howardang

Just a tad, I think. And this is the man who is described in the press as a sailor! May the saints preserve us from stupidity like this. Howard

At least no-one came to any harm which is a consolation to this folly. Howard

It is perfectly possibles to get to Hull and indeed there some narrow boats based at Hull Marina, and other similar craft at Beverley and further up the River Hull towards Driffield, although the final stretch into Driffield is blocked for boat passage by a road bridge. It does require some care to chose when to navigate the Humber and to be aware of tides. Up to date charts are essential because some channels change regularly; charts can be purchased from ABP in Hull, among other places. Howard

Just to emphasise what I keep saying, it is an ABP requirement to carry VHF and to keep at least a listening watch while on passage. It is not just a "nice to have", and if you are fitted with a radio it is rather silly not to be properly certificated to operate it if necessary, not just monitor. The course is not difficult and inexpensive and can be done within one day. As far as ships moving on the Trent is concerned, there are not as many as there used to be but occasional movements can still catch you out, especially between Keadby and Trent Falls, and there are still the occasional commercial barge movements which, compared to a narrow boat, can also be classed as small ships and care must be taken when meeting them. The Trent is perfectly OK if suitable care is taken and it is treated with respect, but both the Trent and the Lower Yorkshire Ouse up to Goole are still places where you need to be extra vigilant, and certainly the boat must be capable in operating safely in a tidal river. Howard

Thank you for that information, and I can assure you that I am fully aware of the information provided on charts having been a professional seafarer all my working life. The point I was making was that an item of information obviously not available on charts is vessel movement information and for reasons I mention in another post that information is broadcast regularly on VTS broadcasts which is why you are requested to monitor the appropriate channel to hear these broadcasts. This would avoid the need for phone calls to VTS so that they can get on with controlling ship movements in their area, although they are always there if you have an urgent need for their services. Howard

that is true but VTS have many responsibilities controlling traffic on the estuary which keep them busy which is why they broadcast vessel movements on the radio. VTS would prefer leisure boaters to get their movement information in that way - one of the many reasons for the need to monitor the radio. Howard

I don’t think I have come across a specific ‘Marine Gas Engineer’. I would have thought that anyone who is Gas Safe registered would be able to do what is required. Howard

I think you are speaking about something else. We were discussing the carriage of VHF radio, not the various charts available. Of course you should carry up to date charts of the river. VTS broadcast vessel movents regularly as part of the VTS coverage and listening to them is one of the many reasons why you must carry VHF. Howard

It’s not worth arguing about it but as far as I remember from when I was an ABP Dockmaster it applies to all vessels regardless of length and I am pretty certain that it is covered is covered by the ABP Annual notice to mariners. Additionally, it is just plain common sense to carry VHF and it is a foolish person who thinks otherwise. The Humber/Trent/Lower Ouse is somewhere that requires more than a degree of care and an awareness of shipping movements and current and forecast weather condition which VHF can provide at a small cost. Howard How does a Trent Chart advise you of current traffic movements? It is not good advice to imply that many people make the trip without the proper equipment and is certainly not something to boast about. Howard

It is mandatory below Gainsborough. Similarly on ABP controlled water on the Yorkshire Ouse from Trent Falls to upstream of Goole. Howard

Additionally, ABP also require VHF to be carried which entails a licence for the equipment and appropriate certification for the operator, and a continuous radio watch maintained. Howard

At least he got his 15 minutes of fame. I'm only gad that in the end he hasn't wasted anyone's time and money or put anyone else in potential danger , which would have been almost inevitable if he needed rescuing, during of his stupid and unnecessary record attempt. Howard

Here is a link to Canalplan https://canalplan.org.uk/cgi-bin/canal.cgi Howard

The Four Counties would also be my choice having done it numerous times. Plenty of variety - tunnels, plenty of locks, good and varied scenery, opportunities for shopping to restock provisions and as Pie Eater says, you should have the opportunity to visit sections of other waterways such as the Caldon, maybe the Llangollen, or one or two others depending on how much time you take. Choice of pubs and eateries en route I leave to you because I think that part of the fun of preparing for such a trip is researching potential moorings and facilities such as pubs, shops etc en route, especially since we all have different views and preferences. Get a guide and see what you fancy on your chosen route. Personally I wouldn’t get too bogged down about eating out for every meal. You can be much more flexible if you eat on board from time to time, but I understand that others have different thoughts on this. , Howard

Ah yes but wasn't he born in the UK and as a Limey first and foremost he should have known better! 😄 Personally, I think we should all start to call them Back Springs, a throwback to earlier, simpler times but which was still being used within living memory (mine anyway). Howard

Well said! Leave springer lines to our American cousins. Howard

Good advice about the need for a "marine electrician". However, that could be easier said than done. There are many people around who profess to be but, like "marine engineers", I would question whether some of them are trained and experienced in the "marine" aspect of their trade. Of course there are many very experienced and reliable professionals out there, but there are also some who may be less so. It boils down to word of mouth, so it is advisable to ask around and be careful of who to pick. There is much advice on forums such as this but even here advice can vary so just be careful in your choice.. Howard

In our early hire boat days in the 1980'2 we had one of Bridgewater boats from Berkhamsted - I think it was Rum Tum Tugger - and I remember calling into the base to book the boat when passing through the area during a business trip. I met Lindy Foster and was entertained to a cup of tea in her Fairground caravan while filling out the paperwork. As far as I remember it was a good boat and we had a very pleasant holiday. Our first experience of hiring was Pennine Line from Silsden - the first year with Craven Maid and the second year with Craven Queen. This was a year or two before Pennine Line changed to gas powered boats and by that time we had changed to IML, based in Bank Newton, and we hired from them for a number of years from their bases at Rugby and Anderton. The quality of IML was superior to our previous experiences and we remained loyal to them for a number of years until they ceased the hire boat business and formed Hebridean Island Cruisers with a small upmarket cruise ship - Hebridean Princess - in the Western Isles of Scotland which became a very successful company and is still going strong although now under new management. Howard

No, that’s a tingle. Howard

Freudian slip if ever I saw one! Howard

I thought his presentation was clear and articulate and a well balanced statement of the issue. In recent weeks, there have also been similar "starting gins" fired by IWA and NABO so it is good to see that CRT have joined in the campaign to try to eliminate the threat to our waterways, and especially I was pleased to note how he managed to include all waterway users in his short presentation. Let's hope that the message is heard in Whitehall. Howard

Like you I have been through Thorne lock a number of times, with both narrow and also with wide beam boats with no issues. I believe that at one time there was a full time lock keeper in the house on the lock side but whether this is still the case I don't know. I don't recall ever seeing a lockkeeper there in recent years. Howard