4th July 2013 - Appley Bridge to Poolstock Locks, Wigan

I dipped the fuel the other night and noted that we were down to 1/4 full - time to refill with diesel.  Our 200+litre tank meant that this could be quite a pricey operation.  On the way up we had spotted  "Ambush" a historic Leeds & Liverpool 'short boat' at Crooke selling diesel.  This is a way to keep the old working boats working, and also pays for their not inconsiderable upkeep.

We had phoned ahead to agree price and had said we would be there by 10am.  Sadly this was not to be as two walkers stopped us as we were about to set off, asking what life was like on the boat.  The chap was really keen to get a boat and 'escape' onto the water - his wife was reminding him that they had children....  Anyway we reached Crooke and found Ambush about 11am and were soon ties up alongside filling with diesel.  

Diesel prices are a bit of a black art at the moment. Historically boats have not paid duty on their diesel.  Then a few years ago the EC declared that duty must be paid on ALL diesel used for any transportation - including marine.  The complication comes in that some boats use the diesel in their tanks not only for moving but also for heating.  In addition we use our engine to charge the batteries to give us power.  These portions are not taxable. So the UK government effectively defied Brussels and said it was up to each boat owner to state what proportion of their diesel is for moving, and what was for domestic use, setting a 60/40 split as a guideline.  So I asked Derek on 'Ambush' what split he would accept.  "Don't do splits - or duty... too complcated"  85p/litre it was!

Ambush