kremmen

Serious question. I have just removed my Cratch cover ( 1st time since buying the boat 4 years ago ) so that I can get one of the zips repaired. I will still do this but wondered why I should replace it as I quite like the look without. I know that it keeps the coal dry in wet weather and sort of disguises my coal supply in winter but I could cobble up a cover for my coal bunker (actually one of those large builders flexible plastic baskets ). I also realise that the wood board is in better condition because it is under cover but that's about all I can think of. Anything I missed ? Paul

Thanks , I will ring tomorrow. Paul

Hi, Can anyone recommend someone who can give my engine a service and check my instrument panel ( a few lights out and rev counter not working ) Thanks. Paul

I turned round there 3 weeks ago but it does need all the stuff Oldgoat mentioned. Paul

On the application for visitors licence you will have to tick a box stating that you have the required BSS etc. It's as easy as that. No paperwork needed. If that Lock isn't manned then proceed to the next ( not all locks can accept cards though) Paul

I guess mine is odd then . I have a 1kw immersion that I used to use when in a marina but now I have to run my engine to get hot water ( and top up my batteries ). To grt boiling hot water I have to run my engine for an hour if the water is cold bjt I can turn on the immersion and run the engine fkr half an hour if I wish but it obviously doesn't really top up the battery well enough so I keep it turned off. Paul

Depending on the price of your electricity I would have thought that the running cost is lower than bottled gas but obviously that doesn't include cost of installation and it's too much of a drain on battery outside of a marina. Paul

Tesco garage at Reading had no coal / wood / kindling at all last Saturday. The display has changed to BBQ charcoal etc. Plus I went into Wikes at Oxford and they had none. Paul

Does this work for you ? Does this work. Yale type Lock on the outside and a slide bolt on the inside. It only needs one hand to press and slide to exit. Paul Locked position

I have no comments on the way that you wish to operate but I think that the main decider on lockies futures will be the possibility of C&rt taking over the Thames...... http://nabo.org.uk/index.php/reference/other/756-crt-takeover-of-ea-navigations-back-on-the-agenda I wonder if they will have to enforce the same byelaws that annoy you. Paul

I must admit that I didn't know that there were yellow boards displayed on the K&A . I know that the Kennet and Avon canal trust was looking into starting the system a while ago but the K&A is under C&rt control and nothing to do with EA ( apart from 1st part just past Blakes lock ( The boards displayed there showing upstream are only valid for that part of K&A ) Paul

Well said Oldgoat, Can I add one more website that has levels and flows:- http://www.gaugemap.co.uk/#!Map/Summary/1070/1138 Paul

Apparently the summer reliefs won't start for another month so expect double and triple manning for a while longer. Paul

Better boating at Reading. Going upstream past K&A and Tesco on the right. Paul

Hi Terry . I am glad you are making progress. The river has returned to nearer normal wimter flow so hopefully it will be all plain sailing. Paul

Lockie is probably used to gin palaces with plenty of power or gung ho narrowboat owners like the person you were moving with. Hold on until you are ready and the flow will come down ( assuming no rain ) When you do move watch out for side flows from weirs and other rivers / outlets as well as flow concentrating bridges. Paul

The 1st screenshot shows the rise and fall of the flow at Reading over the last month. The 2nd screenshot shows the leve at Sonning over the last week and the blip at 7.20 this morning when lockie shut in. Lockie is expecting to do more shutting in . When shutting in the flow goes down. I don't disagree with waiting until the flow has lessened but it seems the OP has moved. Paul.

Terry, If you look upriver flows are dropping fast and lockies are shutting in . Without rain I would expect flows to be back to "manageable " levels in a few days and most red boards removed. The return of any quantities of rain will obviously return the river to high flows and red boards. Paul

Terry, I am not certain but I would check with the Lockies as I was under the impression that ( assuming you are on EA landing ) you are entitled to "safe refuge " during red board and at no cost. Paul

I wouldn't worry about giving advice. That's the whole point of an open forum. Ask for advice and tips and take away what you need and use it. Glad it went ok. Paul

As old goat says. I do trust Thames lockies but with double and triple manning at the moment and weirs in need of some adjustments I would expect most locks to be mainly on self service until summer temps are taken on in May. Paul

I would echo The Lockie ..... Red boards mostly. I wouldn't move if you have a choice. The normal summer flow is between 5 and 10 cu meters per second. I moved last week when the flow was around 50. It was "interesting " and tonight it is around over 160 and not suitable for a narrowboat. Paul

If anyone sees any repeat of EE 50g data plan could you post it here as I am unable to find the deal. Unfortunately 3 doesn't work around here. Paul