interleaf2

I can confirm a 60' boat that is less than 7' wide will usually be able to pass the 57' 6" locks on the Calder & Hebble & Huddersfield Broad canals if they are in full working order. Salterhebble has the shortest of all and you will need to lie diagonally and you may need to use the lock backwards, remove fenders, clear rubbish, etc.), but it can almost always be done with a little determination. It all adds to the fun. The cills and overhanging gate platforms are also hazardous on these waterways and the longer the boat the greater the hazard. It is very easy to damage or even snap your swan's neck with these overhanging platforms. This all assumes you have the normal round stern and pointed bow. A square stern may be more of a problem and may not fit even diagonally.

I agree 100% with fuzzy. I also think David Mercer needs to send a written apology to Sue.

And did you see the email from David Mercer to Sue of "No Problem", on Sue's blog. A perfect example of how to come across like a sanctimonious pillock.

I think you should have read the blog more carefully. It is in BW's written policy to allow continuous cruisers to overstay the time limits if there is a mechanical breakdown beyond the owners' control, and I would expect EA to do likewise. It is dangerous to do otherwise. In this case the owners are trying to get repairs as fast as they can so they can then move on. You can see from their blog that they are genuine continuous cruisers in every sense and comply with BW CC policy. What would you suggest they do without a gearbox on a river navigation? I wish the best of luck to Sue and "No Problem" (name not looking so well chosen at the moment).

I saw this pciture on Flickr and thought it might be of interest: This shows a French narrowboat (berrichon) emerging from the Briare Aqueduct over the River Loire on the Canal Latéral á la Loire. The berrichon was designed specifically for the Canal de Berry and was about 1 foot wider than an English narrowboat. Note the back cabin for the boatman's family and the centre cabin for the motive power (a mule or donkey). The sheeting over the cargo looks familiar. How 'bout the lights and ornamentation on the aqueduct? The aqueduct is now only the second longest in the world.