gbclive

We hired a trad which had a solid fuel stove a few months ago - no CO alarm but it did at least have a smoke alarm. Simple solution - smoke alarms available with 10 year battery that can not be removed and also a hush button for toast etc. To me it seems a clear cost / benefit ratio in favour of fitting one

Currently enjoying the Brecon & Monmouth canal on a hire boat. Awesome weather and beautiful scenery. Only a few locks, but a lot of bends and quite shallow. Nice boat, HOWEVER........ No smoke alarm and no CO alarm. I kind of expected no CO alarm so we brought our own - a good make, comprehensive features and inexpensive. But no smoke detector? Can any forum contributor with a leaning towards the scheme please explain the logic. Surely the most cost effective safety items available and recommended but why not mandated? Even a 10 year anti tamper smoke alarm with a hush button are as cheap as chips in the grand scheme of things.

Recently hired "Willow" from Chuggy at Middlewich Narrowboats for the experience of a speedwheel, Lister engine and trad stern with boatman's cabin and stove. I made a short video of our trip which Chuggy has linked to his updated web site: http://www.middlewic....uk/videos.html Older posts tended to suggest we might expect a rather "tired" boat. However a lot of work has clearly been done recently and overall we were very impressed and had a superb trip to just south of Market Drayton. She has a nice sheer-line and tumblehome, so looks elegant, especially viewed from the stern. Her paint scheme is a nicely understated and some sign writing has been added in the last few days. She handles beautifully, probably due to long swims. The Lister started easily even on frosty mornings as long as the throttle was cracked open and provided a relaxed rhythm missing from modern engines. The speedwheel throttle and separate gear change rod required a little anticipation but were somehow very satisfying to use. All soft furnishings were fresh and clean. The boatman's cabin is really special, with some excellent traditional painting - very cosy with it's stove which kept the helmsman toasty if the rear doors were closed.The supplied sack of coal lasted the whole week with some to spare. The gas heater for radiators and hot water worked as advertised. Chuggy has clearly worked hard to bring Willow up to standard whilst keeping her character and he is very open that there is still work to do. For example, he is considering separating the combined wet room style shower and loo. A second stove for the saloon is also a possibility. So if you fancy hiring a boat with a speedwheel and vintage engine that handles very well and is full of character, do consider "Willow". (I was tempted to make an offer for her! )

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Good news - I spoke to Mike at Middlewich this morning. Apparently willow is up for sale, but the plan is that she will become a "sponsored" boat, and still be part of the fleet and available for hire and my holiday next May should not be affected

Thanks again Mark - odd they are accepting bookings on Willow for next year. I'll try to get some info about this on Monday.

Thanks Mark, that sounds encouraging. Only reason we did not go with the Tug was my wife’s insistence for easy access to the foredeck. I’ll feedback how we get on in May.

I've taken a bit of a gamble (well act of faith really!) and booked Willow during May 2013 for the same reasons - vintage engine, old controls, back cabin, stove, engine room etc. Just part of my homework prior to hopefully buying something similar when I attempt to go part time at work in a few years time. I'm obviously hoping that by next season Willow will have received the sort of care that she may have been deprived of in the past. A clean, dry and reliable boat would be great - I realy appreciate the chance to try out a vintage engine with its controls. Bookings on Willow don't seem to be too bad at all next year, so hopefully this will give Chuggy the confidence to spend his no doubt hard earned cash on bringing his boats up to standard where required. An update from Mark99 on his recent experience on Willow would be very much appreciated.