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TheBiscuits

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Posts posted by TheBiscuits

  1. We replaced a cassette with a composting loo. We would not have had a pumpout in the first place.

     

    We have a Separett separator which works well, and are firmly in the camp that "my body separates it, so there is no benefit in mixing it back together!"

     

    A gallon of urine is no big problem to dispose of, and we do so every day. We empty the "solids" every month whether we need to or not.

     

    100 gallons of partially fermented mixed waste would be a nightmare, even if the magic pumpout takes it away. We also do not like "splashy fishes" so dry waste works fine.

     

    The solar panel sorts out the desiccator fan so we do not begrudge the electric to keep it running,

     

    We do not use a system that requires extra dry cover material to be added, so are not adding to the waste.

     

    We do rather startle our boaty friends by not wincing if they need to use the loo!

    • Greenie 1
  2. There is professional advice to firework operators to give the coastguard warning of a firework display within (IIRC 5) miles of the coast. inland from that a mere solas flare or ten would be unlikely to be noticed at sea.

     

    I did once see and participate in the disposal of hundreds of smoke flares and some parachute flares -kept the boys happy for a while. I think Leicestershire is far enough from the coast!

     

    An acquaintance once thought exactly this.

     

    Turns out that final approach to Heathrow is more than 5 miles from the coast, but gets noticed very very quickly ... even on 5th November.

  3. Boat owners' survey shows increase in satisfaction

    https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/news-and-views/news/boat-owners-survey-shows-increase-in-satisfaction

    Our latest Boat Owners’ Views survey shows an increase in the proportion of licence holders across England and Wales who trust us to look after the waterways.

    There is also a greater awareness of our activities and an increase in those who feel that resources are being spent where most needed.
    63% of boaters said that they trust us to look after the waterways, up from 58% in 2014. The survey shows that there is variation across different demographics, with those with a home mooring or who use the waterways for leisure being most content.

    Almost half the respondents (48%) now say they know us very well or a fair amount, up from 35% in 2013/14. This suggests that we have improved our communications and are being more open and transparent, and potentially indicates that people have a greater understanding of our work beyond being simply a licence provider.

    Boaters are also more likely to agree that we 'prioritise our spending on what I feel is most needed' with 40% agreeing compared to 30% in 2014.

    A new working group
    A working group is now taking an in-depth look at the results to see what needs to be improved upon and what is working well. We will provide updates on any actions that will be taken as a result of the research.

    Mike Grimes, head of boating at Canal & River Trust, said: “The Boat Owners’ Views survey is really important to help understand what’s working well and areas where we can improve things for boaters. It’s heartening that a growing number of boaters have faith in us to look after the waterways for their benefit, but it is clear that there is still some way to go.

    “The survey also shows that there’s a growing polarisation between boaters’ views. Licence holders have passionately held, often opposing opinions, and we will use the results to help us understand our customers’ differing needs. What boaters all have in common is the desire to protect our canals and rivers and preserve the right and ability to navigate them. This is at the core of our mission too and we must all work together to ensure we get the right balance.”

    The survey, which was sent to a third of our boat licence holders, was carried out by the independent research consultancy BDRC Continental between 25 February and 25 March 2016. It will be repeated each year with the aim of having contacted the majority of boaters on our waters in each three-year cycle.

  4. The 'Boats are Homes!' petition now has over 30,000 signatures so it would appear that they enjoy some public support.

    Excellent news.

     

    When does the 'Houseboats need planning permission' campaign start?

     

    Is it before or after the 'No stealthy greenbelt development' one?

  5. Anyone tying up at Preston Marina outside the gate must tie up on the South side, on the Bullnose.

     

    That is to starboard (right) as you face into the docks.

     

    There is a ladder there that lets you out if you miss a tide, but there is an ugly mud bank on the other side. Don't get stuck on it!

     

    Stay in touch with Riversway Control/ Preston Marina if not sure, either by phone or VHF.

  6. 3 of us turned up at Blackburn today on our once fortnightly volunteering work.

     

    We pulled 3 bags of rubbish from inside the next to the bottom lock which was very bad.

     

    We then went up the locks to Bridge 102 and pulled out 4 trolleys.

     

    I would have to say that this stretch on the lock section was better than normal.

     

    I would suggest boaters disengage gear going under 102 & also the next one down adjacent to ASDA.

     

    Let us know any grot spots & also Wigan.

     

    Cheers rgreaves

    The gang up at Eanam Wharf have just bought an old boat for litter picking, so you might want to speak to Bill.

     

    We grabbed a trolley and a toy on the way through at the weekend, and dropped them at Rose Grove, but we would need to borrow Clitheroe or Skipton to get all of them out.

     

    Do you work with Emma on the picking?

  7.  

     

    I am sure a 8x2 joist will do fine, short as possible though, so say sticking out 7 foot out the side of the house with my fishing scale hanging from a shackle will do, i have a 7t shackle int shed aswell, i have caught some big fish in my time :)

    7 tonnes! How big were the ones that got away?

  8. You raise an interesting point. Do coal boats and other commercial craft, which unlike CCers I believe DO have a different licence, have to abide by the "14 day, then on your way" rule?

    Depends on the specific licence, but only the roving trader one allows you to NOT have a home mooring.

     

    Part of the application process actually requires you to sign a declaration that you have read and understood the BwaHM guidance (the CCers guidance) and currently new traders are being asked to provide an expected itinerary for the next 12 months, "just so we can tell people who ring up where they can find a trading boat".

     

    Source: our just accepted operating proposal via CRT business boating.

     

    Edit: the actual quote from CRT is:

     

    Please also include a copy of your boat safety certificate, your commercial insurance (min £2m public liability) as well as a more detailed itinerary for your trading route in the coming season. This will help us to deal with any enquiries regarding the availability of roving traders in a particular area.

     

    But the gist was as I remembered it.

  9. Has anyone overcome it differently without fitting cleats where the GRP doesn't really allow for them.

     

    If you mean it is not strong enough, you should always use a strong backing plate on deck fittings expected to take any load.

     

    Usually this is a chunk of thick plywood or even metal. It must be wider than the fitting, and with no hard or sharp corners. Glue or fibreglass it to the boat where you need the support, then bolt the fitting through this plate.

  10. Thanks for the update Dave.

     

    Hopefully they will do more than just put orange plastic round it this time!

     

    We have family in the area, so we will keep an eye on any progress.

     

     

    Well it's been a while, but I promised an update - we cruised past Cherry Tree this afternoon.

     

    The work has been done, and now looks a lot better. Not a shiny finish, but a huge improvement. Well done CRT, even if it took ages!

     

    post-21644-0-81362400-1462133432_thumb.jpg

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