Boaty Jo

I wouldn't muck about if I were you, too risky. Contact Rinnai and get proper advice from a stockist / approved installer

You're asking for trouble posting that.

99% know they exist, 1% know (or use) them. In a number of years boating in the UK and Europe I only used or heard two in anger. Firstly, one long blast - I am entering the fairway and secondly a variety of blasts when asked to do so on French canals, when approaching an obstacle or blind bend for example. When entering a big river (The Lek or Waal for example) from a large lock (100 metres x 20) between high walls you need to let other boats know you are coming because you can't see them and they can't see you. Not that the big commercial boats would be able to change course quickly but occasionally they would answer, alerting us to their presence and warning us to be careful. On the canals commercial peniches or hotel boats have limited ability to change course or stop so its us in smaller boats (usually) that need to keep out of their way. In addition you have the raft of CEVNI (Code Européen des Voies de la Navigation Intérieureus) waterways regulations which incorporates visual signs, buoyage or markings plus lighting and flags on the boats themselves. If you want in idea of what's involved scroll down this site http://www.cevni.info/ Blue boards is one thing you do come across quite often and even if you don't have one yourself (smaller boats are not obliged to have them I believe) it's worth knowing about in case a thousand tonne boat comes at you on the wrong side of the river. One member on here, Tam Murrell has produced an excellent book explaining these regulations, one place you can get it (I think) is: https://www.mailspeedmarine.com/g17-european-waterways-regulations-the-cevni-rules-explained.html Trundling along The Ashby you really don't need much, apart from common sense, but it may be worth learning a little of the regulations when traveling on large rivers. It's like basic First Aid, you never need it till you need it.

True, you can't account for the stupidity of someone drowning while lighting a cigarette under water while not wearing a life jacket (spurious), but you can perhaps stop your boat going boom when you light up inside because you have neglected to maintain your gas installation.

True, any boat can go boom, but anyone with a BSC is made aware of potential dangers merely by going through the process while getting their boat in (at least) rudimentary order.

Just a few idle thoughts. The vast majority of boats have a licence. A licensed boat will have an up-to-date BSC and valid insurance, both of which are important. Gas, electric and stoves are potentially a lethal mixture so I'd have thought that boaters have (at least) a moral obligation to protect others even if their own safety is unimportant. Of course it doesn't mean that an unlicensed boat will not be insured or have a BSC, but it's possible. Seems to me the whole system is flawed through a lack of clarity and lack of effective policing. It's probably exacerbated both by a raft of new boaters ignorant of their boats and obligations and those wilfully flouting the regulations. On the continent, where narrowboats mix with cruisers, barges, yachts and multi-thousand tonne commercials, there are control locks where you must produce up-to-date papers before they allow you to pass, plus regular visits from the waterways police. We were boarded by three different authorities over one winter in Belgium, the local municipal police, the regional police and the customs and excise police, at least two officers in each case (and all who carry firearms). Our fire extinguishers were out of date when we were stopped in France (stupidly). We were given 28 days to rectify it or be fined 1,600 euros (I think from memory). I even know of one boat who borrowed in-date fire extinguishers when they knew they were to be checked and handed them back subsequently, which is really, really stupid. The vast majority of boaters are conscientious but accidents can happen, even to the most careful and prudent. But perhaps we're just a heartbeat away from an unlicensed, uninsured boat without a BSC blowing up and killing a group of kids. Live and let live becomes live and let die.

Be interesting to know the boat rental website that put she and her tenant together and how much advice was offered to both parties prior to the agreement.

I get the impression that you are new to boating. Can I suggest that rather than aiming at an oak-finished beauty that is impractical you go back and decide what you want from your boat and work from there. There are many stages at which you can buy a boat. For example, empty shell, sail-away to various stages, fully fitted for refurb.... There are other skills than carpentry required too, plumbing, electrics, mechanic, painter etc. etc. All have boat-specific requirements that you won't necessarily find in a domestic situation. I put this together for an overseas friend who was looking to buy a barge. Some of it can be related to narrowboats and although by no means wholly comprehensive it may give you some ideas for further research.... http://abargeatlarge.co.uk/Looking for a barge/index.html

PM me your email address and I'll try and put you in touch with someone who can probably be able to help.

https://www.french-waterways.com/practicalities/canal-depths/ This may help. Plenty of other useful info too. Our friends did many of the Burgundy waterways in in a MFV (Motor fishing vessel) that was 1.65m draft but I'm not sure if they did the Nivernais whose depth can vary somewhat and be shallow at times. Be aware that some of the canals are not as well maintained as they used to be when geared up for steady commercial traffic so getting close to the bank away from designated moorings can be hit and miss. Also they are weedy at times to keel cooling is preferred. You probably realize but the Brittany canals are isolated from the main navigations.

Don't apply for assisted living in Hull or Huddersfield

Try contacting Bob Furnell on: littleboroughcanal@hotmail.com He is a volunteer lockie in the area and coordinates the Litttleborough Canal Adoption Group, he can probably help. You may well get a phone number for him via CART if it's urgent.

An article in Yachting and Boating World that may be of interest..... http://www.ybw.com/news-from-yachting-boating-world/search-sex-offender-links-british-canal-system-23116

Fair enough, better safe that sorry.

Hi Just seen this posted on Facebook. Hi Folks.if anyone know the owner of a nb called Albert that is moored by the pub steps at Congleton. (By the road bridge) its seriously listing.