Today three members of Canalscape-BCN took a Grand Union motor boat
unladen from Broad St BW depot to Norton Canes Docks on the Cannock
Extension canal. The trip commenced at 11.15AM and the boat arrived at
the destination at 17.00PM. The run was without any incident of note,
certainly the crew encounted little of the weed so often talked about
and little rubbish to cause concern. There was no need to clear the
propeller at any time. The boat was drawing approx 2ft 11" and swings
a large 27" blade, it is very encouraging to have succeeded in making
this trip in the normal expected time of approx 5-6 hours. Much is
talked about this canal "being impassable" and choked with debris,
sure there is rubbish in places but good canalcraft and thinking can
quickly avoid potential foul ups. I would encourage anyone to visit
the route as if a GU Town class can navigate without issue then
anything else should have no problem. Crew were, Vaughan Welch, Bob
Williams, Keith Grice and myself.