bag 'o' bones

My thoughts exactly. Nothing better than old machinery in perfect running order in better then new condition.

If anyone attempted to break my windows using a fishing line weight I think I would moor the boat up and have a 'little chat'!

Having read most of the posts then no I don't think tow paths are the place for cyclist who want to get from A to B as quickly as possible. The place for keen cyclists is either the road or a dedicated cycle network which this government should be investing in.

Oh just remembered we don't actually drink the water from the tank anyway!

As long as their are health scares there's money to be made..........................

On the subject of painting within the interior of a boat, I have to admit on delivery of my families 'sailaway' the amount of oak faced ply does end up making look like an oversized coffin so I reckon a bit of paint, especailly the roof would lighten things up termendously and draw the eye away from the acres of dark woodwork which your boat currently has. Just an idea - its difficult to suggest alternatives without actually seeing the job in hand. On a slightly diffrent topic, I must dmit it makes we wonder whether its worth lining a boat out in top quality solid oak as whether it be solid or manufactured, it all becomes knocked about and dark over the years. You might as well take the cheaper option and replace the linings every 15 years. Just a thought

Yep pretty horrible job. Here's a suggestion why not be a bit diffrent and paint it?

Tacks..... That's the solution. No seriously I havn't got a problem with the odd cyclist here and there but when start treating the tow path like a stage of the 'tour de France' then they deserve being pushed into the cut. As a matter of interest is you were a horse boat would they expact the horse to move out of the way? A little civility costs nothing.

Worth a look: http://www.dinp-facts.com/

If you worried that someone might swipe your narrow boat, a cheap way of tracking it would be to hide a cheap mobile phone somewhere on the boat on permaenant charge. You can then track the wherabouts of the boat via one of the many mobile phone tracking websites. Its not as accurate as a proper GPS unit as it relies on the base stations, but would give a general area to search.

Which I do to remove any multiplying bacteria which incidently would be more harmful!

I did not realise there was such thing as a 'food quality' hose. I 've heard of the plasticiser debate but what with the water running through the hose at great speed I can't see it picking up anything harmful in any significant concentration. In any case I reckon lead pipes probally more toxic and there's plenty of that still about. 'Food quality' more of marketing ploy if you ask me.

Never heard of that one. I would not have thought it would make any difference. I mean once metal is fused its fused end of. Although saying that i'm not a professional welder so there could me more to it.

In an ideal world you would not need another raft of regulations to spoil the fun. Problem is you need regualtion to stamp out the cowboys. Personally if were to cost a few extra quid then so be it, at least you know the work has been independently checked. I assume it would similar to a building sight clerk of works.