Helen B

Thank you 👍

Here is Gonzo with the 'Tow needed to Wheelock' sign and us under tow! Not a very good picture, I know.. but it does just show the boat in front who very kindly answered our appeal! They were the first boat that went past! We did try some bow-hauling to get the boat in a better position and in a place where it could be turned round. The method using a long stern line and short bow line worked perfectly! However, we were relieved to be offered a tow, as there was a fishing match further on 😱, plus several moored boats, including ones with aerials, a pram cover, etc. Not sure how we would have coped with them..! Fortunately, it was a quiet day and we didn't meet any other boats - a big relief, especially on the windy, narrow bit approaching Wheelock. The people who helped us hadn't towed anyone before, but were happy to help and all went well Thanks for your reassuring advice everyone - it definitely gave us the confidence to give it a go!

Thanks yes, we've tried that.. Yes!! Will add some photos..

Thanks for being so generous with your advice, Tony. I will print this out for them to use at the garage. Chris was familiar with some of the things you talked about, but there were one or two new things. I'm in a bit of a hurry now, but we will get back to you later on and tell you how it's going..

Thanks, it's currently in a garage and had two qualified mechanics looking at it, plus my partner who's been working on engines for 40+ years. However, they've drawn a blank so far! The person they are asking used to work on BMC engines in tractors and knows about old engines! I'll try Slim's suggestion of looking it up on the internet, although I'm told they've tried that. Any tips would be gratefully received, but unfortunately I'm just the one on the keyboard and only have a basic understanding of the problem..!

the problem with the engine is there is no engine! Unfortunately, we were given notice to leave our mooring before work on the new (reconditioned) engine was complete, partly due to disputes with the new site owner about doing work on the boat at the mooring. That's why we are on the towpath opposite to the moorings☹️ I won't post anything in the 'Engines' help section though as the engine is ready to go in, it's just they are having trouble bleeding it so it won't run fully on diesel. We have found someone who is used to working on BMC engines who we are hoping can help. We don't want the engine to go in until we've seen it running properly, as obviously it's easier to do work on it in the garage rather than on the boat. Thanks again everyone, for all your help and advice. It's great to know there are so many helpful people out there and we are not alone in having to get a tow or indeed bow-haul! 👍

yes, it feels a bit strange not having anyone on board 😨 But, one of us could get on if we're passing a moored boat, or else we'll try and find some extra crew I'll post some photos if poss, I've never done a Youtube video!

Wow! All clear that it's best not to ask a hire boater - just to be on the safe side.. Thanks. I'll let everyone know how it goes..

that's helpful to know, so it's definitely worth giving the bow-hauling a go. I'm feeling much more confident now! We'll pick a good day😀 That sounds like an unfortunate experience. A few hire boaters go up and down that stretch (we were previously on a leisure mooring there), but plenty of other boaters too. I'll try and ask one of them and avoid any awkwardness.

Thanks, we'll try adjusting the length..👍 p.s. do you mean as in punting??! So, maybe not hire boaters. But, it sounds like there are plenty of helpful people out there even without asking a hire boat

Good to hear - that's brilliant!

yes, it's all sounding good.. That's very reassuring.. I know canal people are very helpful, but not needed to ask for help before, so it's good to know we could safely ask a passing boat Thanks everyone for your helpful and detailed advice, especially about the method of bow-hauling. It doesn't sound like an impossible task now..! I'm sure we'd be able to find some willing help, or at least get part or all of the way bow-hauling. As you say, it's all an experience:)

I think I've got what you mean - so you're not always pulling the boat into the bank. Presumably two people could do this? So, no one on board or steering, but you'd use the two ropes.

*wanted I was thinking of standing by the lock. A sign would be great - maybe by the lock or bridge would work! Thank you Do you mean around 1/3 of the length of the boat? Thanks for the advice and it's good to know you think someone would take pity on us..!

That's great advice, Arthur - much appreciated. So, I was on the right lines of thinking it's okay to ask passers-by.. Also helpful to know you think we could ask hire boat crews. As you say, people can only say 'no'. I think that could work best as we're not living aboard, so would need to coordinate with someone. However, I want to put out a message in case anyone was in the vicinity - some time this week.