kawaton

Although, agree no apology needed (just respectful) as humans speculate, speculation leads to discussion, which keeps topics alive/active (which ultimately when a boat is missing is a good thing)

Thats my favourite spot too (Audlem) We always stop there when going through There is no better place To get away from the rat race

Another which one question. Which is the better option....? Going north through Watford flight/Crick on Tuesday 29th (midday) or Going south through Crick/Watford Flight/Braunston Early Wednesday 30th? My thought was traffic would be worse going south on the Wednesday as most people would be going in that direction if leaving the show, whereas going north on Tuesday afternoon would result in meeting other boats going south and so not creating too much of a delay at the Watford flight.

I will only comment on this section, as I too am happy to be on the move for 12-13 hours at the start of my trips......and I have completed this route many times. Last time I left Barbridge at 3pm we stopped at the bottom of the Audlem flight just before nightfall (summer) you can then get an early start up the flight. However appreciate you may not be able to achieve this. We then tend to go from Audlem to Gnosall leaving at 0630 and arriving around 18.00. That's assuming a relatively smooth trip through the Audlem, Adderley and Tyrley flights, along with Woodseaves cutting where delays can/will be incurred. Nantwich to Gnosall in my opinion is pushing it....(more like 14-15 hours) The following day we have in the past planned to complete Gnosall-Gt Haywood, but more often than not we fall short and stay around Acton Trussell. That in itself is a long day, 11-12 hours, and if pushing on further you may not find moorings between Tixall and Gt Haywood late in the day during Summer. (don't tend to like the mooring options around Radford. Edit to add - Sandon to Brewood also looks overly ambitious....again 15 hours. (With it being the end of such a big trip i'd be knackered and want shorter days by then) I would suggest sandon to Calf Heath and then Calf heath to MD the next day. (evens it out a bit)

aaah yes, i hadn't read that thread. Same one

maybe this one then.... mention of David's Vlog.... you commented..... so ticks 2 boxes. Failing that I give up

He hasn't added many lately...as I believe he mentioned that he had some paid work come up recently that has taken him away from Vlogging (temporarily) As result I have been looking, finding and following others. I particularly like CountryhouseGent. Didn't initially but his style/humour has grown on my and is now one of my favourites. I also very much like minimalist. David's videos do feel the most professional (but CHG provides the best videos of the passing scenery)

Can only find this one

Agreed....Personally (being the key word) though I would go with the latter option on a narrowboat.....but I hear you. not knocking it....just never seen a wide beam around here before...thought it odd. It may have been tucked away in the marina somewhere as Athy mentioned.....and yesterday was the first time our paths have crossed with it being on the towpath. http://www.alvecotemarina.co.uk/narrowcraft/brokerage/for-sale/del-boy/ can be seen just behind this boat.

I walk past there 3/4 times a week, for last 8 years....never seen it before. Even when canaltime were in existence I'd have expected this at Sawley....but not a widebeam at Alvecote as it cant go anywhere Don't knock it....there is the Samuel Barlow, a go kart track and.....erm......well that's it

I noticed an ex Canaltime widebeam boat at Alvecote yesterday. (Don't have a picture as left phone at home unfortunately) Can't for the life of me understand why a widebeam would be there. Glascote locks on one side, and Atherstone on the other, creating a max 10 mile cruising radius. Why would someone pay to have it craned in, with such limited cruising range? Am I missing something?

Yes, I know your house......I walk past it quite regularly as live just up the road. I will say Hi one of these days.....

Worth also pointing out that I am aware the Crick boat show is on over the bank holiday weekend. I anticipate we will hit Crick around late Tuesday after the BH Monday. Is that area to be avoided so soon after the show due to traffic?

Yes, sorry....we leave in 3 weeks. Hope the nice weather due over the next 2 weeks hangs around a couple weeks longer. Thanks for the feedback.

Hi All Route one. Fradley to Bugsworth and return Route two. Leicester ring Timings are nearly identical for the two. I have covered Route one before....but for Route 2 I have not done the east side of the Leicester ring. We are going with friends (2 separate boats) who have never been on a NB before. Question 1 - Would an inexperienced boater struggle with the Trent/Soar? Question 2 - Which route would be most enjoyable for someone new to the waterways. (Thinking variety, scenery etc) or phrased differently.....which would you recommend if you were taking friends for the first time? Personally I like the idea of the LR as being on 2 boats we can share locks, which would be more sociable than all the single locks upto Bugsworth..... Also (and I know there has been dredging recently) the macc can be difficult to find a mooring from what I remember.....even harder with 2 boats. Just looking for opinions that's all. (not interested in places to visit.....as want to spend the time on the boat)

In the current market I don't believe you will find the perfect boat at the perfect price. I do think there are many overpriced boats.....but they are still selling. Probably as a result of people losing out on too many good priced boats by not acting quick enough. There is haggle room in prices, but only for those boats not selling. If a boat you like comes on the market but is overpriced, you risk losing out if you wait...or overpaying if you don't. Ultimately I think impatience will prevail. You'll eventually find a boat that's perfect and you'll overpay.....or you will find a boat that is less than perfect and get it lower than the asking price. Either that or you won't ever get a boat

Why not start a list here? with a sticky State place, price and date. When anyone gets diesel they check here...... copy previous list, paste into new post add the new/amendment submit just a thought

Many of the negatives about buying from a broker surely also apply to buying from a private seller. Who owns the boat, going bust/disappearing with your cash, not declaring work that needs doing etc etc However, a good broker has a reputation to uphold - ABNB/Rugby/Braunston etc are all respectable and have earnt that reputation. They also do require some evidence that the seller owns the boat. I would much prefer to buy from a broker than privately, as a private seller for the relatively uneducated like me, presents more risks I feel. I might be wrong about this, but its a gut feeling and one I struggle to ignore. Totally accept that for those highly experienced boat owners whether its private or via a brokerage, its only the boat that matters. But for me I struggle to feel comfortable buying privately

Only for first time buyers. Most Banks etc do them Can put £1200 in at set up. max £200 per month. Government will give 25%. Min £400 max £3000. Not life changing, but 25% return on £12k is not to be sniffed at.

If you haven't already...whilst thinking about buying a house.....I would at least get yourself a Help to Buy ISA. potentially, It's a free £3000, which all helps. Even if you only keep for 3 month's on an investment of £1600 you'd get a £200 return. .

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-64521205.html Just a £1

No mention of a cat in that report. Perhaps the pussycat had left the owl, turned his back on the sea and was eloping with the dog to live on the canals......