Rebotco

That is truly a marvel! But it absolutely terrifies me! And there was me thinking the government had got rid of our Navy. Congratulations. Brian

Well, so far that has taken 177 forumites + 2 x cliques to change that lightbulb! Whatever will we do when everyone's gone L.E.D.???????? Brian

True. I only alluded to it because there was a long and "amusing" thread on here recently about rivets on nb's. Seemed to get quite heated as I recall - the thread I mean, not the rivets! Brian

Whadya know! The thing's held together with RIVETS!!!! You have to click the Hi Res Image button to see them, but they's definitely rivets. Well, I suppose if its aluminium that figures - its a bugger to weld. Brian

Only problem is, on the K&A there is hardly enough water to float on the top of, let alone go underneath! Brian

Well, I'd definitely be interested in a de-luxe version! If that could incorporate an adjustable ballast tank, it could become a submarine too. The whole world could become your oyster then. Have to do something clever with your exhaust and chimneys of course. One minor problem - if you reduce the width, would that not increase its length? Then it still wouldn't fit into a lock. Unless you fitted a central hinge, allowing the front end to fold over onto the roof. Brian

I've seen several references recently about having 2 centre lines. Surely if the line is attached at the centre of the cabin roof, it can be taken either side as required - as long as the roof is kept clear of clutter. Just cannot see why they would ever be needed on both sides at the same time, even when boating single-handed. Can someone enlighten me please? What am I missing? Thanks Brian

I think it largely depends on the boat. Vinyl on an older trad/historic boat would probably look awful. However, I have an ex-hire nb (cruiser stern) that I have recently renamed using vinyl and am delighted with it. It was superbly done by Tim Hobbs on the K&A who is also a professional signwriter offering both methods, and the versatility of vinyl is pretty incredible these days. Go for the 7-year quality vinyl which is much more durable than ordinary vinyls used to be. In retrospect, I think a handpainted sign on my type of boat would have looked "presumptuous" - trying to pretend it is something that its not. Brian

Its your age! I have a theory that the rate of time passing is inversely proportional to the amount of it you have left. Perhaps after they've found the Higgs Bosun, I'll get them to put my theory through their machine!!!!!! Brian

I've assembled several items of Ikea furniture for my daughter, and TBH I have found them very straightforward and excellent quality. Quite surprised and impressed in fact. Now, if you had said the old MFI stuff instead, I would heartily agree. That was rubbish through and through, and the "instructions" might as well have been in Chinese - come to think of it, they probably were! Brian PS Sorry

Does that mean the Romans devoured his house - twice? Brian

The batteries came with the ex-hire boat I bought 15 months ago. I would imagine they are the "El cheapo" type, as you so eloquently describe them! Must say though, so far I have had no problems with them - my concern is that it stays that way. Brian

yeah. And its been going on for years. anyone remember "Wagon Wheels"? When I were a kid they used to be as big as dinner plates - nowadays they're poxy little discs that can be gobbled up in one mouthful. At least they could - if they didn't taste so bloody 'orrible! And they're ten times the price too. May be a little bit of poetic licence used. Wonder what this has got to do with being "sorry" !????? Brian

Well, thats buggered it! Just when I thought I had got it solved too! Does this mean anyone with "maintenance free" batteries cannot keep them topped up when not in use? Brian

However you have not responded to say whether I stand any chance of passing your test of "amount of time on the water", or "amount of miles covered". I regularly see people posting stuff that implies the roles best go to live-aboards, but I am not convinced that the vast majority of live-aboards do any more boating than we do. I'll repeat the challenge also, that far more boat owners being represented are not live-aboards than those who are, so why are only live-aboards qualified to serve ? In my limited experience, some liveaboards also cruise, but most seem to be almost permanently moored, especially on the K &A. These permanent moorers will have completely different needs to the vast majority who move around the system. I certainly do not think they would promote my interests as a leisure boater. My priorities for CaRT would be Navigation, Maintenance and Costs, and I suspect most boaters feel much the same. Brian

OK thanks. So how many amps should I be looking for to keep 4 x 110 Ahr sealed lead acid batteries topped up over winter? Brian

Thanks, point taken. I guess one of my concerns is that I would prefer to completely avoid using 240v mains shore power if possible, due to added risk of galvanic corrosion. Apart from that, your suggestion would probably be best for me. Brian

Many thanks for all the ideas and options. For simplicity I am now favouring the solar panel route. But I still need some more advice on the minimum wattage needed to ensure adequate trickle charging in winter as per my OP, also size/type of regulator. Brian

You do yourself an injustice, sir. I'm sure you're not a CLOT! Brian

Thanks ditchcrawler. Yes, that would be my choice for simplicity, but is it adequate? In the winter there is little sun and little daylight hours. I also am moored with thick trees on one side and a high bank on the other. It might be the answer, but I cannot be certain. Brian

I am a leisure boater and the boat is mostly unattended during the winter months. I can get access to a 240v mains supply. The boat has 4 x 110Ahr 12v leisure batteries, sealed lead acid type. When I am absent there is nothing electrical left connected, except the auto bilge pump. How can I keep these batteries in a good state of charge as simply as possible? I'm guessing it has to be some sort of automatic trickle charging system, but what size charger would I need, and is it safe to leave it on unattended for up to say 8 weeks? There is also a 110Ahr starter battery, but to keep things simple I am assuming I can leave that alone, as it is only ever used for a couple of seconds each time I start the engine, and the alternator will recharge that quite quickly. I know there are very sophisticated monitoring/charging systems around, but far too expensive for my needs, and I really want to keep it as simple (and cheap!) as possible. Any advice and suggestions will be very much appreciated, thanks. Brian

This is a simple but free tool: http://www.narrowboats.org/narrowboat_layout.aspx