skiddy

cheers for the advice graham....just googled "canal lock sinkings"...scary !!! but as you said, this will not put me off...forewarned is forearmed ! when the boat is moved for me im hoping to be onboard when we do the wigan stretch...I believe they are 21 locks to manoeuvre so should get invaluable experience...good & bad !

hi all...soz for the delay in posting back...been out on the boat I've decided to do what most people have advised...take her out as much as possible... even if it is just for a 5 minute cruise down the canal...the more experience I get the better...even if that does include falling in the canal and watching my boat float away without me !! I do agree with gingerbeer though...the journey to northwich might be a little bit too much for a newbie (82 miles & 39 locks) but i have found someone who can move the boat for me....and hopefully give me a few tips along the way...eg how not to crash or sink cheers everyone

thanks everyone for all the tips & advice...especially about making a fool of myself...im sure I won't have a problem with doing that gonna check out some of the marinas you've mentioned...orchard looks worth a look. quebec...I've done exactly the same as you...never been on a narrow boat until I bought mine ! (we must be mad ) who did the training course for you ? "good morning bob" if you can do it, so will I...cheers pal "starUKKiwi" my friends brother works on the lock at Pomona (Salford) and invited me down last weekend to get a little experience...I had a great time...he also mentioned freedom boats in macc...I'll send kevin an email...cheers. and yes lonewolf...she does have a centre line...nearly fell in the canal last week while jumping of the boat and holding on to the centre line at the same time...lesson I learnt that day...have plenty of slack in your rope !!! once again...thanks to everyone for the advice

hi all, ive always fancied a narrow boat...and took the plunge last month...sold my flat and bought a 45ft live aboard...the only problem I have is I know bugger all about boats ! the plan is I will learn as I go along. I took her out for 1st time last week and loved it (had to take a boat neighbour with me as I cant moor her yet) im slowly learning things but could do with some advice on a couple of things. 1st thing...moorings ! ive always lived and worked near Manchester and would like to stay near the area...does anybody know of a friendly marina or place where I can permanently moor ? ive found a place in northwich called uplands marina (next to anderton boat lift) does anybody know if its ok there ? 2nd thing...moving my boat there !!! my boat is moored in burnley at the moment...but unfortunately I don't have the experience (or courage) to move her yet..never mind attempting countless amounts of locks on my own...does anyone know of someone who could help me with this ? any advice would be very much appreciated...cheers.