RAB

Heading south on the Oxford in a couple of weeks and we will need to wind in or near Banbury. If your mooring in Banbury do you have to go further down to Calthorpe Winding hole or can you wind in Banbury elsewhere? From the map the canal widens just before Banbury lock (Water point), is it wide enough here? Boat is 58ft. Many thanks in advance. PS Is Calthorpe winding hole OK by the way?

I suspect that the majority of those on this forum use the horn at blind bends, junctions etc, but very few of us actually remember all the signals and even if we do it requires both parties to understand. The canals ought to have a much simpler / shorter list of horn signals then it would be reasonable for more people to know / understand them.

Personally I’d go to Chester and back, lovely city with a very good zoo, if that floats the kids boat (so to speak). Very roughly; End day 1 (assume you have 3 to 4 hrs) you should make Middlewich. End day 2, Barbridge (Chester is a right turn when you get to the Shropshire Union, but I’d initially turn left and moor near the pub. You can turn round about a mile further down. End day 3, Either moor at the Cheshire Cat pub on edge of Chester (or go all the way into Chester) End day 4, stay in Chester (maybe start journey back) Then up to you how much you push to get back Just my views having done the trip a few times. as for bikes, towpath may be muddy in a few places but generally good for cycling. May be worth checking with hire base regarding bikes on roof or in front well deck (good locks advised).

Stern Gear - Mechanical Seal / shaft life Was discussing with a friend how water is prevented from entering along the prop shaft a few weeks ago where I explained the two basic principals; Older and dare I say traditional packing gland, with a greaser, and the mechanical seal that’s water cooled. I explained the basic pros / cons but didn’t really know how much of an issue shaft wear is with a mechanical seal and assuming correct maintenance how long the seals really last for before replacement. Would be interested in peoples experiences of years / running hrs?

Ranking my brains, there must be a “sound of music / nun pun” here somewhere? Where are our resident comedians??

How about ammonia as a potential fuel source? Yes, nasty stuff but I thought it was being touted as a potential solution a while ago? Think it burns CO2 free (although old production processes create a lot of CO2!)it also has a very high energy/density ratio I think. News on this seems to have gone quiet so assume some big issues.

Think I'd still go for monitoring the bilge in some way. Just because it's been dry for x years doesn't mean it always will be! Then again checking you've enough diesel for the heater is quite a good idea as well. Need more inputs ?

Interesting topic with no simple answer, sorry. Not too much of a concern on narrow boat engines as oil changed at same time as filters but Just to add another complexity, better is not always better either! Had a massive problem at work once (industrial gas turbines) when some bright spark decided to change to a new filter supplier, who rightly claimed it was a better filter. Unfortunately the better, whilst cheaper filter had a slightly improved filtration rating. This was great on new units, but on old units with 3000 litre oil tanks (oil never changed, just topped up) filters would block within days! Very unhappy customers! Thankfully no bypass devices fitted so units shutdown on high filter DP, rather than wiping the white metal bearings.

I’m don’t normally question our C&RT lords and masters but the sentence “Of course, we'll be asking boatersto use common sense”, what an earth does this mean? I asked a friend and they said it was an old phrase that stopped being used many years ago ????

Sorry but unfortunately the Turk’s Head has been converted to flats? Gone the way of a lot of good locals.

Seen quite a few in the various drains off the Fossdyke recently. Guess we haven’t had any really severe winters (Days/weeks below freezing) for quite a while, to kill them off?

Possibly a daft question but realised I must be getting old, as for the life of me I can't remember how I did this in the past! When sealing marine ply edges, with Epoxy do you use the resin direct or do you still need to mix with a hardner, OR, have times progress and is there now an epoxy type clear paint you can brush on direct from the tin? Marine ply is for outdoor use (Not for boat!). Any getting old and forgetful jokes fully accepted. Many thanks in advance.

Don't for one minute know or understand all the pros / cons of the following but was listening to a "Energy bod" (not sure exactly his expertise!), but he said they were currently researching, for lorries, the use of Hydrogen fuel via a fuel cell to electric motors for drive, with intermediate electric storage (batteries) to cater for high electric loads (starting, acceleration etc.). Guess if it becomes viable then a potential for canal boats as well, pending a hydrogen supply system of course!!!!

Hired one of their narrow boats quite a few years ago. Easily the best we’ve hired and owners very friendly and helpful. Will show and advise about any handling concerns you have. Lovely area to cruise with lots of swing bridges. Beware, one or two of which will close on you if not careful! followed a boat who had smashed a window from one swinging closed.

Thanks all. Apologies, meant Harecastle Tunnel, as you all correctly assumed. Can I correct the title (tried!) or does a moderator need to do this?

Hi all, Possibly heading south in a few weeks time and was wondering what the typical operating windows are for the tunnel I.e if there is a queue how many boats do they typically let through at a time, before switching directions? And how long is the wait before your direction becomes green again? (apologise but tried the search feature). Appreciate there is currently a booking system which may or may not still be in place, with limited days of travel. If it is still booking only, are there any recommendations for when to book I.e 24 hrs, 48 hrs, week etc? As always many thanks for all useful replies!!

The bigger bottle may have been due to required flow rate, rather than Required volume (evaporation rate and all that black magic).

Seem to remember hiring a boat that had a diesel oven! Think you can get hobs as well but not confirmed via the web. Remember thinking wouldn’t the oven smell and taint the food but everything was good. We tend to remember bad things more easily!!!!!

Lots of Silt being washed into the canal from the fields unfortunately. probably similar to a lot of places.

Many thanks for your prompt replies everyone.

Looking to buy (or poss make) some cushions for the locker seats in our semi-trad. Want the cover material to be waterproof, with a decent foam inner. Does anyone know anywhere that will make them to order, at a reasonable price and quality. Many thanks.

For info, Fundraising site set up to find the homeless chap a new boat and I assume pay for license !!!!!! https://thelincolnite.co.uk/?p=274260