A float on Miracle - 20ft narrowboat

That's not the Pirate Castle. This is: http://www.thepiratecastle.org/
Ah I just saw "castle" and assumed they were related. Still, the paintwork stands out.

Over here! Interested.

company and help I suppose Sparky, it's not like I'm an expert, lol.
There's a particular lock flight that's a bit intimidating - 21 locks in a row... but it could be easy if they're set up already.

Hmmm........ Sounds intriguing.

Morning! I've just had a thought, does anyone want to try Miracle before I sell? It's still pre- second coffee so I've not totally thought it through, but it might be an option.
I've seen the rentals and there really expensive - but the boats are way bigger too, I think i'd have to know you to be comfortable knowing you're not gonna trash / sink / burn her to the waterline etc., but I could see one person or a couple going out on the river lea or something for a week and being ok.

How much is she worth? I'm flat-hunting at the moment, but I'm way, way, way too much of a wimp to buy a boat I think!

Sparky and Miracle.

There's a kids telly show in that, surely.

I'm IN.

Sparky and Miracle.

There's a kids telly show in that, surely.

Kids show?

Lucifer, that sort of show's not really suitable for kids is it?

Jacqui, there is a thread on CWDF talking about the pros and cons of wooden tops that might be worth a read here: http://www.canalworld.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=47345

Jacqui - Maybe too late but if you did need a hand navigating the locks around brum i'd be happy to help - I've worked on the canals around here before

Anybody fancy a week of sailing? I may be bringing a boat back from Birmingham.
(there's quite a few locks)

I'm about to finish up my current employment...

We should be through Northampton Arm and back onto Grand Union next week with a view to gradual southward movement prior to being in London's famous London for the Olympics...let me know when you will be down towards Stoke Bruerne/Milton Keynes...

Hav e you got a mooring? http://www.waterscape.com/in-your-area/london/olympic-moorings

Two hours and 14 pages of immensely enjoyable reading. This thread is such a find.

You write so well in a lovely descriptive style, it paints such a vivid picture in my mind as the story unfolds. It's gripping. Good luck new houseboat hunting.

Quick update with a proper post to follow.
Yesterday darren the mechanic came to do the fine tune on Miracle's outboard. This had to be done after the parts had been used for a few hours. Darren is awesome. You'd never get that sort of service for a car.
Fully reconditioned 9.9 outboard, Miracle now runs so smoothly she's a dream.
I went joy riding yesterday afternoon.. just for kicks.

Jacqui, there is a thread on CWDF talking about the pros and cons of wooden tops that might be worth a read here: http://www.canalworld.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=47345

arducius - that was very insightful. I wish i would have seen that before I went to see the wooden top.

this morning is about building the courage to take Miracle for water by myself. its only one lock and a 30 min trip each way. It's been a long time though since I've gone solo.

You'll be fine, just remember slow and steady, don't panic, and make sure you do the sluice gates on the lock in the right order (unlike the last time I did it!)

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=221046310073

this is what i am currently lusting.

in reality, it's not suitable for my canal adventures as the draft is too deep. Which makes me incredibly sad. I'd need to be a REAL sailor to own and use her properly.. which i am decidedly not.

That's a beautiful little boat.

I'd need to be a REAL sailor to own and use her properly.. which i am decidedly not.

Have you considered sailor training?

I think you should do it, and become a real sailor. That boat is beautiful.

A real sailor? But it's not got sails.

I take it that this lovely tub won't end up going for £370?

That section of eBay has some lovely boats for sale.