Rivelin

Many thanks all. It seems fairly unanimous that the external tank is there for a (probably good) reason. I'll keep using it as-is and have a proper look when the boat's out of the water for it's BSS next year.

Here is the comment from the survey: "There was an external skin tank fitted on the starboard swim. The reason for this was not determined. The external skin tank was poor and had two protective plates, at the front and the bottom weld. The bottom protective plate had been ripped off forwards and will not last long. Recommend: Consider repairing and reverting back to the port internal skin tank." When I had the boat out for blacking the engineer said the tank was sound, and welded the bottom protective plate back in place. The system is currently drained for a coolant change, and there are no leaks.

Thanks all. The engine is a Vetus M4.15 and works fine with the external tank. I've never had problems with it overheating, including when I went upstream on the tidal Ouse. It just worries me that the surveyor effectively said I should stop using it ?

My boat had an external skin tank fitted at some point (probably when the engine was replaced), and the original internal tank is not connected. When I bought it the surveyor didn't like the external tank and said I should go back to the internal one.. It seems to me that with both methods the heat would be conducted to the hull then cooled by the passing canal / river water so unless the external skin tank was very thin(!!!!!) the internal tank would cool things just as well. Should I or shouldn't I? Thanks!

Me too - no complaints, although they didn't like the risk of having external skin tank that was added when a new engine was put in a few years ago (by the previous owner).

My comments were based on when I stayed there for a very pleasant week last year. Shiny new pontoon, payment terms nothing unusual. Go and check it out...

Barby marina is close to Rugby. It's a nice marina, nice owners, people live aboard there, and it looks like they're offering 25% off mooring fees at the moment. http://www.barbymoorings.co.uk/

Email from CRT just now: "As you may have heard, the Government has today announced measures to continue the easing of lockdown. Importantly, this means that from Saturday 4 July all boaters in England will be able to stay overnight on their boats. "

Really hope so!

I can't find any statement from the guv that campsites can open on 4th July, and campsites & clubs seem to be saying they are preparing to open then but pending a formal statement. I guess once there is a formal ok for campsites to open, waterways will be able to do so.

Environment Agency usually follow CRT with their advice - but this time they have followed No. 10 and given whacky advice instead. "We are working hard to make sure powered boats can start leisure cruising on our waterways from 1 June at the latest. In order to be ready for this we have reassured boaters they can now visit their moored boats (subject to approval of your marina operator or boat club) to check them, carry out maintenance and ensure they are ready for use." 1st June tomorrow and no further info. from EA Full text at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/environment-agency-waterways-coronavirus-covid-19-update/environment-agency-waterways-coronavirus-covid-19-update-19-may-2020

I'll upload a photo in a day or so

My fresh water tank was integral in the hull and was grim, so I cleaned it out and dried it, then dropped a pair of plastic tanks in there which were exactly the size of the inspection cover. One slid forward of the inspection hatch once dropped through giving 2 tanks inline, connected with a pipe at the bottom. This gives 250L of drinkable fresh water and works a treat. See grippatank.co.uk

Thanks - good idea - it's 15+ years since I visited NVR, so must go again!

Hi all, Canalplan gave me Waters Edge Marina on the River Nene as an overnight stop on a trip I'm planning from the Ely Ouse to Gayton junction. However on the Canalplan information page, it say's "Private Moorings - No Access". Does anyone know whether I would be able to stop over here for the night? Thanks in advance!

One to consider for the future - I have an ASDA SIM, and I buy a £5 data only bundle which lasts a month (and so far I've never used all the monthly allowance). If you don't have a bundle and buy ordinary credit, it doesn't expire at month end - just when you've used it all.

Since I posted the original message I have found a snapped off white cable roughly attached to a bunch of other cables, which is hanging below this sensor. Certainly corroborates your description. Many thanks for your detailed reply - now I know I don't need to worry about the damaged sensor as there is an overheat switch (which I'll test).

Hi all, Is the horizontal device (with a bolt head, next to the hose) in attached photo a coolant temperature sensor? I ask because the small black wire to earth is no longer attached and the temp. gauge is showing zero, so I'm wondering if this is related? Many thanks!

I've got 1/4" pipes from the stern deck drains into the side of the weed hatch with no non-return valves etc. and they work well, with no back wash. As mentioned in other replies, I would probably have used bigger bore if I was doing it again.

I suspected this might be the case. It also seems that there are regional differences, i.e. busy canal centres in the Midlands vs. quiet East Anglia...