sueb

What is wrong with keeping it simple? Have a mooring if you want to stay in one area, move every 14 days if you don't. It is the 48hr moorings that are empty in the winter that could do with a winter / summer rule. 48hrs summer 7 or 14days in the winter. Sue

At the top of Hatton are longterm moorings, there isn't even room to moor to visit the bW run cafe. But I believe there are 14 days beyong the bridge. Have you tried waterscape? Sue

Try the boatyard at Stibbington. Some very friendly people there. Sue

I don't believe I said that no one should even think about bringing a boat onto the system. What I hoped I said was that I was suprised that people who wanted a mooring and wanted to stay in one place should buy a boat anyway. Of course it is up to BW to manage the system, but how can they if people buy boats before they have anywhere to put them. Sorry if you are speechless again. Sue

You can get gas fridges. I've had one for twenty years and it was second hand when I got it. No probs at all. Ice cubes all summer and we can leave it on with food in the freezer when we go away. Sue

Have you thought about a solid fuel stove with oven? Sue

Why paint? use the grease as protection. Saves a lot of bother. Sue

Sounds like a friend of our who was advised to get a large maglight and a big dog. Oh you light up the vandal? No was the reply, the dog can see in the dark. Sue

The argos catalogue has several cookers with either the conversion kits or a note saying that kits can be obtained from the manufacturer. As long as you comply with the Boat safety scheme you are fine. Sue

I think you will find that the person who's name is on the side fitted it out not Ward. It is the boat sold to allegedly fund 'The Place in Greece' of the tv programme. It has been refitted since the original build which was also by the owner. Sue

If on a 48hr mooring you have to move every 48hrs. It will be difficult, but probably not impossible to find 14 day moorings. BW can say you are not complying with the licence conditions and refuse you a licence, then you get taken to court for not having a licence and evicted from BW waters. This happened to someone on the G & S last year. £50000 sounds very expensive for a boat of that age especially if it needs painting. Our boat is worth about £30000 if we are lucky. Good luck but buy a boat on a mooring. BW moorings are not transferable Sue

Yes sometimes we run the engine to charge batteries but not very often. I very often use my phone for the internet but we have no tv, washing machine or other high powered devices.Sue So you aren't going to pop in for a drink then!

I was going to dispute the nuts & berries but then realised I am drinking sloe gin. Definately not deprived. :-))

Get proper advice re the stove as the heat from the chimney can start a fire if it near wood or anything infalmable. You can make a hole in the roof by drilling a series of holes in the roof and tapping out the circle. Sue

Tony Brooks does diesel engine courses at Reading college. Sue

Welcome to the world of boating. Living an alternative lifestyle has drawbacks but I expect someone will be along to tell you how they get round them. I don't see that you have to pay council tax before you can vote. People of no fixed abode can register a park bench to vote. BW pay busines tax and I was told this included our council tax. Sue

Now on computer so can reply easier. This is England not America, we are a smaller country, less room, different rules. As to restoring more canals I am trying (a member of wrg) but BW can't maintain the ones they have now. The only reason there is petty fighting over moorings, as you put it, is because people ignore the fact that there are no moorings and still buy a boat. I hope I don't appear judgemental I am just puzzled as to why people think it is ok to do this. Sue

Please don't any of you moor near me and run a generator. In 20yrs we have never needed one. We cruise regularly to keep batteries topped up and are frugle with electricity. Sue

Yes some parts of the country the moorings are full. There is always the BW mooring tenders! Replying by mobile with difficulty. Sue

Why is it ok to get a boat and keep it on the canal when there is no mooring available? I don't think it would be acceptable to get a caravan and live in it whilst it is parked on the street whilst waiting for a site pitch

According to BW you are supposed to cruise around the system. This can be difficult if you work or have children at school. Find a mooring then a boat. Boats are more plentiful than moorings. Sue

We get loads of condensation and damp floors from the wine bottles! Sue

It does depend on the mooring but highly unlikely. I think you would have to own the mooring. Sue

Hope to go to Wendover if it happens and Saul if it doesn't flood Sue

No sue