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Enter a key word to search for posts:Launch Update
Posted on: Tuesday November 8, 2016 at: 6:00 pm
Well if there is one thing we have already learned about boating it is that if you make a plan, expect it to go wrong. As I mentioned in a previous post, the lock at Saltford on the Avon is out of action until the 21st December. This would have confined us to Bristol Harbour waters, which is firstly frustrating (ok for a couple of weeks, but we want to get cruising) and secondly expensive. The only alternative would have been to go out along the Avon to Avonmouth and then up the Severn Estuary to Sharpness, which would mean cruising dangerous, tidal waters and having to hire a pilot. Not something we fancied trying at this time of year with a brand new untested engine.
Our first alternative was going to be to put the boat in the Kennet and Avon canal at Hilperton marina, but their crane is being serviced and is out of action for a few weeks. Not many marinas have their own crane and it would be expensive to hire one and bring it anywhere useful in addition to the one we are already hiring to put the boat onto the truck at Bluewater Boats.
So, a quick, complete rethink was required. The end result, which was an option we originally considered before we decided on launching in Bristol, is to take the boat to Crick marina which is close to the boat builders. Crick is where the annual boat show takes place and although they do not have a crane of their own, the one we are already using can relocate to lift Brandy Pad off the low-loader and put it in the water.
This, however, means we can no longer hold the open day for our ex-neighbours and local friends that we had planned for the 12th and 13th. Really sorry about that folks.
For those that still want to come and see our narrowboat being launched, it will be around 9.30am tomorrow (9th November) at Crick Marina – postcode NN6 7SQ. Cannot say exactly what time, but I believe you should be with us by then if you want to be sure.
We have been to see the completed boat today and are very happy with the end result. Our plan is now to pick up a hired van later in the afternoon and drive down to Bristol Wednesday afternoon after the launch and initial tests. We will then stay with our friends in Bristol overnight and then get all the stuff we have stored in a storage unit loaded early, then drive back to Crick and transfer to the boat. We had planned on using several trips with the car, when launching in Bristol, but this will not be practical over such a distance. So, our first night on our own boat will be Thursday. We are very much looking forward to it. Photos of the launch to follow.
Looking forward to hearing you aresafely berthed. Daventry? keep warm. xxx