Gangplank

Just made a gangplank for those tricky bankside moorings where it's a bit uneven and there is a gap to cross. One 2.8M oak plank cut in half, some offcuts for the cross pieces, 16 zinc plated screws (basically galvanised for rust prevention), a bit of wood glue, 3 coats of varnish / stain. All we need now is to mix a bit of sand into the 4th coat for the top surface to make it non-slip. Total cost £35.00 and 3 hours work for something much classier than anything you can buy in a shop.

I might add some small wheels at one end for tidal moorings to allow the plank to move against the bank with the rise and fall of the water.

Here we are now with the sand varnished walking surface drying in the sun. I may put a 5th coat on top of this to help the sand stick better to the wood.

First (short) trip

So we moved the boat from Ramsey to Oundle for some minor repairs to the bow thruster, and a quick coat of cosmetic blacking while she was out of the water. Just a few photos of Ben and Leila having a go driving on the Fens, a guillotine lock on the Nene, Ben's lucky double yolk eggs (2!) and some general canal scenes.

On inspection, the thruster tube was jammed full of freshwater mussels! Needed a replacement composite leg (gearbox) which costs £400! Luckily the previous owner had bought a spare. Phew.

I had to cycle back 30 miles to Bill Fen Marina to collect the van. It took 1 hour 40 mins. The same journey by river was 48 miles and 3 days!