Big Bob W

Saw us Enjoyed that. Definitely a character building experience!

Thanks for leading the way for us Matty! Definitely sporting conditions! We came back through on Saturday after mooring for the night just after Kingfisher marina. Totally different experience. I reckon the level dropped over a foot overnight and the lock landing was clear. I wonder how many times that WB moored opposite the Tove got clobbered that day!!

We actually like a trip down/up the Northampton Arm! Admittedly the bottom bit get be a bit hard going with lack of depth in the summer, but its a challenge! Its normally nice and quiet and the locks are generally very easy. But at this time, I would say Stoke Bruerne would be your best bet. Through the tunnel, wind and reverse back on to a mooring before the locks. Few pints in the Boat then get an Indian takeaway! You can always detour for a short run down the top of the Northampton arm as you pass Gayton Junction and wind just before the lock. 15 minutes or so each way.

The number of times I have had to steer through those over hanging branches! Good to see it gone (nearly).

Almost certainly leaves on the prop. Last autumn I was convinced I had a problem mid way through Blisworth Tunnel. Hardly any forward motion despite increasing revs. Then I noticed through the gloom, the water surface was covered in leaves. Burst of reverse and all sorted. The surface was clear entering and leaving the tunnel, but the leaves all accumulated half way through.

I think the boat hire businesses got greedy during the pandemic. They pushed up their prices to take advantage of people being unable to holiday abroad. Now things are back to "normal", they have not reduced their prices accordingly.

I need to draw myself a diagram now or I'm not going to sleep tonight! We are up and down Watford several times a year - but in my defence, I am on the back of the boat with Sue doing all the work winding paddles. I just get a glimpse of water rushing in to the side pond when she opens the white one. But to the OP, bottom line is Red before White!

Isn't it the other way round? Red Paddle empties the upper pound directly to the lower pound. White paddle is to the side pond.

Someone sent me this shot of us returning to the marina yesterday.

Just imagine the combined whining of all those bow-thrusters!

5 of them!!! Whats going on??!! Notice Alert Grand Union Canal Location: Blisworth Tunnel - Grand Union Canal Starts At: Blisworth Tunnel Ends At: Blisworth Tunnel Wednesday 16 August 2023 07:30 until Wednesday 16 August 2023 10:30 Type: Advice Reason: Information Original message: Blisworth tunnel will be closed to traffic from 07:30, possibly until 10:30 on Wednesday 16th August for the passage of 5 widebeam boats, 2 travelling south and 3 travelling north. Boats may enter the tunnel if directed to do so by a Trust representative at the tunnel portal or after 10:30 if no representative is present.

We came through there last week. The run from Saddington to Debdale is going to be interesting for a Fatty. I wouldn’t like to meet one coming towards me through the heavily reeded bends.

Well thats our Leicester Ring plans down the pan then! Notice Alert Trent & Mersey Canal Location: Derwent Mouth Lock - Trent & Mersey Canal Starts At: Lock 1, Derwent Mouth Lock Ends At: Lock 1, Derwent Mouth Lock Wednesday 5 July 2023 until further notice Type: Navigation Closure Reason: Water resources Original message: Due to the unexpected drop in water levels on the Trent & Mersey, we have made the decision to temporarily close Derwent Mouth Lock. Our local team are carrying out water control and the closure of the lock will help them to manage the levels. Boaters are kindly asked to avoid travelling along the rest of the Trent & Mersey where possible, to minimise the levels from dropping further.

We are looking at the Leicester ring in a couple of weeks CRT have an ongoing advisory regarding water levels on the Trent and Mersey - Derwent Mouth Lock to Burton stretch. Can anyone advise what the levels are actually like right now on that section?

We've always got on ok with Leon. So long as you can put up with his terrible jokes and occasional naturist tendencies! I got the impression when we last saw him in September, he was going to be leaving the area and we've not seen him around.

Has anyone seen him recently?

The paddle was still U/S when we came up there this week. Won't be long before there's a stoppage there when the other one gets busted. Also the Vlockies on duty there Tuesday managed to flood the towpath below the A508 bridge. No idea what they were doing.

We recently had ours lifted out at Debdale then DIY blacking Lifted out first thing Friday and pressure washed. Then first coat on. Another coat on Saturday and Sunday before lifted back in on Monday. Great service and lovely people.

That's the guy that moors with the ratchet-straps isn't it? I expect (hope) he gets a hammering every weekend from the Gayton hire fleet!

Epifanes Multiforte is what was suggested to me. https://www.epifanes.uk/product-page/epifanes-multiforte But I think I'm going to be blacking up to the gunwales.

Epifanes was what I was considering. But as far as I can see, 4 litres is the smallest container you can buy. Well over the top for the amount I need. That’s what got me thinking about blacking up to the gunwales. The top (walking bit) is still fine, so just the sides.

I am blacking the boat in a few weeks with Intertuf 16. Last time we blacked up to the rubbing strake. Above that to the gunwales was left with its original matt black which is now looking a bit tatty. Looking around, I reckon something like half the boats seem to be blacked up to the gunwales. Is there a problem doing this?

Unbelievable! This character is getting more aggressive/abusive by the minute.

I understand there’s a Widebeam Owners Manual. It clearly states you must moor your boat immediately adjacent to a bridge hole. If no bridges are nearby, then on a bend is an excellent 2nd choice.

Thanks all. It’s ran another 5 hours or so and still no further rise in oil level. Very strange. I don’t think it was the angle the boat was lying. The change of level seemed too much for that. I’ll keep a close eye on it, with fingers crossed!