Captain Miss Pugwash

There's still SSA on for the Nene if you're thinking about cruising it sometime soon.

The boat is completely submerged now. My heart goes out to Tree. I was worried sick about my boat, all my life is on my boat. A friend who has a daughter living in a caravan on site received the same threat of arrest, even though she has a small baby. No one was told on what charge. Another lady returned home after work to find she couldn't get on her boat, no one from Billing had bothered to phone her at work to let her know. The park manager when interviewed on radio, didn't even know the phone number of Billing Aquadrome!

Does anyone know where Tree is, as I am very sorry to say that her boat has sunk. We were allowed to return to our boats on Thursday after being evacuated for a week. The boats were fine, except for Tree's boat which I heard had already been reported as listing pre flood. It was just the access that was under water, many of us wanted to remain on our boats, but we were threatened with being arrested by the police! There was no help or organisation.

I have just started a social net work site for Single Canal Boaters to make friends and generally chat. http://singlecanalboaters.ning.com/

I have two very happy cats (see my profile pic for proof!) Genghis is 15 years old and Rasputin is 13 years old, I moved aboard full time in January this year and have had no problems with them, they even took to using a litter tray, something they hadn't done since kittens. The only noise they've never liked is the sound of the vacuum cleaner!

There have been several qquestions regarding rules and etiquette recently. I recommend the RYA Inland waterways handbook. It is a must have "bible" for anyone using the waterways, and in answer to your above question, I quote page 25 from the afore mentioned book, "When approaching a bridge or other narrow section, slow down well in advance. If a boat coming the other way is nearer, wave them through first. Keep right until they are clear. On rivers, the boat coming downstream has right of way". I would also recommend taking the RYA Inland Waterways Helmsman's Certificate course.

Yes you can do a zero degree wash and for the higher temp washes there is a time saver button. The machine is cold fill and I ususally use the afore mentioned quick wash, but if I do have something soiled to wash, I sometimes cheat and pour half a bucket of hot water into the drum. There is also a 40degree fast wash, takes 44mins.

I have the Hoover Nextra top loader. Rated AAA and holds 6kg dry weight. Model HNT5146 up to 1400 spin speed. It also has fuzzy logic, so senses size of load and only uses miniman water needed. I use shore power and find the 30degree 30 minute wash cycle sufficent for me needs.

Does any one know how much an out of water insurance survey costs, I will have it done when the boat needs to come out of the water for blacking. Thanks.

If it's something you've always wanted to do, then just do it! I did and my two pussy cats and I are very happy! (You could try a personal loan rather than a marine mortgage)