The Hunky Dory

We've an integral tank, which was painted with Epicol solvent free blue two pack plastic paint when the boat was built. Its a bit like the stuff you see in swimming pools. After 10 years I repainted it, although it was generally still sound, just a bit of cracking where I bumped the bows. Its very expensive at £100 for 2.5 litres which does 2 coats. Obtainable from Mainline paints in Liverpool. Suitable for drinking water, although we also have a filter.

We were there on Friday night, very quiet and no trouble. Very shallow on the west side but fine otherwise. In my opinion at last the head of navigation has a destination worth travelling to. Also remember, if it wasn't for the industry we wouldn't have navigable rivers or canals.

I've got exactly the same setup. Its a fault in the TV software which doesn't clear out all the files required when you delete a programme. The only way I've fixed it is to reformat the USB stick via a laptop. Of course, you then lose anything else recorded.

We arrived at Gloucester yesterday afternoon, and although busy there were still spaces just after Llanthony bridge (either side of the canal). They have all gone today, but I think there will be some free on Monday. If not, its only 20 mins cruise to Hempsted Bridge, where there is space and its dog friendly.

I've just replaced my tiles, which had leaked badly and stained the bedroom bulkhead. First I tanked with the Aquaseal kit (cheaper than the Bal, and has good reviews). Then installed Showerwalls on three sides, which was a really hard job in such a restricted space. Used liberal amounts of silicone where the walls meet the shower tray. Haven't used theshower yet so I don't know if it's waterproof!

Problem is, as a Yorkshireman, I just can't resist a bargain! You get what you pay for.

Thanks for this - I used Wilko oil too, so I hope that's it.

Just done the regular oil and filter change on my Beta 43 engine, and now I can smell oil when the engine is running, both on tickover and under strain. Used the same mineral oil spec as usual, and there are no leaks, not losing oil, and no smoke of any colour from the exhaust. Any suggestions?

Thanks for the replies. I replaced the faulty one, and will now replace the other!

I've just had to replace a rubber gas pipe, the one which connects the bottle to the regulator, as it was leaking. I noticed that it was cracked along most of its length. The boat is just under 10 years old. Would you expect it to wear out about now, as I've never read of any requirement to replace these as part of a preventive maintenance programme.

I fitted this, expensive but does the job without welding http://www.dipstop.co.uk/boat.html

Brunswick lock going onto the Mersey is just about square, with very interesting radial gates. When we locked down onto the river, the gates were opened even though the river level was about three feet lower than the dock

Jim did the same for us in May. I mentioned we'd met him before, in 2003 on the Lanky, and he emailed several photos of our boat from that visit. Good bloke.

We had a similar problem on Friday coming down the Wigan flight. 3 locks near the bottom were freshly painted, with no way of avoiding it if we wanted to work through the locks. Used half a bottle of white spirit to clean up the mess. Fortunately they went for lunch so allowed us to get through the bottom two unscathed.

Just met him at Johnson's Hillock, as he let us go down in front of him (he's not happy about sharing locks). Nice bloke, good cause, if you see him make a donation.

We're still aiming to cross on 7th May, with another boat. All elements booked, just hoping for calm weather.

We've done it a dozen times without any sign of trouble, including weekends. We moor opposite Haigh Hall the night before when going west, and at Dover lock when heading east. Best of you travel as a pair, but not essential. Great views of the Douglas Valley. Enjoy it!

We're aiming for Liverpool early next May, and I was thinking of crossing the Mersey to Ellesmere Port around 8th May, rather than returning via the L&L. I'll only do it with one or more other boats, so is anyone interested, or can you offer any advice on who to ask (boat clubs etc)?

We decided to go for it yesterday, even though the Strong Stream signs were still up, as several boats passed us heading for Northampton. Flow was OK, but the river level under Islip footbridge had risen so we can't get through there yet. Another wait in store.

We've been stuck at Irthlingborough for 18 days. The strong stream boards are still out (and some locks are reversed) but the river level is at last dropping today, and we hope to get moving within the next 2 days. There is still insufficient headroom through Islip footbridge.

As far as I can remember, Vulcan's mooring is on the offside at Stainforth, which is where that photo was taken. Always well maintained.

Having bought my first Gold Licence with the sole aim of "doing" the Fens this year, I'm a bit fed up! I rang BW Licencing in Leeds to ask about getting a refund on the licence, and they inferred there would be no chance, despite the unusual circumstances. Has anyone else tried or succeeded?

I placed an order for a new Bridgewater Boat in early 2002. In September, the company went bust, and the owner, Mildred McWilliams, was declared bankrupt in November 2002. In 2003 Bridgewater Boatbuilders Ltd was formed, owned by Aspull engineering of Boothstown. Until I'm paid the money they owe me for my deposit, they are not on my Christmas card list, to say the least.

Back to the original question "Is joining GOBA worthwhile?". I've just joined as I plan to visit this year. GOBA sound like a good group, providing facilities like those provided by SUCS on the Shroppie, and I think they will use my £20 wisely, for all our benefit. The quarterly newsletter they sent me is just about the best boating read I've seen.

That's simply not true in my experience - we do the Wigan flight at least once each year, and have never seen any trouble. Yes, its hard work, but the towpath is tidy and the locals friendly. Enjoy a good days work and the end of the day either at the top (we moor opposite Haigh Hall) or bottom (Dover Lock mooring).