Help needed

[Telka]

Hi All, We are in a bit of a pickle, we have broken down in our 57' narrowboat just before Penton Hook Lock, and are looking for a tow to the Wey Canal, would anyone know anyone or firm who can help us please? Thank you!

 

[Gavi]

Have you found any help yet? I have sent you a private message with my telephone number.

 

[Gavi]

No reply from this chap so I hope he got home OK.

It made me wonder how to tow a 57ft NB from a 30ft MB.

I was thinking about nicking RR_123's much loved 44ft beauty to make things simpler... but he is in Norfolk. Where his boat should be.

So here is what I would have done in the absence of getting advice:

We are 30ft and steel, with a 4ft draft and 100bhp engine. I'd have:

- First tried being alongside the NB to see if my draft (deep rudder too) would have given me control.
- Second, I would have found a way to put my rudder behind the aft of the NB without the lines at the forward end pulling the NB around me.
- Third would be a straight and very, very slow tow with the NB to one side and my boat slightly forwards.
- Fourth and probably the right answer would be to get a fellow NB to do it.

But what is the correct answer?

 

[Chris_d]

But what is the correct answer?

It could be done with an alongside tow but steering will be tricky and you will have to untie for the locks, would suggest he finds a mate with another narrowboat, 30ft to 57ft is a bit mismatched.

 

[Telka]

Help Needed

Hi All, We are still stuck and unfortunatley know nobody with a NB! We have booked a towing firm, but they can't get here until the weekend and it is going to cost us nearly a grand, which we can ill afford!!

We are happy to pay someone for thier time and trouble if someone knows someone that could possibly help.

Telka

 

[cereal tiller]

have sent a pm offering a tow with my 70 foot narrowboat.
after all ,there is nothing as good as messing about on the river!

 

[Andrew_Fanner]

Just down from PH Lock, on the other bank (naturally) is a boatyard tha seem to be quite narrow boat orientated, can they offer any assitance? They are at laleham.

 

[SimonA]

Hi All, We are still stuck and unfortunatley know nobody with a NB! We have booked a towing firm, but they can't get here until the weekend and it is going to cost us nearly a grand, which we can ill afford!!

Is it not cheaper to get a good engineer/mechanic to come out to the boat? What is the problem with the boat?

 

[bulto]

What is the actual problem that you have.
There is a lot of expertese on the forum.
Why not let people know, somebody might come up with an answer.

 

[Telka]

Tow needed

Thanks Guys, Tow organised by the lovely helpful 'Cereal Tiller' for the weekend! Thanks for all the suggestions Great forum!

 

[ChrisHanley]

another sort of help

I am sure I could find a local engineer to have a look at your problem and it is possible that you may be able to get back to the Wey under your own power.

Send me a pm if you need further help

Chris