many thanks Allan

Regarding self pump outs... I'm familiar with the regular vacuum pump outs, and I've seen others using manual pump outs into elsan disposal points... Are there such things as a permenantly fixed electric 'self pump out' to avoid all that manual pumping? If so what's the best choice? Allan (Edit for spelling)

A bit off topic - but this may be of help to some owners considering a refit who want switches in positions where it's difficult to get wires to http://www.enocean.com/indexe_31.html http://www.automatedhome.co.uk/modules.php...rticle&sid=1273

Nice link Alan... Think I like this one even better! http://www.lidl.co.uk/uk/home.nsf/pages/c....za_Red_Wine.ar9