Recent content by CJL

If you stick fenders out, is mooring alongside so bad?

Normally you can squeeze down the north side of it.

LOL - a very positive spin on the issues at Newnham Viaduct there! As with everything there are two sides to every story. Consider an alternative perspective: Network Rail failed to effectively maintain the viaduct and they scheduled repair works at the very last moment but to their horror they...

I can't recommend BoatyBits down in Poole enough. They are regularly doing jobs on the Thames and will programme you in fairly soon. The workmanship was very good and the prices sensible. They've now done several covers and upholstery jobs for me and friends.

We have been using Boatlaunch for a number of years and not had any dramas. If you do find any errors, you can update it yourself. CJL

I understand this canal boat has gone under just upstream of Wallingford:

The boat policy is called Geo Specialty Marine Trade. It is a specialist insurance policy so not run of the mill.

For various reasons I rang my insurer about this very thing recently and he said we were insured for it. Its one of the many things a skipper should all consider when going afloat and it's worth noting they are an indicator and they can change very very quickly.

Is it quiet or is it just a change in in how people use it? Smaller trailer boats seem more prolific and hire use seems to be up. At the weekend there were lots of boats out at Wallingford and swimmers/paddleboarders everywhere. I think the old popular spots are just not as popular and new...

Problem is that boat ramps are largely unloved by their owners and viewed as nothing more than a liability. I would gladly pay to use a proper slipway with parking, decent concrete, wash down area etc. Nobody seems interested and even the sites that are suffering invasive species such as...

We went out from MDL Windsor and joined the Platinum Jubilee Flotilla for the day down to the bottom end of Windsor. Busy day but a great atmosphere. CJL

You need a jiggle stick! Laser Jiggle Siphon Hose 20mm x 1.75m Also if you are desperate for fuel there is; A pontoon there is Erith Pier and a Morrisons Petrol Filling Station very close by (180m) and the tide is right. (LINK - 51°28'52.6"N 0°11'00.7"E · Erith). You might get away mooring...

I thought the reason we didn't get licences this year was just down to Covid-19 and them not being able to print them?? The paperwork that came with the renewal seemed to suggest we'd be back to business as usual for 2023? I actually was quite pleased to be going digital and it allowed us to...

Looking on the Boatlaunch Website it states that the key is kept in the Boat Shop so they must know who gave them the key! You could go and talk to the lock keeper to see if it is EA owned. Failing that generally most slipways on the Tideway and non-tidal Thames are owned by the local...

We swear by Winsor Marine in Farnham who do loads of boats all along the Thames and down on the South Coast. Winsor Marine Services | Outboard & Inboard Engines, Surrey, Hampshire & London