Barton turns marina to findern mooring in 4 hours (10 miles and 4 locks)
Almost had to abort the trip due to the marina being frozen over - it has been clear all week
The boat services guys broke the ice for us and allowed us to get away onto the T & M by around 12 pm
Issues:
The rear corner fenders made it a tight squeeze through a couple of locks
The steering took a lot of getting used to - a bit of zig zag, plus clouted a few walls - the boat handled really well later on when the wind dropped.
The outboard started to play up after a couple of hours - cut out and wouldnt run on slow tick over - ok later on, but, had to perfect a technique of leaving in fast idle then switching to full throttle when ready to go.
Had to ice break in sheltered canal sections - most of Burton on Trent (- helped later on when we met some traffic - who had broken the ice for us) - a bit of a worry as i was told that GRP boats don't do ice! (will have to check the boat hasn't sunk in a few days)
Problems with the boat:
A real pain to get in and out of - think Starsky and Hutch
There doesn't appear to be any on switch for the tap???? It is connected to a proper water tank!
The floor bearers near the cabin entrance are not strong enough - needs a bit of 3" x 2" - cheapish repair
The zip on the cover needs stitching - not a major problem
Positive points:
The boat is quick
Got back to the pub in Findern by 4.30 and warming a pint before tea
Acquired a gnome left on the boat by the previous owner
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