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Posted by member David Malone on Thursday 4 January 2018

Hello all, Although I have benefited greatly from the knowledge contained within this forum, this is my first post, despite being a Hardy owner for nearly a year now. My path to Hardy ownership started with a mirror dinghy and then a wooden sailing yacht, before transferring to the inland waterways in a series of shared ownership and then our own narrow boat. After 20 years of canal/river cruising we sold the narrow boat three years ago, for a number of 'sensible' reasons, but missing being afloat and started looking for an alternative at the beginning of last year. I liked the 'workmanlike' look of the Hardy Pilot and was fortunate to find one close to home at Boroughbridge, we became proud owners in March. We have enjoyed our cruising on the Ouse and getting used to the, very different, experience of helming the Pilot. I have also made a number of minor mods to ease the transition from living aboard a 60ft narrowboat! One of the reasons for choosing the Pilot 20 was the possibilities it offered to take it to new waterways, and the plan for this year is to 'GO North!' - and the reason for my post. My aim is to trail the boat up to Edinburgh and slip it onto the Union Canal. Then cruise to Bowling, via the Falkirk Wheel and Forth & Clyde canal and then trail it to a mooring on Loch Lomond, possibly at Balmaha. This will be the first time I have trailed the boat, although I have caravan experience, and my first launch/retrieve, so any tips/advise would be much appreciated - along with any mooring/cruising advice for Loch Lomond. If all goes to plan I hope to provide a useful/interesting article for the club magazine. Regards David

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