A float on Miracle - 20ft narrowboat

Awaiting the next great instalment! I lived for six months on a tiny cabin cruiser in Bristol docks, right through the winter. I still have a mortal fear of Calor gas leaks, and my worst moment was when the exhaust outlet failed and let water come pissing into the bilges... I spent the entire night bailing non-stop.

Fine times, though, and I'd live on a boat again for sure.

This is brilliant Jacqui, congratulations.
I'm also looking forward to following your's and Duckies tales. I was fortunate enough to do a ten day trip along the Shannon river in Ireland navigating many locks and canals on the way and it was loads of fun. Good luck to you.

That is very good advice re stopping and punting.

My boat had an old diesel Lister engine with very little fine throttle control which although awesome (proper phut-phut) made maneuvering pretty tricky, especially reversing. Combine this with the fact that:

a) I had to move the boat to empty the toilet
b) The marina berths were very narrowly spaced
c) I had to reverse into my moorings due to the fact the electric hook up was at the stern
d) Marina's are notoriously windy places - wind has a surprisingly large effect on where your boat is going to go

The first time I moved it to empty the toilet was a disaster. Imagine having been given 1 lesson driving a car and then trying to parallel park in a packed supermarket car park and you've some idea of what it was like. I got out OK but going back heads were popping up out of boats left right and centre as I churned away going forwards and backwards frantically trying not to hit anyone.

Still as mentioned by someone else boat people tend to be very friendly and I ended up being helped out - although this could equally have been out of genuine fear of me smashing fuck out of someone's pride and joy.

I learnt that the easiest way was to get close to my berth, drift in and then use the ropes to pull her back in. Aw I'm really missing it now....

Brilliant thread. Bring on the adventures! Thanks for posting this.

The better half, a bunch of mates and I hired a canal boat at Leighton Buzzard last summer - was one of the best things we've ever, ever done.

We now live next to the canal in Paddington - about as close as you can get to the Grand Union without being on a boat. My not_so_secret plan will be one day to buy a boat and sale (drive?) it around for a year exploring the country. Randomly my dad now works at the Canal Museum in kings cross, too.

So much win!

What are your bike arrangements, Jacqui? Do you have one with you in/on the boat and the rest in storage?

What an awesome thread. Nice work, Jacqui. Looking forward to reading further updates.

What are your bike arrangements, Jacqui? Do you have one with you in/on the boat and the rest in storage?

Clefty was right a Brompton is ideal. I had an Airnimal which was also good - fold is not as neat but bigger wheels were good for towpaths. I actually want to sell the Airnimal now as I recently bought a Brompton - £350 including 2 x Schwalbe studded winter tyres if anyone's interested?

Day 3 - Tom teaches me to be gentle with the tiller and I learn to check my petrol gage the hard way.

So, Tom, to whom I owe a HUGE THANK YOU to came out bright and early to help me on my first real day of navigation. We went from St Margarets all the way to Watham Common, 6 locks in style. My goal for the day had been Enfield Lock but I failed to check the fuel so after the second lock the engine stalled and wouldn't start. No petrol will do this. Happily it was a lovely day and their was a gigantic Sainsbury about a 20 minute walk away. Tom, did well to remain positive thought out the ordeal and didn't complain about my EPIC FAIL.

**Lesson 1 of the day: **Check your fuel prior to going out, dumbass.

Sainsbury's also provided us with a rotisserie chicken, two bottles of suffolk cider and crisps. We had a much deserved lunch on-board and that makes Tom my very first lunch guest!

On the plus side, and in the spirit of making the best of my mistakes I learned exactly how easy it is to tow a 3 tonne boat. It's basically like walking a very placid but blind dog. Tom has a great deal of experience with boats which was what I needed on day 3. He impressively jumped on and off the boat at the locks and seeing his ease at this inspired me greatly. He also knows a fair bit about knots - which was brilliant.

I've gotten into the habit of boxing Duckie when we get to locks or any place where he may jump off and then allowing him free reign while the boat is travelling. He seems surprisingly at home, at one point a lock "snuck up" on us much faster than anticipated and Duckie remained free. The lock was a deep one and about half way down he ventured out whilst being the only one onboard and began howling for me. I think he was a bit surprised and confused about his sinking situation while we were on land. His CATERWALLING was enough to stop more than one concerned passerby one of which asked if he was drowning! Erm, no he's grand..just new to boating!

Lesson 2 of the day - Duckie is fine. He's loud and boxing at locks is preferred but if not its not like he's going anyplace, is he?

We got through Watham Common just at dusk and noticed several boats moored just to the towpath but without any visible big white "visitor mooring posts" it took me some time to realise that they were finding gaps between the land and a big steel baring that was secured to the cement edges. (I'm sure there is a correct term for this but I have no clue what it would be.)

Night three saw me with the lights on for about 2hrs which seemed ok... then the heater went out. It wouldn't restart so I turned off the gas and made a note to swap over my tanks in the a.m. I have no idea how much was in the calor tank when I bought it so with the new one I am tracking consumption.

My "to do list" for day 4 included:

• swap calor tanks over
  -have hot shower
  
• get a car charger for my blackberry which had died
  
• get a shaver adapter to charge my laptop whilst boat is running
  
• meet Tim in the a.m. and get as close to Springfield as possible
  
  

Watham Abbey was only a 15min walk, easy.

Rosie and Jim, Rosie and Jim,
Chugging along on the old Ragdoll,
Rosie and Jim, Rosie and Jim,
and John Tom he steers the boat.

Sounds lovely. A flat that floats. Great fun!

That is very good advice re stopping and punting.

My boat had an old diesel Lister engine with very little fine throttle control which although awesome (proper phut-phut) made maneuvering pretty tricky, especially reversing. Combine this with the fact that:
d) Marina's are notoriously windy places - wind has a surprisingly large effect on where your boat is going to go

Proper old engines are the bomb. I find modern canal boats are fine & interesting and I wouldn't say no to one, but would give body parts for a riveted ex'working boat with a pop pop engine, lister, gardner, bolinder, national etc.
I have seen them with rapid travel throttle levers (knob for main throttle, lever for reverser and a 3rd for whacking throttle up and down with little finesse) fitted, some gardners have fitted them as standard, and bolinders had a rapid reversing mechanism (theres a youtube vid with one doing its quick magic).

Recently come across this wartime film about life on the canals (the 'cut'), its a bit romantic, but such is the nature of the canals. Its also jam PACKED with 40s industry, worth the watch just for that IMO.
Its called the Painted Boats, about an hour long, watch it!
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kI9su-1SCM"]Painted
Boats 1 - YouTube[/ame]

Duckie and Jacq, Jacqie and Duck,
Chugging along on the old Miracle,

.....

ftfy

Loving the updates ...

Oh ... and my Granny stays at St Margarets - her view is the canal/river. We ought to hitch a lift and go see her!

Day 3 - Tom teaches me to be gentle with the tiller and I learn to check my petrol gage the hard way.

So, Tom, to whom I owe a HUGE THANK YOU to came out bright and early to help me on my first real day of navigation. We went from St Margarets all the way to Watham Common, 6 locks in style. My goal for the day had been Enfield Lock but I failed to check the fuel so after the second lock the engine stalled and wouldn't start. No petrol will do this. Happily it was a lovely day and their was a gigantic Sainsbury about a 20 minute walk away. Tom, did well to remain positive thought out the ordeal and didn't complain about my EPIC FAIL.

**Lesson 1 of the day: **Check your fuel prior to going out, dumbass.

Sainsbury's also provided us with a rotisserie chicken, two bottles of suffolk cider and crisps. We had a much deserved lunch on-board and that makes Tom my very first lunch guest!

On the plus side, and in the spirit of making the best of my mistakes I learned exactly how easy it is to tow a 3 tonne boat. It's basically like walking a very placid but blind dog. Tom has a great deal of experience with boats which was what I needed on day 3. He impressively jumped on and off the boat at the locks and seeing his ease at this inspired me greatly. He also knows a fair bit about knots - which was brilliant.

I've gotten into the habit of boxing Duckie when we get to locks or any place where he may jump off and then allowing him free reign while the boat is travelling. He seems surprisingly at home, at one point a lock "snuck up" on us much faster than anticipated and Duckie remained free. The lock was a deep one and about half way down he ventured out whilst being the only one onboard and began howling for me. I think he was a bit surprised and confused about his sinking situation while we were on land. His CATERWALLING was enough to stop more than one concerned passerby one of which asked if he was drowning! Erm, no he's grand..just new to boating!

Lesson 2 of the day - Duckie is fine. He's loud and boxing at locks is preferred but if not its not like he's going anyplace, is he?

We got through Watham Common just at dusk and noticed several boats moored just to the towpath but without any visible big white "visitor mooring posts" it took me some time to realise that they were finding gaps between the land and a big steel baring that was secured to the cement edges. (I'm sure there is a correct term for this but I have no clue what it would be.)

Night three saw me with the lights on for about 2hrs which seemed ok... then the heater went out. It wouldn't restart so I turned off the gas and made a note to swap over my tanks in the a.m. I have no idea how much was in the calor tank when I bought it so with the new one I am tracking consumption.

My "to do list" for day 4 included:

• swap calor tanks over
  -have hot shower
  
• get a car charger for my blackberry which had died
  
• get a shaver adapter to charge my laptop whilst boat is running
  
• meet Tim in the a.m. and get as close to Springfield as possible
  
  

Watham Abbey was only a 15min walk, easy.

Great stuff Jacqui. Keep the tales coming - really enjoying hearing how you are getting along. Nice to hear you've realised how easy it is to tow a boat. Get he hang of an easy knot to tie up and you're there. Good on you!

Day 4 –* Tim comes aboard, slow starts and I learn to Jump start a canal boat.*

Its really easy to fall asleep on board Miracle.
This is probably true of all canal boats on the river, its dark and super quiet.. add to that the fact that Miracle is a Springer which have a V hull that gently rocks more than a flat bottom and its a recipe for the most serine sleeps I have ever had in London. It also means I get up as soon as its light, that may change but right now *I am on a mission *and I’m not going out on the canal in the dark.

8.30am. I made coffee and prepare for shower. I am standing in front of my hot water heater, handily the instructions are printed on the front at eye level. Once I’ve ensured all the dials and what not are in the correct position all I have to do is press the “ON” button and that lights the gas. I can hear the gas coming, I press on and look expectantly around the window for a flame. NOTHING. I press the “OFF” button and start again, NOTHING. I re-read the instructions. I’m completely confused, it should work, I saw the previous owner do this and saw the flame. I saw the surveyor do it. It worked for him.. what am i missing? I get out the manual. “if the battery light is flashing less than twice every 10 seconds the battery needs replacing” Errm, battery light? I check, I wait.. no light. Then in a moment of clarity I recall the previous owner stating that to save the battery he used to swap it around so that he wasn’t using it when not on board. I bend low and find the battery case, I swap the battery and then stare for 30 seconds at the light willing it to work. It doesn’t. Maybe the light is broken and it will start? I click “ON” and search in vain, nothing. Add to shopping list, D batteries.

Dirty, smelly and determined I to head into town. Watham Abbey is about a 20 min walk, there i am on a mission to get the things I need desperately in advance of Tim’s arrival, a way to charge my mobile and new batteries to spark the heater for a shower. Its been 3 days and boating so far has proven a dirty business especially for someone like me who, up until this week has at least one shower a day since the age of 13.

When i get to town I’m pleased to see a Jewsons – I need a hammer for my mooring stakes, the head alone which the previous owner used is heavy but I know from cycle mechanics that I do much better with longer handled tools! Further into town the market is setting up and I see a Battery Stall – in business since 2008.. brilliant Duracell D’s for 2.50GBP, sorted. I also see what is the town’s independent equivalent to Car Phone Warehouse, but he’s not open yet. There’s a workman’s cafe and I decide that its productive to kill time by having breakfast. I also go shopping at the COOP for shampoo and conditioner in preparation for a short but HOT shower. I’m surprised by how much I am actually looking forward to this part of my day and getting slightly annoyed that the one shop I need STILL isn’t open! Its 9.15am for goodness sake, and I am an eager to part with cash. My blackberry is on red battery and I’m worried that if Tim calls me again it’s going to die.

Fortunately for me and my shower aspirations but unlucky for him, Tim has had punctures. I finally get the charger and start walking back. Tim expects to arrive at 11am and its 10.30 I’ve got time to shower. Just 15mins I promise myself. I have a 45 gallon water tank, how that equates to a 15min shower I have no clue. God a hot shower.. I quickly lift out the false floor in the shower and for a moment look at the pump. It sits just in the shower with wires and such, is it sitting correctly? I don’t know. I do for a moment worry about electrical shock. Now all i have to do is insert the battery. It doesn’t work.
I’m desperate for a shower. I realise the only shower I am having is a cold one. Well, so be it. That was easily the fastest shower I have had since I was a dirty delinquent and rebellious 12 year old who got thrown into the shower by desperate parents.

Tim is still about 15 mins away I figure its a good time to start the engine and get ready to go as soon as he arrives. I turn the key and it turns over but doesn’t start, I check the petrol, its good. I turn on a light, it works. I turn the key repeatedly, each time the response gets weaker until finally it only clicks.

Tim and I open the engine up and Tim begins to try to start it lawn mower style. This isn’t working. Eventually, I go in search of help and find a couple mooring up just down the river. Ellis and his partner and their 3 disabled dogs (2 with 3 legs and one with one eye) agree to come up and try to help. I can’t help but imagine that we look like something from end of days walking back.

We deduce that I’ve drained the battery. Ellis can give us a jump,* where are our leads*? Er, I don’t have any. Tim heads off and about an hour later comes back with 5m of jumper cables. Shortly there after we’re on our way. We make two locks and at the second I notice that there’s no power coming from my shifter no matter how far forward I get it. I also can’t get it into neutral, then the motor dies, again.

We tie up. Its dark now and well, at least we made Enfield.

Enfield was my goal. It's where I'd planned to sort the boat - I knew the engine needed a service and that I'd need a second battery. I’ve heard good things about the people at the Lock there, they’ve got full on mechanics stations and do everything from fit outs to emergency servicing.

At least I’ll be able to get help in the a.m.

Sweeeet.

Any pics yet?

Just seen this, and read the lot in one pop.

Utterly brilliant.

not just the subject matter either - it's compellingly written. Really good work, Jacqui!

Now I'm off to ebay to look for back issues of Narrowboat Magazine to leave in the bathroom at home.

Canals are the new fixed!

Hey Jacqui long long time no see, great thread.

Good luck with it.

this^^
its a great read jacqui
good luck with it all

Aah, my parents had a 20ft Springer when I was a kid, royal blue over navy called Kingfisher. I remember going to the factory to see it being built, the 20 footer was called the Bug IFIRC.

Get a sea-searcher magnet from the chandlery and dip around the lock gates for lost windlasses - great fun, well, it was when I was 9 but I'd love to do it again.

Sounds like you're having loads of fun, keep enjoying it.

Just seen this, and read the lot in one pop.

Utterly brilliant.

+1

DEPARTURE from day in the life for LIVE UP DATE
Its rainy out.
The boat is being worked on, which essentially means we're sitting here with no power (save an extention cord for laptop use) and in **total **darkness. I've been out in London all day. Duckie was undoubtedly desperate to go out and have cat time. So he went.

About a minute ago I hear some odd slippy noises like something fell and has lost purchase. then I hear a thump and a plop. Its pitch dark in here and I am having a beer BUT I get up because I know Duckie is outside. I have to stress that I didn't want to get up, and was considering not to; [B]then hear the most incredible YOWL[/B].

It's not catlike.
Its not fox like.
I'd struggle to repeat it, it was a sound of desperation and pain and sheer panic.
Something is fighting for its life.
Again, it chills me.

Again.

I am at the door, I call. *Duckie! *I hear some splashing and look to where my engine was and in the pitch black of the water I see it shudder. A splash. A white paw and a gurgle. I am still in the boat, inside but somehow (and I am not actually sure how) I am on the deck with my hand in the water reaching down, down.. I grab struggling fur and my arm rockets back to the surface.
Duckie.

Sopping. Water pouring off his little grey mass and out of him, his claws are embedded into my arm and i have never been so happy to have such pain. In my head I reason, if he's hurting me he's still alive.

I've towelled him off with my one manky towel and he's sitting next to me cleaning himself as I write this. There's a massive puddle on the floor - but I can't see it because we're in total darkness except for this screen.

I'm glad to know what it will sound like when he goes over, I couldn't hope to recreate that sound to tell you but its in my mind now and I know if I hear it again, *even if I am dead asleep** I WILL** wake up.*

xxx

Can you set up some sisal wound pipes that hang in (a la Dammit) so that he can find something to get purchase on? Don't know if that would get caught up with twigs or in locks or anything though? He's probably still learning, and learning fast though now.

Soo glad you were there. x

thanks hunny. I think its tricky just now, we're not at our mooring yet. We're 2 boats deep on the river outside the Enfield dock yard. I think its going to be possible to set something up once we're at our winter mooring and it'll be way safer as we'll be direct to the land. I suspect Duckie would much prefer investigating the dry land rather than as we are now, sort of confined to boat to boat randomness and ever changing gaps etc.,

Duckie isn't allowed out when i am not here, as you said, we're both just learning. I wouldn't handle losing him well so I am being over protective momma just now. When we both have more of a clue, that may change. I am having a cat flap installed in the new doors. :)