oldboater66

Quote from local farm owner in the Liverpool Echo The 58-year-old told the ECHO: "We've reported a fault with the canal and a persistent damp patch, even in dry weather, for some time now. "We have reported it consistently and not been believed."

Thanks for the recommendations on this. The size of extension to the front locker works out at around 9ft. I have spoken to Martin @Kedian (really friendly guy btw) who has indicated that it would be a bit less than half the price of a full stretch which according to his website would work out at around £350 per foot. This is only a rough estimate though and I'm in the process of getting him all the details and exact sizes. He mentioned September 2018 as a possible date to do the work. Also spoke to Industry Narrowboats at Stretton Wharf who would have been my preferred choice as they are closer than Kedian but unfortunately they are well out of my price range with an estimate of £4500. Going to have another look at the boat this weekend to get some proper measurements and photos. Thanks again for the recommendations This is the boat btw to give an idea of what I'm talking about.

Unfortunately my budget wouldn't extend to a stretch, no pun intended :) On previous boats I've owned, those days are very few and far between and the rest of the time just seems to be spent clearing leaves, cobwebs and rat chewed rubbish bags away. The cratch covers on the front of this boat are a bit worse for wear and would either need repairs or replacing if keeping the long bow. Thanks for the other suggestions Ditchcrawler and Neil2 Any other recommendations appreciated

Sorry I should have been clearer yes it is just the cabin top extension I'm looking for. I've seen a few bad jobs myself but these are normally when someone has used wood to extend a steel top. Not looking for a work of art and wouldn't mind a bit of a weld line where the two cabins meet. Like I say any advice or recommendations appreciated as I really like the hull design and the beta engine has very low hours with upto date stamped service history from the original installer.

Had a look round a boat earlier this week at Venetian Marina. It's a 30ft dayboat with a small cabin and a long open bow. Happy with the quality of the hull (RW Davis) and condition of the engine. Just wondering if anybody could recommend a boat builder around Cheshire/Staffordshire who might be willing to extend the cabin top all the way to the front locker, and also what might be a reasonable price to pay for this work. Ideally a builder on the Venetian side of the middlewich breach. Length of extension would be around 7ft with just one escape window at the front Any ideas greatly appreciated

As far as I'm aware Merseyside motorboat club do not allow liveaboards and imo i wouldn't leave a rowing boat in Litherland unattended. I know people who do moor there regularly but they have a large angry bull mastiff looking after the boat when not onboard. The best place to be on that stretch as I've mentioned before is Hall Lane Maghull. Power, water, parking, elsan and local shops. Five minute walk to the station and 20min journey to Liverpool every 15mins. Not always space available and no idea on cost if any but worth a try. PM me if you'd like contact details.

Steve at Stretford Marina has always been really helpful whenever passing that way. Might be worth giving them a call for an idea of mooring fees. Tidy little place with diesel and gas for sale.

Just sent you the owners number for Maghull.

I could be wrong but pretty sure MMBC don't allow liveaboards on their moorings.

Free electric too! Electric heater full whack 24/7 from Oct to mar sounds tempting

I've moored at Maghull / Hall Lane a couple of times on my way to into Liverpool it's on private land opposite the towpath with electric, water, toilet and cassette emptying facilities. Plenty of shops nearby and only a couple of minute walk to Maghull station for trains every 15 minutes. Takes around twenty minutes to Liverpool central. PM me if you would like the owners phone number. Its not rural but I'd say it's the safest and nearest to Liverpool after Litherland. Personally I wouldn't want to leave a boat with all my possessions anywhere between Lydiate and Parbold unless it was in scarisbrick marina the caravan park or one of the rufford ones. Always thought the CRT ones at Haskayne were particularly open to vandalism and theft and I know of a long term boat at Burscough that was vandalized a couple of years ago. There is a pub I think called the slipway that has offside CRT moorings but from what I remember it looks like anyone can gain access without a key so the only security would be you neighbors. Have you priced Liverpool marina? A friend lives there and although expensive it is a great place to be and could save you hundreds of pounds a year on train fares. You would also need to change your anodes for saltwater.

I got a bit worried doing the Aire and Calder a couple of years ago, when a guy approaches me with what seemed to be a cross between a length of 4x2 and a baseball bat. Turns out I had done nothing to upset him and he kindly explained that it was an Aire and Calder paddle needed to operate the locks. I did manage (slowly) without one though.

Yes and considering that there are 5 yearly rent review's. Let's hope that CRT are not being a little short sighted in selling off the family silver..

oops http://www.pugh-auctions.com/Lot/Manchester/20170221/053

Thanks for your reply. As mentioned in op i have seen an auto elec who is happy to have a go. If you have time could you expand on your return path comment please so i might understand a little better what you mean. Cheers