Monday, September 27, 2004
Winter blues for boaters
weather conditions changing to those of winter and closures of certain waterways, force us to think about the boating season is over.
Fortunately this is not correct, now is the best time of year to think about repairs and preparation, selling a boat or buying a new one.
Statistics show more boaters use this time period to gain an advantage over others who just sit there and let winter months take their toll.
Winter preparations that can be advantageous are draining water pipes and tank if not living aboard adding antifreeze to the engine, putting antifreeze in the toilet, sink, bath or shower drains, as this stops the water trapped in the "U" bend freezing and cracking the pipes.
Check there are no small holes that vermin, like mice or rats can enter as they love a cosy home for winter, but can cause hundreds of pounds worth of damage if allowed entrance.
Leave a few containers around full of salt, and this eliminates the problem of condensation.
Move furniture away from the side of the boat, as the sides of the boat can become very cold and cause damp.
Remove all bedding, clothes, linen and any other items which can be taken home, cleaned and aired for next season.
Eliminate theft as much as possible take all valuables from inside and outside of the boat.
Clean inside of the boat throughly, this will not only stop spiders etc. from habiting, but will save you a lot of time when you come to enjoy next year’s season.
Make sure you leave your boat securely locked and tied correctly to its mooring.
Statistics also show, more boats come up for sale at prices well below season prices.
This is therefore a particularly good time of year for buyer and seller alike to get exactly what they want.
Janet
www.boatstogo.co.uk
www.allboats.co.uk
Fortunately this is not correct, now is the best time of year to think about repairs and preparation, selling a boat or buying a new one.
Statistics show more boaters use this time period to gain an advantage over others who just sit there and let winter months take their toll.
Winter preparations that can be advantageous are draining water pipes and tank if not living aboard adding antifreeze to the engine, putting antifreeze in the toilet, sink, bath or shower drains, as this stops the water trapped in the "U" bend freezing and cracking the pipes.
Check there are no small holes that vermin, like mice or rats can enter as they love a cosy home for winter, but can cause hundreds of pounds worth of damage if allowed entrance.
Leave a few containers around full of salt, and this eliminates the problem of condensation.
Move furniture away from the side of the boat, as the sides of the boat can become very cold and cause damp.
Remove all bedding, clothes, linen and any other items which can be taken home, cleaned and aired for next season.
Eliminate theft as much as possible take all valuables from inside and outside of the boat.
Clean inside of the boat throughly, this will not only stop spiders etc. from habiting, but will save you a lot of time when you come to enjoy next year’s season.
Make sure you leave your boat securely locked and tied correctly to its mooring.
Statistics also show, more boats come up for sale at prices well below season prices.
This is therefore a particularly good time of year for buyer and seller alike to get exactly what they want.
Janet
www.boatstogo.co.uk
www.allboats.co.uk
Friday, September 17, 2004
Does size matter
Is yours Big or small?Would you like a longer or smaller one?Maybe the width is not suitable?Perhaps, you could not manage a larger one? Does it perform well?Will it last forever? Is it suitable for all your needs?YOUR BOAT AND YOU ("well" what did you think It was all about?)
These are questions related to boating we get asked frequently.
It is the locks that restrict the width of boats that can use the canals.A lock is basically a chamber that holds water and accommodates the boats to either move them to a lower or higher level. A lock is therefore needed to follow the level of the ground.
The narrow canals can only take boats up to 6' 10" wide in their locks, hence the name narrowboat, and these canals make up the majority of the waterways, particularly in the midlands, bridges too have restricted width on the narrow canals.The broader canals have locks twice the width, or over, allowing either wider boats or two narrow boats to pass though side by side.The navigable rivers too have locks, which serve the purpose of giving depth for navigation.Major rivers, such as the Thames, Severn and Trent however, have much wider locks than canals, allowing even larger boats.
These are questions related to boating we get asked frequently.
It is the locks that restrict the width of boats that can use the canals.A lock is basically a chamber that holds water and accommodates the boats to either move them to a lower or higher level. A lock is therefore needed to follow the level of the ground.
The narrow canals can only take boats up to 6' 10" wide in their locks, hence the name narrowboat, and these canals make up the majority of the waterways, particularly in the midlands, bridges too have restricted width on the narrow canals.The broader canals have locks twice the width, or over, allowing either wider boats or two narrow boats to pass though side by side.The navigable rivers too have locks, which serve the purpose of giving depth for navigation.Major rivers, such as the Thames, Severn and Trent however, have much wider locks than canals, allowing even larger boats.
Friday, September 10, 2004
How the colour of your boat reflects your personality.
YELLOW Quick thinking & sharp-witted.
RED Takes risks & likes a challenge.
SILVER Status-conscious, stylish & elegant.
WHITE Refined, reliable & image-conscious.
BLUE Reserved, careful & considerate.
GREEN Methodical, thoughtful & loyal.
BLACK Success-oriented & ambitious. Can you relate to any of these findings?
