Jak
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Posts posted by Jak
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I’ve been wondering about this. With little experience we have probably missed a trick or two. I have 300w solar which is great in the summer and is still bringing in some power now in deepest winter. I fitted an uprated alternator with my new batteries (Only 55amp as it’s an easy replacement on the 1500bmc diesel) to replace the original. Running the engine for a couple of hours a day when needed uses little diesel and provides our hot water. Boat is off grid. I fitted 3 new cheapo leisure batteries 5 years ago and they are still performing well so not managed to knacker them yet. Why would someone need a genny? The noise, security and petrol issues seem to rule them out.
thanks. Jak.
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I work in implementing complex IT business systems. This does not help in any way whatsoever for looking after an 80s narrowboat. But I want to learn. I’m far too mean to pay someone else. And it feels like cheating. Thanks again.
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Thanks all. Great advice. I feel much happier about taking this on. As they are cheap enough, a new set is on its way from EBAY.
Hope that I might help you out one day. My field is IT 👍
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As I suspect they are very old we might be due a new set too.
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Thanks for this. However I am sure I’ve read somewhere it may not be so easy to get the plugs out. It there a risk, or a technique? I’m familiar with removing car spark plugs so if it’s no more difficult than that then. I’m good. Anything else I need to know?
Jak.
Actually I think the reply on WD40 and taking care answers my concern. As I too was concerned about breaking them off. Thanks!
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Hi all. I’ve read a lot of BMC1500 threads, but not really found what I think I need.
Its an 80s boat and with the original BMC 1500. It’s a good engine. In that I’ve had her 5 years with no problems. But the motor has become very hard to start in cold weather. Never failed, but I’m cranking for a long time to get it going. Once she is running all is ok. The starter battery is on a mini solar panel FYI - so not flattened it yet.
What should I be doing to improve cold weather starting? Was wondering wether it’s worth new glow plugs. What else might I do?
thanks!
Jak.
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13 hours ago, roland elsdon said:
Used to be lovely when Acs was in the basin. Now its a sterile dark corridor overshadowed by a huge cheap hotel.
Sadly, this dies about sum up the town basin.
10 hours ago, JohnEW2912 said:We spent a few nights in the ACS marina at Circus Fields (for free!). There was a liveaboard in there staying for a week and he was so pleased with the location that he had put his name down for a permanent slot. He thought the £300 a month to be a bargain.
The marina is on the edge of town rather than miles out and there is now a Lidl right next door.
Yes. ACS are a nice bunch. Very welcoming and great facilities in the new basin. Hell of a waiting list though….
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Hi Martyn. I live in Aylesbury, but not on my boat. There are six residential moorings just by the Aylesbury basin. It was re-developed a few years ago and the Aylesbury Canal Society moved to a new Marina called Circus Field a few miles up the arm. We were promised waterside restaurants and bars. The truth is that it’s pretty stark. Big new Waitrose, Premier Inn and buildings for the college. I’d not want to live there. Aylesbury itself is ok.
Hope this is of some help!
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I got this too. Nowhere near London for more than 5 years. Someone got it wrong for sure!
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Very similar to my own early 80s boat. Be sure it’s solid and you know what you are taking on. A survey is a must. It may even save you money in the end as usually any bad points on the survey can be used to negotiate on price. Projects can be fun.
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Looks like the previous owner was a bit of a bodger. Time for someone more competent!
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Still available, Just ordered it for £5 ?
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I don’t mind the smell of Blue TBH. It’s not that strong and gotta be better than sh*t!!
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Last week Another boater gave me this as a tip to help stop my mooring silting up. I’d no idea it’s against the license terms (perhaps I should read what I’ve singed!).
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3 hours ago, bizzard said:
110 and 115a batteries are usually quite a bit taller than 90a, do you have the room.
This! I deliberately use 95ah batteries as 3 of them fit in a box which only held 2 x 110s.
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5 hours ago, ditchcrawler said:
I have no idea what their coverage of the canals is like, most people rate 3 or EE
Yep. Virgin uses EE which is generally rated as having the best 4G coverage. I’ve been using EE for a couple of years now. Though I believe many boaters have taken up the 3 unlimited data deal and are pleased with it. The point for me is that EE don’t currently do unlimited data so that’s why we have gone to Virgin.
My Buzzard 2 car WiFi 12v cig lighter device works with both EE and now on the Virgin unlimited deal. Though I’m lucky I wired the boat’s 12v cig sockets above the gunnels next to windows from what Tony has said!
Other options are available. But as of now only the 2 unlimited data deals. I need unlimited data as we stream all our telly (really could not be ars*d with putting up the aerial pole and retuning unless absolutely necessary).
Just letting you know what works for us FYI.
Cheers, Jak.
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Good point Tony. My cig lighter socket sits at the bow by a window and works well.
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I bought the device (a Buzzard 2 car WiFi dongle) on ebay and then ordered the SIM on Virgin's website. The device is badged as for EE but it works for Virgin too. As I understand it they use the same network.
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This works well for us, handy as it plugs straight into a handy 12v "cigar lighter" socket on the boat or car.
Also now (from today) with unlimited 4G data courtesy of Virgin mobile!!
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“Most” people aren’t weekly paid anymore so unlikely to spend all their left over cash on lottery tickets every week. I’d go as far as to say I don’t know anyone who does this. I buy one every couple of months when I fancy being a Millionaire. Not worked yet ?
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We've had mostly positive experiences of them over 2 years boating so it can't be all bad.
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39 minutes ago, magictime said:
If I won the lottery I might get a new one built, and I might buy a house for the winter and find various other things to spend money on, but I think a narrowboat would still be my number one thing I wouldn't be without.
And me. After a couple of years NB ownership I'd love to go over to Crick this year and talk about commissioning a new build. But the waterways are still ready to be explored in a slightly tatty 1980s 48ft trad.
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Yup, it works well enough for what we need. I originally started the thread to see if there was a rule of thumb for solar (W) to battery’s (ah). It’s been a very interesting thread, but the answer to my simplistic question seems to be a No.
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25 minutes ago, Mike the Boilerman said:
Far cheaper to buy an old boat that's been well looked after, is complete and perfectly usable. What you'll get is something pretty unfashionable aesthetically, but a great start to a boating career.
What he said. From 20k you will be able to find a useable older boat with plenty of scope to improve and make something you can be proud of. Working for us anyway!
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Genny vs engine vs solar?
in Boat Equipment
Posted
Thanks for your advice. Solar was the best upgrade ever but, like everyone says, it’s not great at this time of year. We survived the last few winters so let’s see.