Weekend

Unfortunately I can't get to the Rally /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif with the time i have, so its either Windsor or Cookham for me depending on the state of the river. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
 
Reds at Temple, Hurley, Sonning & Marlow.
Yellows to Boveney. Stream increasing. More rain on the way /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
 
Is it really seen as not the done thing to go out if Red boards are up? Clearly weir streams and weirs are more dangerous, but a well powered and handled boat can, I assume, cope. In the locks themselves, it wouldn't really change things would it?
 
[ QUOTE ]
Is it really seen as not the done thing to go out if Red boards are up? Clearly weir streams and weirs are more dangerous, but a well powered and handled boat can, I assume, cope. In the locks themselves, it wouldn't really change things would it?

[/ QUOTE ]

You may have to work the lock yourself as the keeper doing it for you with reds up could be interpreted (by some numpty somewhere) as "condoning" your boating activities.
 
AFAIK , we are required to hand out the 'Strong Stream' warning notices to each boat as it comes through , but we can't stop you navigating.

The point about the insurance companies is a good one , and potentially correct. If you stacked your boat while the river was on red boards ( and the Agency on red boards advises all craft to moor up until the stream abates ) then your insurance could possibly have a way out.

You would need to clarify it with them.
 
My boat is suitable for coastal and estuary work, has been out on 'Reds' before, and the stream proved to be no issue at all.

I will take her to the TVR whatever*

Obviously precautions shall be taken, such as SWMBO will be well versed in weighing anchor in case of engine failure, extra care at locks (Lifejackets worn, large stick to beat recalcitrant lock-keeper etc) and discretion being the better part of valour if things look too hairy.

We're quite used to being alone on the Thames... /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif




*I accept some level of abuse and scorn may be heaped upon me for this attitude, and some of it may be deserved, but I believe my craft is up to it.
I may wince in a Narrow boat, or 2hp Dinghy... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
 
Err....

Any ideas what else I should do in case of engine failure?

Paddle?

Jump out, rope betwixt teeth and aim for the bank?

Dial 999 and expect a Lock-keeper to help?


My little Watermota is honed to perfection, to the extent I polish her chrome rocker cover, and vacuum the engine bay, but shite happens doesn't it? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Am I missing something B1? /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
 
You don't want to weigh anchor if your engine fails, you want it dug into the river bed!

The correct words of command being "OI! Chuck that big heavy lump of iron we keep up the pointy end into the Oggin!"


You follow this with "No, I thought YOU tied the rope through that loop in the anchor locker!!".

(The last piece of rope you saw sink after you lobbed the anchor in is called the Bitter End.....)

/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
>>Any ideas what else I should do in case of engine failure?<<

I get on the VHF or mobile and whinge until a kind fellow member of the Bray Cruiser Club comes and tows me to the event!

/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif


judgeit-towing.jpg


Thanks Jaws and the mighty "Judge It" for the tow, and YES I will top up the diesel before I leave on Saturday morning! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
 
Ah, sorry. What I meant was 'Anchor handling' then. I was just picking a well used phrase /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

The 'Bitter end' was something I picked up from the survey, thankfully, and the surveyor made a note the 'bitter end' was connected, and the anchor etc was all in order /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

I shall practise this:

[ QUOTE ]
"OI! Chuck that big heavy lump of iron we keep up the pointy end into the Oggin!"


[/ QUOTE ]

....several times over supper tonight. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
I never leave home without at least 2 spare gallons now, as a result of that picture.

Even when the tanks full /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
We're going to the nice safe tidal Thames Estuary. Not a red board in sight, except perhaps the one outside a lovely riverside pub at Rochester listing the latest catch of the day. Sea Bass anyone?
/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
Is it really seen as not the done thing to go out if Red boards are up? Clearly weir streams and weirs are more dangerous, but a well powered and handled boat can, I assume, cope. In the locks themselves, it wouldn't really change things would it?

[/ QUOTE ]

On the way back from the Trad boat Rally at Henley last year we collected 12 red cards but I wouldn't take them without a lockies signature. Some signed with love and kisses but there were two who thought I was not taking the issue seriously at all!

I saw what I thought were seasoned helms pirouetting their 30'+ in weir streams and disappearing in clouds of smoke while they threw everything astern to avoid mounting the river banks. The weir streams can and will turn you on a sixpence, that is if you don't steer into the stream. Do try and join a convoy if the reds are still up. It will be very good fun. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
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