PCSB

For the engine an oil filter wrench can be useful. A basic set of metric sockets if you need to adjust the alternator belt tension (there is usually 2 alternators) iirc 13mm ish (maybe 14mm or 15mm) but a decent entry set will have the right sizes. My engine is a canaline and the way the alternators are fitted means I need an extension for the socket as one of the nuts/bolts is hard to get at without. For the gearbox the drain plug is 18mm, but I have heard that some differ so maybe others can maybe chip in here. The filler/dipstick is another one that I have heard has different sizes, the workshop manual states 15mm but I seem to think it is larger on my gearbox (also a prm 150 D2). I find having a couple of high quality adjustables gets me out of trouble most times. fwiw I've found Bahco tools to be excellent quality, maybe a bit expensive, but you only buy them once. A shallow tray that holds over 2 litres is useful when draining the gearbox unless you wish to use a pump of some sort, I prefer to use the drain plug. Always clean the inside of the drain plug too, it has a magnet in there and it collects metal gunk. I'm assuming that the engine has an oil extraction pump fitted, if not then you will need a pump of some sort (pela or equiv). My advice is to buy what you know you need first. One addition worth having to hand is a decent multimeter.

The 45 in the part number is the shaft diameter in mm - it is clearer in the part description on the euro website e.g. Spare part set - 35mm DLS "double lip seal" (vetusonline.com)

That makes more sense to me than sealing them.

Don't know, sorry.

I didn't want to trigger any arguments but do appreciate the feedback. I can understand the desire to keep pubs open, especially canalside. Sadly the Cotton Arms in Wrenbury is now closed with planning permission being applied for, if not yet granted, to convert and build dwelling houses

Good read, very enjoyable. I noted he blocked his scuppers ... why would you do that? Surely scuppers are ther to let the water out! (at least they have been on the boats I've been to sea on).

OK, thanks for clarifying. No offence intended

If this is aimed at me then you are out of order. We went there a year or so ago and the food was awful, in order to try and determine if it was just an off night I asked here. The replies of others have indicated it hasn't been great and some have said it is ok. That hardly breeds confidence to try again.

Thanks all, sounds like we will be cooking on the boat then 😁

It may have been because they had only very recently re-opened, it wasn't at all busy.

Anyone been recently? Last year when we went in the beer was decent but the food was dire, anyone eaten in there recently and if so how was the food? TIA, Paul.

As with any paint job, no matter what is being painted, preparation is key. With the better/best boat painters they prep the boat very well indeed then many coats of primers/undercoats before they get to the top coats. Proper prep takes time as does applying the various coats of paint so that is where the money is. It should with half decent aftercare last for a very long time. John Barnard has a series of painting videos on utube, worth watching imo.

Is the Mastervolt Alpha Pro any good, seems to be a lot cheaper at around £350 ish ...

The batteries on our boat have a recommended float voltage of 13.6 to 13.8. The victron multiplus has a feature called storage volatge which is fixed at 13.2v, as far as I can work out it can't be changed. But it can be switched off. We are rarely on mains but occaisionally, like now, pop into a marina for a few days. Is it better to switch off the storage mode and leave it in float or leave well alone? TIA, Paul.

Run out of diesel maybe??

I've found anthisan the best for stings, be they from wasps or nettles! Glad theres been no adverse reaction.

The White Bear is very good, we had a meal there the other week. Beer is good too

Passed you on the Middlewich branch today following a smallish narrowboat, Iain didn't look too happy, but I did get a cheerful good morning from him.

Many, many moons ago I used to work in Newbury for a well known mobile phone company. The K&A runs through Newbury so it is a long way away - it was really rather nice back then, no idea now. Just started raining here too, had lovely sunshine for most of the day so can't grumble, well I can but no one listens 😄

Blimey! Newbury to Market Drayton by narrowboat in a day, you must have been flying 😁 Sorry, couldn't resist ... Happy New Year and safe onwards travel

Can you perhaps cut a broom handle and lash/strap/gaffer tape it to the remnants?

Thanks all. Sanity restored (well temporarily ).

Thanks Tony, I'll try ad do the tests tomorrow but have a longish day cruise planned. As always your advice is much appreciated.