Ratty & Moley

Hi Can anybody advise please what we need to do to get through Salter's Lode and Denver Sluice? We are currently moored up in March, in the middle of the middle level and want to get onto the Great Ouse. I know it's tidal so do we just contact the lock keeper and wait for a time or can we anticipate what times we might be able to get through ?? Appreciate any advice from folk who have recently done this hints and tips always welcome. thanks Regards

Wullie hi Apparently the bolts are fitted from within the gearbox or bellhouse so not accessible to just tighten the nuts.... So the whole lot has to come out and be reseated. Got someone doing it on Friday .. It does sound like a big job .. Approx 4 hours I hink and then she's having a major service too so expect a day of mechanical activity

Hi Folks What does it mean to have a lose gearbox on the bell house and is it a major costly thing to repair?? Thanks

Steve Hand is the man!! He did our survey on our 30 ft Springer .... Top bloke very helpful and did an excellent job and report of the survey with photos on a cd to boot.

I get confused between which needs to be drained ?? We have a raw water cooling system ??? Other than antifreeze do we need to do anything in winter ?? And the on board water which I'm assuming just gets emptied and left dry ???

Lucky us ...... Windlass found at Wellingborough lock .... Thank you some kind person

Otter hi We sat with a similar problem after buying our boat in Derby and needed to get it to Cambridge. We went through all the options and finally decided to move it ourselves every odd weekend. I'm so glad we did, not only has it improved my helmsman's skills but also have got to know the boat and more importantly the engine, not to mention the huge adventure and fun we are having. We are still moving it having started off in April this year.... We did some good deals on temporary moorings in marinas when we felt it wasn't safe to leave on the tow path. You are usually expected to move every 2 weeks but I doubt anybody would bother you much if you left it for another week. Work around your work commitments, I'm sure there's no rush to get it home is there..... ???? You won't regret it :)

Sueb ... I'd love a windlass if you have one going spare and looking to travel new waters .... Where are you ?

Indeed Troyboy - he came out yesterday and unclogged a load of weed in the system ... No damage tote impellar so that was good what a relief to have Dave come out so quickly .... Nice guy !!! Richard ... Yes you have summed it up beautifully .... Hopefully one will soon decide it wants to travel with us for a while :) Mike ... I'm afraid mislaid about captures it !!!! school fees ......

Stupid stupid !!! Lost both our wind lasses on the Northampton flight over the weekend..... Chances are they are gone forever , but if anyone did pick them up I'll happily reward for returning them. They are part of the history of our new boat so I'm sad to have lost them !! Now managed to get rid of the weed thanks to Dave Warner who kindly came to the rescue...... Soon to be on our way again....

Brill thanks I'll give him a call - RCR want a 155 joining fee plus 50 for call out...... eeek !

Thanks Rich ...

Hi Folks, I need to call on your expertise once again....... We seem to have an issue with our raw water cooling system and need some advice please. We came down Northampton flight over the weekend, there was loads of weed after lock 8 and we kept having to clean the prop. Managed to get to Billings Marina but the engine temperature was on the up. I cleaned out a load of weed which had plugged the inside of the water inlet.. lucky for me it was nice and hot so I didn't mind taking a dip. I also emptied and cleaned out the filter twice which is now clear but we still don't seem to have a good outlet flow and the engine is sounding more 'throaty' than normal. I think there is some water circulating, but it isn't sufficient as the temp hovers around 90-100 and normal for her is about 70. We have also filled up the water in the mariniser radiator ( don't know what its called) which we have had to do twice ....... so no mechanical blockages at present anywhere but still no optimal outlet flow... anyone got any ideas or know of a mechanic that would come out. We are currently moored up in on a private mooring with the owners permission whilst we get our problem fixed. We have a 30ft springer with a BMC engine. thanks Regards Aileen

Hi Chris Wer'e on the tow path opposite Gayton Marina.....

Hi Chris The red light does come on as soon as I turn the key and no the light doesn't go off at all even after a couple of hours of cruising. Not sure what the voltage the batts are when the engine is running but will check next time we are out there. Regards A

Ok folks so it would seem the alternator is not charging the batteries. A friend checked the current supply over the w/e and all connections etc are receiving what they should from the batt. Roughly how much does a new alternator cost and where should I buy it from ??

Thanks Martyn .... That's handy to know for future ref. in this case it was the battery. I now have to start the process of elimination as to why ...... Could take us a while

Hi Pete, thanks for all the info ... I certainly have something to refer to now the volt meter is a digital multimeter.... Took us a while to figure out which setting to put the dial on but hey ho - I also bought a battery charger and popped the the battery on charge overnight - it's taken about 22 hours to get to 14v now so hoping all will be ok. I'll check the other batt once I'm back on the boat- thank you so much for all your help - much appreciated :)

Steve Hand from handson marina !!! Top bloke - he did a very thorough survey on our Springer, professional report and provided hull photos on disc as well . He was so knowledgable and happy to answer all sorts of questions about our boat ad besides he's a really nice guy and reasonably priced. I would recommend him any day.

Thanks Pete..... Purchased the voltmeter today

The engine turned but not enough to turn over completly. And we do have a split relay to the alternator which as you suggest may not be working properly. I think I'll check the connection as may have loosened. What do most folk carry on board to help them out of this kind of a situation ?? a charger and if so which one ? thanks

Brill thanks - that's always a bonus. Leap frogging the cars is quite a to do !!

Matty we only have the weekends, as slaves to the corporate world during the week ....

Thanks Matty, not sure ?? what's the portal guessing it's a stoppage of sorts We want to be back on the Ouse by the start of winter ..... ah... portal of opportunity - got it now .. took a while

We are currently moving our newbie boat home to Cambridgeshire from Derby and now moored up at Crick.So far loving the journey and the adventure, minus the flat battery episode, but realize that once we cross the middle level after Peterborough chances are slim that we will get over to the Grand Union again any time soon. Thinking to explore the Oxford canal or ?? head up the GU, which is the prettier route ?? Any suggestions or must not miss places we should be heading to - thanks