Bones

I heard on the grapevine the chap wanted £3500

Only if someone tells you so. The first time I stepped on the first boat it was +60ft and I reversed it 1 mile to the winding hole. The owner was flabberghasted when he found out proclaiming "but this boat is impossible to reverse" good job no-one told me. I also had no idea that narrowboats didn't go backwards at all well. Nor did I know that single handing a 63ft boat was difficult. The only thing I wish people had told me was that boats are meant to be warm! Now, I did spend an inordinate amount of time getting stuck and wedged but I am sure that put me in good stead for my life on boats. I love the space on the +60ft but I prefer the maneuverability of my 54ft.

60ft single handing isn't a problem.

There is a winding hole above somerton deep that is not private, or chained. One can wind there.

it is open again now.

When I saw them this morning I did mention my surprise that it had lasted so long. They think it will be open in a couple of days.

me too - up, floating and for sale. again

There used to be 7 day moorings at Frenchay Road in Oxford - have they been disbanded? Lower Heyford is a good idea.

hmm... I wasn't sure it was that modern. I should have taken a picture when I could!

I would love a pic! - thank you! I had a look in the marina but didn't see it. The pipe smoking tea towel navigating skipper said he was on his way to Braunston for the show.

What a brilliant day! I went yesterday and had a great time. I had hoped to get a snap of the tug style boat DUKE did anyone get one? I was moored near it at Bugbrooke but I was too busy admiring it to take a picture.

I was under the impression that the benefit system will help them out with housing. I know a number of people whose moorings and boat safety are paid by the system.

My first lot of Owatrol came from the Dulux trade place...so you could try there.

Or I can bring it from Cambridge if anyone is going there.....

Goodness me - that sounds just awful; more awful than an awful thing. I am so pleased you are OK and I do hope that these few days later is seeing you on the mend but what a nightmare!

according to the signs on the towpath the restricted hours of passage are on going.

My BMC 1.5 engine needs to be lifted in order to remove the starter motor. Sometimes, and more commonly perhaps, the starter motor is more easily accessible and I know other BMC 1.5 marinisations do have the starter motor on the 'side' which is something I would DEFINITELY check (and prefer!)

If I am correct Maffi would not have been on his boat.

Why would you expect that? Mine is definitely polystyrene. It melted with stick welding and no fires..

A friend of mine welded a pigeon box on to my roof and I stood inside to put any fires out...there weren't any; the insulation melted, but there was no fire. Same for a roof patch where the flue had damaged the roof (diameter of patch bigger than the flue) and I welded a patch on to an old chimney flue hole in the engine room (smaller than the other one at about 4inches in diameter) last winter which melted the insulation but no fires. I am not recommending not removing the insulation, I am just saying.....