Ianws

Management can't magically deal with underlying underfunding, yet managers and their salaries are criticised. Managers should be paid a reasonable salary and removed if not performing, but they need the tools to do the job. In the grand scheme of things a few extra millions wouldn't be missed from the national budget (every cause would like a few thousands or millions but how many billions now get wasted elsewhere). A few years back I'd have thought differently but it now seems to cost a million to provide a temporary fix to potholes on a couple of roads in a town, let alone fix all of them properly. A few million doesn't seem like much these days, at least to the people spending it.

I had lovely trip through Johnsons Hillock lock flight today, taking my boat to be blacked at Wheelton boatyard. Just hope it's the same for the return journey. Water shortage restrictions have been a big problem in the last couple of years. No problem with the locks this time, seem to have had some repairs to some of the dodgy bits.

Was "disgusting" a deliberate mistake/typo?

After all the jokes, how badly were they fixed around your prop, and how difficult to remove. One cut across the one tyre looks pretty decent compared to some tales on here dealing with very difficult single tyres on props.

I'm going to keep a low profile on this one.

Same with our rescue dogs on leads. Owner of other dog not on lead says its okay he's friendly. Reply, this one might not be if yours gets too close and starts bothering. Ours are under close control at all times.

Gumpy asked for a pub that does a decent lunch. Didn't mention beer. Lots of pubs now rely on food to keep going.

I don't expect much, but lots of people (like @GUMPY, the OP) are asking for recommendations of where's good to eat not just to drink. Unless food reviews are recent they can be pretty meaningless.

The same landlord might give confidence in how well the beer is kept. Food depends on the chef, which can have an even higher turnover of staff. Unless it's all prepared chuck in the microwave stuff, but some places aren't even able to manage that to a reasonable standard.

I'd be more interested in why you can't get the Whale gulper working. If that doesn't work why would anything else? Whats not working with the Whale?

Lots of edits to remove multiple duplicate posts of the same reply. Not sure why that happened. The original reply was: Do you want a full Independent engine room health check or basic service procedures carried out? Changing gearbox oil or fluid isn't rocket science, if you can extract the old fluid/oil. I use a cheapish Pela pump. For grease gun, I'm assuming you mean refilling the stern gland greaser. That's pretty straightforward and also should be fairly accessible as you need the greaser at hand after cruising. There are lots of guides and videos online to support you. I guess a boat engine service is similar to a dealer car service these days. Oil change etc but not checking every inch of the car for faults outside the service spec. Independent garages "might" go the extra mile.

I'm not repainting but for the OPs benefit, is there a difference between what's required for the engine bilge and the other bilges?

Servicing and costs are on their site. I couldn't see the learn while your boat is serviced option they used to offer but it was only a quick look at the site.

Some, but not enough to grow it without looking (more) stupid.

Not any more.

I wouldn't want to moor there for love nor money.

I would hope you or anyone else wouldn't. Even if you didn't end up on the wrong end of the encounter you would be looking at a long time inside.

You lose 1 you might find 1. Dynmo tape won't last forever in active use and the equipment costs. Be careful with your pins and windlasses and accept the occasional loss.

Smorgasbord xtx cfg rmd!!!!!⁸

It's hard to tell; it's not obvious from the photos that the surface behind the stove is adequate. Also, pipes aren't as hot as the stove itself but the horizontal section running parallel and close to the roof surely isn't a good idea.

The bots are certainly inventive, if not that intelligent, yet!

Very nice. I can see James Bond sitting down and taking a call for their next assignment (after a cocktail or two).