Martin Nicholas

I seem to remmber that Hassall Green on the T & M used a purely mechanical meter to sell their fuel. That was a year (or two) ago.

Not sure if this has been mentioned, but you can tell if you are applying any "turn" because the tiller will be pulling on your arms as you move. Using this feedback you can tell which tiller angle gives the biggest turning effort for any given speed (or boat).

One thing to note also is that the water being pushed along the side of the boat has an influence on the direction. If you're not in the middle then your bows will be pushed away from the nearest bank (This phenomenon can be used to push the bows out from the bank when starting of in a forwards direction, a blast of reverse will set the bows moving away from the bank. I still find it easier to walk 50ft, push with one finger and then walk all the way back). The shape of a boat affects how it will steer, both forwards and in reverse. The more 'pointy' the underwater profile to more it likes to travel in straight lines. I once saw a working boat reverse from Stoke Bruerne top lock to the winding hole by the tunnel. It's narrow, with moored boats on one side and round a bend. When I congratulated the steerer on his skill he shrugged and said: "It steers in reverse this one."

The answer to the question: "How do I charge my lead-acid batteries?" is: "You charge them for as long as possible!". Industrial chargers have a 10-12 hour charge time which gives you an idea.

The "Barry Wren" method was to fit out completely and then ballast the boat when in the water. You need access to the bilge throughout the length of the boat, but that's no bad thing anyway.

You can adapt cheapo nut splitters to do the job, by blunting them with a grinder. Try your local pound shop or Machine Mart.

Radio Spares (rswww.com) have copper bar in small(ish) quantities, otherwise Metal Supermarkets who have a branch near Hawkesbury or MetElec in Leighton Buzzard. The last two will cut to size and you can buy any quantity AFAIK.

If anyone is in contact with Nicky & Dave, owners of Mimas. Can you ask then to get in touch with Mel Davis (http://www.meldavis.com/contact/), preferably with a CD of photos! Thanks.

Website Name: Mel Davis Boatbuilders Website URL: http://www.meldavis.com/ Website Description: Narrowboat builders for the English canal system. British built narrowboats of all and any design: Woolwich/Northwich replica, narrowboat tug, replica Josher, eco-boat and many more. Extensive picture gallery: http://www.meldavis.com/gallery/. Any other comments: Contact details: http://www.meldavis.com/contact/. Posted by the Webmaster.

The picture from Mel Davis is in fact my boat! There's also a picture on the site of me with a CB500 loaded. The original desiagn was to accomodate a Blackbird, but I concluded that a 250kg bike was too heavy/dangerous to ride on and off. Nowdays I have a Yamaha X-MAX 250 which fits a treat and is light enough to pick up if I drop it, and also light enough to wheel on and off. You do need to strop a bike down as they easily topple if you have a bump. I need to declare an interest as I'm the Mel Davis webmaster.