Kentboycamper2

Thanks all, I think I have covered most of the bases. Lots of pictures of all different parts of the boat inside and out. Some of the engine, engine room etc. All the sort of detail that I would look for in an ad too. It is useful to get an insight into how other people use these sorts of adverts, Thanks, Andy

Hi Folks, Have put an ad for my narrowboat on Apolloduck but was arguing with my good lady about how much information to put in. I like loads of photos and as much information as possible, I have even taken a photo of the central heating! She thinks we should just put in less information and fill in the gaps when people view. Would be interested in some opinions as to what people look for in these sort of ads as we bought the boat by spotting it in a marina, Andy

I have to say I don't necessarily agree with all this sexist nonsense. I discussed this with my bird the other day when she was cooking my dinner. I said 'Listen, sweetheart, sweetcheeks, love, there is no sexism in this house so don't get you knickers in a twist. I hate it when crumpet gets the hump. You'll crease my shirt when you iron it if you do it with a mood on.' After this normal service was resumed and when she bought me my evening lager she had even brought a sparkling clean glass. Bit later than usual admittedly but the journey to the off licence took longer than usual due to the rainstorm.

I see what you mean but I don't think we are set out this way. What we have is a boat tied up to a long pontoon. At the bow and stern of that boat are pontoons that come out from the original at right angles. Next to this is the boat that is banging mine and next to them is me. Myself and the boat next to mine tie up bow and stern to the bow and stern pontoons. Imagine a U shape with three boats side by side in the U and you are about there, Andy

Yeah, will look at that, thanks. It's complicated by the fact there is another boat inside of that one against the pontoon. I am the furthest out of the three with smaller pontoons at the bow and stern that I tie up to, Andy

The boat next to mine in the marina is bumping into ours. We have fenders out etc but in the wind they don't seem as effective. Is it common to tie one boat to the other? I am thinking of using our middle ropes to tie up against the boat next door very securely and just wondered if anyone had done this before and had any tips i.e. tying up diagonally etc, Andy

At the moment, there may be visitor moorings in Bath, above and below the locks as we are not in a time of peak traffic. I have struggled to get a mooring above the locks, right up past MOD Warminster Road and as far up as Bathampton and beyond. This is not the CCers, it is the sheer amount of hire traffic, travelling boaters etc etc. This situation occurred in the summer and right up to late September. The same occurred below the locks by the Weir and also by the moorings (shown in the photograph)on the Avon by the multi-storey carpark. These moorings are different because as far as I know you can moor there for as long as you like (as long as you are licensed). I know the area very well and I know that you see the same boats who are CCers on the canal but they do move. Like it or not they are within the rules. I have walked the canal from Bathampton to Bath at all times of the years and you do see the same boats moving up and down that stretch. Having said that BW do seem to be monitoring more closely than they used to. BW need to clarify the CCer rules and then verify these are being adhered to. It is not rocket science and would stop the pathetic CCer bashing that does no one any credit, Andy

Exactly, Bath is so popular that most boaters want to go there, hence the traffic. Bath is expensive for housing, I feel akin to London really. I houseshared in Bath, fell in love with the canal and decided to liveaboard. I realised I needed some stability for work etc so I came away from the canal (where there are few private moorings) and moored on the river in a private marina. Folks who CC in the Bath area and stretch the rules a bit will always come up against the issues in this thread. I like a quiet life and was lucky to be able to afford to boat in the way I wanted to. Doesn't mean I think any less of our CCer friends, I just don't want to boat in the way that they do, Andy

I believe that on the K&A, BW should simply state how far CCers have to move every 14 days and then enforce this. I do know people that CC on the K&A, they move their boats within the rules, have a fair bit of aggravation getting supplies, getting to their cars etc etc. That is their lifestyle, they are within the current rules and they are happy to do so, regardless that their lives may not be as easy as they would be on a permanent mooring. They don't hog visitor moorings etc as they can't stay on these long enough and would have to move on too often. I live on a permanent mooring on the Avon, not far from Bath, I don't look down on the CCers on the canal, I just have different lifestyle needs to them and enjoy the facilities that come with my mooring. The K&A will always be an issue simply because the amount of traffic on it, CCers are part of the issue as are the myriad of hire companies that utilise this part of the system. Often you cannot get a mooring on the visitor moorings at Bradford etc as they are full of Hilperton Marina boats (amongst others) for example. CCer bashing does no one any credit and also makes certain boaters seem ill-informed, Andy

After pootling along the Kennet and Avon for the last few weeks I can see how incidents like this can happen. Too many boats - especially around the Bath area - with too few moorings on a canal which especially in Summer carries too much traffic for it's size. I am a considerate boater, pass boats at tick over and even I got a mouthful of swears from a boat who leaned out of his window to tell me I was going too fast. Strangely enough he didn't take up my offer to come and discuss the matter on dry land when I moored up. I imagine he had spent most of the day shouting at hireboaters as they went back and fro. The even stranger think was that three weeks later when I passed him on the way back his boat hadn't moved - I imagine he is one of the K&A's legion of ahem 'continuous cruisers'. One point I will make is that I only saw a BW worker once in all that time - checking boat numbers on the moorings by the Bath locks. Could it possible that the folks in Bath don't like to see boats overstay their welcome? He would have been better engaged chatting to hire boaters and giving them some boat sense, making sure people moor with some consideration for others and don't hog two moorings etc when they only need one. Even the regulars on the K&A are guilty of that one and it wouldn't take much to sort - a few words in a few ears. Kentboy

Essex, Not a chance on the Bristol Harbour Docks - they have a waiting list a mile long and most people only get a mooring by buying a boat that is in situ. Alternatives - move out of Bristol and you have Portavon and Saltford Marina. Both have occasional vacancies for residential moorings, Andy

I used to live in Batheaston and walked the stretch of the K&A from Bathampton to Bath on a daily basis. I also cycle from Bath to Bradford on Avon regularly for leisure. It is obvious that some boaters on this stretch - particularly closer to Bath - are using the ambiguity of the CC rules and not moving very far once their 14 days were up on a mooring. In fact I would go so far to say that a few have probably never moved at all. I would suggest that a fair few boaters in that area work in Bath or the surrounding area and therefore find it difficult to move regularly to have access to work. More moorings are needed in the area but even then these would probably be oversubscribed. The answer is for BW to lobby for tightening of the CC rules which they could then manage with greater rigour which would alleviate some of the issues on this busy stretch. As for the look of peoples boats, I like mine and I am not really bothered about anyone elses, live and let live, Andy

My general rule of thumb is if it flows then you can swim in it! Hence rivers yes, canals no.

A surveyor isn't looking for good or bad things, just the condition of the boat. If they find some area where the boat is deficient in some way then they flag it up as they are duty bound to do so. If something is good, that is all relative i.e. what I think is good is different to what you think is good. If something is bad - the boat is rusty, has holes in it etc etc then these are universally thought to be not good and hence they tell you about it. In some ways I agree that you want to see the odd negative thing on a survey as we all know there is no such thing as a perfect boat!

Dave, Apologies for your loss, Andy p.s. I have taken the text below from the MOD intranet. He sounds like a fine man and soldier. It is with sadness the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Corporal Harvey Alex Holmes, who died in Afghanistan on Sunday 2 May 2010. Corporal Holmes, of 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment, attached to 40 Commando Royal Marines Battle Group, was killed in an explosion close to patrol base Waterloo, in Sangin, Helmand Province. He was providing protection for his patrol as they investigated a compound east of Wishtan, close to Check Point Chakaw, when he died. A Company is based in the Wishtan area and over the last month has undertaken a number of patrols, partnered with the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police, to improve security for local Afghans. Corporal Harvey Holmes Corporal Holmes was 22 years old and from Hyde, Greater Manchester. He attended Astley High School in Dukinfield and enlisted into the Army in 2004 He trained at the Infantry Training Centre Catterick and posted to The 1st Battalion The 22nd (Cheshire) Regiment in 2005. He previously served on operations in Northern Ireland and Iraq. Corporal Holmes deployed with A Company, The 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire), part of the 40 Commando Battle Group, to Sangin in April 2010. Corporal Holmes was engaged to fiancee Claire. He leaves behind mother Beverley, stepfather David, sister Elizabeth, nephew Nickolas, brother-in-law Andrew and grandparents Jean and Frederick. He shared his family’s passion for narrow boats, and before joining the Army was a keen member of the Scout Association. Corporal Holmes' family said: "Harvey lived for his family and his friends but his passion was the Army. "He has made his family extremely proud for the sacrifice he has made and will be missed every day. Harvey has died a true hero and will be with us forever in our hearts." Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Hadfield, Commanding Officer 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire) said: "Corporal Harvey Alex Holmes, known as 'Holmesy' to his many friends within the Regiment, was a fine soldier, every inch the Mercian Infantryman. "He showed true promise and had a great future, but this has been cruelly stolen from him, his family, his girlfriend and his many friends. In his 5 years with the First Battalion he had passed some of the most arduous courses on offer, and served in Northern Ireland, Belize, the Falkland Islands and Iraq. "He had been promoted twice in quick succession, most recently to corporal just last Christmas. He was an exceptional leader and commander, and helped others to give of their best. "He was without doubt one of the very best, and will be remembered by all of us who are left. But there is a new star in the sky tonight – it is a bright, enduring one that should inspire all of us as we remember Harvey’s selfless courage, humour in the face of adversity and total commitment to his friends and his Regiment. "He died doing what he loved amongst his friends from A and Support Companies. "We will remember him as the Cheshire Oak that he was, standing firm always, and striking hard only to save others who were in trouble. "He was the epitome of the modern British soldier and we will miss him deeply. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this most difficult of times." Lieutenant Colonel Paul James, Commanding Officer 40 Commando Group, Combined Force SANGIN said: "A brave and proud Mercian, Corporal Harvey Holmes served his Regiment in the finest tradition. He died protecting his fellow soldiers in Sangin, part of 40 Commando Battlegroup, as they returned to their Patrol Base. "A selfless, dedicated and consummate professional he was a rising star having promoted to corporal after only five years in the Army. "He will be greatly missed by the Battle group and our thoughts and prayers are with his friends, and above all, his family. We shall never forget his sacrifice." Major Mark Ellwood MBE, Officer Commanding A Company, 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire) said: "Corporal Harvey Holmes, known by all as 'Holmesy', was the very epitome of professionalism. "He loved his job and was very good at it. In just five years he has served in three operational theatres, qualified in a number of specialist roles and promoted two ranks in two years, well ahead of his peers. "Field soldiering was everything to him and his enthusiasm for it was infectious. He was a shining example of a soldier on the rise; his peers and subordinates knew this and respected him for it. "Always ready to help others to learn, he excelled recently as an instructor on the Potential Junior Non-Commissioned Officers' Cadre. "His skills were held in very high regard both within Support Company and across the Battalion as a whole. He was universally popular throughout the Battalion and threw himself into everything he did and was always the heart and soul of any party, living life to the full. "Whilst serving in The Falkland Islands, he was able to visit Mount Longdon where his late father had served with the Parachute Regiment during the 1982 Conflict. "This was an emotional experience for him as his father was a huge inspiration to him. "We will miss him and are now the poorer for his loss. That he died doing the very job he so passionately loved, with his best friend at his side is some small consolation. "I have no doubt that he would wish us to continue our work here in Afghanistan; we will honour him by so doing. We have had a genuine star taken from us, we mourn his loss but his ever glorious memory will STAND FIRM AND STRIKE HARD in our hearts forever." Captain Lawrence Moore, Corporal James 'Flash' Gordon, Lance Corporal David Brierley and Lance Corporal Geo Maas, Support Company, 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire) said: "It may sound clichéd but Holmesy was a true soldier. From a military family, his whole reason for being was soldiering. "He was fiercely proud of his profession, showing the excellence derived from passion and competence. He was often away from us on courses but would always light up the platoon office on his return; big smiles and tall stories in a distinctive voice. He passed his Junior Non-Commissioned Officers' Cadre earning promotion to Lance Corporal. Holmesy wasn't a barracks soldier, as he told us all the time, and would volunteer for any and every course. "However, he found his home in Support Company, enjoying a more relaxed but professional approach to work. "Still he travelled as much as possible, from the Falklands to Belize to Iraq, along with the Section Commanders' Battle Course which he passed in the winter of 2009. "He always ensured he was present for Platoon social days, regardless of whether he was on leave or on the other side of the country. "Most recently he was selected to instruct on the Junior Non-Commissioned Officers' Cadre whilst waiting to deploy to Afghanistan. "He could not wait to get here, to do what he was trained to do. He had the brightest of futures ahead of him and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him." Warrant Officer Class One (Regimental Sergeant Major) Darren Williams, 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment said: "I first met Cpl Harvey Holmes in 2005 when he joined A Company and I was his Company Sergeant Major. "He stood out from the rest even in those early days - a young man with a plan to have a full career in the Army. He quickly established himself as a good, strong and reliable soldier with plenty of ability for a man so young. "We have lost one of our stars; Holmesy was modest, bright, witty, and intelligent. "He always led by example. He inspired his men with a cool head and the ability to make the right decisions; he had their confidence. "He worked extremely hard and enjoyed the work and camaraderie that Army life brought. "He will be sadly missed by the Regimental family and my thoughts are with his family, his girlfriend and friends at this very difficult and tragic time." Warrant Officer Class Two (Company Sergeant Major) Matt Henry, A Company, 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment said: "A fantastic example of an infantry soldier, who will be sadly missed. RIP Holmesy, never forgotten." Colour Sergeant Wayne Glynn, Support Company, 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire) said: "Cpl Holmes was a thoroughly professional and well regarded member of Support Company, supremely fit and always ready to face any challenge placed in front of him. "Nothing was too much trouble for him, he thrived in the high pressure situations, always leading by example and mentoring junior members in his platoon. His cutting sense of humour was a constant source of morale for the lads in the platoon. "He had recently passed the Section Commanders' Battle Course in Brecon with flying colours, and from there immediately volunteered himself to teach on the Divisional Junior Non-Commissioned Officers' Cadre as a section commander, again where he excelled. "When the Company was split up between the rifle companies to form Fire Support Groups, he took this in his stride. "He threw himself with tireless enthusiasm into working with A Company and displayed the drive and professionalism we had come to expect from him. "Clearly he was destined for great things within the Battalion. He had many close friends and colleagues within his platoon, as well as the Battalion, and will be sorely missed but never forgotten. "Our thoughts and deepest condolences go to his family and friends." Sgt Mark Lomas, Support Company, 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire) said: "Holmesy, you were a true friend, you were always there for the lads in the Platoon. "It was an honour to serve with you and you will always be in my thoughts, like you will be in everyone's thoughts. I promise to you now that you will always be part of us. You did what you loved. Rest in Peace." Sgt Billy Borlace Support Company, 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire) said: "The ultimate soldier, professional throughout. See you on the Re-Org mate. Rest in Peace." Corporal Stu Grundy 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire) said: "Harvey was an amazing soldier and a better friend. Sleep well old friend. You will be forever missed." Lance Corporal Jac Howden 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire) said: "Harvey was an amazing soldier who had a fantastic career ahead of him. He was always the person to boost morale during hard times. "It was an honour to have worked with him and a bigger honour to have been his friend. You will always be missed and remembered." Lance Corporal Steve Power 1st Battalion the Mercian Regiment (Cheshire) said: "I got to know you in Ireland. My God, all you talked about was the Army, one of the keenest I've ever met. You will be missed." Lance Corporal Mark Elliott 1st Battalion the Mercian Regiment (Cheshire) said: "Holmes was a top bloke, a soldier at the top of his game and a great friend to match, always in our hearts Harvey!" Lance Corporal Paul Langton 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire) said: "Holmesy was a great squaddie, one of the best I have worked alongside. Many men in 1 MERCIAN look up to him. He will be missed always." Private 'Mac' McHarg, Support Company, 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire) said: "Harvey was a top bloke and a massive icon for any young soldier. It was all about the boys he worked with and in camp he was always smiling when most of the lads were 'snapped'. "Cracking mate and a flying squaddie. RIP brother, will miss you loads." Private Chris Cunningham, Support Company, 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire) said: "Holmesy was by far the keenest soldier I know. He had the utmost respect for all his men and will be missed massively." Private Robbie Jones, 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire) said: "Holmesy gave the ultimate sacrifice doing the job he loved. Everyone looked up to him. He will always be in our hearts and never forgotten." Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said: "I was so very sorry to hear of the death of Corporal Holmes. He was clearly a hugely popular and capable soldier, whose talents had been recognised through quick promotion within 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment. "That he died providing protection for his comrades speaks volumes of his bravery. "My thoughts are with his fiancée, his family and friends at this difficult time."