Greymarauder

Thanks, it will be an adventure if nothing else. Looking forward to the tidal Thames as I have only ever been at the other (estuary) end of it. James

New to Lister's - where is the model number etc? I can then have a look and get back to you Biggles, Cheers, James

Any good advice out there on the best place to sell a Lister engine? It is a 3 cylinder and in use daily. Thanks in advance, James

Hi, I am heading from the Thames up the Grand Union and then on to Cheshire in a wooden 72, and looking for anybody who would like to come along. I run the boat mainly between Thursday and Tuesday and stop in between. The boat is very sparse but it does have beds, a single burner for tea/coffee and easy meals, and a roof! It is not a paying position, I expect the trip to last most of the summer, and you will need to be able to feed yourself or chip in with me. I am 42, easy going, ex commercial sailor, and now a therapist (handy for being involved with wooden boats). You may need a few good books as somebody ends up on the tiller whilst the other sorts the locks etc, so there will be a bit of time sat about watching the canal side go by. Drop me a message if interested. Thank you, James

I am slowly working a 72' traditional wooden narrow boat from Oxford via London (don't ask) to Cheshire. Accommodation is bloody sparse a fantastic opportunity to re-live the past just how it was, except you do get a real double bed all to yourself (but beware if you sleep walk - some of the boards are loose). Leaving paint/tar/pieces of hull behind is actually a requirement as the Canal and River Trust have not kept up there upkeep on locks as much as they should (though some would say she has sagged over time and is thus a little fat for some locks), and food is quite cheap as you are very limited to what you can cook on a single burner. I am also 42, YMce etc, and by coincidence have never knifed anybody in their sleep either... James

Well, we are back down to Oxford nearly once again. 4 weeks on and a massive 8 miles from where we started. Still smiling...

I have a feeling I will be giving it a try! I will of course let you know how I get on, and thanks again for the advice. James

Maybe. If she sticks again somewhere on the way up, then that will be the next option. Any advice on how to fit/wind the chains?

About a quarter way aft from the bow seems to be the worst place. Too much for Napton, should be ok up the Grand Union though I am figuring.

Just an update - I can now verify what has been suggested here; Length is not the problem. The width however is another matter. Hazel will no longer get through lock 12 at Napton, and certainly has no chance of lock 9 either. Only just got her back through Southam but am going to attempt the route via London. If anybody has any ideas on that route, let me know! Best wishes to all, James

I am impressed. After being wedged nicely in four locks between Napton and Southam on the Oxford, every single person was still polite, friendly, and helpful. Apologies to anybody who had a slight delay on Monday, and thank you for showing what is still possible of human nature in these modern times. An eventful (canals taste horrible) start to this way of life but a very promising one. James

Thank you Deckhand, Maybe we will run into each other out there. Very best to everybody, James

Thank you to Maffi, Stagedamager, Furnesvale, Graham,Tuscan, Jigsawged, Pete, Fadetoscarlet, David, and BlackIbis for your help, I will keep you posted of how things go. This is a very good first impression of this forum so I'll stick around and stay on it. As for right now - I am happy to say that my mind is not on lock sizes any longer. The rudder coming off at the same time as the stern gland opening up and the bilge pump failing have successfully focused my mind elsewhere... James