As a couple that are researching boat sizes, prices, where to moor, how to see as much of the wonderful system we have as a legacy in about 2 or 3 years (or more) I wonder if I might pick the brains of you folk that have many years of trying out new innovations to make life easier and maybe cheaper on the cut.

1) Of all the equipment you have applied to your craft, what has been the most effective, from solar panels to wind power to various heating options and the like.

2) Of all the new gizmos and gadgets, what is your favourite? From self tracking at TV to navigation aids using GPS and other info software, is it useful, do you use it a lot?

3) If you were to invent a new innovation that you feel bridges a gap in necessary boat equipment, what would it be?

regards to All, ainslo 

admin said

1) Of all the equipment you have applied to your craft, what has been the most effective, from solar panels to wind power to various heating options and the like.

All I can say is that I wouldn't be without my Three MiFi. All the benefits of a home WiFi setup on the boat (providing I can get a signal!)

2) Of all the new gizmos and gadgets, what is your favourite? From self tracking at TV to navigation aids using GPS and other info software, is it useful, do you use it a lot?

There's an canal map app just been released to aid canal navigation. It's availiable for both Android and iPhone. There are eight (I think) regional maps. The Midlands map has been released already. There's a HUGE amount of information on each map from the usual pump out stations, water points, winding holes etc to the location of pubs, supermarkets and launderettes. The app shows you were they are and how far you are from them. It's marvelous!

3) If you were to invent a new innovation that you feel bridges a gap in necessary boat equipment, what would it be?

A force field that keeps the rain off you when you're cruising, or maybe weather control so that we have enough rain to keep England green, but not so much that you have to empty your wellies out at the end of a day's summer cruising. How about water tanks that fill themselves, self changing gas bottles and a never-ending supply of coal always at hand. But then, if I had all of these innovations to make life easier, maybe I wouldn't enjoy the experience so much. Take the rear deck "pram cover" for example. It's a rear deck cover that allows you to stand out of the rain while you cruise. Unfortunately, you often can't see where you're going because of the rain on the windows, you can't hear the natural sounds around you properly, and you can't reach your centre ropes when you come to locks. They're a nightmare. Technology has its place but the more gadgets you have on board, the more there is to go wrong.

Hehe, interesting responses, thanks for those. I have looked with interest as they finalised the e-canal app android app, I am thinking that I will go for their sister software package which has the  whole of the waterways on an offline PC software package, it's GBP130 but you ge tthe benefit of reading it on the larger screen of your laptop. If you fit a GPS aerial to your PC and use the magnetic vase to put it on the roof of your boat for groundplane, it will give you a very accurate reading with no need for an internet connection. They claim to have all the Nicholson guides info on the package and then some!!

If you do find the key for the force field it will be bigger than a lottery win, so be careful how you announce it!!! 

regards, ainslo