Saturday 4 May 2013

The Mob.

We have been reading the latest edition of the Tow Path ( free boating paper ) and it is full of summer boating festivals and rallies, the problem is, they all seem to be themed, from Farrow and Ball engine owners club, to The posh boat builders owners club , Historic Ex working boat club, it goes on, we have a modern boat and engine, no pots and pans with hand painted roses on. We know Syd who has long hair and a beard, but that apparently doesn't count, so, we think we are going to have to start our own club, or does association sound better? Anyway, we think " Modern ordinary boat club " or the M.O.B. for short, is needed.

Here are some of our ideas for rules governing admission:

1     Must have a Japanese based marine engine. ( similar considered )
2     The shell should not really be a recognised name.
3     No painted pots, buckets, milk churns etc to be visible.
4     No selling of, fenders,buttons or any canal ware rope based products.
5     Dogs and only limited boating experience are a must.
6     Good stock of beer and wine, and you could become the a committee member without a vote.
7      Conversations about, the Mk 2 brass interlinked thrust coupling bottom bearing valve, strictly not allowed.  


Some pictures of beautiful boats, not members of MOB.



Engine room seen from the tow path


Immaculate engine room, please tip toe around it.


Traditional boatman's cabin with range stove.


Another boatman's cabin, note the castles and roses art work.


Traditional hand painted canal ware.


Working narrow boat, this company are having a get together later in the year.


Not sure what rallies this would be welcome at, maybe a little dark inside, but brilliant idea!

Putting this together  has started me off on  " I want a traditional boat and engine " we went through this when looking to buy our first boat, good old common sense won out on that occasion, not so sure it will next time, next time !!-------oh no , are our minds already set ? is Micky going on the market ?   Well not in the near future, we are still learning the canals and our boat does just fine. Still you can dream.

Bye for now, 
Baz and Ali.

4 comments:

  1. Would like to formally apply for my membership now please. Do not currently own a modern NB but have extensive sailing experience.

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  2. You can't get more modern that not built or even designed! your part ownership of a dog does qualify you, however your ability to steer a straight course without supervision does hold you back, however, a bottle of wine ( plastic bottle please! ) donated next visit,should overcome this flaw. Baz.

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  3. Another prospective MOB member here. I've just retired at 55 and have been looking for a narrowboat for several months. How hard can it be I thought.

    Silly me but I'll find the right one eventually then it's off into the blue at 3mph for yours truly. I was looking for a two berth but have been told by friends that unless it has at least four I risk being cut up into small pieces and fed to the fishes!

    At least being retired I'm able to drive all over the country looking at likely candidates. I'm viewing one that looks good on Friday. I can't wait to get my new floating home but I'm not not going to rush and buy something that isn't right. Like you I'm all for modern with an engine under the floor at the stern, I mean why would anyone want some ancient engine in it's own room taking up space in a boat where space is already at a premium?

    I have pleanty of experience of boats none of which involved narrowboats or canals :0)

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    Replies
    1. Good luck with the hunt, plenty out there, make sure you have a multi fuel stove !
      Baz

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