magpie patrick

Probably because he wants the boat in a particular cruising area: this sounds like a good idea, indeed, perhaps people could arrange it before hand. I'd be more willing to base Ripple further awa, and thus explore new water, if I could get such a swap.

Chris, At the risk of being misinterpreted again, let me re-iterate I would have done everything I reasonably could (which might not be very much) to stop a boat sinking, a minor example but I have secured loose boats with my own mooring pegs and just accepted I'm losing a peg. However, if the battery was flat or the bilge pump not working I've more or less reached my limit. If my boat sinks I will blame no-one but myself, unless I've asked someone else to keep an eye on it, and even then I'd attribute some blame to me for asking the wrong person. Of course I'd be delighted if someone DID intervene, but I would certainly not point the finger if they didn't. I pick up rubbish I didn't drop, but I don't expect others to do the same for me. Patrick

The only thing I would add is that the list is the cause of the water collecting that side, not the other way round, water will find any slight (imperceptible to you) list and make for that side, it heads for the lowest point, rather than creating it. try and measure what you get out, it is probably pints rather than gallons, and that may indicate a weeping joint rather than a leaking one

Just a thought for those who would/would not help. Ripple has an automatic bilge pump, but once it has failed you can only operate the bilge pump yourself if you are in possession of the ignition key, so a neighbour would need their own pump (or an ignition key) to help. And while I generally try and be helpful, I do feel that I expect to survive by my own resources, and if others help me it is a bonus (one that generally earns them a beer at least). If things go wrong, i don't blame those who didn't help.

I'd agree, in a "problem" area you should at least have found the average. so 16, especially as not having a mooring means you can't get a licence unless you CC. Reality checks are useful, even though they are not necessarily proof. And I hope you noted that I concurred with your overall sentiment

Despite what might appear I have a lot of respect for you Chris, but "prove" is a big word, especially when coupled with "lies". BW of course make this more difficult by quoting figures over quite large areas, but as far as I can see you'd have to have data on every boat displaying an index number (I think we have to assume that boats not displaying an index number are unlicensed unless displaying a licence) and know the total number of boats. I might just manage that between Bath and Bradford, or on the G and S, but not over an area to be significant I have worked up and down the waterways with BW staff, campaigners, canal societies and boat users and I have yet to hear anyone have a good word about this man. No doubt one day I will meet him, but I'm not looking forward to it 100% agreed. But they don't like independence, I must be one of the few consultants they've got who can get away with telling them things they don't want to hear.

In fairness WW this has been done, just not as high profile, and these days it's as often community service rather than inmates.

I think that's what we'd do (although 20 years to go yet) but the house might be in Madeira...

Was on the banks of the Chesterfield Canal yesterday. that's VERY frozen in places, like bricks had been lobbed at the ice and just sat there. Been to Ripple today as a little fearful what all that heavy rain followed by frost might have done, Once I'd prized the deck boards up (they were frozen on) to check the engine was fir to start, as in, the cooling water was water and not ice, I ran the engine for two hours, it appears that the rain had made the automatic bilge pump fire up a lot as the batteries were thirsty. Two hours won't have got the back to full charge but it means the pump will keep working until I can get back in early January. Would have gone for a spin (can only go to the junction and back as the bridges are closed) but decided not to break ice just for the hall of it. edited to add, because we boat year round I don't "winterise", yet have never had a problem despite seriously sub zero temperatures on occasion.

With bus services you could work anywhere in Leeds, and with trains a job near the railway station in a number of towns and cities would be practical. I couldn't manage though as I need a car to do my job (Worksop and back in one day by train from Bath just doesn't work!) Was at West Stockwith yesterday as part of that job in Worksop, you've taken Cal in their haven't you? Dare I ask, would Cal fit under the first bridge? I know there are reasons why you won't try.

Yes, but they are both residential therefore one is in effect "car free" as you can bet your bottom farthing there is no parking on street round there. I do wonder how they enforce the "residential" rule. I know why they do it, so that moorings with residential planning permission don't get snapped up by rich leisure boaters, but do they count how often you spend the night there?

Don't worry Phylis, from the Lee ans Stort the only way to reach the Wash in a wide beam is round the Norfolk Coast...

Interested on behalf on mum, details please in a PM

Yup, I live in Bath although the boat does not. Pint sometime?

Can I turn Ripple into a reverse layout by sawing the bow and counter off, and swapping them round? It strikes me as easier than a refit... Richard, I think yours is called the start from the middle and work outwards layout

Got three cylinders in the gas locker as well, I had thought to stick the third one on the car when the BSC comes round but on Richard's advice perhaps not

Just put tyhe bread in the oven and see which one is bravest...