Markinaboat

Hi, Has anyone managed to get insurance cover to keep a motorcycle on board? Am planning to keep one on my tug deck, have done loads of research but two of the mainstream brokers said their underwriters won't even listen!" Will be selling my Triumph Tiger 1050 for something smaller. Thanks

Hi Bill, Yes, I've been living aboard and cruising around for 14 years so used to how the efficiency is affected. How many times in how many years have you been stuck in reverse? The link I posted is for the protector that is a one bladed clamp-on type (two halves). Would depend on the amount of free shaft between where the prop emerges and the inside of the prop flange. This much I'll find out next week at the survey. Cheers Mark

OK, so we're getting there, survey next week for the boat and the K3! I understand that as the prop shaft relies on going back and forth and that when a bag, rope etc wraps itself around the exposed shaft at the prop, it could prevent the shaft from going forward thus being stuck in reverse with some potentially unpleasant circumstances. Whilst she's out of the water next week, I'm wondering if one of those 'prop protectors' would help? I realise that there may not be enough space to clamp it on whilst still allowing for the 20mm of travel but maybe with a slightly extended shaft or modificastion? http://www.prop-protector.co.uk/ Any (sensible, not "don't buy it") tips/advice greatly appreciated! Regards Mark

Well I'm going to have to sell my trusty steed, a Triumph Tiger 1050. Yes, a modern one that doesn't burn your nether regions when it catches fire (I've been there on a Bonnie!). Lookin at smaller/more practical bikes. I've measured the deck area so it's all down to wheelbase, turning circle and of course weight. Ideally a BMW F800GS but not a lot lighter than mine. Thereafter (off topic, oops!) perhaps a Yamaha XT660R and if that'sno good will have to go the Street Triple, MT09/07 route... Does anyone know about getting insurance for a 'bike on a boat'?

Well, we collect our 2006 NT complete with existing K3 at the end of the month so no going back now! I've done as much research as I can (not just here) and it would seem that the K3 is bulletproof if rebuilt and installed properly. I am more than capable of maintenance so remain optimistic! A lovely chap called Dick Goble is coming to check the engine over the week after next. Apparently, he is one of the most knowledgeable Kelvin guys around. Some of you will no doubt slate me to learn that I'll have a motorbike on the tug deck! However, I promise to fabricate a suitably well tailored canvass to keep her aesthetically pleasing! We're getting very excited!

Yes it is. Are you saying Enid is deeper drafted than other Northwich Traders? I used to live on Marcellus (70ft small woolwich) and she drew almost 4ft at the stern with the water tank near to empty!

That's why sea salt comes in such large containers ;-) Thanks for the feedback MtB!

Hi, Fairly new on here and thanks to my better half's purse, we take delivery of a northwich Trader at the end of the month. She has a K3 and it was mentioned to me that if you wound the gear wheel in too much or too harshly (like there's never going to be any emergency stops!) then the cone clutch can jam. Any thoughts or experiences on this? Thanks.

Just beautiful!

Not sure where you got the idea that I'm not interested in vintage engines? Also, tis not a leisure boat but a live aboard. It is diesel start and Ive bedn informed that it takes 5 mins to prepare to get going as opposed to 10-15 when petrol starting. Also, the Gardner 2LW is most definitely hand start as the solenoid was jammed and we turned it over by hand. Lots of views, just what I hoped for! ;-) Still don't get why some think the size of the K3 is an issue. As far as I am aware, they run ok at low revs. Yet to hear it running in the flesh, maybe it'll be more tiring on a daily basis or perhaps not so?

Considering but broker doesn't have all of the information I need yet

not sure if I can PM on this site but would be useful if I could make contact with her or get me email address to her? Cheers

No, it's most definitely a K3 and yes to 1.69 tons It's in a Northwich Trader - RW Davis has installed several of these in their boats as well as Gardners Gardner has a UC reversing gearbox with a very large wheel to operate. Not sure about the K3 but it is a very highly specced boat and fully/properly marinised, pre-heaters etc so no petrol start required. Size is not important as there's still stacks of room in the engine room and I know she will handle like a dream. It's purely reliability that concerns me and cost of parts as would of course do my own maintenance. Thanks to all for your quick and very helpful replies!

Yes, I did hear that there was a sad story there. I believe his wife was Christine? I did see the boat recently, has a Studer inverter in, looked quite old though. Paint is still good but the front deck which is timbered over is lifting and water underneath. Engine sounds beautiful. Looking ta another boat with a Kelvin K3, looks the part but I wonder if the maintenance is tougher than the 2LW! Any more info where that came from?

My two pennies worth, if the batteries are holding their own individual voltage without a load (disconnect one at a time after a full charge and leave to stand for a few hours) then it could be voltage drop due to an insufficient cable size, especially where the fridge is concerned.

Hi, I bought one of these 2-3 months ago. It really is well made compared to others I've had and at £19.99 is too good to miss. http://www.screwfix.com/p/folding-hand-truck-68kg/67989?cm_mmc=Email-_-E14W30C-_-Hotdeals-_-Foldinghandtruck

Hi, Does anybody know of the history of NB India. she's a Roger Fuller tug that was for sale recently. I know the tug deck was shortened from 14ft to approx 7ft and that the s/steel water tank was replaced with a flexible suspended tank (Duratank?). Likewise, the tug deck has been covered with timber which requires refurbishing so would be interested to know how this was done. Better still, if I could liaise with the previous owner to the current, that would be amazing! Recently back to sunny Southall after a 9 week break on my nb 'Merchant'. Regards Mark

Hi, I've been a live-aboard for some 14 years and now in the process of buying a new [second-hand boat]. We've seen two that we really like and price aside, would very much appreciate some feedback on the pro's and con's of the 2LW V the K3 based on the fact that we will be continuously cruising (average 4 days per week) for maybe 2-3 years. Is one more reliable than the other or require significantly more servicing time and parts? I've also been told that neither is suitable for running to charge the batteries, even when in gear? Lastly, is one gearbox more user friendly than the other i.e. when performing emergency stops or just being able to go from forward to reverse and vice versa in a timely fashion? Many thanks Mark

Hi, I was planning on taking my 70ft to Camden to day for an overnight and then back to Southall. From what I'm reading, will there be ANYWHERE to moor? Have never had a problem before although have not been that way for two years. Thanks Mark

Hi all, I've been cruising the Berko to Marsworth area (and cycling further north) whilst having an extended vacation on my NB Merchant. After initially living on the cut at Cowley for five years, for the past eight yrs my home mooring has been in Southall at a private dock/marina. Had forgotten what a great bunch you all are out here and miss the 'real boating' community so much that will keep looking for a mooring between Slapton and Kings Langley for as long as it takes. Currently at Cowroast but probably moving back upto Berko (Waitrose) in a day or two for practicalities. Maybe then back to Marsworth for a few days, just love it there so much. Now, where's that sun gone? Cheers Mark

Hi Again, As mentioned earlier, I owned and lived on Marcellus from July 2003 - Feb 2006 at Cowley near Uxbridge. She was red and blue then. I have the original gauging papers and a photo album (somewhere!) covering Ian's restoration and conversion. He intended to live on her himself but passed away just before completion. I believe Malcolm Braine completed some of the interior. Whilst I had her, she had 32 rivets ring-welded by John Pattel at Croxley after having her surveyed. I don't use this forum often and unable to check in and search the forums for postings etc. If anyone wants to organise a pm facility for me then please do so or email me directly (guess I shouldn't put my email address here? Regards Mark

Hi, It looks like a safe place to be for doomsday! Slightly off-topic so apologies but RICHARDF, I lived on Marcellus from July 2003 - Feb 2006. Have all of the original photos from when Ian Clifton renovated/converted her. Get in touch! Rgds Mark

Hi, Was Googling as you do and found this thread. I lived on Marcellus (bow) at Cowley from July 2003 until Feb 2006. She was magnificent and I spent much on her including an Onan genset in the forward hold. I also put a (go on, say it!) Bubble diesel stove in with rads. I've got plenty of photos on the last two laptops, may be difficult to extract but if it was that important.....I also have, the original gauging papers that I bought, I think from Highline at Iver but only god knows where they are. Unfortunately, it turned out that the guy I sold her to, Hedley (known as 'H') was both a war hero and a heavy alcoholic. He fell and hit is head I believe, so sad as I thought he had found some solace living afloat on her. Does anyone know where she is now? Best regards, Mark NB Merchant at Maypole Dock in Southall)