Liam

Stratford?

I assume it was for better running when light, keeps the blade in the water when the counter is out as you say. Changing the pitch was a last minute decision (actually made in the car on the way to Crowthers!) Yep that's the plan. I have Richard of Primrose Engineering on the case

Apologies when I say tickover speed has increased I meant for the same revs the boat moves through the water noticably quicker. I wouldn't say it has put any more strain on the engine generally apart from reversing when cold, you notice an engine rev drop but it soon picks up and doesn't happen when warm. I had to change the shaft, it was mild steel, battered and chewing up packing every couple of months. It's a 2" shaft that uses 1/2" packing.

Ariel is swinging a 22 x 20 prop, recently repitched from 22 x 18 last October whilst the shaft was replaced from mild steel to stainless duplex. Ariel has a HA2 coupled to a 3:1 blackstone box. Tickover speed has increased noticably more than general cruising speed which is also noticeable. There has been no difference in reverse. Ariel has always behaved impeccably going backwards, being steerable for a mile in the past. Whilst discussing prop size it was mentioned that Ariel's current setup could accommodate a bigger prop, unfortunately the boat can't due to the shaft coming out off centre. There's a massive amount of room above the prop to the counter, but only 2 inches between the skeg and the bottom of the blade. Getting back on topic, because of this the mention of going over square was mentioned to crowthers was mentioned, with negative comments received back. One day I'll have my 2:1 box and be able to increase speed over water with slightly less revs.

As mentioned the difference is that 165 has the bellows type flush system where the 365 has a plunger. Also the 365 has a gauge showing you how full it is. Last year I found that it was cheaper to buy a complete second toilet (165) than it was to just buy a 2nd holding tank on its own. I don't know whether that's still the case but absolutely crackers if it is.

That nice shiny red coat will look a treat after its had several dozen bags of coal over the shoulders

There's also Kenilworth that was shortened. Currently living at Yarwoods basin in Northwich.

It's an oil level gauge, it's a Lister thing. Anything more than 1 showing on the clock and it's fine. If showing 0 you've ran out of oil

Thanks for all the replies so far, feedback has been passed on.

Looking for advice on what to do with a solid oak planked floor in the lounge area on a boat. It was carpeted over a couple of years ago, but now the carpet has been removed. The floor looks a bit grubby so it'll be scrubbed with sugar soap and given a food clean but after that needs to protected in some way. A light sanding if the floor prior to treatment is what could happen if needed. Varnish has been mentioned but would this end up peeling/flaking/cracking? The boat is used very often so something that can do with a lot of traffic going over it. Any suggestions or tips on what to do with it would be appreciated. Cheers Liam

Absolutely well done to ALL involved

Add me to the "wants one" list.

Yes, grease provides lubrication aswell as the water tight seal.

Somebody remind me of the resale rules with new boats under a certain age, something to so with whether it has an RCD or BSC? I'm sure this will apply to the OP.

Let's have a picture then

The iron BCN hull in the background belongs to Kez.

I'd have to take the offer of the HR3 up instead of the fuel guzzling noise box, but even the Lister is OTT.

Up and down as well as round and round will do the trick is nicely I reckon. Might be worth sticking some tape around the flue to the bottle to stop any random dust from blowing out.

An RYA course is about £150, give or take a bit depending on where you go.

You are allowed 7 days free onthe Bridgewater as part of the reciprocal agreement, it would only cost you £40 if you stayed for longer than 7 days.

CRT waters Dean.

Should be called smokesless than smokeless.

It will probably coincide with the Bridgewater stoppage at Worsley!

I recall hearing that a few years ago Barnet was asked to stay outside the museum because the boat had some form of aerial on the cabin top. The owner refused to take it down so had to stay outside. Whether this was true or not I don't know.

Petcoke is otherwise known as Calco, don't know about Coalite though.