Amh300

Just came across this thread from 2009 - nothing new under the sun, eh!

There's wisdom for you I've learned a lot today. Thank you. And now it seems I am an "engager" on this forum. So not a total loss 😇

The RCR guy was diamond - no complaints there.

As I now appreciate - still mind blown that this looks like the explanation! Leaves on the prop - who would have thought it. At least I didn't fork out £235 RCR sub + £150 call out fee or anything expensive like that to find out via this forum about this common autumn phenomenon 🤦‍♂️

So the leaves get stuck on the prop you can see in this pic? Hard to believe it can make such a difference. Not doubting, just surprised!

No difference to speed of the prop shaft - it carries on at normal speed

Ok, sounds like I having to work with for next time. Thanks everyone (this forum is awesome) 👍

No, revs stay the same. Don't know what kind of gearbox it is but. here's a photo. Oil level is ok. That would make sense in as much as I've been out twice in the summer and had no issue. Is it really a common problem then? My boat pretty much stopped moving forward at one point. Can't believe it could be something as simple as that - not a wind up (leaves on the line etc

Hi, This may not be the correct forum to discuss but as my nb has a BMC engine I thought I'd post it here. I have a recurring issue with foreword thrust (recurring because it also happened last year). Boat is fine when I start out but after about 30 mins, speed drops until barely any forward movement. Reverse thrust is good. When I stick it in reverse and crank up the revs, when I put it back in foreword it regains thrust. But it drops down again after 15-20 mins. If I switch off the engine and leave it for a while, when I start up again, foreword is fine. But then drops off again. Things to note: 1. weed hatch is clear 2. RCR engineer has been out to check it. As it was over night, engine had totally cooled down etc and engineer couldn't find anything wrong - foreword and reverse thrust strong. 3. RCR engineer checked and slightly adjusted the cable; 4. RCR engineer checked gearbox oil - right amount in there just dirty. Gearbox was replaced in May this year by qualified engineer. So we carried on but same problem has recurred. Just wondering if anyone has had a similar experience? Thanks Andrew

Thank you @Tonka @David Mack!

I'm looking to replace my hatch/cabin cover. It is wooden with an aluminium top and not very secure. I am currently moored in Tamworth. Does anyone know of a Midlands-based company or individual who could fabricate a metal replacement? Thanks Andrew

Thanks for all your replies. Engine is being checked over by a qualified mechanic; filters changed and spares acquired ?

Thanks for replying. No, it's a late 1980s boat and the engine is in pretty good condition, I think. The previous owner traveled a lot but I've not taken it out except to be blacked.

I'm travelling out on the canal for the first time in September from my current morning at Willowtree Marina (Southall) to my new mooring at Fazeley Marina (Tamworth). I'm looking for breakdown cover that would include towing. I've seen posts that mention RCR, but I think that insurance will only tow me to my home marina (and with a mx 2 hr tow), so I'm not sure that will be much use to me? Are there other insurers who come recommended? But maybe this is a non-issue in that most cruisers are permanently on the move. I suppose I'm just anxious at the (rare) possibility of a breakdown and unsure how to get to my destination. You will probably write that that is all part of the fun! Anyway, thanks for any suggestions.

4 minutes per lock - wow ?

Thanks for all your replies folks! Very helpful advice here. Much appreciated ?

Ah, ok. My mistake - that's a relief anyway! My trip isn't until the start of September, so its good/reassuring to have this chat with the experts! I suppose I'm worried about running out! But I'm sure it's easy enough to find refuelling stations along the way.

Yes, apologies - the title of my post could have been clearer! Ah, ok. So if canal planner takes no account of locks, and there are 107 of them to navigate, then it's going to take way longer than 10 days! 20m per lock = 35 hrs of locks. Thanks Tracy - it was just to get a sense of how much diesel I should take with me. I have 2x20l and 1x5l jerry cans worth of diesel plus a full tank.

Hi, I'm planning my first ever long journey from Willowtree Marine in W.London to Fazeley Marina in Tamworth. According to CanalPlan, this is a trip of 134 miles, 2¼ furlongs and 107 locks (I've never navigated a lock before!). The journey could take around 10 days at 7 hours per day. I'm trying to work out how much diesel I'd need. Any idea, or pointer to some info that would help me calculate this? Thanks! Andrew

Thanks everyone - such quick replies ? Thanks BoaterSam, I'll look for that manual. Tony, the sump drain pump is completely knackered. I have a replacement from a guy on this forum, which I will try to re-fit at some point. In the meantime, someone has lent me a Pela oil extractor 6000, which I am assured will do the job. The oil filter (that cylindrical thing on the right?) was/is a nightmare to replace because the oil pressure sender is right underneath it! Is the fuel filter that cylindrical thing on the left?

Thanks steamraiser2! Yes, good advice - I will do that. Cheers Andrew

Sorry, I know that this is the most basic of basic questions, but could someone confirm which is the oil and which is the water container in this photo? My guess is the water on the left (rusty metal cap) and the oil on the right (black plastic cap). It's my first oil change, and obvs don't want to screw things up! Also, any suggestions on cleaning up the rust? Can these bits of the engine be painted, for example? Thanks. Andrew

Thanks everyone - excellent advice here ?I'll upload some photos once I'm done.