On 23/08/2010 17:34, Des Barnard wrote: > On the basis of the gauge mounted at the last lock before the tunnel, and where it > made contact with our boat when we were there last year, I would guess that very few > boats would be able to get through the tunnel. Having said that, when we walked to the > basin, there was one reasonably standard-looking boat there, so the question is, is the > gauge accurate? If not, I would suggest that that is part of the problem.
I have to say I was surprised ot get Bream through as it is not a small boat and when I lined it up yesterday I didn't think it would fit. I turned off the engine and pushed it through by hand from the front deck facing backwards so I could see the corners of the cabin. Based on that, I'd say the gauge was pessimistic by about 2 or 3 inches all around, which I thing gives BW a reasonable margin of error from a safety perspective. The tunnel is a problem, but I guess that I'm asking whether it is justified if all people will do is cruise the last 1/4 mile of the Caldon and turn around, not drop into the basin on the Uttoxeter. Clearly when the canal is restored the problem goes away as there is a substantial reason to carry on, but that could be several years yet ;) Steve
