plainsman

I also had a good trip on Balmoral in July. Liverpool to LLandudno and Anglesey and return to Liverpool. Good onboard commentary and all for £39 pp. Great.

Have looked on the Bridgewater Co site but can't find reference to this closure. Am I looking in wrong place?

For crying out loud, Peel shut the canal in same area last year. As I recall that work took for ever. Thanks for the heads up on this one

What is the difference between Gunwale Black paint and satin finish black paint Rustin's etc? I note Gunwale Black dries quickly but is quite expensive compared to Rustin's etc

Thanks Tony, this is very much appreciated

Criky Tony, what anexperience. Thanks for the info, as always advice is to stand up to bullies whoever they are

Thanks for response. My reason for asking is I recently had an email from CRT telling me my boat had been in same 'general location' for over 14 days. Have since tried to get clarification from CRT of what is same general location but no luck. I admit although boat was being moved the distances were only a couple of miles. As CRT seem to be making an issue re overstays, justified in some cases, it would avoid a lot of conflict if a definition was made. OK had my moan, sorry to unload it on you. Cheers PS I am not live aboard and I have a genuine marina home mooring

I recall a couple of years (?) Ago the then BW published a map that defined PLACE(s) around the system. Designed to 'help' boaters. Have looked on CRT site but no trace. Does anyone else recall same? Is it still valid?

Traffic does use the towpath at the south end. This is for access to the house alongside the stop lock.

Powder coating baked on or if preferred they use a spray coating. This is not your usual laquer, it's heavy duty stuff. Cost is not bad although cannot remember how much. Prep is important and had mine buffed by a metal finisher. Coating firm is ereg coatings.com based in Burnley. 01282 838378 ask for Dean, a helpful bloke. The firm works to a high spec as their main business is miliary/MOD work

Had my brasswork, pots and mushrooms clear powder coated inside and out. Great, I have a shiny boat but no polishing. Incidentally now 3 years on and still shiny

Seems mine is missing the raised casting but if yours is loose with no prob I'll stop worrying! Thanks for response

The dipstick on my National sits a bit loose. Should there be tube in the casing to guide and hold the stick? If yes does it just slide through the casing into the sump? Does anyone have one or where from?

My drain is right at the bottom of the tank with a gate valve followed by a square head plug so the outlet can be controlled. It does produce water and debris on occasion but I note your suggestion of 'back up' with a syphone. Thanks for tip

I have a drain tap on my tank would, opening this allow water and stuff to be removed from the tank as opposed to sucking it out, or is not as simple as I think?

Had mine 8 years plus and no probs. Agreed you have to unwind the whole length but it's done in minutes. All down to personal choice

I use a food grade (blue colour) flat hose on a reel. Food grade avoids contamination and the 'disinfectant' taste normally associated with the yellow/green garden hose types. I know others may say food grade is not necessary but I go with the science on this. The flat hose allows you to squeeze out the water after use and makes for easier stowage

Before I had mine rebuilt the engineer told me DM2s (the originals not modern DM2 'tribute' engines) are 'self basting'!!!!!!

The museum in Nantwich (near bus station) is worth a visit. Only small but interestering

Have heard from a reliable source that CRT on the L&L in this area are short of staff and generally do not patrol. They tend to only act in response to a complaint about a specific boat or location. So it's up to you!

Holy cr*p that's an eye watering price. I'll 'struggle' on with the original

Is there a new version available? I heard sometime back a revised version was to be launched

Thanks for your response and from everyone else. Think this has answered my question. I like the tale of your dads vauxhall

I recall in the 50's and 60's motor bikes (usually British built) did drip a bit when stationary after a run and I am wondering if old boat engines of similar and older vintage are prone to leaking. I've heard a few anecdotes such as 'if it starts and has oil pressure what else do you want' Or 'if you need to take the engine out to fix it it's not worth the bother, chances are it won't be possible to cure all leaks'. Also I've seen a few engine rooms with a very oil wet bilge and some factory steam engines with oil spill mats in strategic places. Views from you guys with vintage engines would be appreciated

My GP is also electronic but I stick with the paper prescription. Does not inconvenience anybody and suits my needs, going electronic is not compulsory. Another advantage of paper is in the case the pharmacy doesn't have stock of a particular med you can try another pharmacy rather than wait a day or half day for drugs to be restocked