GRPCruiserman

This is an interesting one as what about the duty on the 2% Two Stroke oil I've always had to put in two stroke engines I've had? I think I have the answer: The oil is there for lubrication of the engine only, i.e. it performs no propulsion function or power to make the engine turn. The fact that it is burned away with the fuel is pretty irrelevant, and I believe the same to be true of the oil that you are proposing to add to your diesel. You therefore are not duty bound to pay the fuel tax on the addative; although you'll have paid VAT on it, as you also do with fuel, when you bought it of course.

I have a simple, but no doubt controversial idea: Rip out the diesel engine, fit a petrol inboard and convert it to LPG. 40p per litre again anyone? This has been done already by a certain Lake Warden organisation who in the 80s/90s removed their boats' original petrol engines and fitted diesel, but with the increase in fuel costs have now removed the diesels and re-fitted the original 1970s petrol engines which are now run on LPG. This is also very much more environmentally friendly as any petrol spillages (without LPG conversion, obviously) on to the canal quickly evaporate and do not harm wildlife, water foliage, etc, like diesel does. I know of at least one petrol driven narrow boat, and it's VERY quiet and smooth. Plus all the small Springers with their petrol outboards and GRP Cruisers. Just a thought.

Never had a problem with locks on my own, it was the swingbridges that were always the issue. I used the 'flick the rope under the bridge' method or the ladders if the lock wasn't too deep. Better still, find a crew from somewhere; it's surprising how many people will volunteer.

I'm sure there used to be some of these just East (North?? towards Leeds anyway!!) of the top of Johnsons Hillock flight on the Leeds Liverpool as there always was a large gathering of ducks there (think it was some kind of Duck farm but not sure). I've seen them here and there; probably where others have. They are very attractive anyway.

I think if he'd asked me, then that would have been the cue for the generator to come out for a few hours, just whilst I watched TV you understand, especially if there was a late film on!! How dare he. You dont buy a house next to a canal if you dont like boats!! It's like buying one next to a pub and then complaining about the noise. My old two stroke outboard was particularly smoky at times, and I'm sure diesel fumes do the same, I'm sure you narrow boaters need hot water, dont you? The only way to get this guy out is to annoy him as much as possible without actually breaking any by-laws etc. Perhaps an organised protest against his attitude to be arranged, I'd get my trailer out and join in!! This really annoys me. Can you imagine if a large number of boats congregated outside his house with banners indicating why they were there? He needs some serious intimidation to stop his bullying tactics. I love it there and have many happy memories of that spot, good showers too. Perhaps we could get an ASBO against him? His signs must be considered litter which must be against some BW byelaw? BBQ anyone?? Outside the Lock Cottage at Greenberfield??

Wish I was nearby to help, love Audlem, and to help with a steamboat!! Bit too far to 'bob' doen, sorry. Cracking flight of locks though, love that stretch between Barbridge and the long flat bit after Market Drayton. Want to do the 'Shroppie' again one day.

I meant Apperley Bridge Marina, with the off line basin, I think Swiftcraft (if it's the one I'm thinking of) has been there a very long time. No, it's wierd how people stare in, I put net curtains up in my Norman 20 (they were small!!) to alleviate the issue. In the Dawncraft we didn't have them but were always careful to keep any valuables out of sight. We usually moored up the same way round so had a system whereby we kept stuff on the towpath side so they could not be seen. Still a bit embarrassing when you're getting changed though!!

I like Apperley Bridge, nice up there, have even been for the day in the car there for a walk up to the staircase. Is the boatyardy place still there? It was empty for years and then someone took it over but there were still only about two boats in the marina last time I passed. Friends commented that the diesel was cheap at the time, but that was quite a few years ago.

Good stuff, I'm DEAD jealous,. never got to go that far, give us a shout if you get over Johnsons Hillock/Chorley way and I'll come and say hello. If you get past Wigan take an excursion to Burscough then turn right to Tarleton, it's a unique stretch down the Rufford arm and isn't promoted enough for it's different-ness and beauty. The stretch from Crooke (after Wigan) to Burscough is lovely too, unlike the bit from Wigan to Crooke (only an hour or two!!). Well done, respect!!

I do like that boat, but I wouldn't consider it cheap, it's dearer than any boat I've ever had, having never spent more than £900 on a boat personally, and never sold a boat for more than £1600 (I paid more for a sailing cruiser once but that wa for the sea), I consider £5000 to be a lot to pay for a boat, but she does look nice and if the wood is sound is no doubt worth it. Be aware, as an owner of two wooden boats currently, you need to look after the wood constantly, keep some paint and a few spare brushes around and immediately touch up any you scuff off. Replace any rot you do get immediately too, and be aware you really need to repaint any out of the water paint once a year and below the waterline every two or three years; so factor in slipping costs/crane etc, but there are still a few cheap yards around if you look hard enough. Apart from that I love my wooden boats, and their charachter makes the work a joy. Consider GRP if you want little maintainance as you never ever need to paint them as long as you keep them clean, but there are still bits you will need to do, especially if there is wood inside, which there usually is. I found 25foot (the last canal boat we had) quite expensive to run compared to 20foot that we had before (and 15/16 foot) and you can still get Norman Conquests (20 foot, 4 berth) for around £2000 if you look hard, but you wont have standing headroom or as much storage space, or indeed space in general, but licence, mooring, insurance, etc, gets much cheaper. Check what you can afford monthly and calculate accordingly. I got priced off the canals all together, but boat on cheaper waters now which are in abundance in The North West and I appreciate may not be in other areas. I'd work things out before you go and look at that boat because I bet it's the type of boat you'd immediately fall in love with and buy regardless if you saw it. (I know I probably would fall victim given the money!!). It's cheaper than steel anyway, and probably costs less to maintain so if you can afford it, I'd definately consider it.

I think my insurance says 'any competant person' can control the boat, and as I mostly sail now (thats with a mast and some cloth and bits of string attached), this requires considerably more skill to keep the boat moving and in an upright position against tides which can be quite strong. My seven year old is learning to do this now and loves it, and it would be awful if he was prevented from doing so by an insurance company. Many good and even brilliant sailors are bourn from learning young, where would we be without the likes of Ellen McArthur?? I learned to sail at the age of 11 and still love it. I was driving my father's speed boat at the age of 9 at speeds of around 30-35mph and by the age of about 13 was allowed to take the speed boat out unaccompanied. I like to think I was totally proficciant and have won competitions for boat handling. Due to my father being stronger than me, when it came time to recover the boat at aged 15 (on private land) it was more logical for him to winch the boat on to the trailer and me to drive the car so I had to learn that then; I dont suppose the insurance would have paid out if I'd reversed the car in to the lake/sea as one 50 odd year old did with his brand new Jaguar XJ6 when he selected reverse instead of drive on recovering his boat. Fortunately for him no-one was hurt or drowned; or the mid-thirties guy with his inflatable and 40hp Johnson who started in gear at full throttle and did a full flip with the propellor spinning in the air for at least 30 sconds until the engine sucked in enough water to write of the engine. He again very luckily escaped injury. My second eldest boy, now 21 years old, was driving my canal cruiser (a Norman 20 with a 20hp Mariner outboard) on the canals when he was about 8, in fact often we would go away just the two of us and as he was too small to operate the various swing bridges around Skipton (some carrying roads), it was more logical for me to operate the bridge (and control the road traffic) and he to drive the boat through which he did with skill, precision, and a passion for getting it right to show Dad. He always kept to the speed limit and knew axactly how to control the boat with dexterity. I don't feel that age is, or even should be a barrier, it is supervision at the ealy stages along with a sensible attitude that promotes use of the waterways in general, not just canals, and the individual child's abilities that are more important. There are certain waterways that have rules, ie Windermere you must be 16 years of age, but it would be awful if our young were denied the interest and experience of controlling boats on our canal system. When my lad was driving my Norman, boats were mainly cruisers and would have been much easier to damage than the current steel fraternity; and so what if the odd collision occurs with steel boats, isn't that why steel has become popular? I certainly did not feel as safe towards the end of my canal usage as more steel than plastic started to prevale. I also agree with the other poster that there are many adults who haven't a clue about boat handling and cannot seem to grasp the principles of where to squirt the water and when to make the boat move as it should. It has got to the stage where a major waterways gathering in the North West has seperated plastic and steel boats due to Health and Safety which does not promote social inclusion. The Canal Boat Club of which I am still member actually have an award for under 16 boat handling which is won each year after a competition. Also there is a difference between who is steering and who is 'in charge; of a boat. I don't think the captain of HMS Ark Royal holds the wheel at all times, and most insurance policies refer to 'take charge of' so most insurances will be valid. I feel quite strongly about thios as my early boat control certainly sparked my interest, as did my early car control, and it should not be spoilt for others by unneccesary rules. Is the average age of canal boater coming down? I think not.

Just a thought, perhaps someone stole your stern rope, and some kind sole decided that they should tie up your boat for you as it drifted in and out at the stern, but didn't understand the damage they would do if they used your decorative rope on your tiller whilst tied to your tiller? The forces of your boat moving in and out pulling on a rope tied to the tiller over a number of days; especially with the speed some boats go flying past there, could easily put a big strain on your tiller arm and cause the failure you have encountered. Arguements against this would be the fact that the tiller wasn't still tied to the bank when you arrived, unless another boater noticed it bending and re-tied it again?? Don't know, just a theory. A friend of mine accidentally reversed in to the side and did loads of damage to his rudder/tiller assembley, so it's not that difficult to damage when you think about the amount of steel around. Like your wooden tiller by the way, cracking 'jury rig'. Hope you get sorted.

I saw a similar (but not a Springer, had a more swept bow) boat, in similar condition, perhaps about 45 foot (ish) narrow boat for sale of a similar age with a steel hull and wooden top for sale on the towpath near Anderton Lift a couple of weeks ago with a For Sale notice in it for £10000. It had great charachter to me, was not a 'shiney' brigade boat which is a plus for me; and if I'd had the money then I may actually have been interested. The boat highlighted above to me does seem to be for a lot of money but I think many valid points have been made above and when I have been looking for boats it always amazes me that there is stuff at silly prices everywhere to be seen, it's just a case of finding what you want at the price you want to pay. Maybe it was put up for sale when prices we high a couple of years ago and the price hasn't been reduced to reflect the curent climate? Maybe it's got a brand new everything fitted which could add up to that amount (engine, fittings, etc)? Anyway, it's up to the individual; if someone thinks it's worth that then it will sell, if not, then it wont!!

I didn't build the Squirt myself, no it was about twelve months old when I bought it, built by a guy who was extending his house and would have no-where to put it, it was mint when I got it, and it's rare because he had a family he built it as a four seater, not two, so there's loads of room in it. The frame is sound apart from the transom, but I've replaced all the ply skin twice and it needs doing again. You may know the plywood used is so thin to keep the weight down so it rots really quick, and it needs replacing again now. I will do it when I get the time to do it!! It is a boat for all uses, canals, or it'll take a 20hp and fly, it will plane with the 4hp on the river (at about 8mph). In my experience, the bigger the boat I've had the less fun I've had. Hope my information has helped you, have fun!!

I have a 'Glen-L Squirt' speed boat, 10 foot long, about 4.5 foot wide, BSC excepmt as open outboard powered, it was built in 1989 as is fine on canals. It needs some work at the moment but I've used it on canals with a 4hp engine on many occasions and it goes at 4mph with virtually no wake and on just above tickover. The best option I would suggest would be the 'explorer' licence as you need no BSC whether you are exempt or not as long as you comply (you sign a declaration) and it costs you £80 odd for any 30 days you want to use it through the year. Look out for free slipways too, there are still a few here and there, although more and more are being charged for (Cowling Brow, Chorley, for one) and if you are licenced there is nothing stopping you using a low bit of towpath quite legally. There is one near the centre of York that's free but parking is an issue there, and one in Carnforth but tends to get parked across. As for insurance I have three boats, two small outboards (2.5hp and 4hp), a road trailer, and a launching trolley, and including full, unlimited tidal use, and as all boats are under 15 foot long, and are removed from the watyer when not in use, I pay £32 per year for the lot. this is as part of my Home Contents insurance so check that first; you can usually add small craft to it. It gives me £2000000 liability and they will issue a certificate if required (I've needed one to enter rallies in the past and BW used to insist on it but are not as strict on the proof these days as long as you have it (and you'd be daft not to!!) It really is the best way of boating, you can go where you want when you want, cruise the many free waterways around the country; my usual stamping ground requires no licence and is completely free to all, but is tidal, but as it's several miles from the sea and the tide is fairly gentle, I get about 2 hours a day on each tide, and is wide enough to go sailing; which I do. I love the canals and used to have various sizes of boats moored permenantly on the canal, always licenced, insured, everything, but it just got too expensive, so this, I find, is the only way to enjoy the canals on a normal income. Have fun!!

I still think GRP gives better value than steel, especially as you've no hull maintainance afterwards, but I personally have never spent more than £1000 on a boat. The last one we had cost just over £3000 but my wife bought that, not me!! My running costs of my few-hundred-pound sailing dinghy are £32 a year insurance and £155 club membership/storage in a locked compound so much cheaper than the many hundreds BW want these days. Edit: Oh and about £20 a year on paint - it's wood!!

That wasn't really an issue, just sold the stove with the boat, it certainly meant that we were never cold, and one January evening on the boat watching the canal gradually freeze across through the windows towards us whilst watching TV in T shirts with all the windows open was awesome. I'm an early riser and at 5am the fire was still in and the boat still warm. I would have one again if I ever get a sleep-on boat. The advantage of being able to see out whilst sat watching TV is better than on a narrow boat where you always seem to be low down. Used that boat every weekend of the year. Only BW's rising costs that forced us off the canal.

Better without ropes in a lock; once went up Wigan in the Norman 20 with 20hp, plenty of power, held it on the wall at the bottom of the lock with the engine, both ground and gate paddles right up from the bottom of the lock, 2.5 hours bottom to top, no ropes, no damage, no hassle. Small boat, plenty of power, ropes take time and can be dangerous if they get snagged. Only my opinion.

I'm sorry, but on my Norman 20, and especially on the Yeoman 16 and the FAME Concorde 15; the last thing you want to do is leave the cockpit on a still canal let alone a river, so my fenders were put on when I got the boat and stayed there until I sold it or pulled it out on the trailer. It was a matter of safety, I don't see what the problem is??

We had a solid fuel stove in the last GRP boat we had and used it 12 months of the year. My current open wooden sailing dinghy I sailed in February on the local tidal river, GRP can be used in winter if you want and it's very cheap with basically no maintainance; however BW actively penalise you and have started (a few years ago) to destrpy all section 8 GRP boats claiming they are all worth less than £1000, so there are not as many. Plus those of us on lower to middle incomes found the running costs of BW going to high for us and moved to other waterways, leaving the canals for the rich narrow boat owners. The BW licence system favours larger boats as it's not proportional either, and the recent mooring auctions have got rid of cheap moorings too so they've driven us all off.

Update: Two bright new signs appear to have been installed on the motorway now; hope the Highways Agency paid and not BW!!

If it is water you want to get it out if you are keeping the boat, or the remaining wood/carpets etc could be ruined. It may be if they've taken that many bits that the weight distribution has shifted, ie loads of galley/engine bits gone from one side and the boat originally ballasted to take that in to account. You may find when you refit that you have to re-balance. You may end up with quite a spectacular boat. If you can persuade your insurers and you really do want to keep the boat, then if you can show it's cheaper for them to refit; then the big stuff will get paid for by them, ie kitchen, gas, engine, electrics etc; and you may end up just doing the finishing bits. Good luck which ever way you decide to go anyway; hope you are back on the water soon.

BW have a habit of covering old dry/wet docks; there was until about five or six years ago a historic covered wet dock at Galgate on The Lancaster next to a second slipway, but when they redeveloped for residential moorings, they pulled down the building, removed the slipway, filled in the wet dock; and redeveloped the whole area. All done quickly and without announcement. That is beyond restoration now.

Windows 2000 architecture is very similar to Windows XP and will usually work any software/hardware that is designed for XP. Windows Millenium Edition / 98 / 95 however are very different animals and will need their own drivers. Try it!! You should always be able to upgrade to XP if you really struggle; you'll be amazed how little spec hardware will actually run WinXP despite what Microsoft specify. Incidentally I am a Beta tester for Windows 7 and it appears to function on much less hardware than Vista needs; so there may be further upgrade options for you when it is released as they are doing a 'starter' edition for older PCs. PS: it's much more stable than Vista was at Beta, and is prettier so you'll like it!!.

They seem to like one way systems. The Ribble Link is tun as one way only; which is silly as one one tide you will only get outgoing boats going DOWN the link before the tide, then up after the tide as they cant access it otherwise!! It is narrow, but there is no practical reason why both ways cannot be used on each tide; excpet manning costs of course.