JayCee

For a complete surprise I have, in the past, bought vouchers for a Helicopter trip, a Spa pampering day, a hot air balloon trip. The vouchers were valid for 12 months, so swmbo can pick the day, and possibly the location. Just a thought JayCee NB Cornish Rhapsody

Google "Diagram Designer" and you'll find a free download. Its like a Visio clone. but free. It has a number of shape templates included, one of which is circuit diagram shapes. You can also design your own shapes and add them to the template. I've just started using it instead of Visio because I didn't want to spend "£200+ on a software package I'd only use a small part of. Give it a try! JayCee NB Cornish Rhapsody

There are currently 7 boats attributed to TT Marine on Jim Shead's pages - could be more as the maker is not always quoted. These seem to have been built in the 1990's. JayCee

This was sent to me a few days ago: The canal is closed between Banbury Lock, Lock 29 and Grants Lock, Lock 30 on the South Oxford Canal due to farm machinery damaging bridge 172. An engineer has been called to inspect the damage but in the meantime the canal will remain closed until further notice. Then this message yesterday: UPDATE (07 July 2010): I am please to inform you that navigation is now fully open to boaters. So there should be no problems now JayCee

Not a lot of help, but there appear to be 6 boats of 24 ft on Jim Sheads web build by dobsons. All build around mid 1970's. Doesnt give engine details, but most are petrol engines, and all are fibreglass hulls. I expect someone will be along with more info. shortly. JayCee

Had a similar problem a while ago. Turned out to be a lump of that silicon stuff lodged in the pipe between the tank and the pump. Worth a quick check? JayCee

I Used mirror plates as well, but can't understand the difficulty getting them in small amounts. All the DIY stores do them in 2 sizes and packs of 2. I last got some just before Xmas. As my cabin sides are T&G I just screwed them in between the planks. JayCee

We had a similar episode, when the whole closing part fell out, and we couldn't recover it. A quick 'phone call to the window suppliers soon had a new bit on the way, under £10 if I remember. Point is they could have supplied just the catch if I wanted it. It's probably important to get the replacement from the origional suppliers of your windows, otherwise it may not match the others (assuming there are others). JayCee

We had a piece on the well deck floor - we have a cratch cover - but after a time we realised that water was getting trapped beneath it, causing rust spots. Still did quite a good job as long as you lift it occasionally and let the damp dry out. But we've now replaced it with those square rubbery tiles which let the floor breath. Should be OK inside the cabin though - relatively easy to clean etc. Regards JayCee

We had a similar problem a few years ago. The fridge would cut out with the warning light flashing with the engine running or off. There seemed to be no obviouse cause, as the times it shut down were inconsistant. Then we noticed that the shut down only happened if the fridge compressor was running and the cooker ignition was used! Then it was simply a case of changing the cooker ignition wiring. No problems since. JayCee

My wife & I were out for a long cruise, and the weather was gloriously hot. Not much traffic about, so we were tootling along realatively slowly on the Coventry canal. A boat was mooreahead, so we slowed down to tick-over. Gent was on the front of the moored boat, shirt off, enjoying the sun. Suddenly he heard us, leapt up an ran into the boat. We then realised he was totally naked. We curled up laughing, and couldn't stop for some time. But in retrospect, we wondered if there were any H&S issues covering nude boating? JayCee

We did it last year. Up river was nice, but not many good moorings, and only one pub. Downstream was much nicer, with plenty of good moorings. Nice pub at Acton Bridge. When you go down the lift you will be given an information pack which has details of moorings, pubs etc. Enjoy! We did. JayCee

I just logged in no problem. JayCee

I always use the same PC, but sometimes I have to log in again, sometimes I don't. This is not realy a problem, as double clicking on the lower "login" box gives my user name. Select this and the password is automatically entered. Takes longer to type than to do it! So I've given up worrying about why I can't remain logged in. JayCee

Try SEALS + Direct. I've had door seals from them and they provide a good service. I think you can download their catalogue. JayCee

BW have been happy to allow me to licence my last 2 boats for 10 months, so as to move the insurance and licencing cost apart. They don't advertise this option, but if you ring up and ask them it's OK, but you can only do this once. I last did it when I changed my boat in 2007. JayCee

Sounds familiar! Similar fault on my system turned out to be a lump of that silcone sealer stuff caught in the "off" tap between the tank and the pump. Easily fixed, but not spotted until I'd bought a new pump. Fortunately the pump was on a 'sale or return' basis. JayCee

Yes, agree with everything already said. Did it a few weeks ago. Just one small word of warning. Maesbury Marsh is completely shut on a Monday - including the pub & cafe (although we did find a usefull farm shop). But still well worth a visit. JayCee

Walking up the Napton flight recently, I stopped to chat with the workmen who were installing extra mooring posts above and below eack lock. The told me it was decreed by "Health and Safety" that there must be at least 3 posts above and below each lock, but couldn't tell me why. I cant' think of any reason why either. Anyone any ideas? Jaycee NB Cornish Rhapsody

Jim Shead's pages have a boat called Babayaga (no space as per yours) registration number 70656 last registered April 05 with power of 20 HP and length 43 ft 2 inches! Could this be it? JayCee