When we are all plugged in?
Roger Murray
gradually going to be shepherded into marinas and that leafy little
mooring next to a field will just be a dream of the past. This is
perhaps an over exaggeration, but it appears to be the way of the
future with the rapid explosion of all the new marinas turning up
around the system... one round every bend, and BWs policy of now
making it difficult in every chapter of the book for farmers to carry
on with their line moorings.
You could call it the unstoppable tide of progress,’ and yes, many
will just love the all swinging all facility marina, and I have to
admit I am temporally in one, and yes it is convenient to just plug
the boat into tomorrows world and forget the midwinters muddy towpath.
Not yet convinced.
The main problem is money. They are so bloody expensive. Yes if you
are a reasonably incomed liveaboard or somebody who wants to stay
plugged in for most of the time, ok, maybe value for money, but I am
sure for many like me who want to go off cruising for quite a few
months each year, but not enough to be termed a continual cruiser, it
is questionable economics.
It is difficult getting the head round having to pay this kind of
money for a vacant mooring not being used for weeks or months at a
time when you are off around the system. I can see the marinas point
of view as they need to recoupe for their heavy investment, but surely
their could be a way round this.
As there are now so many marinas coming on line round the system and
many boaters out there like me who don’t want to be stuck in the same
location all the year, wouldn't it be to the advantage of both parties
for some kind of reciprocal agreement be formed with say a national
association of marinas, whereas if you are fully signed up with say
one marina, you can have reciprocal facilities at a number of other
marinas around the country.
The Holy Grail of marketing and retailing... ‘Listen to the
consumer!’ doesn't yet seem to be recognised in the canal industry.
Still not yet convinced about marinas. Secretly have a penchant for
blowy nights next to a muddy towpath.
Roger.
Brian on Harnser
>
>
> It is difficult getting the head round having to pay this kind of
> money for a vacant mooring not being used for weeks or months at a
> time when you are off around the system. I can see the marinas point
> of view as they need to recoupe for their heavy investment, but surely
> their could be a way round this.
>
> As there are now so many marinas coming on line round the system and
> many boaters out there like me who don’t want to be stuck in the same
> location all the year, wouldn't it be to the advantage of both parties
> for some kind of reciprocal agreement be formed with say a national
> association of marinas, whereas if you are fully signed up with say
> one marina, you can have reciprocal facilities at a number of other
> marinas around the country.
>
You are missing one important point. While you are away the management
will try and let your mooring on a short term basis for more per week
than you are already paying them.
--
Brian traveling on Harnser
http://nbharnser.blogspot.com/
Tony Haynes
Not only will try, but will. I have been on the other side of this
story twice when needing to go back 'home' for hospital appointments.
During the season a phonecall enquiry to a marina for a temporary
secure mooring of say two week's duration in a dodgy security spot,
like Stoke or Anderton, will usually get the reply, "Lets see who's
out. Oh yes. We can accommodate you as long as you are away by..... "
And why not?
It is in fact quite handy, but I doubt that they would contact the
original long-term mooring hirer and offer a rebate, which morally
they should.
Tone
Pete Stockdale
"Tony Haynes" <irishcan...@googlemail.com> wrote in message
news:e1e4ad02-6084-4b9a-b228->
Not only will try, but will. I have been on the other side of this
story twice when needing to go back 'home' for hospital appointments.
During the season a phonecall enquiry to a marina for a temporary
secure mooring of say two week's duration in a dodgy security spot,
like Stoke or Anderton, will usually get the reply, "Lets see who's
out. Oh yes. We can accommodate you as long as you are away by..... "
And why not?
It is in fact quite handy, but I doubt that they would contact the
original long-term mooring hirer and offer a rebate, which morally
they should.
Far better to provide a free mooring to a temporary two weeker, then there
would be no moral responsibility
to offer a rebate to the original long term moorer.
That is what happens at thecanalshop moorings anyway (:-)
Regards
Pete
www.thecanalshop.com
Tony Haynes
wrote:
> "Tony Haynes" <irishcanaldrif...@googlemail.com> wrote in message
But then, you are.... well.... different, Peter.
But I will remember.
Tone
Les
> secure mooring of say two week's duration in a dodgy security spot,
> like Stoke or Anderton,
What on earth is dodgy about Anderton?
Arthur Marshall
from "Pete Stockdale" <peter....@btopenworld.com> contains these words:
> Far better to provide a free mooring to a temporary two weeker, then
> there
> would be no moral responsibility
> to offer a rebate to the original long term moorer.
> That is what happens at thecanalshop moorings anyway (:-)
I got trapped in he floods a few years ago just ouside Leicester and
wound up sitting on someone's farm moorings for a week. No problems
there - no suggestion of payment though I wouldn't have minded. All
very civilised and boatworthy.
Marinas I suppose as purely commercial enterprises are bound to be a bit
different.
--
Arthur Marshall
nb Lord Byron's Maggot
art...@barndancer.co.uk
www.ktblarney.co.uk
www.barndancer.co.uk
www.myspace.com/arthurhimself
Tony Haynes
It's where three passing pissed young teenage yobs tried to steal our
bike from the cabin top on a Sunday night. Our dog alerted us and I
gave chase, but on two crutches, didn't stand much of a chance.
Alverchurch offered us sanctuary in their marina, but we moved on.
January 2008.
Nowhere near housing is 100% safe.
cheers
Tone
Pete Stockdale
>January 2008.
Perhaps I will quote you in my objection to the Marsworth Yard destruction.
More unsightly dwelling boxes replacing valuable heritage.
Panic not - I know the deadline is near !
Regards
Pete