RichLech

In the previous version of the Forum there was a list of the latest topics on the right hand side. I can't see this now. The list on the right looks like it might be the "busiest" topics. Am I misinterpreting something?

I've never had a problem buying a licence for two weeks. Done it at least once a year for the last four years. Last year got caught on red boards for 4 days during May. When we got going again the next lock extended the licence for the four days lost. Shouldn't have any problems with moorings in March/April. Not sure about the new mooring regime. You were always meant to contact someone when you arrived at EA visitor moorings but I don't think anyone bothered. Now you are meant to contact outfit called Thames Visitor Moorings who will supposably police the use of moorings.

I can recommend RCR courses.

I'm thinking of buying 3 of these. Looked after, I hope they would last 3 or 4 years. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111004481874?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

I really cannot see how this will generate enough revenue to pay for the registering process, the enforcement (21 mooring locations so far I think) and still generate increased revenue for EA - which is one of its goals. You can register online but I don't use the internet while boating. So I have to use a mobile. What happens if my signal is weak or the number is engaged? There is no mobile mumber to text. I tend to agree that EA have been persuaded to go along with it on the promise of increased revenue.

Many thanks for all the advice.

I need to repaint some parts of my boat that have a non-slip finish - a surface like course sand-paper. Can anyone recommend a good way to prepare this type of surface. I'm not sure whether it can be easily over-painted, or whether it needs to be removed to provide a good, smooth surface to repaint. However I tackle it, what are the best tools for rubbing it down? I suspect an random orbital sander but what sort of sanding sheet will be tough enough? Any suggestions & recommendations will be appreciated.

If it has the Barrus Shire control panel and the hour meter is part of the rev counter gauge, it is very common for the hour meter not to display. However, it is probably still counting. My display suddenly comes on once or twice a year when it is very hot. I have now fitted an independent hour meter and that is how I can tell the Barrus counter is actually still counting, but not displaying.

Don't really understand the value add of the Thames Visitor Moorings concern. How is it financed and is it just taking money that would otherwise go to EA? I've travelled on the Thames between Weybridge and Oxford two or three times a year for the last four years and have found that the EA visitor moorings work well. We only want to stay in each place for one night and although we do see a few instances of boats staying more than one night this system of registration seems to be a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Occasionally I see a lockie checking the moorings and perhaps collecting £5.00 for a subsequent night. How does this fit with the TVM organisation? From my current understanding it just seems to be unnecessary bureaucracy to me. If I just stay one night each time and do not bother to register, what's the harm? Reference the Windsor moorings, we stayed on Baths Island last week. The fee was collected by a very pleasant attendant and I was happy to pay for the privilege of mooring in such a lovely location.

I'm sure there are a few but definitely not many. Contact the National Trust at Dapdune Wharf.

RCR do a great Diesel Engine & Boat Maintenance course. £120 over a weekend. I attended a couple of years ago. See their website for details.

Been there and done it now. My two labradors, the wife and I enjoyed our visit to Birmingham. Many thanks for all the good advice and ideas. It made it all very straight-forward.

Thanks for all your suggestions folks. We are looking forward to visiting Birmingham.

Thanks for replies so far Junior, to clarify, the dogs like to run around off lead for a while if possible (chasing a ball or retrieving training dummy) and would rather be on grass than concrete or tarmac.

We are currently planning to travel through Birmingham in about three weeks time, coming in on the Stratford on Avon and Worcester & Birmingham canals to Old Turn/Deep Cuttings junction. From there we will be heading past Cambrian Wharf onto the Birmingham & Fazeley up to Fazeley Junction. This is our first cruise through so much built up area so I would really appreciate recommendations for mooring between the Stratford on Avon/Worcester & Birmingham junction at Kings Norton, right through to, say, Minworth on the Birmingham & Fazeley. Our priorities are safety and somewhere we can exercise our two Labradors. Anything we need to be aware of or look out for? Many thanks.

Check the size of the wiring between the batteries and the fridge. If the fridge is several meters from the power source and the wiring is too small, there will be considerable voltage drop. I had this issue with my fridge and fitting 10mm cross section cable cured it.

I think you will find it is over £10.00 a night now on the park at Marlow (I seem to recall £11.00 when I last looked). It's even more expensive than Henley. The best (free) moorings are immediately upstream of the park. There is room for 4 or 5 narrowboats against low metal pilings that the big white cruisers do not like. Gets busy there at the weekend but you may be lucky during the week.

Many thanks for comments/references. Will look elsewhere.

Looking at Carphone Warehouse and they have some good basic mobile plans on the iD network. Not heard of this one before but it seems to run on the 3 network. Anyone using it and would like to comment on coverage?

http://www.alpha-batteries.co.uk/boat-batteries/110-ah-xplorer-leisure-battery/ Anyone got experience of this battery currently available for £75.00 inc. delivery? I am a leisure boater, cruising for about 10 weeks each year (3 separate trips). Currently have 3 x 110 ah and that has always been plenty as the 12v fridge is about the only heavy load. We cruise every day and very rarely drop below 75% charge. I am a bit of a luddite and like the fact that on this battery, according to the review, there are six recessed cell caps which you can open up with the use of a screw driver to check electrolyte levels. Any views? Any other suggestions?

Wey Navigation http://www.ontheweynarrowboathire.co.uk/ http://www.farncombeboats.co.uk/ 12 locks between Weybridge & Godalming

Many thanks for your ideas. The Saltisford Arm looks absolutely ideal. I spoke to them this morning and we are booked in. Ditchcrawler - they are happy to accommodate our boat for 4 weeks. After the 13 nights "visitor" period they charge per foot per night or week but it is still very reasonable. Thanks again!

Looking for help planning our 2016 cruising......... We are looking to cruise from the River Wey to the Rugby or Warwick area in May, then leave the boat somewhere for 3 - 4 weeks. We will then return to the boat to continue summer cruising. Can anyone suggest a marina around Rugby or Warwick with short-term mooring facilities and reasonable access to a railway station? Many thanks.

Pretty sure Rutland Fox has just been sold so maybe inexperienced crew.