Grantie

A few squirts of engine oil into the top of the cylinder to up the compression to get the first kick going , these stunning engines weren't designed to have heater plugs or even electric starter motors .. decompression lever open , 3-5 pumps of oil into the receptacle with the spring loaded lid on the head , just a turn on two on the handle and bomp Every time even in minus 13 °c 🏴‍☠️🖤

I bought Elsie from Stourport on Severn 3 winters ago and spent a good few months funurkling our way up through Birmingham and down through Oxford, Rugby, (right past her birthplace in Braunston), all through ice so thick I could walk on the canal. Then down a very fast and technically closed Thames at amazing speed to await the opening of the Kennet and Avon and up and down the K&A from Reading to Honey Street over the next few years... I still live on her and am ever so unhurriedly restoring her whilst keeping her original and steadfastly refusing to steptoe and son her coachroof so as not to interfere with her beautiful lines... Not even a solar panel! I bought her without a boat safety certificate but she sailed through, just had her craned at Aldermaston for blacking and actually saw how magnificent her hull design is! Boaty people have been making quite the fuss about her the whole time, which is not uncommon I've noticed for Elsie She's the quickest and most nimble narrowboat in the K&A and always draws a smile and friendly comments from all ages and people from all walks of life... Hopefully the reunion will be held when possible, and Elsie and myself will definitely make the trip to Braunston... Does anyone know what the prize is for the fastest boat ☺️