Fenders on SIB?

[Kristian]

Great, thanks. Sound like they’re manageable and pretty straightforward once you’ve had a bit of practice. Think I will stick to the 4 mile stretch between the locks for a while until I’m more used to handling the SIB.

I should be able to wheel the SIB from my driveway straight to that launch point so parking not an issue to me. As for the one across the river, I haven’t used it (this will be my maiden voyage), but it looks handy with good parking and a proper slip all the way into the water. Right in the heart of the swan sanctuary though!!

Thanks for the advice on the Thames registration; was planning to get the annual one and hope we have enough good days this summer to make the most of it.

Got to be honest, I’ve yet to start the engine even once, so going to need to get a lot more used to that before I’m confident I can switch it off in the lock and easily get it restarted. Still, it sounds like my best bet is just learning as much as possible on here and then getting out there and doing it.

Thanks for all the helpful comments!

[rogerblack]

Have you got a means of starting it at home? I have a tall waste bin which fits under the outboard mounted on its trolley. I can fill this with water so the cooling intake is covered and make sure all is well before setting off to the water. There's nothing worse than drifting slowly downstream whilst pulling the starter cord like mad to no avail, providing great entertainment for the 'gongoozlers'.

Been there, done it, nearly got the T-shirt!

[Kristian]

Yeah. I can’t think of anything worse. I can order another recycling bin from the council to test it out, then once done it’ll come in handy for recycling!

[rogerblack]

I have used a recycling bin in the past but it means lifting the motor quite high, also when filled it's a lot of water to dispose of, and how to do it - very heavy to tip over.

I now have a plastic waste bin, about three feet high, one of those that had a removable swing lid top. I can tilt it to go under the motor when it's on its sack truck stand, but then used to have to siphon the water out to empty it, so I bought and fitted a cheap plastic garden water butt tap from the garden centre - job done.

[Martin]

A cheap £10 Aldi Dry bag comes in for an emergency flush bucket, i usually take a spare with me when we go off camping/caravanning.

Martin