craigx

Is it true that you can tell have close you are to "civilisation" by the amount of dog turd found on the tow path - and what can be done about it! during last weeks cruise, despite being vigilant, I managed to tread 2 lots into the boat.http://www.canalworld.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif

I think it's a question of good manners really. If it is obvious that some one wants to overtake and it is safe to d so and the canal is wide enough and deep enough why not let them - and everyone is happy. Unfortunately,there are some small minded, petty minded people about, even on the canals, who take delight in selfish behaviour. Where's that soap box gone?

Had a very nice week on the boat only marred by having to follow, on two occasions, another boat who was travelling very slowly on tick over for at least 2 miles on open canal. I don't have a problem with people travelling slowly as it can be nice when the sun is out. However, I think it is a bit selfish to inflict this speed on others if they need to get on. I did eventually pass these two boat, at a slow pace after getting their attention with a short blast on the horn, but they appeared a bit put out. What is the etiquette for overtaking on the canal.

Thank you that would be appreciated.

I have a vetus water cooled stern gland. The Allen screw which you remove to inject silicone grease every 200 hours is missing. Can any one tell what size screw I need to replace it. I presume it's metric. Many thanks.

Fitted a flexible drive coupler (8 bolts and what appears to be a solid bit of plastic) and reduced the noise by about 50%.Well pleased! Would it be worth while adding molyslip to the gearbox or would this muck up the clutch.

Thanks very much - I shall give them a call.

My noise is definitely a whine which steadily increases with engine revs making me suspect bearings or worn gears. I don't understand why, once in a blue moon, the noise disappears. Perhaps its related to the quantity of alcohol consumed the night before.

I have not listened with my stick to either end of the gearbox - will do next time I am on the boat. Would the drive plate give a gear whine or a rattle.

The oil level is correct and the oil is changed every 250 hrs and always looks clean.

My gearbox makes quite a bit of noise which gets worse as the engine revs increase. Starts to become noticeable at 900RPM and is generally worse when cold. When going up the Ashby last week there was one moment for half an hour when it went away only to return after i slowed down. I don't think its a singing prop as it sounds like gear noise. I have checked prop alignment and used a stick to sound various places on the engine, gearbox and stern glad. The gearbox is the loudest. How easy is it to replace the input and output bearings on these boxes. My big fear is that the gears are worn, boat built 2004 which will be expensive. advice would be appreciated.

Many thanks for the advice. Think I'll get one. Advice on anchor size for a 60ft narrowboat would be gratefully received.

I am thinking of doing the Leicester ring this October and was wondering whether I really need and anchor for the river bits. I would rather not take one as they are expensive paint scrapers which get in the way and leave rust marks. Advise would be appreciated.