Roper

Another vote for Narrowboatwill. Appreciates the good but also shows the trails and tribulations.

Not sure how practicable it would be but something like a weak mechanical link possibly?

But what about single handling?

Oh yes that is lovely. Would be a pleasure to cruise to that all day.

Cheers @Mike Hurley I dont think i could live with that day to day.

Thanks, I just have memories of a lazier, deeper, chugging along type of sound.

Currently watching and enjoying Canal Boat Diaries on Yesterday channel. Been a while since my last hire so not sure if it's just me but the presenters engine seems to need high revs and be noisy compared to my (rose tinted 20:20) recollections of my last time on the canals.

Seemed to have spent a lot of money making it worse except for cyclists.

I am the OP and was impressed the way my first post was going!

How dare you bring this back on topic 😆

It is the age of entitlement and if you dare speak out you are damned. Manners and consideration for others seem to be gone.

Thanks for a very comprehensive reply Tony. As you say most of the time I would be able to choose which days I was out cruising so that aspect is maybe not so important. I'll try hiring a semi-trad and trad to see what I make of them. Maybe that'll help refine my search or maybe I'll just realise that I could get by with any type of stern.

Named after a racehorse that my friends and I would put a few shillings on a while ago when i registered with the site, unfortunately can't seem to change user name now. My mid-late life crisis has me getting the urge to go slower rathrr than faster.

I think so. You pay your money and you take your choice. In terms of safety, discipline and being aware of the risks are maybe more important factors.