chilligibbon

Hi Phil, I have a small 85w panel that performs well so can't wait to see how the new ones help.

Hi Matty, the controller supplied is 30amp/150v so all looks good to go. Just need the sun to shine now!

Thanks Rogeriko, that is the kit, did some reading on series/parallel and voltages last night and understand a bit better now!

Thanks EEng that makes perfect sense now. The kit is a midsummer energy 390w set up but came with no instruction at all on how to wire (series or parallel). Bring on the weekend and I'll try ang get them fitted..

I have just had a 3 panel kit delivered, each panel has a + and - cable and connector attached, I also have 2 loose cables with connectors 1 end and bare the other to go into controller. Unless I am missing something I cannot work out how the panels will all link together. Ideas please!!!!

There is also a very thick hedge and a wire fence between the gun club and the towpath, not to mention 100yds of grass currently being munched by 3 young horses!

I've been searching too and can only find the original application that was withdrawn late in 2012. No sign of the application that was passed yesterday. It also appears that the registered office of TIS Worldwide Limited that have submitted the application is a Fried Chicken shop in Bradford?

Hi Matrin, looks like the proposal for the old golf course on the Coventry side, believe that one was thrown out. The accepted plans are for the old electricity board site on the Oxford, believe it or not on top of the old slag heap. Will post a link when I can find it. There is something ridiculous like a 12ft lock needed to enter the proposed marina.

We permanent moor on the opposite side to the vm's and have been there now 2 years and not heard of any incidents as you describe Alan. We have friends on the same moorings who have been there over ten years without issue. Let's hope that if this is true, then it was a one off.

Found it on Coventry Telegraph. Planning approved.

Has anyone heard the outcome of the planning meeting yet?

hi, Thanks for all the advice, think I got plenty to work with, hoping to have my first attempt this weekend. Struggling to find a supplier of ratcliffe's base coat - any one know of any suppliers? Thanks Chris

Hi, I have just ordered some Polyvine pre tinted medium oak scumble oil, with intention of doing a bit of practice before attempting to re-grain my hatches and doors. Can anyone offer any tips on technique and what is most suitable to use as a base coat? Thanks Chris

Hi Steve Pm sent

16.5 metres of rope sounds right. Try trafalgar marine, rope is about 19p a mtr if you but 220m (£42). Trust me if you have bought a fender book you will need that much to play with! If you think a set of four rope fenders will set you back £40 and the satisfaction of making them yourself is great. Plus you will have rope left to make and sell to your mates!

Hi all, While the debate on the compression valves seems as if it will roll on forever, I'm pleased to say the windlass on the speed wheel works a treat and I am now looking forward to an Easter cruise without a block of wood jammed in to hold it in place! Thanks again for all the tips Chris

I know the compression screws were used when the boat was surveyed before I bought it in October so hopefully no leakage when I try them when I get back to the boat. Will let you know, and will try both options when out on our first cruise at Easter and see which suits best.

Like the idea of the weight on a hook, will certainly be trying that, thanks Richard. So far, regarding the compression valves jury is still out. Guess it's a case of trying it and seeing what feels best.

Hi, I have an annoying little problem with my speedwheel, jp2 engine, at tick over and just above it stays in position fine but turn up the revs to cruising speed and the wheel vibrates back round to almost tick over again. I can't see any obvious places to tighten to stop this. Any ideas gratefully received. On a slightly different note, compression valves in or out when cruising canals? The previous owner said he never touched the valves and left them screwed in, what are the pro's and cons? Thanks Chris

Thanks Alan, but needs to be black and prob 12 - 14 mm.. Hi Mike, Only blue on the website but may give them a call tomorrow, thanks.

Does anyone know of a good supplier of black polypropylene rope in large coils?

All done! New webasto, new calorifier, prop shaft out, shifted loads of ballast (twice!), drained central heating and engine coolant, scrubbed and painted bilge, all new plumbing fitted, everything filled back up, hot water and central heating resumed, prop shaft in, floorboards back down on a hopefully still dry bilge! Hot shower, beer! Thanks all for your help on the way. Bring on the next challenge!

Nearly there! The old split calorifier has been removed today and is on its way to the big scrapyard in the sky! Let's hope once the new one is fitted I can start chilling a bit and not worry about paddling in the bilges for a while! Thanks again for all your input, sarcastic or otherwise! Guess as a Hudson owner this is something I need to get used too!! Chris

Hi Pete, Seemed to roll from one thing to another on the Mikuni, decided that we would bite the bullet and out with the old and in with the new! Had a new Webasto fitted, new calorifier next and then hopefully I can relax a bit and sit back and enjoy the boat for a while!

Open to any suggestions you may have, I reckon I know the underfloor of the boat pretty well now after spending what seems like weeks down there and I have no idea where else I would put a horizontal tank! Hiya, we absolutely love the boat, even though I may have had the odd second thought and frustrating moment but guess you have to expect these things with original equipment approaching 14 years old! Have you found a boat yet?