New Facilities at Mapledurham

[Jaysay]

Boaters wishing to avail themselves of the new (and welcome) pump-out, Elsan disposal, and Fresh Water facilities at Mapledurham should note that the Fresh Water facility does not include the usual hose-reel! There is nothing more than a standpipe, and that sited half way along the upstream layby.
There does not seem to be a lot of thought gone into this. The water point was much-needed as there was no source of 'bulk' water between Cleeve and Shiplake, but not everyone on the Thames carries a hose, although it is commonplace on the canals. The location also makes for confusion, congestion, and much shouting at peak times.
I do hope that the EA rectifies the situation by, at least, providing the standard large-bore hose reel.

 

[teddington_lock]

Has someone reported it to the local nav office ? that would be my first port of call.

 

[bradtarga34]

Used the pumpout there, and boy, almost sucked the whole tank up!

 

[TrueBlue]

I understand the tap is supposed to be for cans and containers only - as are all the other taps, and NOT bulk supplies.

The new pumpout has a large tank and the machinery is remote from the cabinet, so don't complain if you don't hear the asthmatic pump; look at the indicator lights before "screaming" at the lockie.

I also understand it m hoursay only be available for use during lock open hours.is latter

This latter point may be the subject of a further thread when I have cooled down somewhat.

 

[Outinthedinghy]

I think its sensible if the water point at Maple lock is for containers and not a 'bulk supply' type as it would clog up the layby something horrible if it was.
These things do need to be positioned sensibly if they are not to interfere with the flow of boating traffic.
However, as most narrow boats carry hoses on board it will no doubt be used as a bulk supply and will result in complications for the lock layby. as will the pumpout point.

and Mapledurham lock is a deep one which means more time so potential for more waiting boats, specially considering the popularity of the Pangbourne meadow moorings.

The existing water points seem quite well spread out to me, and sensibly located. the water at Cleeve lock is on the secondary side of the layby leaving plenty of space for other boats and at Shiplake it is well above the lock on a dedicated mooring.

I know Shipwreck lock is a while away from Cleeve but most people out boating are going to be going from Cleeve to Shipwreck quicker than their water tank is going to empty, surely?

unless there is some sort of drive to cater for liveaboard boaters in the Reading area??

or is it all the barges coming out of T&K?

 

[Jaysay]

Just to 'close the loop' on this one, I am pleased to report that someone has seen sense and there is now (a) a large hose for watering at Mapledurham and (b) it has been placed towards the end of the layby. A good move on someone's part.

 

[TrueBlue]

Just to 'close the loop' on this one, I am pleased to report that someone has seen sense and there is now (a) a large hose for watering at Mapledurham and (b) it has been placed towards the end of the layby. A good move on someone's part.

Great! I suspect it was always in the plan and implemented after the Beale Park rally, if so it's a pity that nobody told B1 who is in charge of all things EA

 

[boatone]

 

[pheran]

Just to 'close the loop' on this one, I am pleased to report that someone has seen sense and there is now (a) a large hose for watering at Mapledurham and (b) it has been placed towards the end of the layby. A good move on someone's part.

Is that still the temporary large hose that is so short you have to position the boat carefully in order to able to use it, with the pipe fittings pointing the wrong way so the hose kinks or collapses? (as it was a fortnight ago) Or has that been replaced with something more permanent?

 

[Gavi]

Used the pumpout there, and boy, almost sucked the whole tank up!

Cripes! and that comes from a big drinker. Fancy a beer?

 

[TrueBlue]

Is that still the temporary large hose that is so short you have to position the boat carefully in order to able to use it, with the pipe fittings pointing the wrong way so the hose kinks or collapses? (as it was a fortnight ago) Or has that been replaced with something more permanent?

Aha!
Perhaps they've taken away the pontoons, and left the hose in place - different contractor you know.

B1 - I thought you were following the bulk supply issue and that AQ or ANO would have got back to you, but it may be an omission rather than a design..

 

[Jaysay]

Is that still the temporary large hose that is so short you have to position the boat carefully in order to able to use it, with the pipe fittings pointing the wrong way so the hose kinks or collapses? (as it was a fortnight ago) Or has that been replaced with something more permanent?

Ah! Alas yes (as at 12 Oct 10). It does seem a bit of a lash-up, but it is better than it was. Perhaps a more permanent setup is planned.

 

[pheran]

Thanks for that feedback.