RichLech

We used to be moored at Ventnor Farm. Once through the three Callcutt locks (can be avoided if you moor at Wigrams Turn) could travel along to Braunston (always worth a visit) and then north on the North Oxford. Through Rugby to just three locks at Hillmorton then one very easy lock at Hawkesbury junction. On to the Coventry canal and access to the Ashby.

I've had a small tear in my pram hood for more than a year. A couple of weeks ago as we were moored in Braunston for the afternoon I popped into AJ Canopies to ask how I could get it repaired. A couple of hours later they had repaired it at a very reasonable cost and it was back on the boat. Now that is what I call excellent customer service. Thank-you Kathy at AJ Canopies 7171 6 Comments Like Comment Send

Thanks for the info re. Blisworth tunnel.

Thanks for all the shopping guidance.

Looks like there is walking route to avoid the tunnel. Is that correct and if so is it easy to follow?

Many thanks for all the suggestions.

Hoping to head south from Braunston next week, perhaps as far as Berkhamstead. Suggestions of supermarkets close to the canal would be much appreciated.

I've always had this problem too. My display comes on very occasionally in hot weather. However I have done what is suggested above by Flyboy. I have another cheap hour meter fitted.

I've got a rule bilge pump and float switch, located in the area behind the engine bunded area. The stern gland greaser is tightened whenever I leave the boat and neither water or grease from the gland has ever been an issue. I also check the float switch is working OK whenever I leave the boat. I am semi-trad with a pram so rarely find any water in the bilge.

Just about to join the Llangollen for the first time. Reading about depth from Trevor to Llangollen. One guide says unwise for boats drawing more than 21" . I am 24" . Will I be able to get right to Llangollen?

I know lots use Marine 16 to guard against diesel bug, but which product? Is it "Diesel Bug Treatment" or "Diesel Fuel Complete" ? I've looked at the Marine 16 website Shop (marine16.co.uk) but am not clear which to use. Thanks

Thanks very much for the replies. Yet again, the forum provides the help I needed.

I've just bought a new (as in just manufactured) tunnel light. I have attached a picture of the mounting stem of the light and I'm trying to establish what size/thread it is. It comes with one thin nut but I want to put a second, locking nut on it. The diameter of the stem is 12.3mm (just bigger than M12) and there are 26 threads per inch. Can anyone suggest a possible thread? Thanks

Thanks for all the replies. Very Helpful.

We are planning on cruising down the southern Grand Union next week and will probably need to stock up in Milton Keynes. Can anyone recommend supermarkets close to the canal. In addition, where are the best places to moor overnight in Milton Keynes? Thanks

When my Shurflo started leaking at the join I was told it was not unusual so I replaced with a JABSCO 12V D.C Par Max 2.9' pressure controlled water pump | eBay

I did my semi-trad about 6 years ago. I had about as much room as robtheplod's pictures show in the post above. It was about the worst/dirtiest job I have done on the boat but very satisfying to see the end result. I took off as much rust as I could with an angle grinder and wire brushes, then painted with two coats of hammerite. I have a pram hood and container under the stern gland so I don't get much water laying down there and it still looks pretty good. I agree engine out would make it so much easier but it is diyable if you are flexible and bendy enough, and don't mind getting filthy.

Check all the alternator fixing and adjustment bolts.

I have asked about shopping in Kidderminster on another post. Sounds as though it might be better to go straight through to Stourport. Are there any supermarkets close to the canal as you enter Stourport? THanks.

Enjoying the Staffs & Worcester for the first time and need to stock up at Kidderminster in a couple of days time. Can anyone suggest the best place to stop for a supermarket close to the canal please?

Look like old Wesley Marine windows to me.

I've got a Barrus Shire 45 in a 52 foot narrowboat. If I do the calcs my single internal skin tank is nowhere near big enough. However I've done extensive cruising on the Thames, sometimes against quite strong flow, and I've never had an over-heating issue. A lot of the time, once the first thermostat opens and engine cooling water flows through the calorifier, that provides sufficient cooling. Why not try it for a while and see how it goes?

Just wondering how people protect themselves against the (albeit unlikely) risk of picking something up off a lock gate or mechanism. Gloves are an obvious start but what about leaning on a lock gate when opening or closing? What do people to to mitigate this risk?

Next May is their earliest slot.

I'm thinking of having my boat painted by Baxter Boatyard at Yardley Gobion on the Grand Union in Northamptonshire. I've spoken to them on the phone and studied their website and so far think it would be a good choice. Has anybody got experience of using them? I would be pleased to hear comments - either on here or by private message. Thanks