Bert

Hi Charles I have just been looking at the pictures of your nb LYRA, it really is an excellent job you have done. I am about to start on a narrowboat project myself in about 8 to 10 weeks time, when the shell has been built. I am trying to gather as much information as I can about the fitting out process, suppliers of materials and fittings etc. So was hoping you could pass on a few tips about the actual materials you used. The panels in the saloon look a really lovely colour, is the ply stained and varnished. What thickness is the plywood panels, and is the panel moulding an off the shelf item or did you have to get it machined to order. Did you run all your dc lighting cables under the centre roof panel? Any details about the cable size, and light fittings used would be very helpful. I have decided to have all portholes cut in the shell not windows, I noticed you mentioned that you required a little more light in the saloon area, I’m thinking now I should perhaps change two of the portholes for windows in that saloon area. Decisions decisions.

Try this link, looks good price. http://www.waudbys.co.uk/products/details/1794.html

I also used a third smaller dedicated isolator and fuse just for the 12v fridge. This way you can isolate the rest of the boat if you want too leave it anywhere unattended. www.vehicle-wiring-products.co.uk Hi David, A good site to add to my list. The thinwall is a bit cheaper. I am going to work to the wiring schematic that is shown in Narrowboat Builders Handbook, then I can print a copy and mark cable sizes fuses etc. onto that for future reference. A little concerned about selecting correct cable sizes for this 12v system, but I now have a cable rating chart to follow, so should be ok. Thanks for the tips Regards Bert

Hi Daniel, Thanks for the web site link. I have just found this site, very good prices. http://www.gscontrols.com/index.asp?functi...LAYCAT&catid=22 Cheers Bert

Thanks Daniel, I see you have used the vetus isolator switch, i'm looking for suppliers now, and maybe some alternative isolators. Cheers Bert

Hi John, Glad you pointed that out ,I would have been busy trying to find out how to fit indicator to DC pane l I shall come back to that when I get on to the 230v system. The isolator, does that need to be fitted close to the batteries or can it be sited next to the consumer unit. I am going for the Trad, so I think the first cabin area is ok for electrics. Cheers Bert

Hi Daniel, Yes I will use one of these consumer units, I have seen them being offered complete with breakers at very good prices. I did read an article about fitting a reversed polarity indicator to these units, but I cant remember where I found it. Not sure if this type of indication is something that now has to be fitted or not. Cheers Bert

Come on guys simmer down, I did not want to start a row. Many thanks to everyone for their replys. You can all join me onboard for pint when I finish this project. All the best to you all Bert

Hi Roger, I plan to vist and talk with several builders then I shall make my decision, but yes they do look to be one of my favorites. Is the hull bow shape you refer to, their standard design or a special you requested. Cheers Bert

Hi David, No I did not know about the TB training site I shall take a look today. Cheers Bert

Hi Daniel, I will wire each lamp back to main panel location. then group 3 or 4 lamps together then into fuse board. So not too many fuses needed. Cheers Bert Thanks Stuart, Bert

Hi John Re: bus-bar, is that the type of solid metal bar we use for connecting several earth cables? Cheers Bert

Pipers look like very nice boats but their price for a 57 foot trad sailaway is several thousand pounds more than someone like Liverpool, what does all this extra money pay for, what difference would I see. Cheers Bert