fatmanblue

I've always seen the G&S as perfect for day boat hire and short break hire. Plenty of interesting places, some nice pubs, beautiful scenery, huge skies. And turn around anywhere. The Severn, not so much. Although I like it myself.

Hempel Multicoat. Works for me ... can't comment on whether it is compatible with with AR gunwale paint though.

Regulator could have failed ... I've had this happen, makes one realise how few chandleries there are left. Obviously check everything else first!

It is possible to change the fittings that are threaded into the bubble tester. You would need to check, but my memory is that they are 1/4 BSP threads. I've never liked gas test points in the cabin. The tester has to break the integrity of the gas system to test it, then has to 'repair' it (replace the screw). I've had two BSS tests close to being aborted as the test found it really difficult to get the test screw out. BSS will no doubt say if they need to be in the cabin at all - I noticed the last regulator I bought had a test point built in on the LP side. At my last BSS check the tester said he charges £20 less if a bubble tester is fitted...

CRT are now reporting that the South Stratford (between Wilmcote and Birmingham Road) will not re-open until May 30th.

This boat sunk in 2021 in what seems to be exactly the same location (within a few yards)... (image - David Wood, from Coventry Telegraph)

If you are doing this in four days - 1st stop Birmingham (I've always found plenty of space on the main line near the Distillery) 2nd Stourbridge (Samson and Lion) 3rd Wombourne area 4th Brewood

Stay in the middle of Birmingham. Plenty of good moorings, I've never had a problem finding a mooring or any sniff of trouble. Then next day head out south to Kings Norton and left onto the Stratford. Mooring around Kings Norton or indeed on the north Stratford before Shirley is not such a good option. Or do the Avon Ring! Clockwise best direction. Possibly including Droitwich. Beautiful towns - Stratford, Pershore, Tewkesbury, Worcester. Rivers and canals.

Appears to be all open but keep an eye on CRT and ANT notices. In my opinion, the best place to moor in Stratford is in the Bancroft Basin. If it is full, moor on the river. Worcester I would say on the pontoon between Diglis (river) locks and Diglis basin, if you can find space. Otherwise go up the river a bit further and moor near the racecourse (creative fendering may be needed, the side has an odd overhang). Indeed go up past the Cathedral anyway, even if you are not mooring up there, just to see Worcester from the river (before turning and coming back down). I would do the ring clockwise, the Avon locks are more relaxing going downstream.

It certainly shouldn't fail BSS if it is a private boat. A marine surveyor probably won't like it, as you have found out. My boat has a skin fitting that is basically on the waterline when underway. Never been an issue for BSS (6 BSS and 3 different testers) and never been an issue whilst cruising. I have just moved it though, I've never liked the idea of the possibility of it catching on something and shearing off.

At its very simplest, white indexed plates were issued from 1992 onwards. So anything on black plates is 1991 or earlier. Presuming that the plates are original, of course. Going back, engines were often older than the boats they were installed in. Probably the reverse these days. 1998 is 25 years ago, or I've slipped through a time warp...?

Cleared around 2pm today

Tree down right across the canal between Caunsall and Whittington, been down at least 24 hours. Tree surgeons now here and it should be passable by lunchtime. Plenty of boats backed up. Neither this or the Wolverley tree appeared to show in CRT notices ... I would have made different plans if they had.

Open again. Very comprehensive job done by the tree surgeons today. Luckily the temporary track to Wolverley Court Lock was still in place so they could bring their kit in that way (too big to fit under the bridge at Wolverley Lock).

Will not be re-opening today. Monday lunchtime maybe.