The Grumpy Triker
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Posts posted by The Grumpy Triker
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18 minutes ago, frahkn said:
I think flue length is both inside and outside the boat.
In any case can't your outside flue be demountable when you're cruising?
I’d hope so in which case it would probably work....down side is that it is on the bank side so even 300mm could be an issue.....given what I’ve read I’m guessing there is an issue with detachable flues and gas as no-one has mentioned it...but I’m far from being any source of real knowledge on here, hence the question. Have read loads on here but most of the decent reviews are for heaters which are no longer made and getting harder to find in decent nick.
Next BSS is two years away so would hate to spend any savings on a new system and then have to rip it out in 2yrs time. ?
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On 30/12/2014 at 08:42, Captain Zim said:
There is also the morco g11e which is the one we use. This model has a higher flow rate and allows you to turn the flow rate down to get a higher temperature. It is almost exactly the same to look at as the d model. Same flue fitting so no worry about bridges. On max flow of 11 litres/min you will get the 25 degree rise, on 5.5 litres per min you will get 50 degree. Which is plenty hot enough. However, we have found you do need a decent pump. We used to have a jabsco par max 4 which was fine so long as you leave a bit of time between turning on and off otherwise you get a bit of a bang. We now have a whale intelligent control pump which is the noisiest pump I've ever heard. On the plus side, at a constant rate of 14 litres per min (3 ish bar I think, can't remember) the heater now works fine. The jabscos are better i think and should do you for most needs. You can upgrade some of them simply by changing the pressure cut in switch.
No idea if anyone is still active from this thread but the G11E installation manual states: A minimum length of vertically rising flue of 600 mm.
....is this 60mm from the roof or does it include the flue length inside the boat?....if it is all outside then not a chance of me using one whilst cruising about - I need an instant hot water option as can’t rely on calorifier - running the engine for 2-3 hours every night isn’t on and winter means cooler water for the morning shower....may not have a choice but was hoping to avoid having to run taps for the time it takes to get the water 40 feet from calorifier to tap 30feet to shower....a lot of wastage and see no option to put calorifier any further up the boat.....although not sure of the rules for the placement of one of those.
cheers all, any advice gratefully received.
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8 hours ago, MartinC said:
Came through a couple of days ago.
There is now a barrage of absorbant "floats" around the offside foot of Bonehill Road Bridge so this appears to be the source. No longer any slick. All is well on the goose front so RSPB appear to have done well
? thanks for letting us know....good to know that the bird life is looked after - like others I think we have enough Canada Geese but equally wouldn’t wish this on any of them. Let’s hope they can clear up the rest of it ASAP.
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21 minutes ago, Heartland said:
Historically there were several industrial premises, including a Gas Works and there are probably pipes that link with the waterway. From what has been mentioned it is probably less likely to be road run off, but Watling Street is a busy road and a leak from a vehicle does remain a possible explanation. I trust CRT will find the answer.
Agreed but this leak if only a leak from a vehicle was some big engine!!! It really looked like a dumping or a tank leak - I know oil spreads a bit like blood but this was a substantial depth and spread.....were talking gallons not litres on this one. Seems strange that a prior leak was diesel, and now oil?
Fingers crossed ?
It didn’t look like clean oil either.....if you know what I mean.
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20 hours ago, Heartland said:
I have been told that the CRT are dealing with this and the Geese have been looked after
Will be back past that way soon, so look forward to seeing what has been done.....although the oil slick was so bad for several hundred yards I can’t think what they can do without closing that stretch for a while.....it will be getting churned up for ages yet.
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On 24/07/2019 at 14:24, Keeping Up said:
Last year I tried reporting a major diesel spillage in the canal near there. Again not just a small amount but a LOT (I know diesel spreads a long way but this had turned over 5 miles of canal into an area where you could hardly breathe). CRT said it was nothing to do with them because it wouldn't affect navigation, EA said it was nothing to do with them because it was on CRT waters. Personally I think they were both wrong but couldn't be bothered to take it further, just held my breath and carried on but I bet it softened my blacking.
That is such a ridiculously bad scenario....they have a joint responsibility, too many organisations cite budgets or quote the Teflon shoulder line.....the birds around there were is such a sorry state ?
Reading the other responses it seems like there is a serious issue in that area, surely has to be dumping of sorts!? All of the new housing is lower + not logical for such large quantities either...can’t imagine the wood yard having such quantities in storage either....or would hope not!?On 24/07/2019 at 17:32, J R ALSOP said:Every time I pass that way there seems to be a spillage of some sort between the junction and the winding hole about 3/4 mile towards Fradley.
Someone must feel the need to investigate at some point
On 25/07/2019 at 10:07, Heartland said:These comments are worrying, as the oil is not just an inconvenience, but a threat to the ecology of the area. That it is happening on what seems to be a regular the cause deserves to be investigated.
Sorry didn’t see this one but totally agree....if not deliberate dumping then is certainly wilful negligence
On 25/07/2019 at 12:33, johnmck said:We reported it yesterday. Whilst no lover of Canada Geese, it was sad to see a flock saturated in this oil, trying to preen it off.
Snap - I walked past a very sorry looking duck.....every time I went close it went to j7mp back into the oil slick...so kept my distance & phoned the RSPCB
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No of course not - I didn’t’t think it important!! ??
Advised it was already reported
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Hi all, just to let you know that I passed through a very large and thick oil slick in the canal, awful stuff and not just a boat engine, this looks like a major leak / dumping.
Does anyone know of it’s source?
plus do I need to be concerned about the boat (even with blacking) and/or dragging pollution with me? Been a busy route on the canal towards Fradley junction today.....should people worry about being moored in it?
Just thought I’d ask, cheers all.
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On 03/06/2019 at 16:45, Wanderer Vagabond said:
Having now done the up section, most worries were unnecessary. I wasn't 100% sure that running the engine flat out for two and a half hours would do it any good, but it performed perfectly, even though we didn't get to Savick Brook in time and had to proceed to Preston for the night. Having done that, I'd say it would be my preferred choice (if CRT gave you the option). The mooring was £10 on a pontoon (showers and WiFi) and then the following morning it is an easy run back on the ebbing tide to Savick where there is plenty of water to get up the brook, although you then have to wait for that day's boats coming up from Tarleton before you carry on under the Pipe bridge (which is clearly the limiting factor when going up the brook). Coming from Preston direction there is no issue with the sandbar at the entrance to Savick and since it was only about half an hour after high water there wasn't much of a flow either.
I'd be interested as to just how you measure a boat's draught since when we had our's blacked I measured at the skeg and it was 2'8", well above the 2'3" limit given in the Ribble Skippers guide. At the front of the boat however it is substantially less than this so I suppose that what you may need is an average of front to back since the boat would pivot on a central point if the skeg ran aground forcing the bow to go down, however it is done, at no point did we ground anywhere on the Savick Brook, but then having come down from Preston we had loads of water, even though it wasn't a spring tide (8.9 metres according to CRT, spring tide would have been 9.2metres).
All I have to do now is to get back later this month
??
Sadly due to my Dad's health I've had to cancel plans for the run up to the Lancaster & back, so near yet so far. Will be dropping him off in Leigh & then I'll head through Manchester, round & back down to Kidsgrove. Good luck on the way back & funnily enough an experienced Ribble runner said that she & her hubby hardly ever make the run up without heading into Preston .... just seems to be the norm ?
....sounds like a smoother run as well ??
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2 minutes ago, mrsmelly said:
I may be bringing a boat from the Lancaster daarnn saarfff sometime this summer depending on many things. What is the opinion of those who have done it for a small narrowboat. Myself and my mate are both experienced long time boaters. We have extensive tidal river experience and coastal experience. However that means we know the risks and take care and neither of us have done the ribble link so green as grass where that water is concerned. The boat we may well be moving is a steel 41 foot narrowboat in good order with a sound 28 hp three pot kubota. Before making the trip we would be changing all engine cooling hoses and drive belts, filters etc etc as a matter of course. Will this hp be up to it being its such a small boat? Its not a problem throwing it on a trailer and having it brought by road but what do the panel think the boat will be like doing the link?
Taa
Love the tag Mrsmelly....doywn South is not quite a description I'd apply to Leigh, Manchester or even Crewe!?....you be a prappah Northenr in my speak.....am sure others have done it in your size but have to admit I was worried at 59' & 42bhp....but then I'm a phased worrier.......but like you I know the power of the sea.
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On 24/12/2018 at 12:33, Trento said:
Having done those also, I think the Savick Brook turn IN, to be the most difficult, not impossible, not dangerous but one requiring your full attention. Remember, dozens of boats do it year in year out without incident, just pay attention and you will be fine.
Providing. You don't cut the corner at the Astland Perch and go over the training wall on the inside (both going and leaving) IIts a doddle.
Merry Christmas
???
I've just booked up to head up to the Lancaster with my Dad on board and after reading all of the initial stuff I thought 'Blimey we'll be lucky to make it alive.....people talk of testing their engines.....Not sure running mine at half power up the canal would go down too well ?...then I went into ....'What the Hell' mode - meet all the requirements and go for it 42bhp must give me a chance.... I hope & then you think hang on - I've never turned on a tide before - fast flowing rivers but tide .....nope! ? Can't wait, and making sure I read everything - seems that the run up to the Lancaster is more of a concern.....unless you miss the turn & head for Dublin on the way back. I've made sure I'm on day 2 of a 4-day cycle to give me just a 1-nighter in Preston if required.
.....then I read all your advice!!?.....?.....what a way to go though! ?
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16 minutes ago, The Grumpy Triker said:
Well said...a comment many should note! I'm tall but couldn't reach the horse height some have climbed up onto here.
God points mentioned were signage/ CRT mentoring etc. Although given where the main sag in the lock wall is, it's possible for momentum to get a boat past it going up & a narrower mid to stern to pass freely...going down with no momentum a wider section of the boat bow-end could get stuck fast. The 2017 issue was an old working boat that had a 8-10" section 1/3 the way down from the bow....an old weld for build or extension?
Still think that the photo makes it look like a chicken coop which leads to mental images of a free-range chicken farm on a boat ?? - other types of farm products are available ?
& my boat is far from perfect....I can't afford Much on mine, so don't assume 'High & Mighty' approach exists given the first few posts!....it was a bit of fun given the picture and not denegration of someone's lifestyle, manners, tidiness, etc. & nor was it a lack of sympathy for, or pointing the finger at, the owner! Just a bit of light-hearted joviality due to a picture. ??
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40 minutes ago, Sea Dog said:
Settle down Sam.
You're the self-confessed and undisputed king of curmudgeon so I'm pretty sure you can tell the difference between a flippant throwaway comment based on nothing more than a partial photo and a serious attack on the innocent. None of us have any idea whether this was recklessness or misfortune, whether it's a photo of a momentary pause or a boat wedged forever, or whether Mother Theresa or the devil himself was the pilot. Outrage on behalf of an unknown other should remain the preserve of the snowflake generation on Facebook which, funnily enough, appears to be the source. Lets leave that to them - there's plenty of threads about petrol for us to have cold chills about.
Well said...a comment many should note! I'm tall but couldn't reach the horse height some have climbed up onto here.
God points mentioned were signage/ CRT mentoring etc. Although given where the main sag in the lock wall is, it's possible for momentum to get a boat past it going up & a narrower mid to stern to pass freely...going down with no momentum a wider section of the boat bow-end could get stuck fast. The 2017 issue was an old working boat that had a 8-10" section 1/3 the way down from the bow....an old weld for build or extension?
Still think that the photo makes it look like a chicken coop which leads to mental images of a free-range chicken farm on a boat ?? - other types of farm products are available ?
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1 hour ago, ditchcrawler said:
The lift was OK the other day but I think they had a problem last Sunday
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I thought it looked like Chicken Coup! ?
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Not long before I get the kiddies on board and will heading through there....but long enough I hope (a week of two before we pass that way) ?
That was the last day of their first trip in 2017 on my boat when we met a old working boat stuck that someone had just bought. I tried to knock it back in but not enough oommph due to a fuel pump issue, luckily a more powerful boat was able to do the job.
Even @ 6' 10" it is a tight squeeze.....hope they don't close it off totally.
is the Anderton Lift open again yet?...had heard that it had issues a week or two ago.
....just realised the thread this is on ??
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19 minutes ago, StephenA said:
The stoppages in Canalplan should not be taken as authoritative which is why it allows you to plan round them.
I'm currently working on a new code block which basically goes over all the open stoppages, goes back to the C&RT website and rechecks the dates.
Have to admit - I tried the plan round the stoppage but just seemed to end up with the same thing....having said that I don't know the canals up there - waiting for the book to come through so I can more definitely. I didn't find the re-open message on C&RT either but seemed to open hence the original query. Thanks again and have a good weekend in the sunshine ?
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8 minutes ago, StephenA said:
It's C&RT not having a standardised way of sending emails - Emergency closures often come in as UFN so it got set to a year long closure. Then subsequent updates never put an open date where our code expected to find one ( and I'm not writing something that tries to parse every single variant of C&RT emails) so it missed that on 21/2 they did an update saying it opened on the 14th
Hi StephenA - Many thanks for the clarification, at least I know it is navigable now - will mean a lot to my Dad to see the area again as I know so much has changed from when I used to play on the coal piles in Leigh - just a few years back ?
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1 minute ago, TheBiscuits said:
Which way are you coming? We are in Wigan at the moment,and are in the dry dock next week.
Will be heading up from Aston Marina on the Trent & Mersey...not sure if it will be May / June or July as I have to watch my Dad's health. But family up in Lancaster and he met my Mum in Leigh so want to give him a special trip.
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14 minutes ago, TheBiscuits said:
Canalplan is confused. There may be an issue with that notice cancellation. @StephenA may be able to help.
The Rufford Branch is currently open.
Fantastic - Many thanks for that, I didn't want to start planning the trip if my Dad was going to be disappointed.
Cheers again and happy days....so long as he stays well enough for long enough it will be a special trip.
much appreciated ?
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Hi folks, hope all are well.....I am planning a trip for my aging Dad through familiar territory for him but want to use this bit of the canal. Heading from Aston Marina region up to Lancaster (Lune Aqueduct area)....but can't find out if that route is navigable again as Rufford Branch shows as closed....he won't be doing the locks mind ?
--> Canal route planner says stoppages in place but a boater told me all was open again....can anyone help out please?
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9 minutes ago, Fly Navy said:
98 replies about the correct length of rope! You couldn't make it up.
Is the Narrowboat fraternity really this intellectual?
Is this the answer to life?
I'm going to watch some paint drying...................
99 now.....might be better to watch the paint than to waste time posting irrelevant stuff like this.....enjoy the fumes.
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21 hours ago, Alan de Enfield said:
That should be all OK
(I did use fireboard - not plywood - you've just reminded me how expensive it was)
A mistake that many people make - a fire extinguisher is not for putting the fire out, it is for temporarily 'knocking it back' to allow you to get out of the boat - if you are already out of the boat you don't want to be trying to get in to save ANYTHING.
You need a lot more than a 2kg extinguisher to put out a fire that has got hold.
Very true ....yep and it didn't come cheap you're right. I had to have two deliveries as well as DPD had cracked all the sheets in the first delivery despite their padded wrapping....managed to make use of some of it - useful for cutting the spacers for the main board as well.
Enjoy your Sunday & cheers again Alan ?
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8 minutes ago, Alan de Enfield said:
Just monitor the other side of the wall that has the 'surround' on it.
The benefit of the porcelain tiles is two-fold in that they reflect a lot of heat (so you get it back into the room) and it stops a lot of heat gong thru into the woodwork.
I built our surround frame with 15mm ply and with a 1" airgap offset from the walls and then tiled them with porcelain glazed tiles - even so the other side of the wall became hot-to-the-touch, nor scorching hot but certainly 'hot'. If you simply have a sheet of copper (which is an excellent heat conductor) and your fire / stove is fairly close to the walls, you MAY get scorching of the wood behind it.
Just monitor and be prepared to put the fire out if need be.
8 minutes ago, Alan de Enfield said:Just monitor the other side of the wall that has the 'surround' on it.
The benefit of the porcelain tiles is two-fold in that they reflect a lot of heat (so you get it back into the room) and it stops a lot of heat gong thru into the woodwork.
I built our surround frame with 15mm ply and with a 1" airgap offset from the walls and then tiled them with porcelain glazed tiles - even so the other side of the wall became hot-to-the-touch, nor scorching hot but certainly 'hot'. If you simply have a sheet of copper (which is an excellent heat conductor) and your fire / stove is fairly close to the walls, you MAY get scorching of the wood behind it.
Just monitor and be prepared to put the fire out if need be.
Yep was a consideration I have a 300mm gap at the nearest point then I have 25mm fireboard behind the copper sheeting ....never remember the name of it - but also have a 25mm air gap to the wall on side and back, so hoping that will be enough, they recommend 10mm but I thought I'd play it safe.....fire extinguishers will be located at convenient distances between the stove and my bed ?....was thinking about it, should probably have one in a locker on the outside of the bow door in case I come home to an overly large real fire ?
Thanks for thhe the warning though....was assuming it would be ok given guidelines.
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40 minutes ago, Johny London said:
To both of you installing stoves, my advice would be to go for a twin wall flue - despite people saying that you get more heat from a single wall, that is not necessarily the case because the twin wall flue improves the performance of the stove. http://www.tigerboats.co.uk/images/forum/insulated-flues.pdf
When I did mine, I priced up all the various bits and pieces needed - stove connector, straight section, angles, roof joiner pipe and cowel etc etc, and it was quite expensive - given that any error in my calculations could have caused extra delay/cost. So reluctantly I stumped up for the Morso flue kit - it was £500 from Midland, which sounds like crazy money I know, but as I said already, it wasn't all that much cheaper picking up separate parts. I subsequently saw the same thing for £350 somewhere online, infact Kings lock have it here: http://www.kingslock.co.uk/product/morso-twin-wall-flue-kit-3250. As you can see it has offsets so you should be able to get it clear of a window.
Cutting the hole in the metal of the roof is easy - I went round nice and slowly with a jigsaw. Took a few minutes. Use high temp silicon to seal, although all silicon is good with heat (for a couple years until it dries right out!).
Lastly, there is a very good document around, regarding stove installation - http://www.soliftec.com/Boat Stoves 1-page.pdf
Hurry up - winters on its way!
? ...yep time is a ticking....my real worries are getting the angle cut right in the roof, and getting the sealant right...I.e. making sure it has room for expansion and contraction at the stove.
I've built the hearth and fire-board surround in line with the soflitec recommendations (covering it in thin copper sheeting not tiles and will be about 600mm from the bow window and double that from the nearest main cabin window.
I feel like I'm chickening out and don't like doing that, but the price of the flue kit (yep will stick to twin walled) is better than I expected....did that include the ring collar for the chimney?
I love a really hot Shower!
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Hi there, thanks for that...nope not worried about using it on the move - hard to have a shower & steer the boat as a solo ?
I’ve just been going by comments from others and get the feeling that BSS could be an issue....maybe I should find one near me and get his guidance as would be happy with the detachable if allowed.
will have a hunt for the D61 as spares seem a plenty still....thanks again for the input ??