In message <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, Mike Stevens <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes >On Thursday, September 06, 2007 8:15 PM [GMT+1=CET], >Julian Tether <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > >> The bit between Limehouse and >> Westminster bridge was very choppy and really unsuited to anything >> with low freeboard, I think that possibly the PLA should ban >> narrowboats from this reach when the trip boats are running. > >With all due respect - I think that's piffle. I've done the tideway from >Limehouse to Teddington or Brentford quite a number of times in various >boats including our present one which had low freeboard, with no problem. >It can sometimes be a bit "bumpy" between Limehouse and Tower Bridge, but >nothing dangerous if you choose your conditions right. I'd not do it in >more than a force 3, and certainly not in "wind against tide" conditions. >The wash from the trip-boats is fairly easily dealt with, by turning across >their wake, and in any case is a lot less than that of the rubbish tows. > >Oh, and I'm not sure the PLA has legal powers to ban any kind of vessel from >the tideway as long as they fulfill the navigation requirements (which >nowadays include radio). I have also done it many times (over 10 cant remember how many) in a narrowboat with VERY low freeboard, remember Idleness? What I was saying is that whilst some people have the sense NOT to do it when conditions are not favourable others will just go come hell or high water and need to be protected from themselves. Having not done the tideway in the afternoon for a year or so I was surprised just how bad the wash from the trip boats has become. One in particular a small cat called IIRC Cabot that I believe is a water taxi was particulary fierce. --
Julian Tether Barge Parglena e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
