Jentreefication

Hi Kwacker I'm thinking to get some work done by him too. Was this in London? Just wondering if its the same guy?

Thank you for all of that. Really helpful and informative. I'm not going to move the boat with a suspect engine, am getting that sorted first but every else still stands for sure!

That of course is my last resort, I'm currently trying to weigh up options as much as I can, to decide on my best course of action. No guarantees of anything so working it out best I can..

I'm sorting the engine before coming to Bristol. And I want to do the journey on the water, if I can do it safely. Yeah I've got that as a possibility and have got quotes but hoping to avoid it if I can. Feels a cop out to go overland

Aaah I know its a total shame to rush it but I'm going to liveaboard so will have plenty of time for slow cruising down the way. I'd feel really stressed leaving my new home a week at a time without being able to keep an eye on her, sofa surfing in a lock down isn't exactly viable and the work I do is really intense so I need my own spade to unwind. And yeah I can't afford temporary accommodation so none of that's a goer sadly. This is my best bet but I'd rather do this quickly than just chuck her on a truck.. ?

That'd be nice and all but sadly a girls gotta work. I can't even do an enforced month

Yep absolutely, I'm not gonna force it I'm just trying to gauge it even vaguely. I'm not willing to put myself or my new home at risk! Bloody water. Why can't it just do what it's told?

Don't worry I'm only going to Uxbridge! Not doing the huge mission ??

Yeah as I said I realise no one can predict it just wondered what it's been like the last few years to get some kind of sense. If it's been red boards til April the last 5 year's I realise my chances are slim to none... It's a particularly tricky conundrum right now with many permutations. If only I was rich and didn't have to worry about it ? Sadly I'm not so have to attempt to coordinate moving house, moving boat hundreds of miles and working all at the same time with very limited windows...

I have thanks, its the flow rate that I'm concerewoth but is obviously much harder to predict ?

This might be another impossible question to answer but... I'm planning to move my new home from Uxbridge to Bristol mid March but it is obviously dependent on the flow of the Thames. I have to hand my rental notice in in Bristol but realise its a bit of a gamble. When did red boards come off the last few years? Is March a good bet or will I be really lucky? And please don't bother with smart arse comments about lockdown. I'm moving house which is allowed and classed as essential travel. I'd really rather not have to do this then but that's my only option ? Thanking you

Nice one, that's useful. I'm gonna move her from Islington to Uxbridge next weekend so that my friend can keep an eye on her and get a mechanic to have a gander. I'm then going to try to get her from there to Bristol mid march so need to know she's ship shape by then. Thanks Dave. I was reliant on my friend doing the video. I won't be on board until next week. She did struggle to start in the cold but the canals were frozen so I'm not too concerned. Will see how she is on my maiden voyage next week...

So I finally got the engine video... "Smoke coming off of the exhaust (white wrapping) is temperature related not engine smoke. Smoke coming from the oil dipstick is the engine - the dipstick isn't the right one so hence the lack in fit / seal - it needs a new one made / bought which would improve engine. It's running fine now warmed it all up - even though the canal is frozen over today!!" Thoughts very gratefully received. I'm not a mechanic by any stretch so layman's terms would be great!

Thank you! I'm just being impatient, I've already emailed them but want to know now ? haha I can stretch to tomorrow!

Thanks Dave essentially all of the above!! I'm definitely feeling confused and definitely life would be much easier if I was in London or the boat was here! I've asked my friend if she can take a video of the engine starting and running for a bit which I can (hopefully) share on here tomorrow. So anyone who wants a gander that would be great. I'm still feeling like if it's gonna cost me a few grand now, and it's an old engine I might be better off doing a part exchange for a new one. Does anyone have an idea of what a new canaline would cost? I found this https://engines.apolloduck.com/boat/canaline-for-sale/625698 for £5k but not sure if its the right one. It currently has a 26hp Mitsubishi K4D...

True true but in this its too big a gamble. If I get this wrong and need a new engine soon down the line because I bought a dud, I'm gonna struggle to finance it

Yep thats what my gut says. He said he was fine for me to buy from ebay if it made me feel more comfortable but won't offer the same deal if I do. Hhmm I've just sent them a query. Do you know roughly how much they might go for? For a 37ft Colecraft narrowboat Thanks all. I was wondering whether I was just being paranoid but I think it pays to be wary and doesn't quite add up. I can't find him or his business if I do an Internet search either!

Thank you. I'm glad I asked. Yeah my instinct is saying either buy through ebay or not at all. He did invite me to the workshop before suggesting a video but it's a mission and we're in lock down anyways. He will sell through ebay but I won't get the same deal. I'm struggling to even find a new engine. The mechanic I'm using was satisfied but I'll go back to him tomorrow and get specifics.

Hello, I'm getting a recon engine figuring to do this straight away, rather than pay more down the line. The mechanic I'm using found this guy on ebay. He has really good reviews and sounds legit from what the mechanic reckons https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/203245443654 He's offering free delivery, part exchange and the gear box for £1750 (was going to be £2200). He wants to sell off ebay to avoid fees which is understandable, but when he sent his pro forma invoice there was no registered company address or number and payment is to his personal bank account. I've queried this as I feel that I need more protection as I don't have enough money to sort if this goes wrong. He's offering 3 month warranty, initial deposit and rest on delivery and will send a video of the engine running. I feel reassured but still a little paranoid. Would you be comfortable buying this? Thanks

Thanks Dave. How long is that troublesome stretch and how many days in, if it was a full on 12 day journey? Pub closure is a serious issue and has been for way too long ?

Oh did you? I didn't see that. Sorry and thanks!! I went for new engine as I could buy one and get it installed for the same price as the estimated repairs so decided to go for it to minimise potential for major engine works. Made sense whilst I have a chunk of money at the beginning Just checked and you didn't reply to my message asking for your email... Maybe it didn't send. Sorted now anyways but thanks

So I bought the boat & now waiting patiently for lockdown to lift and for the boards to change too. This is where I'm looking right? http://riverconditions.environment-agency.gov.uk/#listC I'm hoping to do this trip mid March from Uxbridge (where I'm getting a recon engine put in) to Saltford Marina where I got a mooring I realise I may have to wait it out for a while though. Is it mostly just the 5 mile tidal stretch that I need to worry about?

Would love some advice on this issue please. Am considering buying a 37ft 1990 Colecraft cruiser narrowboat. Price is £26k. The engine is running fine at the moment, travelled from Northamptonshire to London with no issues and starts daily, running for an hour or two with no probs. What I've been told is "the engine has blow by - it breathes..which means when the pistons come up on the compression stroke if piston rings and bores are worn it blows down past rings putting pressure on the crank case and producing smoke.the worst case scenario therefore is that the engine needs to come out, be stripped down pistons re-bored and oversized pistons fitted and new gaskets and back in. Parts are available at the costs I've shown. This is not necessary right now with careful maintenance but is the worst case scenario of what may need to happen" The advice estimated from the seller is that it will cost around £3k but doesn't need to happen immediately and maybe not for some time. Various mechanics advice has been to get reconditioned engine and replace with a price range from £5k upwards. They have also said that without viewing its very difficult to know what is really going on and quote accurately. What next steps would you take if you wanted to buy a boat with this potential issue? I anticipate getting confused by conflicting advice but would appreciate input ? Thanks

Hey Matty, Would be great to know more. I've pm'ed Oooh yes thank you. Can you PM me? Nice harvest

Thank you, yep good point. It might be more cost effective in the end. I'll have a think on that I think this was all measured last year, I just haven't seen the survey yet but hopefully can check it out tomorrow