Derek R.

I think you will find there is a difference between yearly mooring licences for - NON residential as for over 50' £12 a year, Residential over 50' - £38. (It's on Page 27). What is not clear, is whether having acquired a residential licence, it covers for cruising as well. Though I fancy it would have covered cruising under the residential category.

Well, it's brought the jokers out I suppose.

I bet the anglers return in Swahili came as a shock? What would be the chances!

Most likely it was, and yes, I did watch most but skipped through a lot. Too tedious for words. I guess they had fun in making it. The lockside conversations with various folk were most curious. Broad Lancashire and Yorkshire mixed with Oxford English, and African accents, what could possibly go wrong!

Ian Nairn did some wonderful transport documentaries The worst of the 'Carry On' films was far better than 'Black Safari'. Today it would be seen as a protest film against 'white supremacy'.

For those inclined, there is a page for donations on the 'Friends' section: https://www.internalfire.com/friendssch.php In these 'interesting times', there is much hang on to that is under threat. Classic Camp Stoves will also be informed. https://classiccampstoves.com/

CRT claiming 'This is ours'. What a pointless waste. Although it was probably easier to lean over the parapet with some adhesive, than actually clean the original and apply some paint. That would have taken a complete canal closure and several weeks of work for a team of men and scaffolding. False economies.

It's the archive section with engine dating that seems to be shutting down. The rest of the website is up and running, with events reaching into July, but that's not to say they may not be in trouble. https://www.internalfire.com/index.php

ACC, GUCCC, Royalty, Wood or steel, precise measurements will be determined by the carpenter on the job. It's not like someone is going to cut his timber off site, then expect everything to fit when they get to the hull and cabin, chances are it won't. As it stands, that diagram gives sufficient layout of all the relevant items for anyone with the woodworking skills to reproduce in any full size cabin. I doubt any cabin furniture was built to exactly the same dimensions. You cut the wood to fit the space. If I can reproduce a four foot long back cabin of a butty out of raw materials just on the knowledge of having lived in one, what need is there of detailed plans? As I said on posting said plan - "Does this help?" I did not suggest 'These are the dimensions you need to build by'. If anyone can come up with something better - please feel free. ETA: A grey interior. Bet that would have gone down well . . .

Does this help?

No, the bridge carries the main road, and the basins (both sides) prevent continuous towage. Nor does the 'horse/pedestrian' bridge have a facility for continuous towage. But as Pluto says, pulling or poling a boat out of a lock will give sufficient momentum for a line to be passed either up onto the bridge or tow path to attach to horse or tractor.

That is also good stuff, much like Shiny Sinks. I did the Amway thing decades ago. I use stainless pot scrubbers on our fire glass dry. Works well. When cold, a little white vinegar helps break the carbon down. Not to be used when hot!

Until I found Solvol Autosol (paste) I used to use Duraglit to polish alloy on the bikes (going back a bit). Peek is good. Brasso is messy, and will 'settle' needing a few nuts in the tin and a lot of shaking. Don't use too big a nuts though, as the tin is thin and may puncture if shaken vigorously. There are liquids available, Shiny Sinks is one and Bar Keeps Friend, the latter also comes in powder form. Both can be used on wet brass, needs rinsing off. (Washes off hands easy too). Both contain oxalic acid which eats away the crud without eating your hands. And both will wash out of rags easily. Even so, I have always found Brasso and Duraglit to give the best finish. Bar Keeps Friend in powder form doesn't leave such a shine, but good for getting the worst of tarnish off. ETA: 'Tug' Wilson down at Cassio used to swear by brick dust and lemon juice. A bit coarse is that.

'Weldall'. Some of these self descriptive company names are a fascination in themselves. I remember a drill bit manufacturer choosing the name 'Ardazrocs'. There must be lots of others.

Got it in one!

It's 1886, it's on a river. Someone's going to know.

David, if your "misjudgement" of interest has been gauged by the piece of iconic nonsense that passes for a 'post count' in the lower left corner of your (or anyone elses icon), then IGNORE IT. The majority of people who comment here see no relevance to it and would wish it removed completely. (There's a whole thread on that.) Moderators/webmaster please NOTE! Your posts have been entertaining and interesting. If you have the will, please continue.

"The weight's too high". I look at the cross channel ferries and cruise ships of today, and that thought is predominant. 'No harm done' - None whatsoever. Not a fan of 'lumpy' water, though it has always held a fascination, but even less so tidal rivers - they give me the shivers! Especially the Trent. It's been an instructive and interesting recounting. Thank you.

That'll swim like a fish - and get near the bank!

No complaints from me David.

Great stuff David. The Exeter is a canal few will visit from the main system, and a largely forgotten canal, though not unknown as it is one of the oldest.

It almost certainly would David.

An adventure indeed! And many thanks for sharing David. There cannot be many who were boating for 'pleasure' in the early sixties able to recall such details. I have met one or two folk who would have bought SOMERSET at the drop of a hat. How we learn from experience!

There are no such things as boats which are 'bargains' to be snatched up (unless you build your own canoe!) All boats are White Elephants. Look in any marina up and down the country, or along the offside moorings and you will see herds of them. If you let your head rule your heart - you will never own a boat. They are things that make a hole in the water, into which you will pour all your money, your family and friends money and possibly the banks money, and the hole will remain the same size regardless. But keep looking, build the dream, and maybe one day your heart will defy your head. Good luck. Boat ownership is a way of life. It will change what life you have into something else completely, leaving no room for whatever went before. If you have been there and done it before - then genuinely I say: Good luck. We lived afloat for 12yrs, later and for a further 13yrs, owned a great boat (not a live-aboard). But we could not afford the commitment such as it was at the time, and with the resources we had at that time. Heartbreaking times.

Soho Foundry Tavern. And from the front door, you would be facing the porticoed entrance to Soho Foundry (as was).