Marshian

Taking on-board (not literally!) previous points, I believe I was aware, in a general sense, that navigation authorities have a power, not a duty, to provide facilities, as Mike says above. I'm also aware that canals and rivers have different issues when it comes to that provision, as Scholar Gypsy points-out. As such, it's probably not appropriate to compare the Nene directly with the canals. A more like-for-like comparison would be between the Nene and Gt Ouse rivers, which are both covered by the same licence. I find that facilities beyond Denver Sluice are rather better than those on the Nene (there's even an elsan disposal at Ely!). I think it's unfortunate that facilities on the Nene aren't more proportionate to those on the Gt Ouse. Going back to the OP, I had hoped that a CaRT takeover might improve the situation. As it is, as the year progresses, I can start to anticipate the coming cruising season, looking forward to exchanging the clear blue skies of Fuerteventura for those of a summer on the waterways. Well, in my imagination, anyway. I plan to cruise canals in the NW this year, so don't know when I'll be back on the Nene. But I will be...

Hi Old Goat. I deliberately avoided offensive terms, and can see none in my posts - certainly not any suggestion that a contrary view to mine was 'rubbish'. I simply pointed-out that the post I replied to had not dissuaded me from my stated opinion. Clearly we don't agree that navigation authorities should simply provide waterways (and presumably the associated essential infrastructure). Some 2000 odd miles of inland navigations without a water tap, pump-out or elsan disposal? Surely not? I will continue to cruise the Nene - it's my favourite cruising river. Whilst doing so, I will continue to hold the opinion that the facilities provided by EA are rather poor, in relation to the licence fee.

Cheers Loddon. I'm aware of, and consult the Thunderboat list, but my original post to this thread was about the facilities provided by EA, in comparison to CaRT. Most of the moorings on the Thunderboat list include informal moorings and private provision by marinas, pubs etc, not EA. This rather proves the point I was making - if the majority of moorings listed aren't provided by EA, the facilities provided by EA in exchange for our licence fees represent poor value.

Looks like I'll have to reconcile myself to wheel winding for the foreseeable... Thing is, there's a paucity of moorings compared to other waterways, including the Gt Ouse. Then there's the lack of other facilities. My boat would cost c£600 pa to licence for EA Anglia region; c£700 for CaRT. The difference in facilities suggests to me that a proportionate EA fee should be maybe £250?

I'd think, with EA's resources, they could anticipate this, and secure these items at the first stage of installation

Agree they're in good nick, I'd just prefer to press a button than turn a wheel 250 times, but then, I'm lazy s*d! So saying, those wheels get a bit heavy for the last few upward turns :-(

The manual wheels are a PITA!

Yes, Yes, I always join FoTRN when on the Nene. My point was that, for the licence fee charged, the FoTRN moorings should provide a useful alternative to adequate EA moorings. As it is, they're a necessity!

Having moored on the Middle Levels for a couple of years, I had to use the Nene to move between mooring and canal network. I found that, for a marginally lower licence fee, there was a marked shortage of EA facilities, compared to CaRT waterways. Scarce moorings, infrequent water taps and pump-outs, and no elsan disposal. I rather hoped a CaRT takeover would start to address that situation. Oh well, looks like my next Nene trip will be much as before.

I believe so, but my enquiry was about Upper Wellingboro'.

Now re-opened

OOoerr Ssscruddy! Journey delayed at the mo, tho' - lock closure at Wellingborough...

I know this thread's getting a bit old, but wondered if anyone had contact details for Leon - presumably mobile? I'll be going up the flight solo for the first time in a couple of days, and would welcome his help. I find the references to empty pounds a bit daunting... Cheers, Chris

Tiller over a bit, to steer away from dry pubs and back towards the OP! From what you've said, you've decided not to hire first, and I think you're right. Sounds like you have a pretty good idea what's involved by now. I bought my first n/b last year, having never hired. I had owned small (20' ish) cruisers before, first on the Broads, then later another on the T&M. I was looking forward to more space, and better facilities, which my 36' starter boat provides. I then did a 'baptism by fire', having to move the boat from Sawley, where I'd bought it on brokerage, to the mooring I'd arranged on the Middle Levels in Norfolk - vertical learning curve! I say go for it

Thanks for the elucidation Matty - I'll do a (legal!) d/l of that track. I've often wondered about the following that Gardners seem to have. Driving wagons in the early 70s, I often got stuck with the old wrecks of the fleet - usually powered by 6 pot Gardner 180s, coupled with a 6 speed box. The memories of underpowered, under geared 32 tonners being coaxed up an incline they just didn't want to climb has given me an aversion to the sound of 6 pot Gardners in torment. By contrast, that unstressed 2 pot sounds superb! Cheers, Chris

+1 to thanks for sharing. Loved the accompaniment too. Engine note just great - what engine is it? And great backing track - who is that? Cheers, Chris

Thought I'd bump this in case anyone needs to moor for winter

Mike - Mendip-Locks posted the reserve before I posted. Cheers Mendip! I still didn't bid, and think it's a bargain at £14.6k. Subject to what the survey reveals, of course! Not so much a flurry of last minute bids, more a trickle

Hi All Thanks for this thread. My insurance is just coming-up for renewal. As GJW got lots of brownie points on here, I tried them. Quote around half the renewal cost quote. Result! Cheers, Chris

Apols for dragging this thread back in the direction of the OP! Now 5+ hours to go, and still at £14k. If I just had capacity for another project, this would be a steal at £14.1k... Of course, there's often a flurry of last minute bids

Prop shredded duck burger?

Bill Fen Marina, on the old R Nene in Cambs, has a Certified Location for CC members: http://www.billfenmarina.com/themarina/caravanclubcl.html

FWIW, I came down the Nene from Northampton late last October, having come down the Soar/Leicester line and GU from Sawley, where I'd bought the boat. Thought the Nene was stunning, and there's always the fun of 'where can I moor tonight'! Earlier this summer, I went from my (then) home mooring on Well Creek through to the Ouse as far as St Ives, and the Cam to Cambridge. Stopped overnight at Denver Sluice on the way back - lovely spot. Look forward to going back, and spending longer on the Ouse. For the first excursion on my boat, there were memorable moments. Falling into St Ives lock would be one. It was a cold, wet day, so not a lot different, really. Besides, I understand that falling into a lock is a right of passage that a narrow boater has to go through. Ran aground a couple of times, and found lots of lovely mooring space to stop overnight in Cambridge, only to learn the next day that it was residential only, with patrols and fines! Quick exit followed... Getting into Salters Lode lock also proved interesting, not having come across a fast ebb tide before. Nonetheless, the good moments far outweighed the bad, and a return trip to the Ouse is definitely on the cards.

I was mooring on Well Creek, outside the Globe Inn, Upwell, but have just re-located to Bill Fen Marina. That makes the Well Creek mooring available. Anyone looking for a mooring on the Middle Levels is welcome to contact me for details.