Captain Haddock
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Posts posted by Captain Haddock
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Hi,
The Pearson's guide says that the canal was part of the moat of Chester Castle, and it certainly runs at the foot of the castle wall just above the staircase!
Aye Mary
It certainly does, I fail to see your connection with Chester Castle. It's nowhere near Chester ZOO. read the post again.
No doubt about the Shady Oak maybe recommendable depends what you want. What I was saying, it's not popular anymore with boaters.
I pass it 8/10 times a year on average. Over the past year its been boat barren.
Gone are the days when you can nip in for a couple of drinks & meet your boating mates.
The new managers want you to have a sit down meal wether you are boater or local its doesn't matter.
I recall another local boater tellin me a local village resident who frequented regularly was asked to leave because he was not eating only drinking. Is that a pub as we know it. I think not.
Seconded.It certainly doesn't have the middle two syllables. [/u]No doubt the man in the chandlery is from Birkenhead
Pandas, pls do a recky & post an update about the Shady Oak. I''ll pay for yer drinks (rum only) but not the meal.
, ps sorry bout the qoute boxes not got the hang of em yet.
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Well, I'm all set now.
Just got back from the local brewery. 2 cases of beer for me and several bottles of wine for Mrs Panda.
Trouble is, we don't go till next weekend and I've got to resist drinking them
Aye Aye Panda
You should leave the AA & join the AU. When you ave to resist a drink phone em up & they'll talk you into it.
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For a quick answer.
The easiest thing for her to crack open to bleed the air off is the engine coolant cap.
1. Make sure the engine is cold before removing the cap.
2. Run the engine for a few minutes, keep an eye on temp & coolant levels.
3. As already said check the temp of the pipes to & from the calorifier.
if that doesn't cure it there lots of other things that need checking.
Water pump is it belt driven.
Does the water pass thru' a thermostatic valve, this may be faulty.
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Nice one Martin.
We use to drive these things years ago when I worked for Land & Marine here on the Wirral. I'll be giving the grankids a treat when I get back home & a nostalgic one for meself.
Out of interest did the rudder look anything like this
I've often contemplated copying it on my boat.
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On route you will pass by Chester Zoo. The canal at one time formed part of the boundary for the place and acted as a moat for some of the enclosures which usually containing benign furry creatures, but you could never be quite sure! I always had a slight concern that my engine may die on me along that stretch, that combined with an unfortunate wind direction, I mused that you could have an uninvited guest for diner on the back of your boat and probably not one who was a vegetarian.
Ahha, I shall let you into a little secret, the canal has never formed part of the boundary or acted as a moat for any of the enclosures. The zoo is set too far back. What you have in between are fields that belong the MOD.
Secret bunkers & ammo dumps for the Cheshire regiment. If you look closely nowadays you can see some of the entrances.
Apologies realise you may be referrin to the squaddies
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No the tubes are not there, but that would have been a good idea, as it's not so easy to moor up the bow. My husband usually stands on the pointy bit and throws the rope to me to put round the pin. Or he tries to lassoo the pin while standing by the T stud!!! hoping the boat does not drift out in the process.
Mrs Panda
Hi, Mr & Mrs Panda when you pass my boat have a look at the bow, half way along the curves you will see "eyebolts" fitted port & stbd. They solve a lot of problems, SWMBO loves to use these instead of the "T". Especially when the cratch cover is on. Also ideal for attaching a spring rope. Fraid I havn't got a pic clear enuff to post.
http://www.canalworld.net/forums/uploads/g...7_189_16724.jpg
By the way do you drive a Panda car.
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Not sure about Dartline build (don't know what that means ), but yes the bars have been removed and she is an ex hire boat from the Ellesmere area so built for the Llangollen would be about right. Harbour Marine were the buiders.
Dartline was the hire company, you'll pass their old boatyard (now taken over by Anglo-Welsh Boat hire) when you go down the Bunbury staircase on you're way to Chester. .
mmm rum flavour -
So ive been wondering what kind of boat would be ideal for people who just want to camp on the water and pay a temporary license and take the boat home when its time to go?
Something you can have a portapotti on use a little camping stove ect.
Hi Anthony.
I'm with you on this one. My needs though being different than yours. I love muckin about on both canals & rivers especially the upper Thames. But its a bit of a slog gettin the narrowboat there & back in a 3 week period, just to spend a couple of days on it.
(I work 3wks on - 3wks off). My ideal is to spend 3wks on canals, then the next time home 3 wks on rivers.
I've been searchin for a while for that sumfin special thats an easy tow & launch to any allowable lake or river in the country.
Unfortunately I missed out on this little bute on evil bay. I was out the country when it was goin thru, & followin the golden rule I stuck to not buyin without viewin. I wish now I took the chance & bidded.
It didn't reach its reserve, I keep checkin to see if its back in.
Back to you're original question.
This would be ideal for me "To Camp on the Water". I'm not a mid..... err vertically challenged. soon get use to the lack of height. Better than gettin in & out of a similar size camping tent.
Better than a soggy tent that you can't stand up in anyway. and still have the boating comforts & pleasures.
Its a 15 foot Marina
Ive got more pics in my gallery, the aft deck compliments the interior.
Nice init. You wouldn't need a big a car to tow it either.
Good huntin.
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Pub called The Shady Oak at Beeston on the Shroppie
Highly poular with boaters especially the Nantwich Navy. Last year the landlord took it upon himself to dig out a parcel of land at the side of the pub to accommodate alf dozen boats for overnight stops & 1 or 2 permanent. BW cordoned it off while legalities were sorted out. As fast as it was dug out BW filled it in & billed the Landlord for 30 grand. The landlord packed his bags & scarpered. If anyone has an update like to hear it.
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Many thanks Captain Haddock,
Mrs Panda
It's exactly what we were looking for. - Mr Panda fell off the sofa laughing ..........
Bamboo Rum ........yumyum.
Me thinks I recognise your boat " Ellesmere", Dartline build if I'm correct. Designed in mind for the Llangollen and you have the bow "lift bridge" deflector bars removed.
Take care.
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When did Norman cease building boats. I happen to live just a few hundred yards from the Norman factory, when they abruptly stopped boat building it became a nightclub then a fitness gymnasium type place. I think many of the boats listed in that site are suffering from that 'Lady of a certain age' syndrome. Better not say more than that.
Aye John
The business ceased trading in December 1979 (The Winter of Discontent) and started again in 1980. New models were introduced 24, 27 and 22 wide beam but the moulding shop was destroyed in a fire in 1982. This destroyed most of the moulds and the business never recovered. Some moulds were re-built and when the business finally ceased, these were sold and marketed under other names. Also some designs were copied and made into hybrids.
Believe Viking was one of them. Unless someone knows different.
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In a week we will be taking Ellesmere to Ellesmere Port.
Starting at The Venetian Marina - Cholmondeston to obviously Ellesmere Port.
Would be very grateful if anyone would give us tips on where best to moor, and good pubs that sell real ale if poss!!!
any shops for provisions etc....Oh and does anyone know how to pronounce Cholmondeston...
Many thanks
Mrs Panda
Hello Mrs Panda
Cholmondeston I've heard it pronounced like " Chumston & another local place Cholmonderly -- " Chumbly.
(Talkin pubs canalside or short stumble)
At the end of the end of the Middlewhich branch is a "T" junction dead ahead is the Jolly Tar (Beer unkown Rums good)
Turning left (headin for Hurleston / Ellesmere) just around the bend is The Barbridge Inn ( Beer unknown, good grub & Rums good)
Turnin right headin for Chester / Ellesmere port, there was a pub at Calverly its closed down now. ( Rum was not good.)
Shady Oak is next was a brilliant pub. to cut a long story short,
The Landlord last year had the canal dug out to make a small marina / mooring to accommodate the number of boaters that visited the pub excellent beer good grub & very fine rum. BWB didn't like the way it went about filled in the pit & gave him a bill for 30,000 pound. The next day he absconded to gods knows where.
The pub has been taken over by a couple of ..... how can I put it..... 2 men souf o Watford, they like their clientelle to sip expensive wine. Needless to say you won't get a rum in their never mind real ale. You won't see a boat their. If you do take pic & post it.
Next is the Trooper at Christleton beers good foods good rums good.
then you enter Chester plenty of pubs, Recommend if you stay the night in Chester go down the Northgate staircase & tie up OPPOSITE "Telfords Wharf" (its a pub).
On toward Ellesmere Port there aren't any pubs canalside. you pass Croughton linear moorings after a few bridges down there is the Bunbury arms about a 1 minute walk. Excellent beers try the Cains better still try the Rum.
Its a shame I'm stuck here in the middle of the North Sea for the next 2 weeks my boat is moored at Croughton. I would av chucked a barrel or 2 across. (rum that is).
As for shops no idea not my department But there is a big Sainsbutty near the Trooper.
Have Fun
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Its all getting really silly isnt it but the facts are plain to see. Yes Eugene boaters will try to avoid paying for something if they have to because all the rules and regulations are costing a fortune and jepordising our hobby for many of us who cant afford, and we're not happy.
Can anyone tell me why the canal system was restored in the first place? Seems in a modern age its now just a money making scheme and the original reasons have been lost. Milk it while you can BW it wont be here for ever YOU will see to that. No Boats = Silted and weeded canals. No income from boats means no money for dredging and maintainance. Stinky smelly weeded up canals means who the **** wants to go near them or live by them. Or am I being to simplistic ?
Maverick
You're spot on thats exactly how the canals were in the 50's & 60's, totally neglected. Too much money required to maintain em, motorways were goin to be the modern form of transportation. If it weren't for the huge army of volunteers that started the restorations the government & BW would still be sittin on their backsides.
They only got off em in the last 25 years or so because theres money to be made. by hook or by crook.
Wonder how it would be if the restoration army can bill the BWB for the work they did, they certainly deserve a share in their profits.
thats my little rant off me chest, time fir rum & batten down.
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Magnet ---- triple finger postin ... no more rum for you me lad ( ps smilies not workin) shiverin timbers.
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Hi
Purely for your interest have a look at the 1904 Wolsely ( can`t spell today ...)on the first page of our website ; http;//craftmasterpaints.co.uk
Cheers
Phil
Hi Phil
Rums up for that, Who'd have thought Spheight paint on a car.
Excellent job I give the chap 9/10.
Not sure if the colour is right for the period if so 10/10
By the way how long is you're waiting list now.
My boat was last painted by Andy Ru...... without mentioning any names an excellent job he does too.
Watch out for the competition he's gettin quite a good name for himself.
All the very best to yer Phil & good health.
(to all those new to boating reading this thread Phil Speight is a legendary in the art of painting narrow boats).
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Careful is not really the right word. What I mean is don't get carried away, thinking its the Southampton Boat Show and its going to be all bikini clad women and gin palaces. Seawork is not that kind of exhibition.
It is when the shows over.
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On the thames you will also find miserable gits who prefer to look out of the window onto the river rather that watch somebody elses curtains.
Magnet
That is very true. But not all. Thats why I said friendly boats.
They display official stickers letting you know you're welcome to tie up alongside em.
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Our 2-year-old Dometic 3-way fridge suddenly stopped working. The freezer compartment defrosted and it all went a bit wet and smelly. So we're a bit stuck as to what to do. It's out of warranty - Dometic only do a 1 year one. Pants. So it's up to us. I have tried the fridge a few times recently. The pilot light does light but it doesn't seem as strong a flame as it used to be. It doesn't seem to work on 240v but I don't want to run it for long on that as it knackers the batteries in a second.
I called Dometic and they have referred me to their service department, but I don't want to take it down there until I've heard some peoples' ideas. Anyone?
Check the ventilation / air flow around your fridge. The condensor requires air circultion to carry away the heat it has removed from inside the fridge.
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On busy Rivers such as the Isis you will see stickers on friendly boats welcoming you to moor alongside.
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Damned HUGE anchors.
I understand the need for safety but has anyone ever stopped to consider just how heavy and awkward the anchor on some boats is ?
Boat next to us has a 25Kg job that his missus can't even pick up when the boat is securely moored and not moving, let alone deploy when they might actually have to in a panic. (he's normally steering so she'd have to chuck it in).
I'm 6ft 4 and somewher over 18 stone and even I find a 25 Kg anchor a custom designed finger trap.
At this point I should state that we are on a canal section with no intention of going on rivers in the near future but when we do I wll buy . . . . . A damned HUGE 25Kg anchor
Great barrels of rum, its always handy to keep an anchor ready at the stern when on the move in rivers. Thats my tip o the day
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As I've mentioned before I sold the Dawncraft 25 over this DEFRA business, I cannot afford the current cost increase, so 30% would have killed it, and I'm now after a 15 foot or so trailboat with a trailer for a few hundred pounds, like the Yeoman I sold a couple of years ago.
They all seem to have disappeared!!!
Most boatyards seem to only deal in narrow boats or Gin Palaces these days.
Is this due to BW policy of destroying Section 8 boats under £1000, or is there a huge yard somewhere full of them!!!!
Anyone know where they are all hiding????
Find a lot hiding here, if you're still looking to buy.
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An example of a partly electrically operated swing bridge is one where you have to put the barrier arms on each side of the bridge down manually, and only then will the electrics engage and you press a button to make the bridge swing.
Unlike the marvellous new Coxheads Swing Bridge, near Lydiate, which is fully electrically operated. See this photo of the console:
/quote]
Hi Martin
Tryin hard not to barge into this marvellous thread, Thanks for the local info. Hope the system at Coxheads stays Ok. Not like the identical sytem fitted at Wrenbury on the Llangollen, its been there for years but nowadays the barriers have to be closed manually.
(Another story for another thread).
Cheers
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Yeah, it has changed a bit since 71. Most of the swing bridges are now fully or partly electrically operated.
There were quite a few fishermen, but I don't think any of them caught a sole.
(or a haddock!)
Jumpin cod fish me ol kipper "partly electrically operated" how does that work ? got visions of pressing a button then havin to peddle a generator to make it move. Or are they electro-hydraulic ?
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Jumpin cod fish, you're partner does all the locks then.
, 
Why do you rarely see a fuel guage?
in Boat Building & Maintenance
Posted
I very rarely sound my fuel tank, don't like the smell of sounding sticks & wipe rags. I can tell from the trim wether I'm short on fuel or fresh water.