Tractor

It seems odd that, a mere sum (£650K), can be floating around in some CRT account which has not got a proper justification. With licence and mooring fees increasing, the prospect of maintaining this lifestyle is fast loosing its justification. I have now doubt many will carry on, and maintain this heritage; sadly this may not be for me. Apologies for this, depression will lift tomorrow..

The bridge close to Dukes Cut is a road crossing which is best to remain closed. For the remainder which are not used for access ‘what is the point’ of installing a mechanism which is costly to install, will require maintenance, and is not necessary.

Brushes stick in the holders with corrosion? Give them a wiggle, or rub down, and a good run to clean the commutator.

The motor, to have a suitable rpm would be 6 or possibly 8 pole. The stator however appears small, there was no mention of power rating, it looked to be no more than 2 or 3kW. Interesting project, I envy the ability to code the systems.

I have two pumps connected in parallel, selected by individual pressure switches. If high pressure is achieved, one pump runs, if high pressure is not achieved two pumps run. This is made by adjusting pressure switches.

The water pipe feeding the rads, not the pipe connected to the pump, slip this of slightly until you get a slight spill of water, and push back, secure with hose clip. If header is up to level, this ensures no air in the heat exchanger.

Firefly had a large white gas tank fitted across the bow, forward of the fwd access doors. Leakage could be spilled overboard in the usual way for LPG.

Lift the motor, by releasing the four bolts which secure the motor flange. Check the the drive coupling is secure.

These are ‘triac’, Voltage control devices, switching the single-phase supply in order to regulate the Voltage, an action which will generate some disturbance seen by the inverter. If the aim is to use spare capacity form the solar installation and ‘dump’ this into the water tank, then the idea is good. Some control will be required to ensure the energy is surplus for use and will not removing energy from the batteries. As there are many of these circuits on the market, you are right to be wary as the switching may not be tolerated by the inverter, and other devices operating on this supply. Testing in situ is the only way to be sure.

Arrrr!

1 phase mains tester ??

I agree with ‘aread2’, I have a Beta enclosure of this type, the sides and top of the enclosure need to be removed for access. Daily checks are easy, oil, water, and alternator belts, that is, via a small access cover. Oil change, (with stb’d side removed) the filter is low on the starboard side, with care and a poly bag over the filter it is an awkward operation; if it is stiff a strap wrench may be necessary. Oil spills get into the base of the enclosure, a rag drawn back and forward on a bit of string under the engine, I use to clean up. Being a nice cream finish oil spills are obvious. Fuel filter, (with stb,d side removed), easy as it is high up, a button on the top of the filter is easy to purge the fuel. Air shift through the enclosure is essential to manage alternator temperature, flow in through the front through louvres, and out via a large hose (10cm) to atmosphere through port side of boat. For access, the covers are heavy and a bit unwieldy, but after a bit of practice, it is manageable. Finish, this is powder coated on steel, so good a durable. Operation is very quiet, and all worth the effort, adds value. After 12 years the engine looks as new.

I agree with ‘aread2’, I have a Beta enclosure of this type, the sides and top of the enclosure need to be removed for access.

Commercial advertising is strictly not permitted anywhere on CWDF unless prior approval has been obtained by the Site Management Is this not the case here?

This is clearly an advertising ‘stunt’ for this manufacturer. Not applicable on this Forum?