Proper Job

Keep it simple Switch the pump on when you get in the shower - switch it off when you get out Every shower flow/float switch that I've ever come across ends up getting gunked up with slime, hair etc etc and needs constant entervention

Video engine porn Will have the two bloke running off being chased by said engine Can't wait

Have another go

Without some form of metering you are trying to manage battery charging blind This generally results in the premature demise of the battery bank Even with cruising for 5-6 hours per day, you could still be taking out more than you are putting back in

I can't make my mind up as to whether they are tubes or wires? Wires would make sense as it looks like a level gauge sender

I would guess that you're taking out a lot more than you think you are ....... added to, you are not putting back in as much as you think you are 400+ Ah...... From flat, it will take several hours to charge them up and that's assuming that your not still taking a whack out of them.

I have managed to wean myself off a bit I'm down to one functioning unit now. Although, like Mike, I'm very tempted by one of the PH's ................. now what can I put it in

The fact that when your engine is running the inverter works would indicate to me that the alternator is working What form of instrumentation do you have for checking that the batteries are charged? Voltmeter? Smartgauge? Amp hour counter?

Fair comment I thought the £1550 one was good value The £1000 starting bid is a cracker! Like Athy, our first NB had a PH2W fitted, it too was the start of an addiction

To many joints to potentially leak

If it turns over freely, you've got compression, oil pressure and the oil looks ok, I'd give it a try. You'll probably get more for it as a confirmed runner than, "not run for 5 years" That said, I wouldn't spend to much time, effort and money getting it running

That's a cracking engine for the price I had one in a 50'er. It was a fantastic engine. A true work horse

Many many years ago we had a Walton wooden cruiser. When we went on the Thames the boat had to go through an inspection and one of the things it failed on was no drip tray under the engine. There wasn't room for one. To cut a long story short, my dad cut a tray in half, slotted it in the front and rear of the engine and the non meeting bit in the middle couldn't be seen under the engine. The inspector passed it on his re-visit. ........ the good old days

How much oil is it actually using? Is it really enough to warrent surgery? They do say that when a Lister stops burning oil or leaking it, it needs topping up

I don't disagree The vultures I was thinking about were more in the Jungle Book image

Just cos the OP's mum isn't in to technology doesn't mean that she's completely unable to live on a boat. You don't need a laptop to change a gas cylinder. Give the lady a chance. She's obviously not in a care home yet! Jeez................

I had an MC42 in a previous boat. It had done several thousands of hours and still ran well and was totally reliable. There comes a time in any engines life where it becomes so worn out that replacement is often a sensible option to rebuilding. Obviously there are some exceptions when desirabilty and historic value comes in to it, but even then, rebuild costs are often well above replacement for a van engine costs I'm sure a new Beta 43 is much cheaper than the total rebuld cost of a JP2, but I know what I'd do

........... and so the vultures circle

Is there a site that hosts a list of Narrowboat Brokers (with web sites) and other sites (ie Apollo Duck)? I hunted around the usual helpful sites like Jim Shead but couldn't find one If not, can we start our own?

You just missed Dusty They were in Oxford Wed/Thurs and are now probably on their way back North