david and julie

That boat is a members pride and joy.

Sale Cruising Club had a meet at the Salt Barge at the weekend which probably explains why there were more Bridgewater boats in Northwich than usual. I live next to the T&M in Northwich and I'd say there isn't that much traffic in either direction at the moment - hope its not a sign of the times.

Last time we did these locks we got woken up by a couple of teenagers having a knee trembler against the side of boat - Julie told me to get up and tell them to go (or words to that effect) - but given the grunting and groaning from the young lady I decided that although it's aged I'm happy with my face as it is so I gave it a miss.

The water is a lubricant for the seals - Google Vetus water lubricated stern gear for more info. They are said to be more environmentally friendly as there's no need for grease - which usually ends up in the water.

A friend of mine got a replacement from ASAP - he phoned them with engine/alternator details etc and they knew what he needed. I don't recall him having any problems fitting the replacement but do remember him saying it was cheaper - he was also told it would last longer than the original (less than 1000 hours). His looks like this one. http://www.asap-supp...uro-black-32831

Very sad. I've not got a clue what happened but can't help but wonder if the roof (at the front of the boat)was also full of logs - perhaps the extra weight and heat of burning logs could have caused the severe buckling?

I think there's a bit of a flaw in your thinking. If we were all really honest, its hard not to admit that the UK is actually a sham democracy - the will of the people means absolutely SFA.

Personally I'd prefer to head towards Middlewich as its much more interesting cruisingwise and probably a bit more peaceful - you have one small stop lock, three tunnels, wonderful glimses of both the River Weaver and the Weaver Valley. You can also visit the Anderton boatlift (not sure if you're allowed on it and you're short on time really anyway) there are several (but not too many) pubs and they are mainly quiet and peaceful places. If you go towards Manchester the scenery is still very nice until about Dunham, you definately have more choice of pubs (especially in Stockton Heath/Lymm and Sale) but at weekends these places are very busy with all that usually entails. It depends what's most important to you really - I'd say Middlewich for peace and Manchester for pubs. You won't really do any queuing in either direction - save for the timed tunnels which are nothing really.

Our second hire was a cheap deal on Ebay and covered the area you have in mind - they're not very big boats but are OK for two people and they are reasonably priced - being able to sneak into short moorings on that canal can also be handy. Being a small family concern they were extremely pleasant and helpful people. http://www.bettisfie....com/index.html Hope you enjoy the experience.

Not easy is it Peter. I use a plastic drinking straw - put some grease in the straw then flatten the end - put some grease on the flattened end - gently slip the flattened ended between the shaft and the seal - lay the rest of the straw along shaft - run finger along straw and it will force some grease in. Not the best description really but hopefully you get the idea. I've been told you can also use a syringe.

We have the Volvo seal, its 6 years old and has been OK so far. Maintenance is limited to a blob of Volvo grease once a year and "burping" - the term Volvo use for expelling any air from the seal after dry docking. http://www.volvopent...Box%20(Eng).pdf