PhilR

QUOTE what happened in the past then, did the one alternator charge all the batteries ??? Bless. ROFL I keep forgetting that modern boating is all about *non-boating* and supporting land type electrical demands for mod cons .........................

I reckon we should all make a point of calling in at the Anchor. We should support places like this or else we will lose them.............

The air cooled Listers all had direct injection so they didn't need (and weren't fitted with) glow plugs. A lot of hire boats with air cooled Listers were fitted with Lister weedless props. As you say they were useless in reverse. For example, the standard Lister weedless prop on an SR2 was a 17 X 10½. Crowthers quote an 18 X 12 standard turbine prob as the best match for most SR2 powered boats. Phil

I've still got the original Lucas AC11 on my SR2. The pulley size isn't a problem. At start up the alternator will put over 40 amps into the batteries, but this soon reduces to below 20 amps. I assume that the alternator controllers/relays that were supplied with SR's are set at too low a voltage? Mine works and the boat electrics are very low tech by modern standards. However, if anyone (Gibbo?) can suggest a suitable cheap replacement modern alternator I would like to give it a go. Phil

It seems very unlikely that the levers would have all broken accidently - I wonder if the hire company broke them off deliberately to stop their hirers fiddling? Or is the clearance very tight under the deck boards? You should have a hand start if it is an SR3. The starting handle will either fit on the front of the camshaft, or if you have *raised starting* the handle will fit onto a spindle at the rear of the engine. To use the starting handle you will really need to get hold of some decompression levers - try enquiring at local plant hire companies. Your boat might have several fuel filters, but the final filter will probably be in a small filter body, with paper element, attached to the front starboard side of the engine - just above the alternator. There are 2 bleed screws on top of the filter housing. One is a knurled screw and the other is a hexagonal screw head. If you open the knurled screw whilst cranking the engine you should see fuel seeping out. Apart from that you shouldn't need to unscrew anything else to bleed the fuel system. Just remembered - you will probably have a camshaft driven lift pump low down on the port side of the engine. There is a priming lever on that. If you operate that lever with the bleed screw open you will soon confirm that fuel is getting to the pumps. HTH and good luck Phil

I thought the same as you Chris. It is probably an SR3 or ST3. The exhaust valves are decompressed when the levers are moved towards the stern - so the running position is with the levers forward. If the engine hasn't been run for a while (and especially if the battery is a bit suspect) I suggest you turn the engine over briefly with the levers decompressed. This will confirm that the starter motor is working and the engine is running freely. It will also prime the fuel system. Crazycat - If you can confirm that your engine is an aircooled SR3 or ST3 I can give you a few more tips. These engines are very reliable and easy to start in the summer and the fuel system is virtually self bleeding. Phil

It is a pity nobody has produced a rough guide using torque as the basis of power requirements. HP and BHP is fairly meaningless with heavy displacement boats.

Is the boat on the water? I have bowhauled longer boats over much greater distances. It is surprisingly easy, although the term bowhauling is a bit of a misnomer. You need to attach the towing line about one third back from the bow - and the longer line the better. I am sure you will find that there will be plenty of offers of a tow from passing boats.

Is it a bronze prop or an alloy prop? Alloy props on outboards and outdrives are very soft and prone to damage. I once did a very successful DIY repair on an Enfield Z drive prop (alloy). The boat was somewhat over-propped before the damage, so the re-profiling resulted in an ideal sized prop for the boat. I started with the worst blade and cut and filed it to a smooth profile. Then I made a cardboard template from that blade and shaped the other blades to the same profile. The result was a perfectly balanced prop.

I know what you mean! My Morco pilot light consumes more gas than the fridge does on Max setting. Personally, I don't know why people worry about instantaneous water heaters failing a BSS smoke tests - unless you fall asleep whilst having a 30 minute shower, or spend 20 minutes washing up with all windows closed.

Strictly speaking, timetables and canals are two words that don't usually fit together in the real world. (sorry - just putting my coat on) ..................

rofl - just enjoy a quiet drink Tim - and be careful you don't get throttled on the way home

WOW I've had a few beers tonight so I might not understand your post! You screw rubber pipes into your high pressure propane bottles? You are thinking of fitting a steam whistle to it? ........................... sorry .... just realised you will be using it as an air receiver? The thread will be tapered I think - and much bigger than half inch BSP.

I buy Lister 10/40 API CC from a plant hire/sales company. When I asked, they told me it is blended by Morris's. They also sell loads of consumables for Lister SR's (filters etc) Last year I paid approx £12 per 5 litre can. Phil

The blackbirds were probably just protecting their young. Your poor cat had probably been attempting to get at their nest?

I must confess I never clean brass, but I do admire people who spend hours achieving a beautifully polished finish. I suppose it is all down to one's personality - I never polish cars either! My favourite windlass is made of gunmetal. I am happy when it looks shiny because it means I am out boating and working a few locks. When it looks a dull brown colour it means I am at home. Polishing by designed usage is my motto. I have a chrome plated Francis searchlight - proper chrome plate - not like 1960's car bumpers!! Most people who acquire these old searchlights have the chrome stripped off (which must be an expensive job). They then give themselves the constant task of using elbow grease. I must admit though they do look magnificent when highly polished. Each to their own and viva la difference (BTW - those Vivas had awful chrome plated bumpers). Sorry for rambling off topic, but I have enough work to do maintaining the ferrous metals. Phil

I've tried many anti rust primers/treatments over the years and none of them have worked - apart from Owatrol Oil which is excellent stuff.

I agree 100% Alan. But, if we just consider narrow locks, these were designed for 70 - 72 ft narrowboats and most of us today are boating in shorter boats when differing techniques might be safer. The important thing is to be aware of likely hazards like leaking gates, projecting bolts, masonry etc and knowing how to make allowances for them. carlt suggested putting the bow against the top gates in forward gear. That is usually OK in shallow locks, but in locks with a rise greater than 7 or 8 feet the bow fender or stem post will probably be in contact with the cill or a knackered cill protector. This can often give a rough ride as the boat gets temporarily pinned down before rushing forward to make contact with the top gate/s. I no longer use traditional rope covered bow and stern fenders. I personally think coiled tyres (coiled inside out) are much safer. I rather like the D shaped rubber inserts fitted to the stem posts on some Black Prince boats Phil

I'm wondering whether there might be some confusion here with business terminology or whether it was several typos by WJM? Turnover is the total receipts from the sale of goods and services. Gross Profit is turnover LESS the cost of buying the product from the suppliers. At a guess I would have thought that Gross Profit would be in the range of 10 - 15% of turnover? Net Profit will be the remaining profit after deducting all working expenses.

I always thought that pumping (or paddling!) the rudder is a technique employed when in neutral and holding a boat in position when not using any propeller thrust - very useful when holding position/direction whilst waiting for a lock in mid channel - much better than loads of blue/black smoke and excessive engine revs!

My current *run of the mill* mid-range boat is 29 years old and all the steelwork is original and in good condition. The quality of the welding etc is probably much superior to most floating cottages of more recent construction. I have seen a few upper range boats half that age which have been overplated and still looking tired. I agree that the *asking* price of that wooden topped Springer is probably 3x the market value, BUT what exactly do you mean by *by virtue of the environment they are in* ?

I used to own a 30ft Creighton built in 1972. It was of all GRP construction with centre cockpit and stern deck. The engine installation was fairly typical for the 30ft and 32 ft boats - Perkins 4/107 with Enfield Z drive. They are great boats and not prone to osmosis. There are still plenty around (including my old boat).

I would be very interested to hear what your definition/understanding is of *boaters who complain* and *go back to the concrete jungle from whence they came*

Wow. Dalesman's photo brought back a few memories. I moored up in the same spot in 1964. A few comments on this thread though: 1. I don't think Graham and Jo's photo was taken at the same spot. (note you cannot see the cottage in the background). 2. Dalesman's photo shows what used to be the best visitor mooring in Llangollen (superb views of the town!) 3. That spot has been *no mooring* for many years/decades! You can see why by how narrow the canal is there. Whilst it was only just possible for 2 small cruisers to pass at that point in the 60's, I am convinced that the channel was probably narrowed during one of the breaches in the 60/70's 4. In those days, most of the hire fleets were based in Christleton (IHC & Deans) and Barbridge / Nantwich (Ladyline and BW). It was, therefore, easy for private boaters to find a mooring in Llangollen by avoiding Tuesday and Wednesday - the rest of the week was deserted. Phil