X Alan W
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Posts posted by X Alan W
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I'm some what confused If you have not done much or any boating what is the pro /cons you seek & how will you know the best possible what suits you is a real pain in reverse as as been said hire a boat but then it will be only one example of what is out there
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Around the turn of the Century some Badger boats on the "Maccy" had them Seems as though thy've ceased tradinhg Their boat "Brock"certainly did as I delivered to a different start point for a special one way trip
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On 23/01/2019 at 14:29, billybobbooth said:
apparently my boat dosnt count as a surviving fmc boat, i was asked last time I went who built her so I said fmc, they asked what was painted on The side of the cabin and I said thomas clayton, i then got told it wasn't an fmc boat, i get it didn't work for fmc but i did work for the directors company and built by fmc, still got told no,
tempted to put fmc on the side see what happens.
May the #1 of your faith protect you from "Enthusiastic amateurs"
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On 01/03/2017 at 09:18, Neil2 said:
Here's a shot in the dark for you.
She's listed as built by "White Horse" boats which suggests a Wiltshire connection, in particular the Devizes area. There is a boat builder by the name of Edmund Peter Sylvester who operated in Devizes and who has made several attempts to get GRP/composite boats into production over the years. Mallard's bow looks very much like a Sylvester design to me and the age of the boat, about 20 years, would tally with this theory.
Edmund Sylvester operates in France these days there are contact details on his website http://www.bbcruise.com/indexeng.html
Even if I'm way off the mark, there's a fair chance that Mr Sylvester may know something about White Horse Boats.
You are correct on the details they were marketed at the time as a trail able NB the advertising didn't go on for to long so I assumed the take up rate was not high .ISTR the partners went separate ways wondered what had become Mr Sylvester
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26 minutes ago, alan_fincher said:
If that were truly the case, I don't think there would be quite a number ofeventsin any single year where anywhere between 30 and 100 historic boats gathered together, and vast numbers of people turned up to see them.
Of course the Allens played a huge part both in the field of historic boats and of well manufactured new boats built purely for leisure purposes.
I agree though that only a small percentage of forum readers would be able to identify an Allen boat amongst a selection of the better quality modern builds.
IMO they go have great honesty, and fine lines, and are definitely better than most.
I always liked that little tug that Magnetman posted pictures of - it looks the part without a false rivet in sight.
You get similar events with most "Niche"sports /hobby's etc but historic narrow boats are more limited in purpose /manufacture than most other groups ,steam fairs being the other that springs to mind ,historic boating is unique in that to achieve any movement the system has to be shared at all times with a much greater # of craft who's owners in many cases have no interest in historic units & as they out number the "oldie's their needs differ & the gap will grow as for some one who is a through & through leisure boater requiring all the "Mod Cons " of his /her residence on his/her floating residence & probably views a person buying a 70' boat with only 12/14' of it cabined over with a max of 8/10 ' to "live in"must view the enthusiasts of such " As Nuts"
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4 hours ago, Pluto said:
As boats on the SUC worked day and night, there would have been a need for a second lock keeper, hence the need for a hut and lock house.
Always understood they were to do with the Fly boating, but do't know the actual use, also at that time SUC had inspectors( mobile on horse back) to check on the( horses /boats as they belonged to the company for ill treatment /damage) & could have possibly been shelter ,for paper work /food /drink preparation & place to use for meals etc.for the mobile staff
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3 hours ago, Fly Navy said:
Mmm. So it seems it's not such a silly idea after all, Watson??
I was also told by an "expert" that on a 60 foot NB, with the sun blazing down on one side and not the other, the side in sun - expands up to 1 inch. That's 2mm per foot length of boat that moves.
This causes cracks in grouting, tiles and above all else, is the main reason for double glazing units failing prematurely (blow).
Quell surprise.
I think your "expert" is feeding you 'Duff info" having worked on the SR 71 at Lockheeds Skunk Works Famous for it's dripping fuel tanks when standing to be taken up at Mach3 'ish" granted it was titanium not steel & for the life of me can't remember the expansion rate"was some time ago " factors, the actual #'s were much nearer to the quote in post #11 If the figures from your source'were correct sunny day boating would be even more difficult( thinking lock width/boat beam ?)
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2 hours ago, Halsey said:
Is it just me or is it a bit sad that this post/topic isn't getting a bit more attention - now bumped
I think it's following the modern trend of anyone/thing more connected with bygone days canal wise is seen as irrelevant to today's requirements so not much reliance/interest
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1 hour ago, howardang said:
Nothing to do with the town of Blackburn. The Buccaneer was built in Brough, East Yorkshire, at the Aircraft Factory originally started by Mr Blackburn. That is why some locals still refer to the factory as Blackburn's to this day, although it has been part of British Aerospace for many years.
Howard
They held Motor Cycle racing there in the 50's the circuit was interesting using part of the main runway /peri track the runway part was used like a 2 way road cones/hay bales down the centre very useful to gauge having taken the "U" turn at the end if the chased were being caught or the chasers were catching you Remember it as a very 'folky/friendly meeting
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Sad the passing of another one of the Cottage industry crafts men restricted requirements to a small market but a product that would stand alongside the so called 1st division RIP Bob you left your mark
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3 hours ago, Boater Sam said:
On the Shroppy you need car wheels because of the step, alloy ( lighter & no rust ) with good tyres, don't mix radials and crossplies.
If you know where to get fabric carcass Cross Ply Tyres the Coir/ Rope fender makers would possibly ex change for a few beers or other goodies as they make by far & away the best outer cover for rope type Bow /Stearn fenders It always amazes me that a boat with between 2/5 guard irons needs fenders other than 2/3 of whatever type you choose "twixt"boat /bank Side fenders more so in locks cause problems that can be avoided
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22 hours ago, LadyG said:
There are puncture proof , and solid tyres [special rims]
Best t carry a brand new spare , check inside tyre for thorns,
They are a disaster waiting to happen on greasy road surfaces more so if you ride over diesel spills /leaks the roads near Entrances/exits to bus stations is a prime example You used to be able to buy a Kevlar band (like a wider rim tape that fitted between the tyre inner casing & the outside of the tube)
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I think shape wise it compares quite favorably with that awful hotel fat boat on the K&A if it"s still going I often wonder what the owners of these bricks would think of steering /handling a proper shaped hull with decent swims they probably not be able to tell the difference
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The Seffle from my ex boat "Lily" is in Jem Bates boa "Severn" Mr owl had a similar motor up to fitting his Scottish lump dont know what other boats if any have the 25HP gearbox model there are several 9HP Seffle's both in bots& on the bank for sale Norbury had a 9for sale
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50 minutes ago, Derek R. said:
Yes David - The Malt Shovel to give its full name.
One Christmas 'do' there:
Glenn Knight on the left, he had ANTARCTIC, first boat on the left. the young lady is Jane, she had a diminutive little boat called MAYFLOWER. Louise in the brown jacket, I'm standing on the roof of YARMOUTH taking the shot. Graham Holland had his steam device further back, just visible with the propane bottle at an angle clearer in the next image. Pete Thompson's COLONEL is in there too.
ELDER & OLYMPIAN, Malcolm and Mike boated together back then, there's BREAM with its stepped gunnel, Barry in hat by the fore end.
SOUSANT & PENSAX amongst others. UMEA would be alongside the towpath further on. Might be the late Gordon Cooper's JAPONICA on the outside, not sure.
Early 1980's.
If that was present day you'd possibly get shouted/sworn at for blocking the cut some present day boaters require at least 25 ft of clear cut to squeeze a 7ft boat through one more rant why is it that ex working craft & owners are derided by some modern boat owners with a get that "crap" off the cut attitude be interesting to see how many modern built boats are still going at the time span of the early 20th century builds the othe problem the greater the #of boats sods law dictates a greater #of Richard Craniums
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2 hours ago, Derek R. said:
That's good. We were seldom ones for socialising. The getting to, and leaving from rallies and events were the highlight for us - working with folk who had done it for years and picking up good practices, so having been away for so long the changes seem greater. We enjoyed most the Easter and Christmas get togethers, and the impromptu music sessions in the back room of the Lock & Quay (as it was) at Bulbourne, The Shovel, David's songs in various locations, it still goes on of course but distance stretches the thread. Our issue was with being a bit insular. But the memories are golden. Probably why I blather nonsense so much.
You certainly DON'T blather nonsense From your recollections memories you entered into the canals spirit during your boating time ,as said I have no axe to grind with present day boaters other than if they try to order me to do /not do things that were proven & right in there day & still hold good to be told that I have no idea what I'm doing & a F***** idiot & shouldn't be afloat by a stemmed up boater with all of a months experience & not even getting a thank you for pulling him off which if he had bothered to ask would have received info on how to extract himself I deep down am glad to be awy from it all as I'm sure the cons would outdo the pros now
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3 hours ago, Derek R. said:
Only time I had pins loosened by passing boats, was when hire boaters went by at excessive speed. Oh, and when anglers pulled them out during the early hours. Imagine that on the Trent. Only happened once though, and on the GU, Kings Langley.
But follow the old working practices, that's what we always did as much as we knew how, and often learnt from ex-boatmen turned lock keepers, and a couple of old boy lengthsmen.
Had two boats pass me going the other way through the Park once one behind the other. Quite wide, with a few moored boats towpath side. I took the centre with TYCHO, with enough room for the two boats to pass me with five feet clearance from us, and a good five feet from the moored boats. Did he curse me! "You f***ing ex-working boaters think you own the cut - you trying get me stemmed up you f*** c***, I'm reporting you - why dontchya move over - we're deep draughted ". He was on his CB radio to his mate behind telling him what a plonker I was ( I could hear him well enough without a radio ), his mate went past also telling me what 'his' mate had just told him. Both gave the impression they had been at the bottle.
Most folk moored would lean out and chat though. But there's always a troupe of moaning minnies somewhere around.
Brings back memories of helping my mate move his "Star class" from Oxford to Chester Arrive at Tyrley Top & hover by the winding hole as there was a boat in #2 lock & the top lock was in his favor. Shiney boat moored in winding hole fore end towards Drayton female exits cabin to well deck reaches up & takes short shaft from cabin top at the same time inquiring of me with many expletives what I thought I was doing ?"Waiting for a boat to come up the lock I replied" with many more expletives I was told I was breaking canal bye laws if waiting for the lock I was REQUIRED to tie on the lock approach & not f***about in the middle of the cut this was as the water was moving with lock working I was froing & tooing about 1/2 a boats length with gear engagement but not raising the revs above tick over At that time there was a notice board with a selection of bye laws & do's dont's by the top lock & nowhere did it say you had to tie up When this was pointed out I was told I'd be reported to BWAt that moment a BW van with Jack Whalley Norbury foreman & Reg the Norbury chippie arrived she launched into a tirade about /a gainst me, Jack listened without saying a word for what seemed minutes & then said "is that it " she said it was & what was he going to do about it His reply was "Well first you are going to move as you are not allowed to moor in a winding hole " by this time I was going down in the lock so never found out the outcome but in terms of "Master Card "advert the look on her face "Priceless"
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I find it refreshing to lean there are a few who like to use the cut for it's designed purpose I have no problem with how any one wants to boat but object to being (rollacked /told off for doing things the way it was done for manymany years by some one with possibly a sum total of 2 years worth of a max of 2 weeks holiday I would never dream of telling them how they should boat unless asked, why should they take me to task for doing something perfectly acceptable but they don't agree with or like
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As Iv'e been told in reply to posts regarding the way things were in the days of carrying "THe canals have changed now days the way things are done does possibly not require the perfected over the years efficient way of performing tasks & get told off for hand braking the dropping of paddles,usuing the boats weight to push the gate/s open ,strapping the gate/s shut & in fact most of the practices used to get you along, from comments those practices are all now bad & forbidden ((Damage to canal infrastructure/furniture when in fact performed by someone with the required skill cause less damage than a boater with little experience //knowledge I fear the system is now only for use in a manner it was not really designed for
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On 08/02/2019 at 18:22, Chris Williams said:
In the old days the steamers blew approaching every lock, so the lockies could give them priority. Not P.C. nowadays, of course. Commercial craft no longer have priority, not even coalboats!
I believe brown envelopes at Christmas came into it.
I don't know if you are referring to long distance commercial boats with the brown envelope s? but in my carrying days not that I would have wanted to but with the rates paid no way could I have afforded it
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On 06/02/2019 at 09:27, Naughty Cal said:
There is no reason in practice that boat cant be used on the inland waterways.
Just bear in mind that inland boating is a far more leisurely pass time then what you might be used too and the distances travelled are far shorter.
You might benefit from having the option for short overnight stays which that boat won't really offer in any great comfort.
How expectations have changed in the 60's BW had plywood cruiser s of similar size used as hire boats Water Baby? class
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I always find it so sad & strange that the so called enthusiasts get so picky over different company's production of what are now vintage/historic boats , my ex "Josher is now 105 years old & to find a #of boats from even older & down to almost 60years old is great the usually good natured " banter of if itwasn't built by Yarwoods it's no good " quips are all part & parcel so do examples by lesser known builders be excluded a boat built by Gilberts pre WW2 should any stilll be around suffer this fate Sadly the ,#of wooden boats decreases at a faster rate than metal/composite as the skill & finance cannot readily keep up
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5 hours ago, billybobbooth said:
yes I've got 2 chains (not sure where the second is thinking about it) but if we leave the boat anywhere the nice chimney comes off and tatty plain one goes on.
I had 2"Tatty chimney pipes" which were fitted & the good ones put in the cabins if the boats were left (short period ranges going )or no fire the carefully selected can (Tightish fit on the collars were fitted)I also had all 4 nice decorative brass tiller string eyes 'nicked wile moored at the top of Buckby although the cabins were wood & the eyes having wood screw type thead it would have been no easy task to remove & guess it was some one on a boat/s as I doubt if a non boater would know & have a use for them 'GGRR'
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On 20/03/2007 at 16:20, Denis R said:
They came past me early in the morning on the way down and caused hardly a ripple. Lily was loaded with about 15 tons of Andy's assorted paraphenalia - elm planks, a couple of engines, a large tank of diesel and so on, so it sat well in the water - plus it gave the Bolinder something to get its teeth into. Meeting that coming the other way, you wouldn't have any choice but to head for the bank, it must have been drawing getting on for 3ft....
Shame it's over but as with so many things, I guess it was fun while it lasted.
As an ex owner of "Lily" if she"d had 15 tons of load she would more than likely have been drawing North of 3'6" depedent on distribution of the load in the "Seffle power days the stationary draft was 3'3"& the loss of dry side was around 1" per ton
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Towing Mast
in History & Heritage
Posted
As a possible alternative Have a word with Pete Gilbert ay Charity Dock awhile back the was several in the yard could be possible cheaper /easier /way to go