Hello hello all,
I am bringing a slightly old, but good condition, 1983 Harborough Marine cruiser stern (with a nicely running BMC 1.8) from Shardlow Marina area down to London at the beginning of May.
I am kind of hoping to do it in 11 days, although I can stretch to a couple of days longer, of driving basically every day. I've driven it and it handles nicely - much nicer than the other boats I have driven - but I am really an inexperienced boater. I've done locks, but never alone, for instance.
Does anybody have any tips for long cruises, or recommended stopping places along that route (I've had a spy on CanalPlan and it looks like it's basically Grand Union all the way down) or words of warning for certain places? I'd really, really appreciate any advice and stories you might have.
I hear the Trent, which I'll have to go on for a little bit, can be quite fast and difficult for new boaters - any thoughts?
Also, I just want to say, yes, I anticipate the eye rolls and hostility when it becomes clear I am another CCer bringing a boat to London - I've read the threads and heard from London CCing friends, I know about the lack of facilities, the lack of space, the rookies bashing into things and tying up in terrible places and generally being dicks. Feel free to express more opinions like this, I'll listen to it, but I also would really like it if some people might be able to offer me some useful advice and past experiences.