estima

I disassembled the entire machine, blew out all the dust with a dog blaster and put a fresh motor in.

Not exactly boat related but I've always found this forum to be full of knowledge. I recently replaced the motor in my Miele C3 powerline vacuum cleaner. When I turn it on, it builds to full power but when it gets there, it loses power like it's been turned off. Just before it stops it builds to full power before losing it again, then builds again and so on. It's as though the current needs regulating. What could be the problem and what part would I need?

Always up for some boating. Flexible hours allows me to come and go from work as and when suits me.

Splendid. Thanks one and all.

I'm leaving Autherley at the beginning of October and heading anti clockwise around the four counties ring. I have always used geoprojects maps to ensure I know where I'm going, what I'm doing and what is where. The maps have gotten a bit battered and weather-worn over the years but I've always been able to pick up a new one online, or in a chandlery for a few quid. When I did this route in April, I kept my Staffs & Worcs map "safe" from harm on the roof, weighted by a mug so it didn't blow away. Along comes one of the crew, takes a look at the map, puts it back on the roof and doesn't weigh it down, then looks utterly surprised when it blew off. Anyway, I'm being a bit long winded here (but needed to vent my frustration) and essentially, I'm after a map for the Staffs and Worcs. I've tried Amazon and ebay but I'm not going to get one unless I pay over £500. I'm wondering what the alternatives are that would be cheaper? I imagine geoprojects no longer do this map, hence the big money. I don't need anything fancy as I can do the S&W in a day, but I do like to be fully clued up as to the location of the locks, facilities etc. What do you recommend as a cheap and simple guide across the S&W? Thank you in advance.

Apologies Dave_P; I produce an annual publication that I publish on the internet. My whole year is spent preparing for that day which I pre-announce.

Already done the four counties this year in arctic April (it was warm and dry week either side). Looking forward to doing it all again in October. A lot of work to do before publication day on 6th October but I can hardly wait to get on the cut on 8th October. It does leave me rather wondering. To get a crew together, all agree on a date, collect monies in a timely manner and sort them to anything on time is always a bit of a challenge and frankly, irritating and tiresome. How does everyone else using hire boats get their potential companions to committ?

Cheers John. Much appreciated. I'm in Burslem on the Saturday morning to pop in the antique centre. Longport sounds a most meritorious plan I feel.

Hello, I'm visiting my parents next weekend who live about a mile or so from Froghall on the Caldon. I'm looking to pick up some bits & pieces from a chandlery. Could anyone be so kind as to suggest where the nearest one to Froghall would be please? Thanks.

Hi Squishy, I have ecountered the same sort of problems as you, with a spouse reluctant to take to the waterways. I got round this by going with my mates instead ! As other replies have said, steering a narrowboat is picked up really quickly, and you'd be surprised at the degree of accuracy you can steer it with after a hour or two. Remember that you need to have a little power there to steer properly - idling in nutural reduces the ability to steer. I felt quite comfortable steering a sixty footer after half hour at the helm and I'm sure if you can get your husband on there it wouldn't be long before he came quite possessive of the tiller ! You've just gotta go for a narrowboat as oppose to a cruiser I'd say. If I was a ten year old kid again, I'd have loved my parents to take me boating and although the thought of wonderful scenery may not sound that appealing to a ten year old, I can't imagine anyone not getting bit by the boating bug once they've tried it. Perhaps tell him you need him along to help his Mum with the locks ? As for going in September, I'd say the later you go in September, the better it would be. Autumn is my favourite season of the year when you get all the colours of the trees leaves in their full glory. Never saw a water rat when I've been out, although we did have a squirrel that decided he wanted to swim along with us. If I was going to suggest a route, then I'd recommend a fairly simple quest first time where you can turn round and head back halfway through the week. Possibly Llangollen or the Caldon.

I usually find a supply of heavy duty black bin bags useful. Just cut a few holes in for your head and arms and pull it over the top of you. If it doesn't rain then you just use the bags for your rubbish.

Hope you've changed the cooking an washing up conditions now you're married ! ?

Well the first time I hired it was for a stag week - though I do see your point about the risk of getting the boats back in worse condition. Our crew is all in their thirties/fourties so perhaps treat the fact we are hiring someone elses boat with a bit more respect than a group of lads in their early twenties (though I'm not suggesting that there are not sensible groups in this age bracket). We simply didn't want to do the usual stag night thing of just getting drunk in a club - in fact I imagine most of our group wouldn't even go clubbing - and we were all keen to sample life on the canal. Indeed we did have quite a few cans of beer on board, but there again, we did drink a lot of tea and coffee too. We also had one of the crew who wouldn't even let someone dispose of a fag end in to the canal - everything had to be binned and he kept reminding us there was a place for everything and everything in its place. The maintenance checks on the engine were followed meticulously to the letter and were done at 06:30 am sharp. We spent the evening before dropping the boat back off cleaning it thoroughly, though I had cleaned all week because that's what I'm used to doing. I suppose it is difficult for hire firms to distinguish between groups of same sex people who would act in the manner you describe and a group such as the one I go with who appreciate the history, heritage and scenic splendour of canals and aim to treat other people we meet along the way in the same manner we would be expected to be treated ourselves.

I agree entirely with you. Go for it !! Should certainly bring your costs down.