Bringing the boat home 27/11/10

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

New (to me) boat

I have agreed to buy a GRP cruiser - sad looking Norman 23 cruiser (1980).

3 berth with Mercury 15 hp engine.

Obvious faults:

Exterior painting required

Anti fouling required

Patching repairs needed to hood

Front fender required

Some interior joinery required

Battery isolator to fit (battery box), possible battery upgrade

Foam upholstery needed in front of boat

Some interior painting

Some interior electrical works (minor)

Would not win any beauty contests, but, I like the layout and it has potential

It also has the advantage of a four year safety certificate

Will take up most of my spare time in the spring

Mooring secured

Not received any formal paperwork, but, British Waterways have cashed my cheque for the mooring in Findern (won via online auction at reserve price). Looking to get a small cruiser for now - narrowboats are well over priced at the moment (and a lot of crap about).

30.8 foot to use, water and plenty of parking. Shame BW had electric disconnected, however, there is a large area that could accommodate a small shed and I have a generator (once it is repaired)

Also an Indian restaurant/pub along side - no need to take the boat out!

Erewash canal 5/6/10

Reports of poor quality water (weed), rapaging kids and drunks, unusable locks and weed hatch issues prove to be unfounded as we had a pleasant 3 hour trip from Trent Lock to Sandiacre (Derby canal junction) on Saturday. The weed and canal depth is actually worse at Trent Lock, no doubt due to the polution caused by the permanent live aboards and the fact that they seldom move their boats. The water is actually remarkably clear - probably due to the weed (lilies) - you can see the bottom of your boat - a pretty scary sight after a winter of ice damage to the blacking! Just remember your anti vandal key for the locks! The expression use it or lose it springs to mind - how Derby boaters would love a canal like the Erewash - how many millions would have been saved if it had been preserved in the 60s like the Erewash (not much change out of £100m I would guess)?

Fradley junction 5/6 April 2010

Stenson to Fradley 7 and a half hours each way (10 locks, 16 miles and the scary Trent at Wychnor)

We have done Stenson to Branston/Barton a few times, but, fancied the slightly longer trip to Fradley this Easter bank holiday (I have visited this popular spot by car a couple of times - very pretty and with good boater facilities including the famous Swan pub).

Against the water flow and wind most of the way, however, most of the traffic was going the other way so no hold ups at locks.

The village of Alrewas looks very pretty with attractive waterside thatched cottages, however, due to its popularity some of the moorings cause a few problems getting through due to the narrow canal and double parking especially around bridges (patience required)

Could be my last trip if the boat sale goes well (I am sure it wont)

Bridge 20 open

Nice new bridge 20 plate

Just requires coping on right parapet

Hard core replaced on bridge saddle

Canal now fully open - apparently opened on time yesterday 12/3/10.

The contractors still have to place copings on the new brickwork on the right parapet, however the scaffold and platforms have been removed.

The temporary bridge is still in place and the repaired bridge is still fenced off until the copers are cemented on.

I presume BW will put a weight limit on the bridge to warn the farmer?

Must be a big relief for the hire companies and Stenson marina - might take the boat out tomorrow to Willington and back.

Bridge 8 completion

New concrete bridge saddle

Just a few bricks left to replace - scaffold gone

work boats - hogging the towpath

Collapsed towpath repair in progress

The canal is now open at Weston on Trent - bridge 8 repairs. To be fair it was more of a make over than anything structural. The scaffold and temporary bridge has been removed and the bridge remains closed to traffic for now. The canal and lock appears open although the towpath is taken up by two work boats repairing the collapsed concrete path.