Alan Wheeler

While this looks much more attractive to coil ropes in a spiral, I can't be doing this after every use; so it's not very practical or ideal to easily collect and throw quickly to someone. Also, coiled wet rope on the deck collects dust and dirt (especially if standing on it) and dirtes the deck, plus either way can be a trip hazard or fall in and collected by the prop. It's more logical to secure on a hook off the deck to mitigate all these issues.

I have seats on the stern of a semi-trad, and while passing a narrow boat, I saw (the owner was unfortunately not around to ask) they had flat metal hooks fixed to the underside of their rear semi-trad seats to hang the ropes under the seats. I think this is a great idea as I don't like them coiled on the deck or hung over the tiller. Does anyone know where I can buy these, ideally galvanised steel and so they can be painted to match the seat post colours?

Thanks. We considered that DIY, but we don't have the time/weekends or expertise to embark on sanding and painting the boat. So our concern is the wet dock hire cost and quality will be compromised. Therefore some costs from reputable specialists would help to evaluate the cost v time v quality.

We bought our 60' narrow boat back in 2017 and we want to make enquiries for a specialist to re-paint the boat that is moored on the GU at Napton; which we are virgins at the process, cost and options. Can anyone recommend a recently used boatyard/painter in the area and a budget cost, plus any advise to consider, e.g. paint primer, coats, quality, etc.

Can anyone recommend, from experience, a mobile engineer that can carry out mechanical and electrical works, servicing, maintenance to a boat in/near the Napton/Braunston area? Our boat currently has a fault with the water pump, bow thruster and internal light switching/wiring.

What type of bulb fits the Autopal headlamp, as I believe it could be a H4 Halogen bulb? However, I would like to replace this with a suitably bright LED alternative. Does anyone have any advise, i.e. can I just replace the bulb with a something like this https://www.amazon.co.uk/ Secondly the bulb has failed on the navigation lamp (see photo). I'm unsure how to replace the bulb without removing the plastic shield or unscrewing the assembly. Does anyone know how to (1). Replace the bulb; (2). What type of bulb; (3); Can it be an alternative LED bulb? Thanks.

I've lost a couple of lacing hooks/fixings that secure the cratch cover. I've sourced where to buy these from that match the existing ones, i.e. https://www.boatfittings.co.uk/p/lacing_hook_316_stainless_steel_heavy_duty_for_securing_cords_sail_covers_etc?gclid=Cj0KCQjwu-KiBhCsARIsAPztUF3PATW-56TI_rFPCIErqOq0lEH1G5eFtUo85Py2Tqi0pBsRD3foeHIaAmvdEALw_wcB#flash-msg However, I'm not sure how these have been fixed (see photo) or how to fix these to the boat. What is the best way to re-fix these lacing hooks through the existing holes?

Is it permitted to turn at the following potential winding holes along the Grand Union canal, north of Norton Junction? Willow Wren Training Centre (north of Bridge 20). Stockton Top Marina/Kate's Boat Hire (above Stopton Lock 4). Kayes Arm Junction (above Shop Lock 12). Are there other suitable winding holes east of Radford Winding Hole? Thanks.

What are the moorings generally like in August between the top of the Caen Hill flight and Bradford-upon-Avon; as we have been told the stretch of canal is very congested? We are wondering if it is worth booking visitor moorings at Caen Hill Marina (after descending the Caen Hill flight) and at marinas towards Bradford-upon-Avon.

I bought a new ash pole, as the original one had rotten and broke. Any tips and/or recommended tools/method to whittle the end of the pole to fit the boat hook, other than a huge pencil sharpener!? I'm assuming a descent wood knife or chisel knife as I don't have a lathe.

We are planning a cruise from Newbury to Marlow, and we hope to stay a couple of days in Marlow next to Higginson Park. We had a great time last year in Henley by Mill Meadows and hope to repeat this in Marlow. We are aiming to arrive around lunch time as we've learnt that's when people start to move on from the previous evening. Are there any tips for the Thames section, other than turning upstream before mooring?

The two brass T-bars/cleats on the bow of our canal boat have caused bimetallic corrosion as there is no isolation between the hull and brass fitting. The plan is to remove the two brass cleats as these are superfluous, remove the rust and fill the bolt holes. Then prime and paint the exposed metal. I have been recommended to paint using non-slip paint, but I think this would work well if the whole section of the raised bow (as indicated on one of the two attached photos) would look better, as matching the paint will be difficult to achieve and a small square around the repair would look awful. Also, stick-on non-slip mats can cause rust, I understand. Does anyone have any recommendations on products, method and/or an example of what it could look like?

Can anyone recommend where to moor at Sonning and Henley? We plan to moor for one night (<24 hours) at Sonning, but a moor for a couple of nights at Henley. We are happy to pay for good mooring especially if there is a power hook up. Is there normally a good choice of moorings? We have a 60' narrow boat. Thanks, Alan

We have a Spinflo HB14000 6kW hob with four gas burners and a Country Leisure Midi Prima 3.1kW oven with a separate grill on our narrow boat. We find the gas oven is difficult to keep alight even though it has flame failure protection. We also find the oven setting needs to be low to prevent burning food. Does anyone have suggestions to prevent this or install a different oven? Thanks. Alan

Hi All, We (the family), are moving our 60' narrow boat from Cropredy to Newbury soon. Can anyone recommend places to moor along the River Thames and whether it is advantageous to book/who with. We are planning to moor at Abingdon and Pangbourne, but appreciate this may need to change subject to moorings and availability. I note moorings are defined by the Vale of White House District Council in Abingdon. We've been given plenty of advise, e.g. turn upstream to moor, take shears to cut back the overgrown bank at a mooring, all moorings along towpaths are 24 hours unless stated otherwise. However, as we are so used to the ease of mooring on the canals, the River Thames is a bit of an unknown, i.e. ease of mooring, private land, etc. We are ideally looking to moor near pubs and shops for provisions for the evening. The https://www.thamesvisitormoorings.co.uk/ doesn't allow to book moorings at locks. Also, what are people's best guess at how long it will take from King's Lock to Kennet Mouth? I'm estimating two days. Any help, advise and recommendations would be gratefully appreciated. Alan