vanessan

I have used mine at all sorts of funny angles without too much problem, certainly not had water pouring out again. I think the Karcher is one of those items that, once you have tried it on boat windows that suffer badly from condensation, you really don't want to go back to using cloths etc.

Our Karcher came with 2 interchangeable heads, I think it was a 'special' deal. The smaller of the 2 is definitely the right size for most boat windows I would think.

We have a Karcher for the boat, it is absolutely fantastic for condensation and after a shower too. Charges from the mains or via the inverter when travelling, only takes about 30 minutes to charge. I certainly wouldn't want to be without it now and have to go back to wringing out a cloth or chammy.

Broadsword - the moorings opposite the Ferry are no longer leased by theBA and all of the others are not BA operated moorings. They are ideal places though.

Not a very inviting scene today but someone has the right idea at the hotel.

Thank you guys, that explains it for me.

I seem to remember drinking S & P back in the 80s and 90s - would that be right?

But at least we can pretend it's nice 'cos it's spring!

I'm with Gracie on this one, I quite like the sound of boat engines - at the right time. I remember a story I read a couple of years back about 2 boats travelling together. They had moored at Ranworth and the boat parties returned to their boats from the Malsters around 10pm I believe. One party started their boat engine and then joined the party on the second boat for a couple of hours, returning to shut off the engine and retire to bed! Now that is definitely anti- social and I don't know if anything was said at the time. I do wonder how many folk would shy away from confrontation as it can so often turn nasty. I think on the Broads most people would tackle the problem as, in the main, we are a sociable lot but there is always the exception. I too have heard a boat's heating running during the summer months, even on a sunny, warmish spring day! That reminds me, only 3 more weeks and the clocks go forward - whooooopeee!

//Please Rascal, don't think I don't take you seriously. It is another question of "horses for courses". If these are the needs of modern boating, for the boating public, then more suitable moorings should be available for this. Comes back to the BA again, doesn't it?\\ I couldn't agree more. Trouble is, if it comes back to the BA, it comes back to our tolls which would need a huge hike to provide these moorings.

We hired a number of times from Anchorcraft at Acle, a great boatyard where we were always well looked after. We still see 2 of their boats out and about now, in private hands of course. Herbert Woods had our business a number of times and we now own a boat that once, way back, belonged to the Woods stable. Royalls were brilliant and still are I believe. I always look at boats similar to those we hired to see if they are the ones and now in private hands. The very first boat we hired was from R Smith at Brundall. We travelled most of the network in the 9 days we were on board and got totally hooked! ( Know the feeling?) About 5 days out, something happened below decks and we noticed we had started taking on water. In those days it was a manual bilge pump and we had to pump away until the owners arrived to sort the problem. When they got there, the water was about an inch from the floorboards. We had managed to struggle to Southgates at Horning luckily and repairs were done within a few hours. On our way again although I did keep checking regularly to make sure no more water was comimg in! That was our Broads baptism!

Iain - a google search tells me that the Scottish Executive provided funding between 2003 and 2006 for 20 mph limits outside all schools. An example of Scotland being ahead of the game and one England should be following I think.

I fully agree with MM re speed limits outside schools. In South Australia they have a reduced limit on roads passing schools 'when children present' and that seems to work extremely well. In Strowager's words, fate and circumstances conspire. If they can, by golly they will too!

Wildfuzz - to a large extent the public can benefit from driver training by undertaking an advanced driving course with the Institute of Advanced Motorists. Their courses are based on police driving and I know from experience that pretty well EVERY driver will have something that needs correcting. Own up now, how many of us can sometimes drive from a to b and not remember what happened during that trip? Minds wander all too easily and that's when road traffic signs get missed, particularly speed limit signs it seems. Learning how to observe the road correctly and try and anticipate what other road users are going to do would help to make us all better drivers. It can sometimes, for one reason or another, be easy to slip over the speed limit, I'm sure we have all done it. But a quick glance at the speedo will tell you that correction is needed, it doesn't need to be a fixation. I think I can understand what Speedtriple was getting at but cannot agree about the child in the road scenario. These things do happen and that's where observation and anticipation come in, particularly in built-up areas. I believe the majority of drivers who had an unfortunate incident involving a child, would feel desperately guilty - even if well within the speed limit. Driving is not as much fun as it used to be, that's for sure!

Gracie -

Some of us like Wherry!

I was beginning to think I was reading the 'home from home' thread! Having hired boats for almost 30 years before buying, I really can't remember having to run an engine whilst at a mooring. As a hirer, I could never get enough of being on the move so I guess the batteries were regularly topped up during the day. Now retired and able to enjoy river life at a real slow pace, sometimes the batteries need a little help and that's where the leccy posts really come in handy (if you can get near one that is ). Having had a further reply from the BA, it is obvious that all the Authority had in mind was to remind boaters that running engines at moorings could be an offence. They reckon there was insufficient space to say anything else in the Broadsheet Newsletter although the words 'to the annoyance of others' would hardly have taken up much more space. Suffice to say, I think we do not have to worry too much or change our ways as most of us understand the necessity for engine running or the annoyance it can create.

I saw the programme too, while I was cooking in the kitchen. Rather incensed, I went into the lounge to tell the other half who was half listening to it. Before I said anything he gave a big grin - he is much more laid back than me and knew I would be cross. National Park indeed!!

Well, I have had no further response from the BA following my attempt to get this clarified. I guess I have been tagged as an awkward ***** and my email consigned to the trash bin! I still believe the statement that 'running engines at moorings during day or night is a byelaw offence' is incorrect and misleading. If the words 'causing annoyance to others' had been included, I think we would all be much happier and in complete agreement.

We have used carpet tiles and they are not secured in any way. No problems with that. A couple of years back, some oil was spilt on a couple of them and it was very easy to just replace the offending tiles. (It is nice to have something a bit more comfortable to walk around on in bare feet too!) There are a couple of inspection hatches which are virtually the same size as the tiles as luck would have it. We started by covering those with a single tile each and worked outwards to cover the rest of the floor, it worked a treat and we've been very pleased with the result. I must admit though, I do also use a number of washable mats. Having dogs, they can get mucky quite quickly and to be able to take them home and put them in the washing machine is a boon (the mats, not the dogs!!)

Carpet tiles could be another option. Can be easily lifted for inspection underneath and replaced if necessary. Just need to buy a few extra at the outset.

And there was me thinking those guys work late hours! I don't think it would hurt for others to question this Newsletter statement, eventually the BA might confirm there is a new byelaw (or will be one) or admit their wording is incorrect.

Earlier today I emailed the Authority for clarification on this. I have had a reply referring me to byelaw 84 which has been mentioned above. I have replied saying that I believe the wording in the Newsletter to be incorrect and misleading although I am in favour of a harder line being taken with regard to inconsiderate boaters and the running of engines between 8pm and 8am in particular. I await further contact. (I was impressed to receive the BA's reply at almost 9 pm, they must be busy.)

I remember the first boat we hired back in the early 80s. When you had a shower, the waste water had to be pumped out by hand which was no easy job. By the time you finished pumping, you felt like you needed another shower!