Why Isn't There...?

[HissyFit]

I'm sure many of us have ideas which they think would improve boating life, but don't know how to assess the practicalities. Then there will be people who have the means and the contacts to make things happen, but certain ideas don't occur to them. Perhaps you have a need but don't realise that there is already a solution. What is needed is space for a brainstorming session. I'll kick things off with my first mad question:

Why isn't there a yacht marina close into Salford Quays? My brother-in-law briefly worked for Manchester Ship Canal and confirmed my thought that it is still navigable right up to Salford Keys. Canal boats already have berths there, so there is some form of precedent. It's a long way to be motoring to get to the sea. Yes it is, but I don't see the trip as something you'd do for pleasure in itself. It's the destination. Plus, being inland it's a good place to over-winter. Why would anyone want to haul up there? Media City, the Lowry Centre, shops, restaurants, short Metrolink ride into Manchester: the place is a cultural treasure chest.

 

[awol]

Possibly £200 every time you want to come in or go out + the other canal fees to get to Salford Quays are a disincentive.

 

[capnsensible]

Reet handy for Old Trafford for Manchester United home games But best have wellies and two umbrellas.

 

[Poignard]

Why isn't there a large notice above every pontoon where people tie up their dinghies that reads:

"PLEASE CONSIDER OTHER PEOPLE AND SECURE YOUR DINGHY USING A LONG PAINTER!"

 

[HissyFit]

Re: Salford Quays

Possibly £200 every time you want to come in or go out + the other canal fees to get to Salford Quays are a disincentive.

Given the birthing rate per metre at popular marinas, it could be worthwhile negotiating a big discount on lock fees. It's not as if anything else is passing these days, certainly not in the upper reaches.

Reet handy for Old Trafford for Manchester United home games But best have wellies and two umbrellas.

After a season ticket, it's a wonder if fans can afford a boat. Well, maybe most fans.

 

[awol]

Re: Salford Quays

Given the birthing rate per metre at popular marinas, it could be worthwhile negotiating a big discount on lock fees. It's not as if anything else is passing these days, certainly not in the upper reaches.

After a season ticket, it's a wonder if fans can afford a boat. Well, maybe most fans.

Faster than 9 months?

 

[Bru]

Ah The Manchester Ship Canal. Owned by Peel Holdings (ie Peel Ports) who unfortunately acquired the Rochdale Canal as part of the package

Peel's attitude towards leisure craft was (and to some significant extent still is) to discourage them by any available means

It took years, decades in fact, of dedicated campaigning by local canal societies and national user groups to get anywhere with them so don't hold your breath!

 

[johnalison]

Why isn't there a large notice above every pontoon where people tie up their dinghies that reads:

"PLEASE CONSIDER OTHER PEOPLE AND SECURE YOUR DINGHY USING A LONG PAINTER!"

Because in places where such a notice exists (and I have seen them), it has absolutely zero effect.

 

[Wansworth]

The Nuevo riche to sailing and boating do not understand the little nuances of time honored boatman skills and seamanship,they want their super forty three with all apurtanences they do the course whatever and pass on the apprentaship

 

[HissyFit]

The Nuevo riche to sailing and boating do not understand the little nuances of time honored boatman skills and seamanship,they want their super forty three with all apurtanences they do the course whatever and pass on the apprentaship

It seems that way with new-to-the-game cyclists, too. They buy a five grand bike and then go out without learning any of the rules or etiquette that apply to cyclists.

 

[HissyFit]

Why isn't there a large notice above every pontoon where people tie up their dinghies that reads:

"PLEASE CONSIDER OTHER PEOPLE AND SECURE YOUR DINGHY USING A LONG PAINTER!"

Because in places where such a notice exists (and I have seen them), it has absolutely zero effect.

I will comply, Poignard.

 

[Poignard]

I will comply, Poignard.

Mind you do!

Otherwise the ultimate sanction will be applied. Named and shamed on the YBW Forums!

 

[Sandy]

It seems that way with new-to-the-game cyclists, too. They buy a five grand bike and then go out without learning any of the rules or etiquette that apply to cyclists.

Like not learning the Highway Code and swearing/making rude signs to drivers when the cyclists has messed up?

 

[mjcoon]

Because in places where such a notice exists (and I have seen them), it has absolutely zero effect.

Might as well have the notice that says (only) "Do not throw stones at this notice"?

 

[HissyFit]

WRT the tying up of dinghies at popular landings, I have seen somewhere that takes dinghies and racks them and their OBs, leaving the landing clear for later arrivals. Sure, having to put your boat back together is a bit of a faff, but not as much as not being able to get a space at all.

 

[BobnLesley]

Like not learning the Highway Code and swearing/making rude signs to drivers when the cyclists has messed up?

I thought they were both a major part of the rules and etiquette that applied to cyclists?

 

[Stemar]

the rules or etiquette that apply to cyclists

Rules and etiquette apply to cyclists?

 

[HissyFit]

Why isn't there a tying layer between the layers of containers on container ships? Any bricklayer could tell you that a wall of unbonded bricks is unstable, and yet that is exactly how containers are loaded. It is looking for trouble as containers are bound to be lost overboard in a heavy seaway.

 

[HissyFit]

Rules and etiquette apply to cyclists?

Like singling out and letting motorists past on narrow lanes, keeping the pace comfortable for all so that the group doesn't end up strung out all over the place, waiting at the top of hills, waving your thanks when someone has taken time to consider your safety or been delayed by you maneuvering to ensure your safety.

 

[newtothis]

Why isn't there a tying layer between the layers of containers on container ships? Any bricklayer could tell you that a wall of unbonded bricks is unstable, and yet that is exactly how containers are loaded. It is looking for trouble as containers are bound to be lost overboard in a heavy seaway.

Because they attach to each other using twist locks, which acts as the cement in your analogy. The bottom layers are tied on with lashings. It takes quite a lot to upset a boxship and its stacks, and stack collapses are usually more to do with misdeclared weights than being knocked off by the vessel rolling. Latest stats show fewer than 800 a year lost overboard.