Pie Eater

Jalsea Marine on the River Weaver were doing it a few years ago - I don't know whether they still do it. Steve

At long last I finally got around to trying out the new impact driver at the weekend - I followed the advice given by Amicus and used a lump hammer and it works brilliantly. Managed to release all the screws holding the water tank cover on and drained the remaining water in the tank and left the cover off to help the tank to dry out. Next job is to scrape & wire brush the tank before treating with bitumen. Thanks to eveyone who offered advice. Steve

Sueb We use one because we don't have an inverter. It works quite well on our carpets & rugs but we still need to use a mains hoover occasionally at our club to get into the nooks and crannies. It is also simple to dismantle the handle and store it in the original box out of sight. Steve

Get an old fashioned "ewbank" from Argos. Steve

john b Our Commodore has assured me that BW will be notified of any boats from Lymm Cruising Club who cannot go on the trip which starts this weekend. I don't think that all the 20 boats will be travelling together as I know that some have already left Lymm. Steve

John There may be 2 boaters who are not going due to illness. I have no idea whether they have notified BW or not. Steve

Tanis Unfortunately I am not going on the trip, but our members are a friendly bunch and I am sure most of them would show you around their boats. Keep your eye open for our club flag which is dark blue with a yellow x through it and a small white square in the middle. Overnight stops are usually in the vicinity of a canalside pub. Steve

Lunatics at large. Steve

Up to 20 boats from Lymm Cruising Club are setting off on the Commodore's annual sail this weekend and are heading for the Lancaster Canal. Steve

We have bought fanbelts for our 1005 beta engine from Halfords, Abex Bearings and FR Sharrocks. The beta engine we have is based on a Kubota engine and kubota engines are very popular on ride on lawn mowers so take your belts to a good lawn mower stockist and they will cross reference them. Steve

Boat now back in the water. 3 coats of bitumen/aluminium mix followed by 2 coats of anti foul applied below the waterline at one coat per day as per advice given. 2 coats of bitumen above the waterline and 2 coats of black gloss on the gunnels. Also managed to finish painting the roof - project left over from last year. Due to the hot weather most of the painting has been done early morning before Brin gets out of bed. Steve

Neil Stoppage at Parbold now lifted. Steve

A good report about the FBCC rally is on the AWCC website - follow the link to the photos and see if you can spot Liam on Stork. Steve

Neil Just realised that you passed me at Lymm Cruising Club this morning where I was bottom blacking my boat. Not sure where you intend to stop tonight but would recommend Dover Lock and then go through Poolstock Locks in the morning. Check the Stoppages section as BW have today announced an emergency stoppage at Parbold. Ask at BW Wigan on your way past for an update Steve

BW have announced an emergency stoppage today (Monday) as there is a significant leak at Deans Lane aqueduct - this is between Spencer Lane swing bridge ( Br 36 ) and Parbold Bridge ( Br 37D ). Contractors are on site and an update is expected later today. Steve

Managed to jet wash the boat and get the first coat of bitumen/aluminium mix on yesterday. No sign of Brin though. Steve

Thank you NB Unity, the last of the scaffolding was dismantled and the rally site was finally cleared yesterday which meant that I have got my boat on the slipway 2 days early for bottom blacking. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and the weather was glorious. By the way, how did Liam wangle his way on to the dignitaries boat for their sail? Steve

There is a write up on NBW - see the Latest Bites section. Titled - Over 220 boats at Lymm Rally. Steve

It doesn't look that there are any Brin, we will have to drink all the cheap ale ourselves. Steve

Last reminder - if you are visiting Lymm this weekend moor before you reach the village as the towpath moorings have been suspended for the Rally weekend. Visitors are welcome at the Rally site which is at Lymm Cruising Club (for a nominal fee) but during the day only. No visitors allowed after 5.00pm. Steve

Bump, fingers crossed for a dry weekend. Steve

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This years Rally takes place at Lymm Cruising Club on the Bridgewater Canal from Friday through to Monday and to date 213 boats have registered. The moorings through the village on the towpath side will be suspended for the duration of the rally and boats will be 2 abreast in most places. A floating bridge will be in operation across the canal at Lymm Cruising Club and minor delays may be expected throughout the weekend. Any forum members going? Is Liam going to show me his new boat on his way past? Steve