dacaB

" in their own marina where they know their boats never move " What has it got to do with them ? Is not self declaration a right rather than a privilege ?

I hadn't meant to suggest that the alt be removed from the system totally. I assume there would still be the need to charge both the starter batts and the bow thruster batts, if fitted, as these are an intergral part of propulsion. I think.

It occurs to me that skippers need an accurate measure of fuel consumption... ltrs / hour at cruising speed. Domestic batteries and water heating would need to be isolated for the test to be valid. Once this figure is established a quick and simple calculation at the filling point would mean an accurate and honest declaration. Hours cruising = ltrs / propulsion.......... everything else = domestic Any arguments from HMCE could be swiftly disproven by a cruise down the cut. In fact, up to date logs may be sufficient proof. Not sure about how to isolate chargers and heaters................

On here a while ago someone suggested that when choosing a modern engine for a narrowboat there is so little between them that choosing the colour you like is a good enough decider It seems that mostly they are superb.

This place may be worth a look http://www.realdiesels.co.uk/

Go, I will wait for you The flowers in the garden mark the time Here I will draw the day of your return You are so sure of my love You take it away with you Cupped in your hands When you touch your face As you still think of me And if you need to, you can show the world The world that doesn't know what life there is In an uncaring absent heart Doesn't know what life there is In that only the heart can feel Doesn't know. Here I will wait for you And steal kisses from time Time is not enough to erase The memories and the desire that Remains closed in your hands That you bring to your face. You still think of me It will follow you and passing me in the city I'll still be here Dreaming of things that I don't know about you. Where is the road that you will take on your return I dream Here I will wait for you And steal kisses from time I dream A noise, the wind awakens me And you're already here. That's nice.....

Not too sure that 'opinions' are really relevent in this case. Follow the engine manufacturers instructions to the letter and you will not go too far wrong... See here for all that is oily.......http://www.carbibles.com/engineoil_bible.html

The side fenders look like hoops.............anybody confirm?

Just C/Peed this from the ABNB site, good site, interesting 'stuff'..... The idea that a boater would be able to define his/her own propulsion/domestic useage when the time comes on 01/08/2008 has firmly been squashed. A meeting was held on 30th April between HM Revenue & Customs, IWA, British Marine Federation, Residential Boat Owners Association and a number of other user groups. HM Revenue & Customs is agreeable to red diesel being sold on the basis of a fixed percentage for propulsion (which would be taxed at the full rate), and a fixed percentage for domestic and heating use (which would be taxed at the present rate). This is supported by the trade and most user groups as it would make administration of the sale of red diesel simpler, and save each boat owner having to justify their individual usage. Although HMRC has suggested an 80% propulsion to 20% domestic use split, IWA has used data from the recent IWA membership survey to show that the likely average usage is nearer to 60% for propulsion and 40% for domestic use. IWA is further developing this into a written argument with statistical support for HM Revenue & Customs, which if accepted, could be used evidence to the European Union if the percentage split were to be challenged. A further dispensation might be possible for residential boaters, whose percentage use of fuel for propulsion is likely to be even lower, provided a satisfactory definition of ‘residential boater’ can be agreed. HM Revenue & Customs has also suggested that purchasers of red diesel will be required to sign a receipt at the point of refueling, which would have specific wording to certify an element of use of the fuel for domestic purposes (at the agreed fixed rate). This could be made less onerous for regular customers of a fuel supplier, who might be able to declare just once a year. Only a signature will be required, with no requirement for boat details, etc. ..........maybe boaters will get a fairish deal afterall.