Byeckerslike

Seriously, We too, have a similar cause of consternation, my left knee is knackered - I'm due to have a half knee replacement. When under way, I'm more than happy sitting on the starboard side roof, operating the morse control with my foot (often in sandals - even in winter), I have often toyed with the idea of double hinged tiller so that I don't have to bend forward when altering direction, much like what is found on dinghy's rudder and a bum hammock/sling, which could easily hook over both rails of the rear hatch, this could be made of bungee cords, adjusted / raised, so that I have a good clear view of the bows: on second thoughts, I'll try to make one! Regards, Rob

Now, you are speaking like a right cant! (Are you from dahn sath (Londonistan way??)

Sorry, but you are wrong on that one, Rolls Royce are owned by B.M.W. Bentley are owned by V.A.G. I had forgot that one! Rob

I humbly apologise if I have caused offence, that was tongue in cheek. Rob

VAG = Volkswagen Audi Group (including Porsche, Seat, Skoda and Suzuki)

Hi, No, I wish to confirm that all my neighbors (past and present), have been fine, friendly and agreeable, and hopefully, they had/have the same opinion of me. I covet no other boat, I must admit that I have found a couple of TBC equipped trad stern NB's to be very friendly and helpful, we have worked flights of locks together and even enjoyed meals and drinks together afterwards. But these are very rare, happily recalled occasions. By the way, Kia are making some very gOod vehicles now, they have come a long way in a short time, just keep an eye on Suzuki, now they have become partially owned by VAG! Rob

IMHO, betterer by far is an aluminium pole with blanking caps seam welded on each end. Very light and strong. Rob

Hi, our 1996 56' 4" Colecraft NB was constructed from 10,6,4 steel plating, we are delighted with the build quality of the hull, it is well consructed, with plenty of attention to detail and swims very well. Sadly, if you are new to narrow boating, you'll soon find out and bitterly realize that the canals are just as full of snobs as any other walk of life in the UK. The pecking is order appears to be thus: Wilson tug boats Trad stern boats, fitted with TBC (Traditional Boatmans Cabin), with side hatch doors open to display to all, their immacatually polished and painted vintage engine, from such elevated and revered marques as; National / Russell Newberry, Gardiner, Perkins, Bolinder, Armstrong Siddeley and Lister Petter These two groups appear to consider themselves superior to all, they will avoid eye contact and acknowledging hails, hello's and friendly welcomes at all costs. Next group consists of all other narrow boats, followed by tupperwares. I have witnessed this snobbery far too often, it sticks in my craw and I hate it. Why can not folk just get on together, enjoy one another's company and simply say hello, instead of finding something wrong with their stern gear when they have the displeasure of avoiding dialogue with other canal users! Rob

It never ceases to me just how inventive and resourceful Argos tend to be these days; they are forever expanding their catalog!!!

For Phucques sake! Just where is your compassion and understanding, he said that he now in employment, earning 50% of his previous job! May I wish you an equally prosperous New Year Ebeneezer!

Respect and plenty of well deserved applause! Rob

Good idea, Martyn, it could be well worth replacing the sponge seal which runs around the frame in which the opening glass pivots in it's "hopper" does any one have any idea where I can purchase a roll of this tape - I guess that it needs to be non-porous? Rob

How dare YOU sir!! My O.H. has never been so shocked and insulted! Can you please justify why you would dab black paint on after touching up? haven't you inflicted enough harm by the foul deed of touching up? Are you like a shepherd, who ties a bag of dye to the belly of the prize ram, so that the shepherd can easily check which ewes have been "Tupped" ???

Hi applaud your honesty! Well done that man!

How doe these thingys measure captains logs?

Hi, We've notice that our NB has sprung a leak, it appears to be coming from the top of the window frame (the water trickles down over the window latches). The hopper window is riveted in with loads of pop rivets. Would it be best (or betterer) to drill out the rivets, remove the window, clean down the frame and aperture, apply a continuous bead of mastic to the inner periphery of the window frame flange and re-rivet in? Any advice will be gratefully received. Many thanks and a happy New Year! Rob

After much faffing about, experimentation, I would endorse these settings as optimum! We use the same when burning Supertherm, but if the fire is to last for a chilly day, or night, then I close the bottom vent and then open one half a turn. Merry Christmas, Rob

B****r it! I've just been down to the NB, to make sure all is OK, only to find the marina totally frozen over, even the swans are walking on it to scavenge food from side hatches. We had planned to spend Christmas on board for 4 days, but being as the canal is frozen over, we will have to stay at home. Merry Christmas and festered seasonal greetings to everyone!