James Owen

Obviously Alan, but off the shelf from marine suppliers they come either 8 or 10mm. I felt this needed pointing out due to the propensity for those less informed to put 3/8" copper into the 10mm fitting. As I've come across this more than a few times it seems a fairly easy, if not common, mistake to make.

Bubble testers, from memory, are fairly small bore so if you're looking to fit anything juicy it may pay to stick with a test point. I've also got a nagging thought that they're only available with either 8 or 10mm compression fittings but this is just a vague memory from years ago. I prefer test points but for quick and easy checking by the customer/owner a bubble tester is unbeatable. And no, if the cooker or hob/oven arrangement is the only LPG appliance in the system you don't need anything more than the valve on top of the bottle(s).

If it's in the Kampa it goes in the cut

Wind. As in the stuff that blows

No serious fabricator is going to offer overplating in anything less than 6mm. Care needs to be taken when considering internal insulation which can affect costs dramatically. A fair guide would be £150 per foot for a sound job from a reputable yard.

Often, yes.

Have faith in your welding Tim

Ooh, touched a nerve there me thinks

The Oxford canal was NOT built for widebeam vessels. I am not alone in seeing their encroachment upon this section of canal as abhorrent. Further to which, the blatant lack of consideration and basic understanding of those responsible for the way boats such as these have been 'moored' north of Braunston is little short of insulting.

In fairness I hadn't given a thought to how much 'interest' a loaded/unloaded boat would generate in the eyes of spectators or the general public, more from the steerers perspective. Accepting that the formers part is arguably as important to the future of these boats as those who currently 'work' them.

Perhaps because a loaded boat is far more interesting, enjoyable and IMHO easier to handle than an unloaded boat.

There's no longer anyone in Braunston marina who carries out over plate work. Roger Farringdon at bottom lock or Rue Yates at Falls Bridge just north of Rugby are two I'd recommend. A bit further north you've also got Brinklow Boats for a top notch job but it depends how far you want to travel ?

Yes, a bit optimistic in the middle of winter whilst 'guiding' a new boater through the dos and don'ts of canal etiquette.... ...hmmm, although done the TD way.... Paddles left up, gates open and flat out passed moored boats!! Ah, that's the way to do it

Michael, you're a born optimist

Yup, sounds like Simon In all seriousness, we decided the gearbox wouldn't pose a problem as it will work perfectly in either direction. Only alteration might involve propeller hand if the rotation was different from the engine that was being removed, otherwise, all good!! If you're still unsure however, Parsons Mathway are the people to speak to. I can't recall the chaps name off hand but he believed there wouldn't be a problem, and that spares are still 'available' !!

Love the 16, bow hauled a 70 footer from bottom to top single handed on one of the hottest days this summer...two hours of non-stop 'fun'...that pub looked like heaven as I heaved my way past!!

I spoke to Simon a while ago and confirmed that, after initial concerns, in fact the Type DA wasn't directional and this wouldn't be a problem. This information obviously didn't reach Mike before this thread was started.

The oil catcher is symmetric IIRC but I'll check later this week Mike, save you a journey

I rest my case....

Knob

Bless.... Middlewich branch to Barbridge, south to Autherley. North to Gt Haywood, turn right to Fradley then right to Atherstone...

Erm, me thinks you're a little confused...

Eh ? You won't go anywhere near the 21. North to Gt Haywood is the way to go.

On the map it looks like a no-brainer, but if you tot up the miles/locks and take out Harecastle it becomes more a case of time spent locking opposed to motoring. The locks on the Shroppie are closely set together so easy to work on your own and fill fairly quickly. Not forgetting, the longer route is widely considered to be a very picturesque waterway.

I took a full length motor from Preston Brook to Coventry single handed in two and a half days last September. Admittedly, it kept me busy (locking etc) at times and called for early starts but Middlewich to Atherstone is slightly less. Incidentally, I prefer the Shroppie route via Autherley and the Staffs & Worcs but I don't think there's a great deal of difference time-wise.