To Be or Not to Be

normskib

normskib

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With so many Conflicting reports still none the wiser are we allowed back on the river or not simple question yes or no On some postings it would appear that it would be perfectly okay as long as you don’t stay on the boat overnight and return to your own home , But now I see that the CRT are stating at this stage general navigation still isn’t permitted and boats should only be used for minimal travel for example essential services or repairs so from this announcement I can only assume that even if we stay on our own patch it’s not allowed to take the boat for a spin just to get rid of the cobwebs ! Or is this just fake news sorry I just don’t know who to believe
 
I believe the EA are considering their response to the revised government guidelines and I expect we will see a statement shortly.
it is a pity there has been so much wildly optimistic interpretation of Boris statement on Sunday evening even before anyone received and had time to consider the detailed document which was not published until yesterday lunchtime . The marinas are clearly able to formulate their own decisions re access for berth holders but they still have to protect their own staff and recognise the social distancing requirements as do we boaters. I am sure the EA will err on the side of caution and do nothing to conflict with the guidelines.
The confusion is largely being created by boaters, and regrettably some organisations, pursuing wish lists rather than reality. The RYA claims of a return to normal boating from tomorrow is regrettable and way off the mark, but I see YBW are now further muddying the waters by reporting it!
The EA are responsible for managing navigation - lets just wait for their clarification.
 
I reckon if public power doesn't come back on soon there will be some problems with lock infrastructure.

I know that certain keepers have previously advocated a full closure due to them using the lock gates as access to their residences but in terms of actual safety and minimal contact powered operation would be better.

Hand wind will put some people off but it will also increase the risk of locks being operated incorrectly like gates not being left fully open or closed.

I noticed Boveney lock was recently passed upstream and top gates left half open then the resident lock keeper came out and closed the gates up. Which is good.


It seems to me it would make the keepers' lives easier if power was on. Maybe a bit more traffic but less likelihood of damage or problems.
 
Last edited:
boatone said:
I believe the EA are considering their response to the revised government guidelines and I expect we will see a statement shortly.
it is a pity there has been so much wildly optimistic interpretation of Boris statement on Sunday evening even before anyone received and had time to consider the detailed document which was not published until yesterday lunchtime . The marinas are clearly able to formulate their own decisions re access for berth holders but they still have to protect their own staff and recognise the social distancing requirements as do we boaters. I am sure the EA will err on the side of caution and do nothing to conflict with the guidelines.
The confusion is largely being created by boaters, and regrettably some organisations, pursuing wish lists rather than reality. The RYA claims of a return to normal boating from tomorrow is regrettable and way off the mark, but I see YBW are now further muddying the waters by reporting it!
The EA are responsible for managing navigation - lets just wait for their clarification.
Click to expand...

I think you will find there is more confusion within the 50 page statement that has been officially issued.
 
I was so excited about the announcement that the river was open. I'm in agreement, Parabordi, what harm is there in turning the power on? The EA has been experimenting with unmanned locks for years.

The Government giveth and the EA taketh away.
 
I've been wondering about a heavy duty cordless drill driver on the nut in the middle of the wheel.

Sometimes they are Allen key sockets.

Or maybe a friction drive on the rim of the wheel itself?

The problem is that little handle you hold when winding will get in the way a bit.

When I first used a hand wind lock in the late 80s I was in a dinghy with an outboard and was designing a little petrol powered drive mechanism in my head using an outboard motor (air cooled obviously).
Geared down with a friction cone held against the hub of the wheel.

Then they put power in and it became unnecessary.
 
It definitely should not be called a license...

It's a registration.

The Thames is a PRN waterway subject to a Public Right of Navigation.

This means that you are allowed to navigate regardless of whether you have a boat registration or not but the authority in charge (EA at the moment) can and will pursue you for registration costs.

A license gives you permission to do something. Permission to navigate on the Thames is not subject to licensing .

I have always paid for boat registrations and lazily called them licenses for the last 25 years.
 
I did note on one of this year's renewals the lady in Rotherham said at the end "I will get your registration plates in the post tomorrow".

They do know what is going on.
 
About 400 revolutions each end at Romney which is at the top end of effort and maybe fewer revs elsewhere so good luck with that.

You could jemmy open the 'police box' and whack the go button or break into the lock office or the pedestals to turn on public power, assuming you know what knobs to twist. Or you could burgle the nav offices and nick a steamer key, provided you know where they are kept.

I'm always impressed by the ingenuity of YBW forumites investing lots of energy to try to get around the challenge of doing something they are advised not to.
 
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