zenataomm

My partner's lad and his wife are showing interest in using our boat for the odd weekend. Neither have any real experience of a narrow boat or canals. I intend to take them out for a day to cover the basics, however as they probably think the most difficult bit they have to learn is the steering I think they are in for a shock when it comes to all the daily challenges like basic engine maintenance ....... stern gland ....... calor gas....locks etc. I think I'll take photos of where these things are and write a short manual with chapters on: - Starting off in the morning - check oil level,engine checks etc. Shutting down at end of day - turning off ignition after stopping engine, gland etc How to - change calor gas, awareness of co2 from stove, empty bog, put in diesel etc. Tips & hints - How to tie a spring, if you go aground, weed hatch, etiquette and safety at locks, etc. Am I going over the top? Can you think of anything important to add?

I nearly cancelled my pet insurance when I was made redundant, I'm glad I didn't as he contracted auto immune disease and is now on £125 a month's worth of tablets for life. Choose what you do carefully!

Will you be offering a model of it Andy?

Pity the sounds not clearer, I'd wager it's as mad as a box of frogs.

Whilst out walking the dog I found this on the grass by some visitor 's moorings. I have since destroyed it to stop any mischievousness being played on bridge hoppers or mooring hogs.

I'd go for it Phil especially as I currently have all the time in the world. Jeremy ps - Do I get distant relation discount? lol

You're welcome Matt and good luck! Once you are out of the way we shall all continue to debate this subject for at least another month whilst only wandering off topic almost immediately!

I used Trevor Whitling in Northants and was very impressed .... speak as you find

I apologise in advance Rob as I seriously doubt this will be of any help, but ........ When I did a course at Listers and we stripped down a 2 pot diesel on a test bench a sharp crack on the end of the crank with a large hammer was enough to break the seal. The play in the seals allowed the crank to move thou whilst the flywheel stood still. I remember at the time thinking "oh yeah easy enough on an engine that is clean and gets stripped every couple of weeks in a warm dry classroom ..... different matter out in the field with one caked in clag!" They however insisted it was the same, I never tried, and still doubt it. Good luck anyway, I hope someone else comes along with a more helpful suggestion.

I can't disagree with any of the answers, however will the insurance company pay out? Will the adult always say it's ok I was in control

Back in 1965 when my father hired from Holt Abbot at Stourport I was 11 years old and was happily allowed to steer the boat. We've all seen photos of younger children steering loaded working boats, but what about nowadays? My insurance cover clearly states over the age of 17 as a requirement so I imagine others do. Yet during my annual holiday this year I saw 3 boats going the other way steered by children (supervised by an adult) I'd estimate to be as young as 10 or 12. Now what happens if little Johnny gets it wrong and clobbers me? Do I lie and say the adult was steering or tell the truth and possibly invalidate their insurance ending up paying for my own damage? I'm not one for adding rules and regs for the sake of it yet believe in the old adage "If it can go wrong it will" Has anybody out there been on the receiving end of a child in control?

I had a mate who bought an ex-hire boat with a fiberglass holding tank which he decided to remove in favour of a Porti. Although he had it emptied he didn't anticipate the fossilised crust that was left. As we moved the tank we found that years of resting on the bottom of the hull had adhered it to it, guess what gave in? The Slough Arm has never reminded me of anything else since.

A previous boat I had didn't sport a weed hatch so I often had no option, and although the present one does I often think it would be easier than trying to do it through the weed hatch which reminds me of trying to decorate the hall through the letter box (not that I have) What stories have others got..........

Safe Clicky

Emily ..... you may get some of your money back if somebody else asks for it to be surveyed. You own the report and your surveyor can sell it on your behalf (with your permission only) Good Luck, don't beat yourself up you did the right thing, being an ex-hire boat doesn't rule any boat out of the question it's all down to the luck of the draw. Zenataomm

I've waited for everyone else to have a go before pointing out the obvious........... * The one at the back is 2 ft longer * It's also upside down * Being a true Tupperware it has peel off doors * It has a scratch running across the cabin above the port hole * It runs on AA batteries whilst the one in foreground has a PP9 ............ where do I collect my present?