wobbley

I'm impressed with the way CRT prioritizes. All the devastation in Leeds, ten boats and two pontoons swept miles downstream. A major breach at Knostrop fall lock. Then the head shaking starts, huffing and puffing and claims it will take ages and millions of pounds. But guess what,,,? The CRT offices at Fearns Wharf had workers ready as soon as the water went down. Within hours they had the car park devoid of all the mud and debris. Working well into the night I couldn't help but admire their dedication to ensure CRT employees wouldn't get muddy tyres.

Also check the Land Registry entries and any deeds which may be available for the property with the EOG mooring.

This thread sounds like a load of arrogant lorry drivers bleating on about old ladies in Micra's ! The canoes have as much right to use the canals and tunnels as the rest of us. It's not in itself a stupid thing to do, provided commonsense buoyancy aids and headtorches are used. What is stupid, in my view, is powering 17 tons of narrowboat through a tunnel when you are unable to see what is in front of you. Then having the affront to suggest it would be 'their' fault if someone got splattered on the walls. Just think how stupid it would sound in a court if there ever was a serious accident.

If I'm not mistaken their (seriously overloaded) boat has an 'on board electrical system' Therefore, as well as needing a licence, the boat is NOT exempt from a BSSC.

If you want peace of mind, don't use 'automatic' life jackets. I know of two people whose life jackets failed to deploy automatically when they went in. Why rely on a series of chemical and mechanical actions when you can use a good old fashioned foam filled life jacket that has zero chance of failure if fitted correctly.

It may be just me (probably!), but I do associate the term "plastic boats" as a derogatory referance made by 'metal boat' owners with a chip on their shoulders. What's wrong with using the words "cruiser" or "fibreglass". One idiot of a marine engineer recently talked himself out of a few hundred pounds of work by referring to our boat as a "yogurt pot".

Me and several boating friends at this end of the L&L. who use "alternative" handcuff keys. Sure we don't represent everybody but we've discussed this matter several times and feel the information is best kept among boaters. It is a 'security' key after all. Yes, they are that stupid. They often want to fill some locks to the brim to swim in (don't ask me why - I don't know). And sometimes it's just a "cause mayhem" thing for bored teenagers. It would help everybody that responsibly uses the canal if it wasn't made easier for these people. Having worked in the motor trade I know how to get into certain cars easily. It would be stupid of me (or anyone else) to post the details on a public forum. Well it's a similar situation here, tell friends who have boats, by all means. But posting it in public could lead to more drained and flooded pounds and wasted water.

With respect, it's not really a good idea to publish that information. Around our way on the L&L I have witnessed the local 'oiks' trying to use such things as long nose pliers and screwdrivers to open the handcuff keys on locks. It's bad enough suffering stupid boaters leaving paddles open, but some of the local "Jeremy Kyle fodder" would have a field day if they found out We would really prefer the information about "how to make a handcuff key" to be kept quietly amongst genuine boaters.

And no insurance?

Oh, priceless that. And I'll forgive John for getting my name wrong on FB. At the time of exchanging names it was about force 8, with 9" waves on the canal !

Some friends of mine had this problem and complained to BW about some of the names used. Hugh and his girlfriend Tess even started an online petition about it. Can't remember the url or even if it's still active, but if you 'google' Mr Jarse and Miss Tickles names it should work.

Glad to hear he's doing well. I met John at Granary Wharf last week and helped him through Office Lock. Cracking bloke facing a big challenge for a very worthwhile cause. For other members on here it may be worth finding out what his catamaran is called, - and why... Best of luck to you John. NB would loved to have been there when he arrived at Bingley Five Rise - if only to see the lock keeper's reaction !

I used it two days ago. You need to be on the "paying" moorings a Granary Wharf and just ask the security (24 hours) for the key. I was told these particular facilities appear in a previous years BW accounts so they really should be for all boaters. They are clean and new but basic. There's no refuse disposal and the sluice is set a bit high. Also, for anyone passing, - the waterpoint at office lock has been turned off, for some strange reason.

Camo Stakes are so funny - people really should look where they are going !

Ah, but more important than safety and stability - Where's his licence? Or- His BCU membership?