Sunday, walking toward a lock, I saw a boater opening the top paddles of a lock.
Then I saw the lock was empty and the lower gates were open! With water flowing through the lock, they got the bow of their hireboat in the lock but the flow stopped them entering further.
The boater who'd opened the paddles sauntered back to close them—but forgot his windlass. Eventually he closed them.
Water conservation? Safety? Huh?
#hireboat #CanalLife #canal #lock #idiot #boating #narrowboat #boat #CRT #UK
@mlanger @PKYo
Bobbing Boat doesn't tell the whole story of #UK #canal #boat #licencing. It's not just length, there are different rates for private boats and hire boats. And I forget the arrangements for continuously cruising #liveaboard #boaters.
I recall that the boats I owned a 1/12th shared in were classed as a #hireboat, although, typically, such boats cruised for about 48 weeks a year, while a typical holiday hire boat only cruises about 36 weeks a year, which is why I can understand the thought that length should not be the sole criteria.
It's different again on the #NorfolkBroads. Licencing is on the basis of area (length x beam) and there are multiple classes with the biggest discounts for #yachts, smaller ones for auxiliary yachts, electric powered craft and so on. Not to mention different rates for hire boats.
And just don't ask about the UK's Boat Safety Scheme! #BSS
Bobbing Boat
NorfolkGreg