Ray

A lock? There's an idea!

I asked BA within the last month about bridge height marker boards and they told me they are all checked regularly and are kept within a 3 inch tolerance! I wasn't particularly reassured given how close it is at PH

It would presumably be technically possible, although impractical, to build a lock each side of the bridge, then have a step down to pass under and a step back up once clear. No doubt the river bed under the bridge would be dug out to facilitate the lower level between locks. The first locks on The Broads! It could be a landmark project with a visitor centre with a viewing platform to watch the boats going up and down. £10 each way, the same as for the Pilot now should soon pay for it! I can't imagine any objections... can you? (Tongue firmly in cheek... or is it? )

Our electricity supplier pays 3% interest on credit balances, I'm half way through a two year fixed rate deal which is competitive. 3% of very little is still very little but it's more than the money would have earned in the account the DD is paid from.

Welcome aboard Angeou

Glen is also a surveyor and did my boat a couple of months ago, very nice guy, helpful and knowledgeable.

That was a nasty experience, I hope your guests were all OK and it hasn't put them off! I see your point about concentrating on it being a boat.. the speed thing seems to be hard to appreciate for first timers. More years ago than I care to remember on one of my first trips, a wonderful old gentleman who was Norfolk born and bred summed up the whole business of manoeuvring a boat for me "make haste slowly" - I think of him every time I moor still

I suspect that very few incidents are the don't care mavericks, most people don't want to have an accident and would be far happier to complete a manoeuvre successfully and calmly to the quiet approval of onlookers. Being faced with a short introduction and finding yourself with a steering wheel and throttle must commonly lead to an instictive attempt to drive like a car. Maybe it's already covered in most yard's briefing but an emphasis on the "difference" from a car could really help. Maybe a small plaque near the helm with basic mooring advice regarding speed and where a boat pivots as the you turn the wheel would also help for those moments when it all seems to be going pear shaped (we've all had them)

Welcome, nice looking boat! Many happy hours 'messing about on the river' to you and yours

So feedback whether positive or negative is useful to you and all of us. If someone mentions a noisy sports bar for example those that enjoy that will now know somewhere to visit those who dislike such things know where to avoid. Sounds more like sense than sheep to me. I believe though that MM's point was about negative reviews in particular being considered unfair if the circumstances change for the better but the review remains. In that case, using the pub example although it could be any kind of business, you have some information to bear in mind whether or not you care to patronise the establishment to see for yourself. Ignoring a review just because it's a review in case it makes you feel sheep like seems baaaking, ewe won't find it helpful either way

Reviews are only as good as the people that make them. I would certainly take note of reviews here in the forum where a group of (mostly) like minded people are members and on respectful and (mostly) friendly terms. A stranger on Facebook or a newspaper critic trying to be 'clever'... not so much. I like MM's idea, especially as it automatically comes from a starting point of helpful information for all members rather than simply making waves for a business owner.

An interesting article on all types of land anchors at this link indicates that Rhond Anchors are very much a Norfolk thing as there was no mention of them until an amendment was added following information received from "our" Naughty-Cal" http://the-onion-bargee.blogspot.com/2010/11/ground-anchors.html

Ah.. seems the devil as usual is in the detail! So just the usual list of bridges and their published clearances then, shame.

Interesting that an option of "live" bridge clearance data was given (unless I misread it) If they can pull that off in an App I might even pay for it... and that would be a first!

You made the Bacton Coastguard page! Not sure that's a consolation though to a speedy recovery.

There is a farming forum thread here http://farmingforum.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?566-Getting-rid-of-diesel-smell! Apart from or in addition to the cat litter/granules it seems that coffee granules and onions are pretty effective (not both I imagine) Good luck, it's a horrible smell!

1st thing I bought!

I used to live near Heathrow and RAF Northolt, you either end up interested in planes or hating it! Fortunately I find aircraft fascinating... from the ground!

No need, you didn't know and circling planes really can spoil the peace when there usually isn't a safety reason for it!

Bird strike! All safe thankfully

I don't know details of the overheads but just as in domestic situations waste is paid seperately from supply and either an assesment or a meter will be the basis of charges, so personally I'm happy to pay. On top of that there is employee's time in giving a personal service, so in most cases charges seem reasonable (there are exceptions!) As far as gratuities are concerned none of the above is under the control of the pump out operative who without exception in my experience give service with a smile and a pleasant exchange.. despite it not being a pleasant job! I doubt it is a very well paid job and I imagine if at the end of the day one or two customers have offered "a drink" then it's been a good day.

In restaurants I tip the waiting staff in cash after settling my bill by card, it's the closest you can get to hopefully making sure the intended recipient gets it. I dislike very much being handed a card reader that says "Gratuity? Y/N"

Thank you for the replies, I have tended to although my crew was doubtful about it. Last week though we were talking to the very helpful and interesting guy while he did the job and it was apparent that he was a yard owner and succesful businessman and I couldn't help but feel that a tip would be almost insulting, so I didn't give one that that time... and have felt vaguely uncomfortable about it since. It's not the most pleasant job and so far we've always had a chat about boats and broads etc and a tip "felt" right and seemed to be appreciated. I guess I'll just continue to play it by ear

Do you add a tip when paying for a pump out?

On the othe hand it can be an economic way into boating, for many possibly the only way. As with anything it is a case of buyer beware, a survey will give you enough information about whether to make an offer or walk away and at what level. A sound boat that is cosmetically tired can be an excellent choice, especially if you are handy with tools!