Cruising Mike

Been posted here in another thread not long back. So too late for not invading their privacy. having said that, the number of boats they passed clearly shows she doesn't give a rats arse. As asked previously, what are they arguing about?>?

I really like the idea of bringing a box full of goods, and then emptying it on board before stocking it again with unwanted stuff to be stowed in the car. That's a great idea. Another tip, speaking from experience, is to make sure children (Especially younger ones) have things to do. Games, puzzles, books etc. Or in this day and age, make sure there are enough games and films loaded onto tablet, phone etc. I spent many a day building triangle towers using playing cards.

I agree making this a sticky. Anything to help out and find the identity of the poor lady will go a long way to assist in this investigation. Thoughts and prayers towards the woman's family

True. And I'm a big fan or going to pubs. But it can get expensive if went every night

Valid advice. I personally find it is advisable for hirers, especially first timers to do a little research towards daily targets in order to keep on schedule, which really only applies to cruising rings. Depending who you are, it can also be part of the fun!

As someone suggested in another thread, i thought it would be good to create a new thread where people can share tips they use to help them as a hirer. Tips on storage and any other things. Private boats can be mentioned only in reference to an example. Already mentioned has been storage drawers and plastic shelves with suction cups. I will start us off.... Beer cans - Instead of using up valuable space in the fridge, Put them outside during the cooler months, perhaps in the storage bins on the bow. This will keep them relatively chilled. In the warmer summer days, do the same, but this time before consuming, wrap them in kitchen roll then soak them. Put them in the freezer, and they will be ice cold throughout within 10-15mins Wine - Buy only the 3/5L boxes as these take up less space and can be stacked. We always (if possible) hired a boat with 1 or 2 extra berths than needed. Use that bed space for storing stuff such as clothes, bags, microwave?, Deck chairs etc

it would take a lot of laminate to cover the 200+ pages. Better off using a sandwich bag as i stated above, cost effective and practical. Also stops the pages blowing about in the wind

What happens if it rains? Or you accidentally drop the smartphone into the cut? Not worth the risk IMO. Nicholson's and Pearsons are far more convenient. Put them in a ziplock sandwich bag (right pages showing) when cruising in the rain

I fail to understand how someone can think it's ok to go as fast as both those boats did when there is an obvious obstruction coming up. The faster you go the more potential damage, the slower you are reduces that potential to just a scrape or a kiss. Granted you lose steering at slower speeds, but i'd rather bump and kiss something instead of potentially doing some serious damage. Grammar edit.

When we had a full boat we usually (weather permitting) eat outside on the towpath. We used to bring a whole load of trays and deck chairs which people can eat off instead of using the table. On one occasion i even remember bringing a large outdoor white plastic picnic table specifically. During these trips we never really had an issue with storage i must admit. excess chairs and tables usually went under the fixed double bed. Or on top of a blanket on top of the bed itself. As a hirer there will always be the need to compromise, it's very similar to camping in the respect that storage space (in a tent) will be limited. After all, IMHO, i'm on holiday and on a boat, storage is the least of my concern.

To be honest unless you hire for more than a week, i don't really see the point in 'unpacking' so to speak. I just tend to stuff the bags under the beds. Only the food and the must-have drinks ever get unpacked.