[Frustration at Watford and Foxton.]

It always depends who is on duty at the locks.

I suspect that the weather may have dampened enthusiasm somewhat.

I went up Watford flight on Monday, it was busy, but the lockies had it under control and were extremely helpful.

(I shouldn't of worn that mid blue polo shirt though!)

[How long can an alternator be expected to last?]

16 hours ago, Keeping Up said:

Our first alternator lasted 8000 hours, then the diodes and regulator died when it overheated due to dog hairs in the vent slots. Their replacements lasted 4000 hours. Their replacements lasted 2000 hours, and then 1000 hours. 500 hours later I bought a new alternator.

 

A lot depends on how hot it gets. I'm hoping that mine will have a long life because I've got a bilge blower aiming a stream of cold air at it.

Why did you replace the dog hairs??

[C&RT REPORTS INCREASE IN CHARITABLE SPEND AND FURTHER GROWTH IN VOLUNTEERING AND SUPPORT]

Thanks for posting Ray.

[Suggestions please for a 'Boat Mover' (By Truck)]

Go by sea.......you know you want to!

[March of the Widebeams]

10 hours ago, matty40s said:

Theres another black 12 plus footer wide gone past tonight heading the same way....wheel steering at speed....probably trying to get through Blisworth without having to book.

That is probably the boat that was lifted out at Whilton last week for repair of the bow thruster tube.

The owner told me that the damage was caused when an RYA instructor put it flat chat into a wall whilst 'teaching' the owner how to handle it!

At least, as a new owner, he had tried to get advice on it's use.

[NiFe Batteries]

Does anyone have experience of using the above?

[Porta Cabin Narrowboat Lovechild?]

You think that one is bad, wait till he gets the other one fitted!!

[Thoughts On Govenment Fuel Consultations]

Will C&RT be positioning lead lined bins for the disposal of my nuclear fuel rods?

[Hi any idea what these are called and where to purchase them from ,they are on my back door hinges ,many thx]

They are rather splendid. They look like phosphor bronze to me and probably made by someone who makes model steam engines in his/her spare time!

No rusty stiff hinges, I like it!

[Water pump running]

Sounds fine to me too!

[whilton marina brokerage]

Bet he hasn't considered where he will moor!

[Building or buying our unicorn boat]

Hi Mark and welcome.

No, you are not mad, some of those interior shots are wonderfull

Electric powered boats are becoming more popular but unfortunately, methods of battery recharging as a constant cruiser are going to be your biggest problem.

Without mains electricity, the only method available would be a large generator. this rather usurps the whole point of going electric, you may as well just use a conventional engine.

Bio fuel is an option, but how would you obtain it on the cut?

With regard to paintwork, a beautifully airbrushed boat would I suggest, only provoke admiring comments and interesting debate.

Good luck with your quest!!

 

Simon

[Tiller has come loose]

It's a relatively easy fix which can be done with the boat in the water.

however, the hardest part it often separating the tiller from the rudder shaft taper.

I usually use an hydraulic puller, but not always possible if the backward bend of the swan neck doesn't allow sufficient clearance.

The other option is to apply heat to the collar and a big hammer!

[Are flies attracted to wet paint?]

That's a good effort Mike.

[Stiff Tiller]

That all looks a little odd.

The bearing carrier appears to be welded to the rectangular plate.

[Constant cruising]

1 hour ago, Mike the Boilerman said:

And never mind everything we have written on the internet forums, FB, twitter etc. All sitting there for ever to be picked over by the secret police looking for evidence of your lack of faith.

 

you're doomed Mike expect imminent arrest!!

[Paint shelf life]

46 minutes ago, hider said:

 

I like the stone idea.

 

Chucking the skin away will alter the shade and make up of the paint I would think.

Stone paint kettles, are you a reincarnation??

[Accumulators for calorifiers]

I replaced my colorifier last year after the original split.

I installed a stainless steel unvented storage cylinder.

Much better insulated, stays hot for days, and has a 25 year guarantee.

[Food shopping on the Trent & Mersey]

3 minutes ago, Jen-in-Wellies said:

Just carry on beyond Middlewich and do the Huddersfield Narrow, or the Rochdale. Fewer supermarkets and he'll work off the weight he's put on.

yer see, there's always a solution!

[Rain!]

It's been raining steadily for the last 15 hours in the aptly named Weedon!

[Rivers warning.]

Thanks Matty 

[Engine exhaust stack problems]

10 hours ago, Bee said:

What you need is an old fashioned plumbers merchant, or a new fangled one with a 60 year old bloke behind the counter. 

Now that really is "unicorn poo"

If it ain't made of plastic they won't have a clue!

[Engine exhaust stack problems]

So, let's get this correct,

you need a bush that is 3 1/4 id by3od?

[Where to get the best deal on Vactan?]

Rotary wire brush in an angle grinder to remove the surface rust(wear a dust mask) then vacant/fertan then prime.

[Welding on top of fuel tank]

If I am welding on a diesel tank, I will use my mig welder.

I have two outlets on the gas regulator one of which feeds the welding torch and the other allows me to flood any airspace within the tank with inert gas.