Erik.narrowboat

I just called the electrician who came yesterday for a quote for just rewiring the engine room. He said the job is estimated at 5k because the inverter would be very expensive. I reckon I could actually do without and run everything on 12v. I do not currently have a computer so all I would charge is my phone. All the domestics should run on 12v I imagine. Does this sound correct? Should I be able do run everything on 12v? I understand that means no tv, perhaps no microwave but that's fine, I didn't have those in my house either. The most important thing is the fridge, lights and the water pump (I guess the pump runs on 12v?). Otherwise, should canal and river rescue be able to sort me? Or do they just do emergency repairs? I also wanted to say thanks to everyone for the great amount of responses in less than a day. As you noticed I'm quite new to this but I am learning a lot from you and really appreciate your help.

I'm not taking anything out at the moment, the fridge and domestics are not working. Also, it's the starter battery so domestics shouldn't run from there, unless something is connected wrongly.

I actually connected a different one from the one you see in the photo. The current one is about half a square meter I would say. I don't know how much watt. The electrician yesterday said it would take about three days to charge the batteries with this one. The battery is around 100Ah (I don't remember the exact number, will have to check).

The split charge relay is visible in the last one of the photos I posted earlier, to the very right. It is actually a blue box. It was pointed out by two electricians and also somewhere else in this thread that it would not be powerful enough. I reckon I should replace it. I guess that would be quite easy? I am trying to charge the battery using the solar panel, hopefully that will work. The problem is with the starter battery flat I can't start the engine which means I can't charge it... I'm hoping the solar panels will have charged it by the end of the day so it will be able to start the engine, then I could see if the engine will charge the battery.

I totally understand. Your advice is useful though. I'm a little hesitant to just start changing wires myself but maybe with some reading and step by step approach it might be manageable. I am quite sure I had put it in the volt hole, but perhaps I am wrong. They are the thin wires indeed. Again,I'll have to read into all of this before I start doing anything. I do not have time to read your manual right now but will do so on the weekend. I think one things that causes some concern and point to a larger problem is the fact that all batteries went competely flat, down to almost 0. I then installed a new starter battery and disconnected the leisure batteries so they wouldn't drain it. The starter battery was at about 10 volts when the mechanic came yesterday from 11 on Saturday. Then after he reattached some of the wires it quickly went down to 5 volts so that could mean there is a 'leak'. I assume this is why rewiring was recommended as it could be the domestics are draining the battery. Though they shouldn't be on the same circuit. I don't know if this makes any sense but it's the only problem I can think of that would require further inspection.

I will disconnect it at night then. A mechanic measured the output of the panel and it seemed to be doing fine. I have heard indeed that it may discharge batteries at night. They are too short and/or too loose, which is why some rewiring has to be done but indeed should be easy to fix it at least temporarily. I do have a volt meter but actually when I measured a new battery to test it read 1 while the wires got very hot so I might be doing something wrong. Thank you, that is very kind of you. I understood from your previous message that you aren't anywhere near to London or able to come here? I am hesitant to start doing wiring myself, also because I do not know if all the wiring currently is correct. What do you mean by isolate? I have replaced the starter battery myself which was fine.

I have thought about that, but that will not help me now unfortunately.

I was told indeed the split relay is insufficient. The engine does start, it had been started last Saturday it's just that wires keep disconnecting so I can't do it myself. The clips are from a solar panel, I don't know if this is the correct way to do it. Should I disconnect it?

I'm not going to install a kW inverter. All I'll be running on 240 is phone and laptop charger, maybe a lamp.

I think an alternator isn't very expensive, mine might even work haven't tested. Leisure batteries should be no more than 60-80. I think your wiring seems worse though I'm not qualified to judge. From what your saying I reckon I should be able to have it done for under 1k (without domestics)

Yeah, I'm sure there is a certain skill to do wiring correctly but I'm quite sure it's but 14 days of work

I have a 12v fridge (not sure if it's a 3 way as mentioned above, need to check), lights obviously and a microwave but I never really use it. Phone and computer need charging as well of course. I did not have a boat before. It's a bit of an adventure though manageable. But fixing the wiring is not something I can do myself. I bought a new starter battery but try not using it until I know for sure I'll be able to charge it. The leisure batteries need replacing, they have no voltage at all.

I've had the boat for only a few weeks. It had a mooring before so electricity from the shore. Hence why the wiring want a problem then. Lighting and pumps were working fine, so yeah I think just rewiring the engine room should be more realistic. I have tried the Facebook group but couldn't get anyone.

Currently I am without electricity because the leisure batteries need replacing but I didn't want to put in new ones of I'm not sure I will be able to charge them because I'm afraid I'll drain them to much and have to throw them away.

Yeah, that's what I thought. When the electrician came over this morning he sounded like it was a simple job, even showed me how to get the parts like inverter cheaply. And then I got this quote. The lights work when the batteries are charged. The only issue might be that something seemed to be draining current as the starter battery was draining quite a lot even without using it and the leisure batteries went completely flat even without using the lights a lot. How do I get quotes? Most of them want to first have a look which will cost me 100 pounds for call out so I try to limit that. I think that is what I need as well. Was this in London?

I'm aware of the problem of parking, but that should at max add a couple of hundreds. The quote I received was for complete rewiring which I assume means removing walls and roof to get to the wiring which would explain the 5-6k. The problem is each electrician will have to look at it first which will cost me as well. I can't move the boat because of this problem as I can't start it. Though I could jumpstart it I would prefer to have it done here.

Hi, I have been having trouble with the electrics on my boat. Basically the problem is that some wires are loose and therefore the ignition often doesn't work. Also the battery do not seem to charge. I had two electricians look at this and they both adviced rewiring. Now I was wondering how big a job that would be. Today I received a quote saying 5-6k which would cover 14 days of work. Another guy who I know had good knowledge of the matter said it's a one day job. I understand it's hard to say without all the specifics but what would be a reasonable price for rewiring? My boat is 45 feet, engine is a BMC 1.8. I cruise so not shoreline. The busy is currently moored in central London. Also, if anyone can recommend a mechanic who could take in this job that would be great. Thanks for your help.

Thanks all, that's really helpful. I'm going to change the filter as well. Any recommendations for that? I just bought the boat so apologies for all the basic questions.

I am going to by oil for my engine and wondered if anyone can recommend any products? I'll have to go to Halfords later today so if they have any suitable products that would be the easiest. My engine is a BMC 32 hp diesel. I believe it holds 4,5 liters of oil. Is there anything in particular I should pay attention to when shopping for oil? Thanks!

I read about the St Pancras dock but I can't find any details, website, etc. Is it still there? How do I contact them? I was already hesitant about going on the the Thames but after reading some of the above I will just avoid it.

Is it tricky to cross the Thames?

Thanks for your answers. I have tried a couple of these, I was hoping to find something as near as possible. Lea Valley would be a great option, out highline. Does anyone know if Limehouse or south dock (by the O2) could accommodate me?

Hi all, My insurer requires me to do a full out of water survey (the boat is over 30 years old). Does anyone know any locations in London where I can do that? I emailed a number of docks/marinas but I wonder if there are other places that can do that since they all seem quite busy. Ideally I would find a place close to central London. Thanks for your help!