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Post by fergyguy on Jul 20, 2019 7:40:19 GMT
Good morning all and thanks For allowing me to join. I’m about to purchase a 65x12 widebeam moored at Sawley Marina and I’m advised there is someone called Tony Dudley? Who may be able to give me some instructions on boat handling etc as a novice I am looking to be based at Sawley for next 3 years upto my retirement then aim to become a constant cruiser. These 3 years will be spent taking lots of practical instruction and getting used to the boat and how to handle her correctly and safely. If there is anyone at or near Sawley who can help me please do get in touch kind regards Martin
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Post by Deleted on Jul 20, 2019 8:01:43 GMT
Welcome to the premier boating, caravaning, and moped forum. It's a little less formal than other places ... but most of us don't bite ... well some of us ... well ... it's okay here TonyDunkley is the man you want ... but I've just rubbed the lamp and when he's free he'll appear here. Photos of the boat would be good ... we like boats lots. Rog
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Post by Jim on Jul 20, 2019 8:08:23 GMT
Hellooo! I reckon most of us haven't had much special training in narrowboats, hire boaters only get half an hour and one lock if they are lucky, so while you are waiting for Tony, get out boating, you'll be fine. If you happen to touch another boat on the way just tell them you learned watching Tim and Pru!
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Post by Deleted on Jul 20, 2019 8:24:25 GMT
Photos of the boat would be good ... we like boats lots. Oh god, not another 'how do I post photos' interlude...
Welcome Fergyguy
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Post by Deleted on Jul 20, 2019 8:26:21 GMT
Good morning all and thanks For allowing me to join. I’m about to purchase a 65x12 widebeam moored at Sawley Marina and I’m advised there is someone called Tony Dudley? Who may be able to give me some instructions on boat handling etc as a novice I am looking to be based at Sawley for next 3 years upto my retirement then aim to become a constant cruiser. These 3 years will be spent taking lots of practical instruction and getting used to the boat and how to handle her correctly and safely. If there is anyone at or near Sawley who can help me please do get in touch kind regards Martin Hello from another Martin. It wouldnd necessarily need to be Tony D unless it was something about operating on tidal waters you needed. Canal boats are easy to handle (mostly down to everything happening in most cases slowly) and really any experienced boater should be able to help you. Most people on here should be able to I would say, for payment in beer of course.
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Post by fergyguy on Jul 20, 2019 8:29:59 GMT
I am happy to hear from anyone used to handling a widebeam who has the time and patience to help me.... beer by the bucket loads only when off the water lol
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Post by JohnV on Jul 20, 2019 8:33:14 GMT
Welcome Fergyguy to the finest collection of happy, friendly, grumpy, argumentative, opinionated, egocentric, maladjusted, knowledgeable, ignorant but extremely helpful group on t'internet Jump in and make yourself at home !!! Sawley ..... ideal place to practice ...... turn left, through the flood lock and you have a lovely wide bit of river where you can practice donutting ...... but not till you are away from the weir
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Post by fergyguy on Jul 20, 2019 9:05:39 GMT
Thanks Johnv I reckon getting out the marina is my first obstacle lol
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Post by lollygagger on Jul 20, 2019 9:50:18 GMT
A fellow moorer just did a 3 day course in handling. He also has a large widebeam which he can now drive for miles in reverse without using the bow thruster or repeatedly putting it in forward gear to straighten up. Not sure what else he learnt but he's very pleased just with that aspect. Me? I'd just give it ago and if I couldn't work that out in 3 days...
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Post by naughtyfox on Jul 20, 2019 9:53:42 GMT
I have been told one of the mechanics at Sawley is a con man. Allegedly. Be aware.
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Post by greenman on Jul 20, 2019 10:44:51 GMT
I did the inland helms course about 18 months ago, it was quite useful though I think an experienced boater enticed by beer will probably be just as good. And welcome from the far flung North.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 20, 2019 10:47:45 GMT
Thanks Johnv I reckon getting out the marina is my first obstacle lol Any chance the current owners could give you a quick 'crash course' no pun intended.
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Post by JohnV on Jul 20, 2019 14:08:24 GMT
I have been told one of the mechanics at Sawley is a con man. Allegedly. Be aware. I will not comment about that statement. However ....... I had my boat in the marina at Sawley (where it was purchased) it's performance was abysmal although fitted with a new engine. I approached the engineering company there (they are not part of the marina itself) to get a quote to lift ashore for 4 days while I removed the prop and collected and fitted a new one. I was told that no way was it just the prop, there had to be something else wrong with the shaft bearings (?) or the gearbox ratios ...... I was quoted an eyewatering price. (from memory about £600 excluding parts) I trundled up the river to Shardlow marina at it's staggering top speed of about 2 miles an hour where she was lifted out and put on chocks. I removed the prop and took it back darn sarf with me. Returning a couple of days later with a nice shiny prop which I fitted and they re-launched the boat. Total price? £100 bill from Shardlow marina, £160 for a new prop, a tank of diesel for the car. and about an hour with the spanners ...... top speed now fractionally over 6 mph and since then several hundred miles covered over various waterways. img459 by mudlarker2, on Flickr
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Post by phil70 on Jul 20, 2019 15:07:55 GMT
Welcome aboard Fergyguy, you've come to the right place. Phil
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Post by naughtyfox on Jul 20, 2019 15:09:19 GMT
That is what I was told, with much detail. Endorsed by the marina, who take no responsibility for his actions, although they should be liable for endorsing him in the first place. Of course, what I was told may be a load of rubbish, but no smoke without fire and all that sort of thing.
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