RAM

I, or should I say the wife, have both hot and cold feeds in use. We also have 4 x 110 amp domestic batteries, and only use the machine when the engine is running, usually when cruising. No experience on the twin tub so can't comment.

I have the same set up as The Dreamer and have had no problems in the last 10 years at least. Hope this reply is not tempting fate.

Hi, I bought a Liverpool Boats cruiser stern shell in 1996 with tubular handrails and have always found them to be sound for tying centre ropes and fenders too. In the early days they did suffer from rust on the underside but after receiving proper treatment, no problems. I would say give them a good looking at, if this is possible, but I don't think that they should be of concern. Hope this helps.

Hi Geoff, I am nowhere near as knowledgable as most people on this forum but I believe that this can happen when diesel mixes with the engine oil, usually through a leak on the fuel injector pump. This has happened to my engine twice but the problem was spotted before the engine could 'run away' with itself. I think this is why WotEver has asked the question re oil level.

I totally agree with Nick D. Having cruised the Llangollen several times, it being one of my local canals, I would not expect to cruise from Nantwich to Llangollen and return in under a fortnight if I wanted to enjoy the trip at a leisurely pace. Having said that I have spoken to hire boaters that have done it in 6 days, but cruising for 15 hours per day. In August you can expect to have to queque at most of the locks which can add a considerable amount of time to your journey. Don,t forget to lift your fenders before entering Hurleston bottom lock. Sorry if this all sounds a little negative but better to just take it easy and really enjoy your cruising.

Hi, thanks for all that info. As you say, I will have to look at the manufacturers spec. So with a sealed battery is it correct to check the true voltage using a voltmeter across the terminals. Thanks.

Hello, another newby here. I have been reading these posts with alot of interest and could you please explain the proper procedure for running an equalisation cycle, and also the reason for doing so. I have 4, 110ah AGM batteries and when I visited the boat yesterday my BTM1 was showing a reading of 14.6v. (fully charged). I have a 100W solar panel fitted. We rarely use the boat in winter but may run the engine for a short while about once a month. Thanks.

On the subject of difficulty removing the retaining screws/clips. Ever since I had to take my stove door to an engineering firm to have the screws drilled out, I now tweek the screws to slacken them and then retighten them every time I light the stove. I agree it's a good idea to coat them in copper grease.

I have had a BMC 1.5 engine now for 19 years and since it was installed by AMC Diesels I have always seviced it as recommended by the installer, ie, change the oil and oil filter every 175 engine hours and the diesel filter every 350 hours. I have done this for the past 19 years and the engine has never let me down. Still had to have the usual problems seen too, like cylinder head gasket, fuel lift pump leaks etc, but it has never missed a beat whilst cruising. Also told to only use engine oil with a CC rating. The engine hours are now approaching 11,000 since it was installed.