larrysanders

Been through a couple of days back and all working fine on the maiden voyage of my new boat... From st ives to sawley marina.

The Trent - Cranfleet Lock to Beeston Lock... the last bit is alright when you're getting near to Beeston.. the rest is dullllll!! Even worse when I'm heading home and against the flow!

Thanks Gordon... I think I'll stick with my original plan as it's our new boat - and baptism of fire springs to mind! I just wondered if you could get through to The Middlle Levels anywhere earlier than Salter's Lode as on the map I've got they join the Ouse but obviously not via a lock.

Hi this may be a really stupid question, however... I'm picking our new boat up this weekend from St Ives and the route I've planned is past Ely up to Denver Sluice and over to The Middle Levels etc. Am I right in thinking this is the only navigable route or is there a short cut to The Middle Levels... It just seems a very long way round. Thanks in advance!

great stuff nice tip. many thanks!

hi there's a problem with the link...?

I'm in need of some new mooring ropes and I've just been down to the local chandlery. I'm still in shock at the price per metre they were charging! Anyone know of any good web deals or places in the midlands? Thanks... !

http://www.apolloduck.com/display.phtml?aid=107802 I was going to suggest this one... it looks a great example and the owner emailed me pictures when I was looking to upsize, however it's just sold. Always the way. Goes to show there are nice Springers out there though!

We had a 1989 Springer Waterbug for several years. It was our first boat and it was brilliant for 10k. I bought it without a survey (didn't even know they existed) and we sold it for 10k, not bad hey. The new owners had a hull survey and it passed fine! I think if you get one which has been looked after you'll be ok... however be warned we looked at alot of ugly duckling Spingers before we found the right one!

Many thanks... I was told moorings were few and far between by someone who went down The Nene a couple of years back but it's good to get recommendations! Middle Level windlass.. where do you buy these from?

Next weekend we're picking up our new narrow boat from St Ives in Cambs. and heading to Sawley Marina on the Trent... I've used canal planner and I'm giving myself 2 weeks. Any tips on where to stop off for good pubs and villages on The Nene? Also, are the lock keys on the Nene the same as on the Ouse?

hi we bought our first boat from sawley marina, central and very helpful... although thier website is rubbish and terrible pictures of boats. what about the new and used boat company they have a few places across the midlands, great website and nice selection of boats. however, if you're not getting bites from appollo i think you need to think about the pictures, price and how you're marketing it. this was last year but we sold ours on within a month on that site, price was the main factor - get it right and it should sell quickly... get it wrong and it will sit there for months. good luck

be good if it was...!! but i wouldn't hold you breath, the speed the ashby is going my great grandchildren may get to cruise to measham!

cheers, off there now for a wander and an icecream..

I'm thinking of going tomorrow to check it out.. has anyone been today? Much to see and buy?

anyone been through this weekend? or any news on how the running repairs are going?

THIS IS THE EMAIL I'VE JUST BEEN SENT. I also spoke to the head engineer on the project and they say if passage is booked in advance they WILL get you through. However there maybe some SLIGHT delay while they carry out repair work. hank you for your email of 29th April. The Lock is open for the passage of craft booked to pass through it. Between such bookings, the contractors are continuing to work on it. The navigation notes make clear that passages must be booked. The information on the website is therefore correct. I would advise you to contact this office regarding the status of the Lock. Yours sincerely Iain Smith Clerk & Chief Executive Middle Level Commissioners

I called the MLC to try and get an update on the whole situation and they said the head engineer can't be contacted today as he's in a meeting. I just hope the meeting's about how to get this lock working again and SOON! What an embarrasment. It really is becoming a joke, however I'm not laughing as I was due to move the boat this weekend.

Spoke to a stressed out lock keeper... it might be a lengthy job. The engineers are back and there's problems!! What a nightmare this has been ongoing for 6 months now.

does anyone have the telephone number for salters lode lock to pre book? many thanks!

cheers nick. i think it's a no, no then! any other heating ideas for a boat with an outboard... could you run an electric heater off a suitcase geny?

would that be any different to a 'log burner' though.. on the condensation and co front??

I've seen this new compact heater and thought it might be a good alternative to our multi fuel burner. Does anyone use similair heaters and are they safe to use on boats? http://www.lpg-portable-heaters.co.uk/acat...rcatalytic.html

we're in the process of buying a boat... and can't wait to collect it!! which website gives updates EA or middle levels? cheers.