Philip Davies

Yes. CRT notice said they were reducing water level so that police could investigate. Caldon is the main feeder to the T & M summit so it would be a problem to completely close/dewater. I am concerned with "until further notice" as I need to get home to Cheddleton, next week. Cheers

CRT advised on 13/6 that the Caldon will be closed between locks 2 & 3 on Monday 17th June from 07.00 until further notice for "Police investigative works". Anyone know what this might be about? cheers

I use carpet tiles from B & Q. Had real problems getting them to stick until I used "no nails". They have now been up 2 seasons! Cheers

Hi Same problem. I am thinking of using "Stokboard" although it is very expensive. Any thoughts. Cheers

I recently saw a new Shire 50 at a boat fitter. It had a suction pump fitted to the gearbox plug similar to the engine oil extractor. One wonders if an after sales modification is available. Cheers

Thanks DaveR for info. Called BW this morning. No knowledge of problem in Clarence dock either. Told them about report in Boater's guide. Still showing as closed tonight!! Hopefully I shall get in when I arrive next Tuesday. Cheers

Hi I am currently on the Trent my way to Leeds and need to leave my boat there or nearby for 5 days next week, preferably with an electric hook up. The latest Boaters' Guide for the Aire & Calder says "dock is currently closed due to work within the dock area." Does anyone know what is going on? Are there any alternative sites east of Leeds? Thanks

Hi So what is the best type of battery for a bowthruster? Starter? Cheers

Thank you all for your suggestions. I have had some communication with Phil Spreight. He is concerned that I did not let the anti-slip dry sufficiently - only 3 days. If I cannot get the marks off, I may try a cream wash well before I start cruising next season. Cheers

Hi I have just repainted my roof with Craftmaster cream anti-slip paint. It went on very easily with a roller and looked fantastic straight out of the dock. Anti slip properties are excellent. However, I travel single handed and walk on the roof while working locks. Result; dirty shoe prints from the rubber soles of my size 11 boots. I have tried cleaning with mild flash and a scrubbing brush but have not been able to completely remove the marks. Any ideas? I used to have a dark blue roof that was sanded. Could not see the marks, but it got very hot. Cheers

Hi I have a 3.5KW travel power on a 45hp Barrus. I notice a drop in engine power when I turn the electric kettle on. I have used a 80A mastervolt successfully with it to put more into the domestic batteries. It is most useful running a Zanussi washer/dryer, while under way. To save the batteries, I usually start the engine when I want to use the microwave. A good piece of kit in my opinion. Cheers

Thanks Gibbo I sent them an email with the dimensions of the brushes. No response to date. I have tried another Vetus agent (French Marine). They say part number BP1132 for a 12v 55kgf has been superceeded by SET0126 which is a set of 8 carbon brushes of the right size. They will supply it for £158.91 inc VAT. My original enquiry to Kings Lock advised a part number BP261 for £150.28 for 4 brushes! The unit is actually three years old and the brushes are hardly worn. I thought I would get a spare set. But not at that price. I am confused by the part numbers. Any advice? I was at Kings Lock because I had run the thrusher without any guards. Bad mistake! It improved the flow but has damaged the gearing in the tail piece. I think some wood jammed it up. The main fuse blew last year and it started making a horrible noise. Motor seems undamaged. Anyway a complete tailpiece cost a staggering £484.05 plus £65.26 for the new 6 blade propellor. It will be fitted next month when the boat goes into dry dock. I shall also have 2 light bars welded vertically across each end of the tube! Cheers

Hi I Have been quoted £150 for a set of 4 brushes for my 55kgf bow thruster from a Vetus agent. This seems way over the top. Does anyone know a cheaper source. Cheers

Just came across this post. There is a Stuart Hodges in Market Drayton. He did my fitout three years ago. Very pleased. Cheers

In response to Bottle, I have just put my multi meter in DC current mode between the aerial plug outer (which I have previously proved had continuity to the roof and on which there is a 12v potential between it and the radio +ve feed). With the CD playing or with all the lights on (shows 35A draw on the ammeter connected to the shunt in the battery -ve lead) there is 0.00 amp draw, indicating that there is no stray current going through the hull via my rubber duck car aerial. As radio reception is excellent, I shall leave it as is. Thanks all for advice.