Aggressive environment / 14 day movement suspension?

[Rob-M]

3 hours ago, Tonka said:

Why has everyone that's replied got it wrong

Crt stated that if your on a 14day mooring then there is no need to move 

BUT if you are on a 24 hour or 7 day mooring then you are obliged to move

The responses were relating to the OP being told they weren't allowed to move which is incorrect.

[NB Thistle]

Some of the grumpiest, most miserable people I have ever encountered occupy the waterways. Also there seem to be a higher than average proportion of people who actively try to enforce their beliefs on the actions of others regardless of what the rules actually say. 

Slow down past moored boats becomes tickover or less is the only acceptable speed, and often not even that.

Don't run your engine when stationary after 8pm becomes you're not allowed to boat at night.

And of course how dare anybody be trying to get somewhere a moderate distance away in a reasonable time, we must all be lounging around because the waterways are a place to take everything as slowly as possible.

 

Edited August 29 by NB Thistle

[David Mack]

6 minutes ago, NB Thistle said:

Don't run your engine when stationary after 8pm becomes you're not allowed to boat at night.

And you are not allowed to run your engine while stationary between 8 pm and 8 am is interpreted by some as a right to run your engine or generator while stationary continuously from 8am to 8pm.

[LadyG]

6 hours ago, Display Name said:

It's only day 7 of living a narrowboat and I'm already wondering if we've made a massive mistake?

 

We're travelling east on the K&A as we need to get as close to Milton Keynes, as soon as possible, for my girlfriends new job.

 

We had to stop for a couple of days, as our section of canal closed due to low water. As soon as CRT lifted the restriction we started moving again...

 

We didn't even get through the first lock at Great Bedwyn before we had two very aggressive boaters shouting abuse in my and my girlfriends face. They very strongly believed that all movement was banned until the 30th September and wouldn't listen to anything else.

 

We both avoid confrontation, are very placid, considerate people and new to boating. As such, we continuously offered these people (as politely as possible) the opportunity to explain to us what we'd missed and why we were wrong about the canal being reopened. This only resulted in them shouting more abuse and insults at us. It quickly descended to the point that it could've become physical.

 

Anyway, after a very tense hour or so of being abused at our first lock of the day. We confirmed (with a phone call to CRT) that the canal was indeed open as normal and we could proceed. Despite what the local boaters were trying to enforce by intimidation.

 

This has left me with a sour taste in my mouth and a very negative feeling about the boater 'community'. There's the two of us living in a cheap 90's 40'er, so it's not like we're swanning around in some massive, shiny new widebeam. We're very average people, just trying to get by, like everyone else.

 

I know I've got at least a fortnight of solo cruising to do once my GF starts her new job near MK and I'm now really wishing we didn't bother doing this at all.

 

These guys were insistent that the 14 day movement suspension notice meant that you're not allowed to move until 30th September. That's not how I read it at all.

 

What's the general opinion on the notice?

 

Can I move if CRT say the canal is open?

 

Or am I going to get (verbally / physically?) abused at every set of lock gates I have to stop for the next 3 weeks???

 

Thanks for reading.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sorry this has happened. Just an idiot,

I've pottered about for six years and had nothing like that.

I got in to  a pickle after about a week, mentioned it on here.

A  lady boater turned up towed me to a yard 

Another experienced boater came and sorted everything out.  So , if you need assistance,  mention it on here

its all very weird, canal boating.

I believe the K&A have some weirdos, if you meet him again just tell him you have permission,

Or suggest he speaks to CRT 

I've never had any abuse, ..... bizarre.. 

 

 

The 14 day rule generally means you can't stay in one place for for  longer, unless you get permission, from CRT, or unless the rule is suspended, as now.

You can move if sensible, but you don't have to.

I've never had an overstay notice, even though I've been iced in, been  broken down,  and covid, ( I just phoned CRT: call centre) and they gave me 7 days, if the issue is not sorted , then ask for Regional Officer, or ask for another overstay 

Due to the Drought, you can stay, but you don't have to!

I have moved twice in the last ten days.

I share locks if possible ( wide canal)

I have occasionally met a lock chained,  safety reasons, or just lack of water.  Alerts are done via the CRT website.

The 14 day restriction has been lifted, to 30th September. 

Edited August 29 by LadyG

[nicknorman]

It’s just the KandA really. We’ve only cruised it once, not rushing to go back. We were passing some moored skank boats behind a wide beam hire boat that was really crawling along, as we passed a particularly unsuitable boat (sailing yacht) barely moving mostly in neutral, the owner came out shouting angrily that he was going to “shit on our boat!” for making his boat rock a bit. I’m so annoyed that I was too slow to shout back “well bring your own toilet roll, we’ve run out!.”

 

The general rule is that the further north you get, the nicer the people. There are too many rats in London and the SE. And that is just the people! MK is not too bad. 

Edited August 29 by nicknorman

[b00ke23]

5 hours ago, phantom_iv said:

There are some “special” people on the K&A. Don’t worry, it will get better once you get east of Newbury - sure everywhere has the occasional idiot but the vast majority of people are perfectly pleasant. Parts of the K&A attract a very entitled unpleasant type of person which is very atypical of what you’ll find on the rest of the network. What you’ve seen is very much not the norm

 

^^ This.

 

I'm sure MTB is right when he says the permanent moorers in the area are decent. But the K&A does have a higher than average amount of curious types. The further west you go the more you encounter.....these people may have substance addiction issues and/or mental health issues. Of course we don't know that this was the case here and there are two sides to every story. But my recommendation is to not engage in these sort of situations as there is no point, simply advise they should contact CRT with any complaints about your movement (they won't). 

 

But don't let it get to you.....most boaters are nice. 

Edited August 29 by b00ke23

[LadyG]

PS not knowing the situation,  but there may be boaters who are living on their boat because  of old age and poverty, and lonliness this may lead to mental issues.

I suspect you just met one. 

As a lonely female, I would just tell him I am phoning 999. He should then leave, if not 999. This is harassment. Move on .......

Edited August 29 by LadyG

[MtB]

1 hour ago, NB Thistle said:

Don't run your engine when stationary after 8pm becomes you're not allowed to boat at night.

 

This also gets turns into "Running your engine when stationary IS permissible in daytime, even if it's a nuisance to neighbouring boaters".

 

When the rule actually says otherwise. 

[Stroudwater1]

I’ve found a couple of times non official people round locks and towpaths that tell us what to do. They are often the least informed and can be difficult people.
 

It’s best to smile and much worst to contradict. A few stock phrases are good to have ready if smiling doesn’t resolve things. half past two, quest que ce, hola or “yes  of course” usually does the job. Don’t get riled, just smile and carry on. 

 

[MtB]

1 minute ago, Stroudwater1 said:

I’ve found a couple of times non official people round locks and towpaths that tell us what to do. They are often the least informed and can be difficult people.
 

It’s best to smile and much worst to contradict. A few stock phrases are good to have ready if smiling doesn’t resolve things. half past two, quest que ce, hola or “yes  of course” usually does the job. Don’t get riled, just smile and carry on. 

 

Another technique is moor up, have a cuppa and wait for them to get bored and fcuk off. Or reinforcements arrive in the shape of another boat and boaters.

[LadyG]

PPS it matters not what the CRT advice is, harassment is harrassment,  which is a crime in the UK.

Running your engine 24/7 contravenes the Terns and Conditions of licence, it is not a crime, per se, unless other factors, like harrassment, danger to life / property are involved.

 

[Llamedos]

44 minutes ago, MtB said:

 

This also gets turns into "Running your engine when stationary IS permissible in daytime, even if it's a nuisance to neighbouring boaters".

 

Or as I’ve been known to say to people… It’s not against the rules to fart at the dinner table, but it doesn’t make it socially acceptable. 

[nicknorman]

4 hours ago, Llamedos said:

Or as I’ve been known to say to people… It’s not against the rules to fart at the dinner table, but it doesn’t make it socially acceptable. 

Oh dear, perhaps that’s where I’ve been going wrong?

[Llamedos]

56 minutes ago, nicknorman said:

Oh dear, perhaps that’s where I’ve been going wrong?

It depends who you’re with, if it’s just the missus it’s perfectly acceptable behaviour. 😆

 

(PS: She’s not a member of this forum)

[TheShipsCat]

13 hours ago, Display Name said:

It's only day 7 of living a narrowboat and I'm already wondering if we've made a massive mistake?

 

We're travelling east on the K&A as we need to get as close to Milton Keynes, as soon as possible, for my girlfriends new job.

 

We had to stop for a couple of days, as our section of canal closed due to low water. As soon as CRT lifted the restriction we started moving again...

 

We didn't even get through the first lock at Great Bedwyn before we had two very aggressive boaters shouting abuse in my and my girlfriends face. They very strongly believed that all movement was banned until the 30th September and wouldn't listen to anything else.

 

We both avoid confrontation, are very placid, considerate people and new to boating. As such, we continuously offered these people (as politely as possible) the opportunity to explain to us what we'd missed and why we were wrong about the canal being reopened. This only resulted in them shouting more abuse and insults at us. It quickly descended to the point that it could've become physical.

 

Anyway, after a very tense hour or so of being abused at our first lock of the day. We confirmed (with a phone call to CRT) that the canal was indeed open as normal and we could proceed. Despite what the local boaters were trying to enforce by intimidation.

 

This has left me with a sour taste in my mouth and a very negative feeling about the boater 'community'. There's the two of us living in a cheap 90's 40'er, so it's not like we're swanning around in some massive, shiny new widebeam. We're very average people, just trying to get by, like everyone else.

 

I know I've got at least a fortnight of solo cruising to do once my GF starts her new job near MK and I'm now really wishing we didn't bother doing this at all.

 

These guys were insistent that the 14 day movement suspension notice meant that you're not allowed to move until 30th September. That's not how I read it at all.

 

What's the general opinion on the notice?

 

Can I move if CRT say the canal is open?

 

Or am I going to get (verbally / physically?) abused at every set of lock gates I have to stop for the next 3 weeks???

 

Thanks for reading.

 

 

I really know how that feels.  Very sorry that some boaters are schitz.  

 

In the first could of months that I had my boat I had a similar experience.  I won't tell the story, but suffice to say that I had the reaction of "gawd, what have I done?"  Had I committed myself to a milieu where I'm a target for being crapped on?  I am a singlehander as well as a newbie boat owner (and a foreigner to boot), and the experience made me feel terribly lonely. 

 

I had to grab ahold of myself and recognize that this is one moment, the next moment could be better, or at least something completely different.  The next day I had an absolutely lovely interaction with some people on the towpath that illuminated my day.  It was the medicine I needed.

 

Yes, there are some knuckle-draggers in boats and they often drag them loudly.  But when I add it all up, most of the experiences I have with other boaters are pleasant, and in some cases, sublime.  The sum of the experience is positive.

 

I hope you can shake the rough patch enough to let the good stuff in.  It will come, and likely soon.   

[junior]

Tell them to go fuck themselves.

 

Then cruise north. Further north than Milton Keynes. People are friendlier. 

[MtB]

4 minutes ago, TheShipsCat said:

 

I really know how that feels.  Very sorry that some boaters are schitz.  

 

In the first could of months that I had my boat I had a similar experience.  I won't tell the story, but suffice to say that I had the reaction of "gawd, what have I done?"  Had I committed myself to a milieu where I'm a target for being crapped on?  I am a singlehander as well as a newbie boat owner (and a foreigner to boot), and the experience made me feel terribly lonely. 

 

I had to grab ahold of myself and recognize that this is one moment, the next moment could be better, or at least something completely different.  The next day I had an absolutely lovely interaction with some people on the towpath that illuminated my day.  It was the medicine I needed.

 

Yes, there are some knuckle-draggers in boats and they often drag them loudly.  But when I add it all up, most of the experiences I have with other boaters are pleasant, and in some cases, sublime.  The sum of the experience is positive.

 

I hope you can shake the rough patch enough to let the good stuff in.  It will come, and likely soon.   

 

 

May I comment that you write beautifully? 

 

I'm so happy that not all Yanks are knuckle-dragging MAGA types as you so ably illustrate, and also that you are over here enjoying our canals! 

 

 

 

 

 

[b00ke23]

28 minutes ago, MtB said:

I'm so happy that not all Yanks are knuckle-dragging MAGA types as you so ably illustrate, and also that you are over here enjoying our canals! 

 

In my experience on the ground in the USA, just like on the canals, knuckle draggers are by far in the minority! In fact this description from @TheShipsCat perfectly describes my encounters with the people in the USA: most of the experiences I have with other boaters are pleasant, and in some cases, sublime.  The sum of the experience is positive.

 

 

 

Edited August 29 by b00ke23

[Alway Swilby]

We've been cruising the canals and rivers for 20 years. We've been to many areas 3, 4 or 5 times. We cruised down the K&A from Reading to Bristol and back a few years ago and haven't felt inclined to return. There were some strange folk down there. 

 

[Mike Todd]

38 minutes ago, Alway Swilby said:

We've been cruising the canals and rivers for 20 years. We've been to many areas 3, 4 or 5 times. We cruised down the K&A from Reading to Bristol and back a few years ago and haven't felt inclined to return. There were some strange folk down there. 

 

Too true, me for starters, albeit rarely with a boat!

 

But: 40% of all boats without a home mooring are on the K&A, same as for London.  Same percentages for boaters with a special adaptation for all sorts of health and disability reasons. Quite a few of those have mental health reasons but barely a smidgen of those, or any boaters on the K&A, behave as described. Of course the numbers in those two categories are very different. 

[Alway Swilby]

Just seen this in the latest Boater's Update from CRT

 

If you're on a waterway that remains open and navigable, you can still get out and enjoy a cruise. This temporary change simply means there's no need to make a journey unless you want or need to and it’s safe to do so.

[MtB]

2 hours ago, Mike Todd said:

Too true, me for starters, albeit rarely with a boat!

 

 

Lol, I was about to say the same! I live by the K&A but my boats are on the Oxford. 

 

But I'm not weird obviously. Not quite so sure about all the others....

 

 

 

 

 

[ditchcrawler]

3 hours ago, Alway Swilby said:

We've been cruising the canals and rivers for 20 years. We've been to many areas 3, 4 or 5 times. We cruised down the K&A from Reading to Bristol and back a few years ago and haven't felt inclined to return. There were some strange folk down there. 

 

Likewise

[Llamedos]

I’ve never cruised the K&A in my own boat but we hired on it once. I didn’t much care for it either. There were far too many moored liveaboard boats, mile after mile of them. I’m a pretty slow cruiser at the best of times but having to potter along at just above tick over all the time even got to me after a while. We decided we wouldn’t do it again. 
 

As an angler I would say, in its defence, that it’s crammed full of fish. Probably because the bank anglers can’t get in between the moored boats to fish and as a consequence the fish aren’t as wary as they are elsewhere!

[Bristolfashion]

15 hours ago, Alway Swilby said:

We've been cruising the canals and rivers for 20 years. We've been to many areas 3, 4 or 5 times. We cruised down the K&A from Reading to Bristol and back a few years ago and haven't felt inclined to return. There were some strange folk down there. 

 

I'm so strange that it's the K&A boaters that are unnerved! 😀.

 

Last time I was crawling past moored boats in tickover and I got the "slow down you @#£&ing @#£&" treatment, I stopped and explained my situation - it turns out that that is even more annoying!