The BAT Squad – ‘Bob’, a Job.
The BAT Squad – ‘Bob’, a Job.
by: Peter A.
For the second time this week it was an 06:00 start for the Boat Acquisition Team. This trip up to Staffordshire was to prepare the floating facilities cabin (known as ‘Bob’ – something probably due to its nature as you step on and off it) for transport to Western Depot next week.
Located at Weston, 2 locks up the Trent & Mersey from Great Hayward Junction, we had a trip down to the Stafford Boat Club marina on the south side of Stafford. Our tug this time was Atlas, one which has been earmarked for the Stroudwater restoration, if we can raise the money to buy it.
So, the 3 cylinder Perkins was poked into providing propulsion, all our provisions loaded, the floating cabin attached and we were on our way at 08:30. Steering on tugs is quite lively when sailing solo, but a joy when pushing a mud hopper. Our cabin possessed all the hydrodynamic qualities of a large thermalite breeze block, which did little to tame the steering. As the depth of water changed under the boat, so a change in direction often resulted.
Despite all this, once the sweet spot was captured, good progress was made. Just three locks stood in our way. The run took 3.5 hours and we were able to moor up the cabin at the entrance to the boat club.
A quick tour inside shows the seating/table area, stove, sink, pump out loo and a hefty generator, which was fired up for test during the journey. Our tug was also quite capable in the facilities provision. It too had a loo, sink, heater and seating, so could also complement any work party.
A clear run back to base, very little traffic on the system. A short pause at Great Hayward for a late-ish lunch and we tied up at 15:30, very satisfied with the day’s effort. Nowhere near as exhausting as Monday’s antics.
All being well, Bob will be at the depot Monday lunch time and then some activities to clean and tidy are in order.
