rogerb
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Posts posted by rogerb
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It was nice to see canal boats in the docks, it gives an idea of what it might look like when the link is finished. I was a bit dissapointed that there werent any cruisers there just narrowboats. I couldnt see anything other than the boats when i was there no BW displays or stalls etc
Hello Red Star
I do hope that you have forgiven me for pinching your excellent photos - will you come and do some for us after 30th June?
Gaggle
My understanding is that proper pump-out and toilet facilities are required at Eldonian Village and in the Appley Bridge/Crooke area - could you please confirm? - I have a meeting with NWDA on other matters in a few weeks time -I can raise this with them at the same time.
Roger
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some boaters that are clearly in distress at the eldonian village basin ,notice how filthy they look due to the lack of water for washing "75 yards to tap" , as only one shower was available they endured great hardship.
anyone who knows the canal system will know showers are available in blocks of six every few miles "except in liverpool".
even worse toilet cassettes had to be emptied into the sewage system via a manhole or down the toilet ,unheard of anywhere else on the canals.
please note i am not pointing the finger at people in the photo,s as being the moaners they just happen to look such a forlorn bunch of boaters.
see events 2007 for my rant.
Facilities have to be improved on the Wigan to Liverpool stretch of the L & L - to spend 17 million pounds on the new link and then have no proper shower facilities, no proper pump-out and no proper toilets is madness.
I have been trying to make contact with MMBC without success - are you a member or does anyone reading this know of a member who has a mobile phone - if so the name and number would be helpful.
BW does not have the funds to do this but the NWDA does but I need to know what is needed before I approach them.
Take heart - things will improve but we only have 9 months to improve them!
I like your photos - come and take some for us after 2nd July - cant say who we are as that would be advertising - does anyone know? - if so please enlighten
Roger
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I was unable to get to this meeting - how did it go?
Roger
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i need to fit a 12v circulation pump that will last most that are on offer dont last long
running 240v through the inverter drains the bats to quick any help appreciated
Have just fitted two Aquafax Viking 32 12v punps for toilet waste pump out - too early to say how effective they are.
Aquafax say they are great - what else would they say?
Does anybody have experience of these pumps - they should save a fortune in pump-outs if they work and don't clog.
Roger
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I was just giving an example based on 23 foot as ive researched and done a business plan for such a boat.
The material cost of wood alone would be £2350.
The end cost would be more depending on quality of fit out engine and trim windows ect.
Its more of a replica of a traditional design.
This would be a brand new wooden boat and certainly higher quality than that thing on ebay!
However if you are really serious about this get yourself up to portland basin in ashton under lyne where the wooden boat society are based.
Ive often seen them working on the old boats there and sure they would talk to you all day on whats what.
Good luck.
I am thinking of restoring a 54 year old wooden boat that has a current MCA licence - is Portland Basin the nearest that could do this - is there nobody in Liverpool that can do this - there is a clue to which boat this might be in this. Martin?
Roger
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During April we took advantage of those very warm days to visit Henley - out of season it is lovely - with lots of boating activity.
We went on to visit Windsor and Richmond - as an afterthought we decided to visit Teddington Lock - if you have not been there consider moving it to the top of your list of places to go.
Mind-blowing - the biggest weir I have ever seen - a lock 650ft long that can take 6 boats plus a tug - immaculately kept with a lock-keeper on site.
This has got to be a must do.
Roger
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Roger, If this interests you then you MUST go and see the Anderton Lift - it is an absolutely astonishing piece of technology - and basically an inclined plane made vertical
There are some very basic inclined planes in Poland - wheeled cradles in which the boat is pulled up by a winch. There is a more sophisticated one in Czech Republic, and the biggest of all is in China, a massive lift over a dam.
I have been to see the Anderton Lift a number of times but never picked a day when it was working.
My favourite canal engineering work in the North West is the Barton Aquaduct - the canal being carried over the Manchester Ship Canal is absolutely stunning.
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Hi Roger
We used to be moored at Crooke Marina but moved on to the Bridgewater Canal a few years ago. We are now moored at Outrington on the moorings of Lymm Cruising Club.
Coccium is the name of a Roman fort which was believed to be in the Wigan area.
Steve
Hi Steve
We will be sailing our new boat "Romance" from Monton, Eccles to Appley Bridge on Friday 22nd June providing the MCA inspections go without a hitch next week.
This brings to an end a difficult and challenging build and I will be pleased to see this boat doing what she was made for - giving hundreds of people pleasure this summer.
If you find yourself on this stretch of the Bridgewater that day give us a wave - there will be a 9 hour celebration party going on!
Roger
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If you are a fan of real ale try the Swan and Railway in Wallgate ( opposite NW Station ).
Steve
Hi Pie (forgive the pun)
But dont use the toilet if you dont buy a pint - they dont like it.
Where is your boat Coccium moored - and where does Coccium come from?
Roger
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"The lift worked well but, the locks at Watford Gap were never widened, and the traffic didn't increase. This made the lift uneconomic.
The locks were refurbished for night traffic in 1909. FMC wanted to use their steam boats for “Fly runs” non stop boating, the crew taking turns to sleep. They could compete with the time tables of the railways.
In 1911 the Lift was mothballed to save money, the traffic returning to the locks which have been in use ever since. In 1928 the machinery was sold for scrap".
Courtesy of website (http://www.fipt.org.uk)
The mists have cleared I think - works on the principle of two buckets each of equal weight going over a pulley - very little effort is needed to produce movement - been onto the fipt website - fascinating.
Thanks Roger
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Here we are at the top of Wigan flight and for the first time in years the sun is out for us while we go down.We arrived yesterday afternoon and had a meal in the Kirkless pub and then just sat out till late, lovely evening.
The Skipton-based hotelboat has already set down off with another narrowboat, maybe they're trying to get down before the heat of the mid-day sun.
We will be setting of when our team get here, probably around nine.There's no rush as we are only going down to the dry-dock for docking tomorrow.
Anyone know of a decent pub near Wigan drydock?
Andy
The Orwell at Wigan Pier is only a short walk from the dry dock - good food, real ales -shish kebabs to die for.
The Moon on the Water in the centre of Wigan (about 10 minutes walk) has good food and about 8 real ales but it is always busy.
Roger
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Hi Roger,
The inclined plane at Foxton works, or worked on the balance principle. As one trough with boat and water was being raised up the incline, another trough with or without boat was being lowered down the incline, both being attached to each other by cables and chains to a, I think, 25 rated horse power steam engine. The two troughs weighed roughly the same, therefore balanced each other.
The troughs ran on rails, similar to railway track rails.
I am in danger of waffling on here and confusing you. If you go to the website of the Foxton Inclined Plane Trust I believe it explains the principle there.
www.fipt.org.uk
Thanks for this - the mist is clearing - so the next question is: why did they fall out of favour - are locks a more cost-effective way of changing levels?
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I understand that there is an inclined plane at Foxton that is being restored - how do these work?
Are the boats pulled up them by an engine with rollers underneath it in a similar way to a big dipper getting to the top of its run?
Apparantly there are a number of these working in Europe but I don't know of a working one in the UK.
Roger
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I know a couple who would love to live on a boat especially during the summer months.
What size is your boat - how many berths - how old is it - where is it moored?
Roger
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Why?
If I wanted to fly my Union Jack boxers, upside down from my boat pole (I hesitate to say 'shaft) what's the harm.
And all those pseudo Captain Birdseyes who fly the incorrect flags are put on this earth to raise a chuckle (or slight sneer). Where would we be without them?
Edited to say: I hasten to add that I possess no UJ boxers (or boxers of any design)
Before we fly our company flag on the ex-British Legion flagpole at Appley Bridge are there any senior ex-servicemen who wish to object - we dont really want to upset any potential customers!
Ex-servicemen over 80 get free beer - apply now while the offer stands.
Roger
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Bloomin' 'eck, Roger! I think I may have a few photos you can use, as well!
Hello Martin
It pays to invest early on with a new business - one boating enthusiast is worth 40 ordinary customers in terms of positive referal power.
You are welcome on Romance anytime you wish to visit without charge.
Regards Roger
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Great stuff Roger...thanks very much
The reason we are interested in Cassoulet is we are only a party of eight and would basically be privately chartering the boat for the duration of the trip. This will make the trip and meal very special, rather than us all "getting lost" on a boat seating 50.
I do take your point about not being able to see out while you are eating though, this is a bit of a worry, is there room on deck to sit / stand / have a drink before and after the meal?
Do you know whether any of the other boats...or yours! can be privately chartered?
Hi Casper
The food on Cassoulet is hard to beat and the couple who run it are very friendly - my advice would be to start with Cassoulet and visit all the others in turn when you have a special occasion - we had a great time last year doing this.
All of the boats can be privately chartered but it gets quite expensive if you have a small party.
Roger
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nice site, although I dont remember being asked if they could use my photographs on it....
Dear Redstar
I didn't know who to ask about using these photographs, however, they are so good I would like to continue using them if you don't mind.
By way of compensation I would like to offer you two £30 evening cruises when we get started or the cash equivalent if you prefer.
I will be taking my own photos when we have a boat to photograph!
Roger
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It's my Fathers 80th birthday this year and we were thinking of a celebration aboard Cassoulet, the restaurant boat that is based at Sowerby Bridge.
Has anyone any experience of the boat / trip / food, and would you recommend it?
Does anyone know of any other good restaurant boats in Yorkshire?
Thanks
Hi Caspar
Did some market research on restaurant boats in the North of England last year this is my verdict:
Cassoulet, Sowerby Bridge - Very good food but can only seat 12 - windows very high up so you cant see out as you cruise along.
The Dalesman, Skipton (Pennine Cruisers) - long established, well run, good food, good service, recommended
Bronte Boats, Hebden Bridge (Verdopolis) - New boat, good food, well run, different cuisine on certain nights, recommended
L S Lowry, Manchester (city centre cruises) - long established, good food, good staff, recommended
Leu'T'Cuisine, Chester (mill hotel,Chester website) - My favourite - lovely boat, good food, good staff, highly recommended
The boat at Leeds is called The Kirkstall Flyer and is up for sale - it is a trip boat that can provide a buffet so does not fall into the restaurant boat category in my opinion.
Our Restaurant Boat based at Appley Bridge, Wigan starts 1st July - reputation yet to be established - but if we can meet the standards set by the above I will be happy.
I cant give you details of our website, etc as that would be advertising and I might be drummed out of the forum,however, if someone reading this knows these details please feel free to enlighten
Roger
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it was good fun when the ducks rushed into the water down the slipway and the wash reached our boats that were on the new pontoons at the dock last year , this year we have been told our boats will be breasted up six boat width so access back to the outer breasted boat should be a bit dodgy after sampling the night life.
Which day this week do you travel in convoy along the Mersey to arrive at Albert Dock?
What time to you set off and arrive?
I will try to be there to wave you in.
Roger
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I thought the max was 57ft?
Hello Adam
Liverpool to Wigan maximum size 70ft x 14ft Wigan to Leeds 60ft x 14ft (although 62ft boats have managed it by diagonal alignment in the lock)
We went for 58ft for safety reasons (extra margin to avoid the cills) and 12ft to allow displaced water to pass easily on each side of the boat in locks
As we will be operating at night we have gone for maximum safety features with this boat.
Roger
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Having read some disparaging remarks about this operation in the forum I decided to road test Yellow Duck Marine when I had time on my hands this week.
These are World War 2 amphibious landing craft that do a half hour tour of the city by road to show you the sights followed by a half hour cruise of the South Docks - the highlight of the trip is when you go down the slipway at about 25 mph and hit the water - exciting no matter what age you are.
Amusing commentary by the tour guide - full boats and people waiting for the next one - a professional, well run operation
Not cheap at £12 per adult but well worth it. Marks 10/10
Roger
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Hi Roger
I live in Appley Bridge and walk/bike (and sometimes canoe) along this stretch a couple of times a week. I havn't spotted your boat but I'll say hello when I do.
Noah
Hi Noah
Our boat "Romance" was due for delivery to the Waters Edge mooring at Appley Bridge on 31st March - due to technical problems with the build it will not be delivered now until the end of June - you can imagine our frustration with this but I console myself with the thought that this boat will be around for 30 years so we may as well get things right while it is in the workshop.
It is a beauty - 58ft long and 12ft wide - state of the art - I hassle the boatfitters twice a week about the delay but they carry on at their normal pace - I have seen snails move faster than this!
I am thinking of setting up my own boatfitting outfit as anyone who can build a good boat on time and within budget will dominate the market - late deliveries are the norm with boatfitters.
The industry is full of good craftsmen but there are no managers and no forward planning - things like windows are ordered when they notice that there are holes in the superstructure that need to be filled.
Sorry if I sound bitter and twisted but it helps to put this into writing and hopefully my boatfitter will read this!
We will be very careful about canoeists at Appley Bridge.
Regards Roger
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Went to Skipton and back a couple of Easters ago, passed 4 boats all weekend, cracking canal, one of my favourites. No queues here!! The quietest and one of the most pictoresque (spelling??) is the bit between Appley Bridge (Wigan) and Burscough. This stretch is VERY quiet most of the time, but is absolutely beautiful.
Cholmoldeston lock on a Saturday afternoon has to be the busiest, that's when you need 16 foot boat to squeeze in with the shortest narrowboat near the front and jump the queue!!
I agree with you - the Douglas Valley - Parbold - Appley Bridge - Gathurst - Crooke is beautiful - which I why we chose a mooring at Appley Bridge.
You have to go up to the Skipton stretch to get comparable scenery.
Roger
Coal and Cotton Meeting - Liverpool
in General Boating
Posted
Thanks Gaggle
Not much space at Appley Bridge but Crooke looks good - there is a suitable site there - Eldonian Village looks like a very suitable and needy place.
Signing off now till the end of September - Romance arrives tomorrow - come and see her when you have an hour or two to spare
Roger