Nightwatch

We were ascending Atherstone locks the other day. We were in the pound twixt locks 3 and 2. Message from second in command that there was a boat coming down and could we wait. Of course we could. Anyway, lock 3 set and awaiting descending boat. The boat coming down was still on the water point. Anyway volocky at lock three closed the gates and flooded up as there was a boat coming up. I was immediately grounded. Which slightly annoyed me. Hopped off and asked for some water in the pound. “Oh., it always does that” I replied I’m not surprised if all the water is wasted and being fun down. Anywa

You mention the pair of you find the locks very difficult without assistance. We have ‘done’ the K&A a few times, even berthed at Newbury for a number of years. We found that the majority of locks on the canal are difficult to operate. Have you thought of relocation onto another waterway. The Oxford has single locks and a great deal easier to work. Just saying. Hope you get a sale, if that’s the way you end up going.

We have a two metre pole on the bow with the Ariel on top. An app to show rough direction where to point it. When cruising it lays on the roof.

If you fancy a cruise, Langley Mill Boatyard at the top of the Erewash Canal is my suggestion.

What is the general opinion of the RBOA? As a permanent leisure boater living the dream, most of the time, would I benefit from paying my £30+ donation yearly?

Just for information. We have just had a hull survey for insurance purposes. A small number of pitting which was rectified whilst in dry dock. Anyway, if you can, could you not get your own survey carried out. Our survey was less than £400. Not sure where you are , Dave Stewart did ours. He’s a nice bloke, very knowledgable and thorough. One thing I’ve picked up on, you say the broker said the surveyor has said it needs a new baseplate. Have you spoken the the surveyor? Depending on the broker, some can sometimes suggest work that doesn’t necessarily need doing!