Derek R.

There are only two logical options; 1. Leave it exactly as it is. 2. Take Steve Priest's advice and get it professionally 'cleaned' of old varnish, then coated with artists clear varnish. Its monetary value is only held by the value placed upon it by collectors, and therefore subject to the whims of the market place which can at times be volatile. Its historic value is also subject to opinion. I am certain that those boaters and painters we now revere, would find it astonishing that a simple artefact for containing water could possibly have an accolade attached to it that matches the Holy Grail! Value it by all means, but use common sense.

There was a wonderful YT video that has since been removed (?) showing a Pilot casting off from the bank in a small row boat, and almost casually arriving at the starboard side of a Steam paddle tug within about fifteen feet of the thrashing paddles. He throws a line to a deck hand, who also throws one to him making the row boat fast before climbing aboard and taking his position in the wheelhouse. His departure was almost as nonchalant - pure poetry and skill.

https://www.boatingbasicsonline.com/boat-propeller-cavitation-vs-ventilation/

Well I'll show my further ignorance by asking; What is an anti-ventilation plate, and how does it differ from an anti-cavitation plate? Where is it fitted, what does it do? The correction needs an explanation. (At least for me it would appear).

A former contributor who was involved with THEOPHILUS for a while, sent me two images of a Swiss lake paddle boat. I failed to recall the name, maybe someone will know.

I take it you mean anti-cavitation plates. 😉

A long way from the world of narrowboats, but the machinery used in unloading has alway been challenging, from spades to clam grabs. Cleveland, Ohio, Whisky Island was where the Hulett unloaders worked. Fascinating pieces of history which are no longer there, but one of a series of videos on their working:

Thanks Gents, IanM's image of RAVEN outside the Braunston shed is how I recalled it when used as a live-aboard above Cassio. Would I be right in thinking it had an engine in what was the back cabin?

I have a vague memory that was called RAVEN, full length IIRC. Doubtful that was its original name, and that was in the mid 1980's.

I always considered the by-products of gas works was creosote, and the 'gas boats' transported it to places such as those storing wooden railway sleepers for impregnation as a preservative. Though I'm probably wrong.

No, they don't go rusty.

YARMOUTH was cut down from 70' to 62' in 1962, renamed GOLDEN VALLEY and 'launched' in 1962, but I doubt it was the first, as witnessed by the detachable, externally driven items as seen above. 2.2 litre marinised London Taxi engine, a 'Commodore'.

What is the stumbling block David? If it's logging in I would suggest saving the History & Heritage section as a 'Favourite' or 'Bookmark', then go from there.

No no, This an interesting thread.

That's scattered woodland. Might as well include most of England. How large an area are we considering - and does it have a point?