GRPCruiserman

This would also remove any danger from a spark when replacing the battery in the gas detector. 1970s petrol inboard powered speed boats always had 'bilge blowers' fitted to remove petrol fumes. They always had a sign suggesting they were run for half an hour after the engine had been stopped. They blew air IN to the bilge which was partially air tight with overboard outlets to stop any danger of sparks from the bilge blower motor. Just a thought.

Small boats have the advantage that they have a 'bung' and when I took the Yeoman out of the water I always removed the bung allowing any bilge water (and gas) to drain away. You should alway light the match before you turn on the gas on the stove to 'catch' all the gas that comes out. Having said that, unless you get a bad leak, as posted earlier, the gas gets diluted by the air and as long as the bilge is vented the gas should never build up to dangerous levels. Before the days of thje BSC, I had a Norman 20 which didn't actually have a gas locker, the bottle was just next to the cooker on board and it never blew up over a number of years. My parents have had boats with gas bottles in board too. All my powered boats have used petrol as their power source which again has highly explosive fumes that are heavier than air and can accumulate in the bottom of boats, but again I've never had an issue and you can leagally have your outboard fuel tank wherever you like on the boat whilst it's 'in use' to quote the BSC regulations, which acknowledges the fact that the risk is not actually that high. I would always refuel off the boat as this is a time when most petriol fumes detach themselves from tjhe petrol itself, and similarly a certain amount of gas always escapes when changing bottles; but I wouldn't get too hung up on it; it's big news when explosions occur and the main thing is to watch for leaks occuring, always turn the gas off when it's not needed or you're not on the boat; and keep your nose peeled, you can at least smell propane so be careful if you do. Either that or go gasless if you get really worried, but gasless boats usually need larger stacks of batteries which will need venting upwards so lets hope you dont smoke!! I did know one guy who left his gas fridge on which was mounted in the cockpit whilst he fefuelled his petrol boat also in the cockpit and he did experience quite a flash when the fumes ignited, but he put the fire out pretty quick; but that just goes against any common sensel and his set up regarding the fridge would no longer be allowed these days anyway; it was about 15 years ago, but shows what can happen if you're not careful or are not aware of the risks.

I know mine are only small, but I have two wooden boats, both of which are insured, and neither have ever had a survey or ever even a Boat Safety Certificate. Even the Dawncraft my wife used to own never had a survey and was quite easy to get insured; but it did have a BSC.

Personally I dont believe you make your own luck; there have been times in my life when I've been VERY lucky; and times when I've been very unlucky. The time spent on the Dawncraft brought loads and loads of bad luck; perhaps I'm superstitious; but in my experience that's what seems to happen. I know a couple who are the nicest people in the world; they cant do enough for other people, friendly, generous, just really nice, and the bad luck they've had over the last few years is unbelievable. Then I know of some pretty nasty people who have there own, succesful business, and just seem to fall lucky with opportunities. Maybe you have to be nasty to be lucky?? Dont know; all I know is the OP on this thread has had some rotten luck NOT through their own making, so to me that suggests that it's not always the case that you make your own luck. Although I'm not very well off financially; I do see myself overall as reasonabley lucky; I have (albeit small) my own flat and a loving family with several children so to me that is good luck.

This is strange as I have no sentimentality when it comes to cars, even my old Capris which I loved driving, all car decisions are made totally on economic grounds; I once scrapped a perfectly good old Volvo as the alternator cost £125 (strange fit) and the car was only worth about £100!! There was no rust on it but couldn't get a second hand alternator anywhere. Boats are different though, I have a Glen-L squirt speed boat which needs a new transom and all the plywood; ie it's just the frame thats good, but I hang on to it, sat rotting in the garden!!

My main boat is a ten and a half foot sailing dinghy that my father bought me when I was 11 years old (33 years ago). It was probably made between the mid 1930s and the 1950s (opinions differ as they always do with boats!!) I didn't use it at all during my canal years and it sat in my father's garage nice and dry but has lost many parts and fittings during that time where they have just disappeared including the sails. In good running order it will be worth probably around £400 ish. I have already spent over £300 on it and by the time I've finished it will have cost about £400-£500 to restore. Two points: it is MY dinghy and I learnt to sail in her and she holds many childhood memories and she is unique; having no manufacturer or even class details. She is just to play with. The restoration cost is, and continues to be, gradual, ie I buy the bits as I can afford them over a long period of time. I would love to spend £400 to £500 on a perfect, fully equipped Enterprise or GP14 which would be more practical and ready to go; but I never have that sort of money spare. Therefore restoration is the best option for me. (she's nearly done now). However, in the situation where an insurance payout is received; then I beleive my second point kicks in whereby you suddenly receive a large sum of money for a boat in one go; and I still beleive I would under those circumstances go out and buy a boat suitable for my needs. It wouldn't feel like I was doing the right thing; but practically it is the better option in my opinion. If you didn't have insurance then restoration may have been the only option; but it is for the individual to decide. I have a third point; however, that no-one has touched upon. Some years ago when I had my Yeoman 16 which was incredibly practical and cheap to run that I had restored myself (boat cost £100; spent about £400 totally refitting the boat); my wife was made redundant and received a lump sum. We went out and bought a really tidy Dawncraft 25 which had solid fuel stove; and was a cracking looking boat; very practical, loads of space; ideal. This was the worst thing we ever did. The boat was far to big for us to afford, cost a fortune in maintainance, licence, petrol, everything, and on top of all that seemed to bring bad luck at every useage. We had the boat about two and a half years and I didn't cry a single tear when we sold it; just wish I'd kept the Yeoman. It's up to the original poster what they feel and which way they go; and I just hope that all the posts of all our various opinions help them to make the right decision. Perhaps after talking to their insurers they can now make a more educated and correct decision for them as a result. I wish them all the best and hope they proceed to have a very happy, enjoyable, and successful boating experience in the future and do not suffer any more bad luck.

I can understand you wanting to keep your boat, but in these economic downturn days, a refit is probably not the most economic solution; you'd probably get a perfect boat for what you get paid out and not have the hassle. Also whos to say the damage they've done to your engine wont stop it being as reliable as it was. I'd start looking now though so that when they make you an offer you can get the boat you want and you know the current cost of doing so. Again, hope you get sorted.

I think he needs to ditch Dreary and move in with the woman who fished his dog out; I mean; the boat girl is better looking, AND she has a boat; I can't imagine a more perfect combination. Why would he stay with Dreary??

That's horrible. Not heard of cases of stripping a boat before; lets hope that you can find another boat as nice as yours was originally. I'm sure you'll get one; prices are down at the moment due to the downturn/recession. Keep on to your insurance and see how quick they can do it for you. Hope you get sorted quickly.

I dont think a moderm wagon would float too well.

I just had a DV27 on a ground plane on the boat, with the rear corner where the car body would ordinarily be; the ground plane then inside the boat. It worked well enough and with a 7MHz whip on I got Glasgow on 7Mhz from Galgate no problem once.

You do have a good point as to wht they are there! I just assume they are to raise the profile of the canal system with the general public. The affore mentioned M65 crossing is a huge sign, but bizarrely at a point where the canal is very difficult to see from the motorway; the reason it is signed and the later crossing are not is that the section of the M65 with the sign was only built a few years ago; whereas the stretch after Whiteburk (Blackburn) was built many years ago and was obviously never blessed with signs. I do enjoy that stretch (or did when I had a boat!!); so much variety and beauty combined with history and dereliction; a bit of everything that makes canal cruising interesting. Rishton is a cracking overnight stop for those thinking of travelling that way.

I was travelling along the M55 from Preston towards Blackpool yesterday when I noticed the 'Lancaster Canal' sign has disappeared from it's posts as you cross the canal. On the return journey I noticed that the sign has gone altogether from the Eastbound side. Has this happened at other motorway/canal crossings? I'm wondering if BW had to pay the highways agency for these signs and they've decided to economise; I finf it hard to beleive that the weather is responsible as the supporting posts are still there of the Westboard carriageway; and surely the sign is/was too large for anyone to steal. Or is it health and safety gone mad to stop motorist distractions as they strain to view the canal whilst driving the car; using the sat nav; having a hands free phone call etc?? It's a poor do if we are to loose all the canal signs from road crossings. I think there used to be a lovely old railway indicator on the Middlewich Arm of the Shropshire Union where the railway crosses it; I wonder if that's still there? Anyone know the answer or has anyone noticed these signs disappearing elsewhere??

Hey, I used to be on the Lanky and used the CB mainly in the boat club, but not used it much since. Still have home based and car set ups but only time I hear anyone on is last time I drove through Manchester, it was still buzzing down there. When I still had the boat we went to the National IWA rally at Preston Brook and you could hear/speak to loads in Manchester then too. Looks like it's a city/ canal thing now. I am an advanced licence Radio Amateur and 2metres is bzzing most of the time, use it a lot, and you can get a foundation licence for a weekend course which allows you 10 watts and SSB/FM etc (all modes) and most bands right down tyo Short Wave (talk to the world). If you like radio, that's the way forward; radios are cheap too, I bought a second hand 2metre set off e-bay for about £30 or they are about £99 new. On 2 metres through repeaters you can talk maybe 100 miles or so on very little power or direct perhaps 50 odd miles; much better than CB anyway; and on Short Wave you can talk all over Europe pretty much all the time and sometimes further dependant on conditions. Short Wave sets can be picked up for under £200 second hand or about £400 odd new. It's good stuff; use it a lot more now I dont have the boat, but used to have it on the boat which was good to experience contacts from different locations.

I never had a lifebuoy on my Yeoman 16 and that passed the Boat Safety Scheme twice whilst I had it!!

I do applaud the fact that they do not require sight of the certificate, but it is important that at least third party insurance remains compulsory. As will no doubt be known, I am one for boating as cheap as possible, but to insure all three of my boats including a trailer, launch trolley, and outboard comes to £32 per year with £2000000 worth of third party cover and tidal use full time; so I'd be silly not to insure. (small boats small bills!). Now if you can afford a bigger boat, you can afford bigger bills, and I know when I had larger boats, my insurance was higher, but I could inflict more harm to others so fair enough. I have always had insurance but given the hassle I've had in the past getting hold of licences even after paying the bill and sending them the schedule and BSC cert etc etc but them needing a certificate which my company doesn't automatically supply, I think this is a step in the right direction. It brings them in to line with other waterways such as Windermere where insurance is compulsory but no proof need be shown to obtain registration, or even the Small Ships' Register. The licence is a permit to cruise the waterway, not a proof of insurance; nor should it be, in my view, proof of Boat Safety Certificate, although I'm not saying that I disagree entirely with the BSC either; however whether it has acheived much is debatable and is an additional cost. I would always be insured but overall I'm against beaurocracy so it gets my vote.

I have a variety of boats now, a 1930s sailing dinghy which is nearly restored and will be used both for sailing on the sea/rivers and also rowing on the canal (I no longer have an engine that works and the unpowered licence is only £33 a year). I also have a Wooden Glen-L Squirt speed boat which needs a bit of work at the moment but I've used on the canal many times in the past with a small engine on it. That was home built by it's previous owner in 1989; I bought it in about 1992, and always seems to attract interest when I used it. 'Is it made of wood?' being the usual onlooker question. Well, yes it is. My only other current craft is an inflatable dinghy. In the past I've had an FAME Corcorde 15 which is a GRP cruiser 15foot in length with a cabin only 6 foot long, so you can just sleep in it, the toilet having to be relegated to the cockpit when in 'sleep' mode then returning to the cabin during the day. That was a cracker and I used it all over the place, towed it with any car, and did 30mph with a Johnson 25 on it that I used to have, or cruised at 4mph with an Evinrude 6 which I still have but doesn't work any more. You could squeeze in behind almost anyone in a lock, jumping any queue, and did about 20mpg on the petrol. The licence was £175 a year in 1993, and my mooring was £75. Had loads of fun in that boat and it was certainly not a Metal Tube. Oh, cooking was a small Camping Gaz Primus Stove, and washing up used a bottle of water and a washing up bowl, no sink. I had a loud stereo and CB radio on it though, and a single strip light, but full navigation lights and a large spot light and regularly used it in pitch darkness when working late prior to going to the boat. I had a Yeoman 16 which offered greatly enlarged accomodation but at similar size, a Norman 20 which was pretty bland and common at the time, but are reducing in numbers, and a Dawncraft 25 which was just plain too big and expensive to run. I've also had a Denmar 15, Valient 18, and a mirror dinghy over the years. Variety was a brilliant feature of the canal system up to the 1990s and even the early noughties, but I agree with original poster; we are now just seeing cloned tubes; I think due to the increase in average income of the average boater due to boating costs increasing and we are losing the variety. The Boat Safety Scheme removed many boats; and BWB's scheme of destroying boats under £1000 that are section 8 snatched doesn't help either; as there were many section 8 unusual boats around a while back. There is much more variety at sea and on the rivers where no licence means boating is cheaper, and no BSS or section 8 means that even unused boats just fester till the rot, increasing the variety and interest value. Just another symptom of the increasing regulation of the canals I'm afraid. It's happend with car design as well.

Inboard petrol speed boats always had (and may still have!!?) bilge blowers to remove fumes from the engine compartments; or at least they did in the 1970s.

As regards the price in a shop, that's not strictly true, as long as the retailer has not agreed to sell at the price advertised, then no contract ahs been formed and the retailer can withdraw the item for sale altogether, but the must not sell it to anyone else that trading day. I totally agree with your sentiments with regards to BW's contribution; I totally welcome their participation and hope to hear more. Eugene Baston was brilliant at his job and also answered queries frankly and honestly, and he helped me out of impossible situations on a few occasions. I endorse others' WELCOME to Paul and hope to hear more from him. I have felt and am guilty in recent years of the 'them and us' type situation, and would like to return to the mid-'90s situation where we were all on the same side. Contributions directly from BW will help that, and I welcome their observance and as much contribution as is allowed from them. I hate the term 'Spying', surely they are observing? I've just read the withdrawal e-mail for the tender. I think £1 was a little low for it. Welcome to BW.

I could live with that for £1. I was once moored at Skipton in my old Norman 20 with my second eldest son who was then about 7 years old (he's 20 now) and we'd just retired to bed for the night when the narrowboat behind started his engine and put it in to gear at about 10000000000000rpm. We were vibrating with the engine noise and the boat felt like we were on the North Sea with the rush of water underneath. In fact it was so loud that the people in the flats next to us came out on to their balcony and I had quite a discussion with them (at high shouted volumes) about this guy keeping them awake for a few nights. He eventually turned it off about 12.30 (midnight 30) and all went quiet. I am, however, quite an early riser, so you guessed it, at 6am the following morning Mr Narrow Boat was treated to Mariner 20hp at high revs making sure the engine was angled to fill his 'hopper' style windows with nice blue two stroke fumes. (I had pre-warned the flat dwellers). I find this approach much more satisfying than the knock on his window and the 'no' reply. Strange how he never came over and said anything.

Ell Meadow lock near Wigan used to be the kids' swimming pool in the summer, but when they built the nice new houses nearby the kids moved up to Pagefield lock. They carry on swimming even when you work the lock, but as long as you answer their questions and light their cigarrettes when they ask you to, I've never had any problems or trouble off them. It's up to them if they want to swim so far as I'm concerned, it's them that gets the Veils disese!! Keeps them off the streets I suppose!

I don't think anyone would object to a little extra throttle under the circimstances.

Take a look at this for a cheap guide price: https://mooringtenders.waterscape.com/searc...ails.php?id=493 That has to be cheap!! If I lived down South I might even have bid for that myself.

I have a strong suspician you are right, but where these mooring are, the canal is pretty narrow, which is even more worrying if they have included this clause so the same wording can be used in other locations.

Capable of motion is a bit dodgy I reckon, I always used to take the outboard home in the winter, and off the boat for servicing etc, so would then fall foul of that one. I don't see the point of the 'attributes of motion' What about 'Tom Puddings' they most certainly didn't fit this bill, I don't know why it's there in the first place. If you are insured and have a Boat Safety Cert, and have paid your licence fee, I don't see why you cant use the waterways. As long as my car has an MOT, is insured, and I've paid my Road Tax, then as long as I have a license, I can drive it. The Ministry of Transport do not insist on my paint being shiney!! As long as it's not hurting, inconveniencing, or offending anyone, and it is safe, where is the problem. It reminds me a bit of the bit in the 'Kevin and Perry go Large' film where Paul Whitehouse playing the bouncer at the nightclub wont let the girls in because they are ugly and he gets his mirror out. He says something like: 'your faces offend me, no monsters' and turns them away. That is BW on these rules.