GROUCHO

Thanks for that. I will try today and let you know. Ref the stove. Would a Salamander pip squeak be the one to get?

We posted at the same time! I just need to identify the engine i suppose, Tony Brooks post was very informative.

I am not sure if these engines have glo plugs?

Thanks for that reply. I dont know for sure which model it is, just someone suggested MD2. I have been trawling the internet. trying to get an ology on the penta engine! I need to establish whether its a 2000 series or a MD2. how do you tell which one it is? Do both have decompression levers? Which ones do you pull and push the stop button for cold start? There is 2 red isolators, one for start and one for leisure battery. ps Sarah is presently near Beeston, Cheshire

Hi all, We just dropped the stove money with Sarah. She hasnt done anything about a stove yet, puzzling about what is best. Maybe the brains and wisdom of everyone on here may solve the following problems: The boat is small,about 18ft. The stove location is prepared, front corner,fireproof base, fireproof wall cladding. What are the constraints regarding fitting? Obviously, the correct carbon monoxide detector first. But, regarding chimney..I looked at machine mart catalogue regarding flues, single/twin wall etc. Is there a set of guidelines anywhere? Anyone out there qualified to fit one? Of course, she still needs to find a small stove! next question......... The engine is a volvo penta, I didnt take much interest the other week as a lot was going on. Sarah travelled about 5 miles to her present location. She cant start the engine. Someone said it was a MDB2? [its 2 cyls] The starter battery, whilst not flat, was not fully charged, so prob needs jumping. Does it have heater plugs? or what is the technique for starting these? [without easystart!] The engine needs sorting before the locks are repaired at Beeston and I havent a clue about engines. Dont suppose theres anyone near that could offer any hands on advice? Maybe someone knows the boat and can cast a bit of light on the engine etc. Mr Toad, was at Golden Nook Apologies for bombarding you all with the questions...but I dont know how to help.

The nice lady at Chas Harden Boats has just informed me that Sarah has moored by them and can have some basic facilities while the lock is closed. Its good to know there are truly kind people on the canal! I havent heard directly from Sarah, but hopefully she will be ok with a replacement stove! My thanks also to Chester Day Boat Hire for listing the stove on ebay, well done!

Just to add an update about Sarah. A very nice guy who has given Sarah a helping hand with the handover of her boat, kindly offered to list the old stove on EBay. I a pleased to say its up to £204. It's item number 161140195585 "narrow boat accessories " stove diesel. Lets hope it makes a lot of money!

A book called "For Better For Worse" by Damian Horner might be of interest to you, it's not a narrow boat but might be useful.

A message from MRS GROUCHO I am hijacking Mr Grouchos post here as I feel the whole story and a few more details about Baloos rescue need to be told to all of you who have extended the hand of friendship to Sarah. Sarah texted on Friday afternoon saying she needed help, Baloo couldn't walk and needed a vet, but unfortunately she could not give the exact location of where she was before her phone battery ran out. Mr Groucho and daughter went out to look for Sarah, they searched the tow path for miles around Chester looking for her and calling her name, it was dark and pouring with rain and they were desperate to help Baloo. Feeling dejected they came home and searched on google earth to see if we could work out were they were, in the end it was groucho daughter who found the location were we thought she might be. It was too late now to do anything as the location did not have road access and was well over a mile from the nearest road, in the middle of nowhere and not even being sure that she was there. Early next morning Mr Groucho went to search the location and found her there, he had also arranged for a friend to bring his van which had a tail lift. Poor Baloo could not stand at all and desperately needed help. He could not be carried by one person, so a make shift stretcher was made out of Sarah's sleeping bag and two branches of a tree. By this time there were three men helping and Baloo was carried for over a mile on the stretcher to the waiting van. He was put in the van with Sarah, the labrador, the cat and all of Sarah's belongings. Baloo was taken straight to the vet who upon examining him was extremely upset and said he needed to be put out of his suffering immediately, Baloo had lost all use of his legs at this point, but unfortunately Sarah would not agree. Our vet was in tears pleading with her but she would not let him. He said he would have no choice but to phone the RSPCA and get an order, he was devastated she would not agree. Later that evening the only thing we could do was to offer some shelter and much needed comfort for Baloo hoping that Sarah would eventually realise that it was not fair on him. And so Sarah and her little family ended up in our conservatory where they stayed until Baloo died the next morning at 7am. During the night Sarah agreed that we could phone another vet in the morning, and if they gave the same diagnosis she would agree to send him to sleep. Anyone who has seen Baloo over the past few months will know that he suffered, and I know that a lot of people have spoken to Sarah to try and make her see that Baloo was suffering. I first saw him a few weeks ago lying on the tow path and actually thought he was dead then. Since then Sarah has continued to walk him along the hard tow path ending up a few miles away. Poor Baloo has been in pain and sleeping in the open with only a tarpaulin for shelter, all the bad rain we have had could not have helped. Also a few days previously Sarah had left the dogs and cat on their own while she went off somewhere, when she returned she found she had been robbed and the dogs were traumatised. Baloo would not have been able to stand up and protect himself, it is probably since then that he could not walk at all. One dares not think about what could of happened to them or indeed if they were attacked by the scum. Everyone has been extremely upset by all of this and having to watch poor Baloo suffering. I would just like to reiterate Mr Groucho's earlier comments of " I wish Sarah could find it in her heart to put Baloos welfare before her dream" but I think that this has been a very sad case of love is blind, and Baloo has suffered terribly for it. I'm sure some of you will go off on one after reading this and say things like it was up to her, which in the end it was, but you didn't see Baloo at the end like we did. I think that Sarah has a lot of problems in her life but in the end she is master of her own destiny and the best anyone can do is to give her help if she needs it. After reading this forum I have learned that the people of the boating community are wonderful and I feel a little better knowing that people will keep an unobtrusive eye on her, Lily and Nelix. Poor Baloo, at least his suffering is over now.

Sarah asked me to take a stove off her boat, it wasn't fitted, it is a Kubola "Old Dutch" diesel heater, it looks to be in good condition but she has decided she would prefer a tiny wood burner for her "tiny boat " it is only about 18ft long, there is a base already there for a stove. I said I would try and sell it for her, I haven't got a clue about these things so any ideas about this would be greatly appreciated. I also think that Sarah's little pot of money will soon be running dry. I can supply a picture of it if necessary. Many thanks

Hi everyone , Sarah has asked me to let you all know that sadly Baloo passed away this morning, and to say she has really appreciated all the help you have given her on her journey, the harness has helped her enormously . Sadly Baloo never got to go on her new boat but Sarah, Lily the Labrador and Nelix the cat are now on board, but she would appreciate a little space while she comes to terms with her sad loss. Sarah asked for help on Friday as she was on the tow path and Baloo could no longer walk, we were able to give her shelter and support and Baloo died in a safe and comfortable place with Sarah, Lily and Nelix by his side at 7am today. Hopefully the next update will be a happier one, she is safe now on her little boat and will no doubt be continuing her journey soon.

too many nosey pokes on here. why dont they get on with there lives? If they want to work for British Waterways [i like calling them that] then start by clearing up sh**e on the tow path

Well here is the latest news on Sarah`s adventure. She is now the proud owner of a steel boat. It is on a residential mooring at Golden Nook that is renewable, but I think Sarah is determined to keep moving. The boat is scheduled for blacking and a few jobs at Tattenhall Marina. I think it would be good if she took up occupancy straight away, but that is not Sarah`s plan. Instead, she continues sleeping on the towpath with the animals. Its a pity she cant find it in her soul to put the welfare of Balou before her dream. I despair!

i think Sarah may have found a boat ! Phil. Ref. access Surely a days work with a stil saw and mig welder will see an access made similar to the boats used for wheelchairs

Sounds good. You are a kind person. i will endeavour to find out what she thinks about the suggestion.

Hi Cheshire Rose My post was not directed to you,apologies if it appeared so. Your suggestion regarding caravan from a safety angle is correct. Balou is huge! Regarding the site for a caravan. Does anyone have any suggestions [privately] Bazza2 You are quite right.! During my conversations with Sarah, she did mention that she gets fed up with people trying to take control of her situation.

If you look down as you drive over the flyover, you will see its still there! [only a few feet away]

carlt That is a generous gesture. How far is said caravan from Chester area? That may be the short term solution to her present situation.

Hi Cheshire Rose. Sarah was talking about the possibility of hauling a boat! She had spoken to someone at Golden Nook Farm moorings who had a little 20 odd footer for sale, but people had spoken to her about the possible pitfalls of a cheap boat! Well if I had listened to everyone during my lifetime, I would never have done anything! The ideal scenario would be for her to spend what little dosh she has, on a boat, if thats what she wants. I am sure a ramp,floor modification etc, could be made by nice people for nowt! There must be a 22ft mini narrow boat about somewhere? for the right price. For those who dont know. Sarah isnt a basket case! She is a young woman undertaking a journey. sometimes in life we may make a journey for a reason other than to go from A to B. She is independent and chose this life,hopefully the dogs and cat are happy with the decision. Whether she is right or wrong, I dont honestly know. but as I said earlier,Who am I to judge?

I spoke to her on Saturday. The caravan idea sounds good to me, but who am I to judge? Its a pity someone hasnt got an empty boat she could use [maybe one needing a refit?] Fingers crossed.

That would be good maybe? To be honest, my main concern is for the Newfoundland. He is knocking on a bit with arthritis. Somewhere out of the elements might just prolong him a few more years.

She has a mobile phone but I dont have the number. I would gladly relay a message to her.

I think her [sensible] reasoning for a steel boat is stability. The Newfoundland is a bit nervous of boarding a boat. A plastic boat may tip up when a big down puts his weight on it! A flat deck would be better for him. I see he is still wearing the harness!

We spoke to Sarah this afternoon. She is in good spirits. Sarah is currently looking to buy a 20 odd foot narrow boat, so the animals can have a little shelter this winter. I think she may be a bit short on expertise when looking for a boat. She is looking for something that is legal,floating and weatherproof,the interior doesnt matter. She needs this cos Ballou, the beautiful Newfoundland is a bit tired and would like a bit of security. Does anyone know of a boat that may suit? getting urgent now!