RAB

Came through yesterday/today. Pound between Minworth & Cudworth very very low and very slow going. Were told by several CRT staff that farmer keeps extracting water, despite CRT requests for him to stop due to low water (has a license to extract apparently). We found it impossible to get near bank to moor without blocking the canal. Low water had also affected last few Cudworth locks. Stretch from Minworth to Birmingham was low as well but much more passable, although grounded at a few places. We were very very lucky as I missed the reported stoppage due to a broken lock beam on the Aston flight. We arrived just as they were locking the bottom lock. I have to say the two CRT staff were fantastic and let us through and manhandled the broken lock for us. Then met us again near the top of the flight to set the locks before finally locking the flight. Apologies but no idea of the draft of our boat (It's a share boat built by Eton Moss - Middlewich).

Any recent views (2025) on chance of mooring at Cuckoo Wharf, will be early July hopefully. If we go that way will be early afternoon arrival.

Yes aware, keeping an eye on the updates and have alternative plans!!!!

Some friends are hoping to join us for 3 to 4 days. I think, depending on water levels, we'll ideally be picking them up from the Whaley Bridge area and travelling down towards Stoke. Does anyone have any good tips on where they can park, within a short walking distance of the train station would be ideal, so they can catch the train back to their car. I've checked the local car parks but they all seem to have max 10 hr stay limits. Many thanks in hopeful anticipation.

Having never done the Peak Forest canal we're thinking of a potential trip in early July. We will probably only have 48 hrs max to moor on either the Whaley Bridge section or Bugsworth basin, before we need to leave (think most moorings in that area are 48hrs anyway?). Was wondering on views as to which are the preferred moorings by fellow boaters. Also will it be busy at that time of year and are water levels ever an issue generally (Assuming we have some rain before then!). Any other advice would be greatly received. As always, many thanks in advance. 🙂

Is there anyone in the area that can confirm that Star Lock 27 (Stone) can now be used, albiet only between 15:30 and 07:15? Actual message from CRT was; Update on 15/01/2025: Wanted to double check my understanding is correct. Lock wasn't due to open until 16:00 on Fri 31st Jan. Many thanks in advance.

Can't add much to whats already been said regarding your original question except to say views over managed syndicates vary greatly. We're in one and personally we find it good and accept not all decisions will be agreed on, and quite often the management company could do better. It's an almost take your 4 weeks and not having to worry or sort anything else out (almost!). Just for the record we have met a number of people on self managed boats which they have mostly all said works very well for them (less cost but more work/organising). You pays your money and takes your choice! I would guess thats it's more important to get on reasonably well with fellow syndicate members in a self managed group than say in ours, where we have the management company as a buffer zone (we don't really need to know the other members at all!) For Info, if you didn't already know, there is a useful web site that lists a wide range of shares available, both management companies and self managed syndicates. Link below; https://www.boatshare4u.co.uk/boatlist.asp Also if you can wait until May 2025 there is Crick boat show which has quite a few of the management companies exhibiting, which may be useful if you want to chat/compare? They also usually hold several open days themselves. Best of luck with whatever choice you make.

Sorry for not responding earlier with updates. Thanks for all the responses. The steering is generally heavier on this boat for everyone. At no, or low, speeds it's not a problem and all seems ok, but with increased speed 2 1/2 to 3 mph it gets quite heavy with any slight turn (an increase in required force with prop speed is understandable). It's just that it's a lot more than previous boat and makes it hard/uncomfortable for my partner. We do now have a platform to stand on which definately makes it a more comfortable experience and easier for both of us, although you need to remember to duck even lower under low bridges 🤣. I understand all the design issues etc but was just wondering about the advice on lifting the assembly slightly. Probably won't try it as doesn't seem worth the hassle.

Whilst having a chat with a fellow boater, about how the better half finds steering far more difficult on our current boat, compared to the past one (same size boat/engine and boat builder) he mentioned dropping a 10p coin into the cup to raise the rudder assembly slightly, which he said would help! Has anyone else done something similar and does it / could it potentially work? (I appreciate not all boats are the same or react in the same way!). If it does work what could be the negatives? Many thanks.

Does this bring a whole new meaning to Magnet fishing 🤔

The Coningsby lock was one of our favourite swimming locks as young youths, on hot summer days! Obviously frowned upon now and havent seen anyone in there for years.

Rain proof really. I guess if it falls in the cut then I've probably lost it and it's not likely to happen (famous last words!). Have a semi-trad so map book sits on one of the seats, rather than the hatch, when were not looking at it.

Looking for a waterproof cover for use with Nicholson canal map books. As there doesn't appear to be a specific applicable cover (not un-surprising, although I don't mind being proved wrong!). I was wondering what others use/recommend? Many thanks in hopeful anticipation 🙂

From the video I can't see this re-opening for quite a while. A big big job.