Movin' on

Nabru items do look better

All good so far - we are only looking for a 2 seater which will run across the boat with a fold out (not click/clack) mechanism to make the bed up down the length of the boat Keep 'em coming!

Hi, I'm looking for tips (based on actual experience please) of good quality 2str sofa beds preferably those made for narrow-boats and probably "self assembly". I have found NABRU what are they like any issues with assembly quality after sales etc etc What else is out there - price isn't the main issue - quality and comfort definitely is as we are boaters of a certain age with all that entails! Thanks all J

Thanks for all contributions - this thread seems to have taken on a life of its own which I'm happy to leave as it is very informative for others - for my part it has served its purpose - thanks again

that's just an auto refresh Gt Haywood haven't got her on sale

FYI - they do actually say in the ad that it will need over plating

not "shallow" as such but certainly cruise-able in these days where CRT prioritise everything but navigation! My last tug was 31" when stationary and had issues when cruising and the 24" prop dragged her down an extra 4" - 30" underway with more than (RN DM2) 18hp would be OK

Don't worry about age look for good builders (as they used good steel) either in their day or now peter nicholls mike heywood evans and son les allen to name but a few Be aware of whilton and most others - basic broker tactic is to overprice so you bid and think you have a good deal - if you have been looking intensively (in the flesh not on the net) in a price band it doesn't take long to get a gut feel and you are probably right

Hi I'm trying to find a boat that was for sale at Great Haywood but didn't appear to sell - does anyone know its current whereabouts?? If it sold no worries but if it didn't and the owner wants to get in touch PM me here ........................ ALSO if anyone knows of a truly classic/historic boat for sale or coming up soon a tip off would be much appreciated. J

If anyone's interested all the kit mentioned here is now LISTED IN THE FOR SALE SECTION - 2 lifejackets and chain and rope all as new, anchor used but that's not an issue and all bought last year as a result of this thread. Text only please to 07764 186095 is the ONLY way to get me as we are on the boat and moving about (Greater Midlands then Thames then Midlands - June July August respectively) and the phone is generally off during the day. That's 30m new 12mm nylon rope, a "used" 14kg Danforth anchor, 5m of new 12mmx 78mm galvanised anchor chain with bag and shackles and 2 new "Bluewave" 150n automatic Adult lifejackets (in original packaging) - total cost £200 - £150 wanted no offers - happy to split the 2 lifejackets from the rest at £75 + £85 (the rest) again no offers please. BFN

Hi all (esp Alan and Tony), After all that planning "life" has got in the way and we are not now making the journey for domestic (land related reasons)we may do it later in the year on what would then be a return trip going the other way! Thanks for all the help I hope the thread was of use to others. J

VERY many thanks - can I assume its a 2 week cycle that I'm keeping an eye on i.e. the next neap period will be around the 29th? The 13/14th looks like the best target for us starting Cromwell to Torksey on the 13/14th then Torksey to West Stockwith 15/16 depending on whether we venture up the Fossdyke or not and then West Stockwith to Keadby on the 16th/17th or 2 weeks later if we go up the Chesterfield - we would like to do the Chesterfield but we are deep drafted (2ft 8ins)so that may not be good for us depending on actual water conditions whenwe get there. All good fun - I certainly feel much better equipped and informed now - thanks to CWDF.

Many thanks for this - it seems to me we that we should concentrate on aiming for neap tides so that's 30 April -2 May incl - when is the next period? I am only really concerned about turning into/against the tide flow and mooring or locking as 18hp driving 20 tons isn't all that powerful albeit driving a 24x20 prop but my DM2 isn't used to flat out use or anything like it.

Mothers maiden name - originates from Hitchin area?

Just a last question re TIMING of our trip .............. if its possible to answer this, to achieve the most favourable river/tide conditions, is there a time in the late April/early May period that we should avoid??

Life jackets are brand new 2016 direct from the manufacturer - thanks Many thanks it's good to have my decisions/actions validated - J

All done now - as running out of time for deliveries before we leave - 30m new 12mm nylon rope, a "used" 14kg Danforth anchor and 5m of new 12mm galvanised anchor chain and 2 150n automatic lifejackets - total cost £200 incl delivery and collection petrol - not too bad for my peace of mind. Thanks to all contributors,the wider internet and of course - my good friend eBay! BFN

Hi Tony, I have now acquired a 14kg Danforth anchor and 2 150n automatic lifejackets - what type and length of chain/rope do you advise I appreciate weight is good BUT my wife and I do also need to be able to lift it to deploy it and that is a concern due to age/and the usual infirmity issues/hips/knees/backs etc. The boat is 55ft and we do have a small chuckable grappling anchor already.

Thanks for that

Thanks for all the comments esp the above - I don't have too many engine concerns as she has done Thames and Severn both ways and Trent/Soar Shardlow to Leicester and, weather permitting, we are doing the Nene pre this jaunt - its the tidal aspect that was the concern and the number of possible stop off points for a slow (not a "how quickly can I do it") cruise. Cheers

Wow - and someone told me this was a sleepy forum! Thanks for all the advice - so far so good - it is making me feel more confident about actually taking this on - my view is those who seem to post stress and related problems are those possibly with not enough time to take whatever comes in their stride and if needed be prepared (or able) wait. I've been there as have most of us I'm sure but retirement should ease that pressure for us this time. Given that we are committed to do the full "ring" is this the best way round? Clearly if we went up the West coast and came back down the East coast the river conditions would be different but so would the time of year (back on this section of the Trent in July instead of May?) Comments? Thanks all so far.

Hi all, I am a seasoned inland waterways user BUT not familiar or particularly comfortable with wide or tidal waters. We are heading north of Manchester for the first time this year and as part of that trip are contemplating cruising from Nottingham to Leeds in early May and are aware that the Cromwell to Keadby stretch can throw up some challenges. My main question is given we have all the time in the world and want/intend to explore the Fossdyke and Chesterfield Canal if we simply start the cruise and when we get to the relevant locks/junctions seek advice from Lockkeepers is that good enough or MUST we plan more and accept other constraints on our activity. Our very heavy old tug (57ft) has a DM2 in her - is this man enough for that which the tidal Trent could throw at us? ALSO and very important we have 2 elderly dogs and are not that fit ourselves - are there any issue about getting dogs on shore? If the general consensus is that the issues will outweigh the pleasure then we will simply go the other way to the L&L - its not a major concern its just that we would like to do the ring! Thanks all.