Wanted—a level playing field

I AM sure, like many others, I'm confused about the debate regarding the 14 days rule and how it applies to either (but surely it should be both) continuous cruisers and those who choose to invest their money in the secure water car parks we know as marinas, writes John Howard.

No issue, prejudice or envy

For the record. I have no issue, prejudice or envy of those who choose to apportion some of their 'hard earned' in mooring their boat in a marina. In fact I've done it myself before retirement, and when money, company cars and expense accounts were a part of my everyday life.

I understand that everyone has the right, as so they should, to spend their money as they see fit.

Changed

For me, the pension only stretched so far, so we chose to trade the luxury of online electric, water points permanently at the stern and an Elsan a hundred yards away, for the ever changing view from our windows, ever changing neighbours and conversation, plus of course the need to plan more carefully the need to replenish water tanks and empty toilets along with taking much more care on our use of electricity and the replenishment thereof.

What I don't get is why those with a home mooring might feel that they should be entitled to sit for more than 14 days in a particular 'place' whilst the apparently second class boater (continuous cruiser) should be expected to be moved on.

Discriminate

I wasn't aware that the 1995 act discriminated between boaters—although the CaRT letters (CC1,2,3 etc 'Continuous Cruisers'—formerly, I believe, LA1,2,3 etc 'Live Aboards') seemingly does discriminate by doing so?

I don't think that anyone should have the right to sit for more than 14 days, what ever their perceived status. Now, if CaRT does not have the resources or systems to cope with the fact that a boat from a marina, or long term or permanent mooring is popping along to a favourite spot for the weekend, then surely that is something for CaRT to address. If the said boat is there for more than 14 days, then slap them with an Overstay letter (how about OS1,2,3 etc—much less discriminatory).

So please, no more divisive and discriminatory rules. Just treat everyone the same. It makes for a less confusing life, helps bind us 'boaters' together and makes for a 'just' system for all.

No more apartheid

So please. No more apartheid. We're all just boaters, who want to share this ever shrinking resource before it is gone forever. And for those who don't, or won't, play by this single set of simple rules—then hit them hard and fast (but fairly and publicly) as would happen if we were to substitute the word boater for motorist! It doesn't matter if you have a Rolls or a 2CV, if you overstay you get a ticket, and if you don't tax your car it gets crushed.

Lets see a level playing field and stop clouding the issue with divisive rules.

[John Howard has accepted our  invitation to become a Contributor to narrowboatworld, that we extended in view of his sensible articles.]