NB Watersnail

SCCCo did use MV for their numbered vessels, although I think these were mostly either the motors they created from converted wooden horse boats or wooden motors purchased from Cadbury's. The 8 Charles Hill Severners were always known by the MB designation, as far as I can tell from any written and photographic sources. Motor Boat being the common term on the river for anything with an engine, at that time. Here's a picture of our Severner's sign written panel for reference. We researched this as much as we could and are as sure as we can be that this is how they were written from new.

Another one for sale today - at least, 'some' of it is historic.... https://www.facebook.com/groups/narrowboatsforsaleuk/permalink/2495125163972880/?sale_post_id=2495125163972880

That will be Ash 1 or Ash 2 that were built from the ends of Alder. I think.

We have recently become the new custodians of the ex-SCCCo "Pine". Built by Charles Hill in 1935, she is one of eight welded iron composite motor boats. I've been doing my research during the purchase process, so we know a little of "Pine's" history, but not a lot and there are very few photos that I can find. Does anybody have any knowledge of "Pine's" working history, early private ownership or better still, any pictures? Here's a recent shot: I'll summarise what I do know: Built Charles Hill in 1935. Registered Gloucester in Feb 1935. Worked for SCCCo until approx. 1950. Sold to DIWE in 1950ish. Pictured in the National Waterways Archive (1950's) as a piling rig on the T&M. Sold by BW around 1980. Rebottomed in steel by Ian Kemp around 1980. Owned by The Chester Packet Horse & Boat Co during the 1980's. A few photos/documents relating to private ownership seem to locate "Pine" around Chester, T&M and the Shropshire Union. Last private owner kept "Pine" at Norbury Wharf. I've read this thread, which is very informative: I've loved reading Willows blog: https://severnerwillow.wordpress.com/ We have Hugh Conway-Jones excellent book, Alan H Faulkners book on Severn & Canal and Cadbury's and the Waterways Journal containing a short article on SCCCo. Are there any other good books worth tracking down? Here's a picture from the archive that I am fairly certain is "Pine" at work in the 1950's. Any and all information, photo's, anecdotes welcome. I know there is a huge wealth of information within the membership of this forum. Thank you in advance!

Yes, quite icy here at Sovereign Wharf in Banbury. One of our moorers turned a 70' butty around this morning with a lot of ice breaking with a pole! Rather them than me! Just seen a boat go past, so it is clear through Banbury now.

It's funny how model railways and boats seem to go together well. I've spoken to several boaters this year and discovered a shared interest in model railways. Without wishing to de-rail the thread, I help organise a model railway exhibition in Oxford every January. This year we had Pete Boyce's 8mm broad gauge layout attend, which has a 'work in progress' dock. I'd love to have another layout with a bit of canal in it for next year. I can be reached via http://www.scoutrail.org.uk/if anybody might be interested in exhibiting.

Might be worth trying Chris at Oxon Boat Painting, he was toying with the idea.

We've got a dishwasher. It doesn't hold that much water in the base. Ecover make dishwasher tablets that are eco friendly. We both hate washing up, so although a bit extravagant, we wouldn't be without it now. It does use a fair bit of water and electricity, but we're on a serviced mooring, so no problem for us and when cruising we normally fill up every few days. Biggest issues is the noise as its only about 6' from the sofa.

We refurbed ours. The fixed panes didn't leak, but they leaked around the frame/cabin joint and through the hopper. The hopper seals can be replaced with closed cell neoprene draught excluder. We then cleaned all the old silicone off of ours and seated them on new window tape from Midland Chandlers. We had new wooded frames inside too, so could get a good purchase to pull them in with new stainless screws. Biggest problem was ensuring the frames were flat as they had all been damaged over the years being levered in and out, but patience resolved this. It was massively cheaper than new Windows!

A further vote for Trevor Whitling from me.

Bags on back deck, fold the top over once it's open. That's worked for the last 10 years. A standard scuttle lasts us 24hrs. It doesn't get any damper than it does on Dusty the fuel boat when it's being delivered. Easy!

Websters did ours on the 21st December, we were inside a building, but had no heating. Steel was dry but cold. We didn't have any issues, foam adhered and expanded, but I did worry before hand!

I believe Brinklow have just fitted a lifting into a semitrad. Pics on their FB page last week.

Thinners worked for us. Admittedly on a cruiser stern with all the boards up, but it was the only thing to shift 30+ years of grease. Wouldn't want to be a confined space with it.....

From a boat yard perspective. Not intentional advertising: We've often got space at Sovereign Wharf in Banbury over the summer months while our long term moorers are out cruising. But our winter moorings are normally booked before the previous winter is over! We charge £10/night including electric. That seemed fair for our area after a little research. We will sometimes do a deal on periods of more than a few weeks. I shouldn't think you'll struggle during the summer. I know lost marinas on the Oxford are glad of short term summer moorings. Winter moorings are always in short supply. We get enquires all year for the winter, even more so as October approaches - I wouldn't leave it that late!