jelunga
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Posts posted by jelunga
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Bisexual panels that swing both ways? I had not thought of that!
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Hi,
Yes I would love your TilleyIron if it is still available. Where are you? Send me a Pm if you like. [
quote name=clarriegrundydog' date='Mar 2 2008, 06:17 PM' post='209632]
I had a Tilly paraffin powered iron when we lived on Speedwell - brute of a thing it was too!
You had to prime it with meths just like the lamps and pump up the pressure. It had a little exhaust poking out of the side and it used to sort of backfire a spit smuts! Hilarious but a bit scarey! I think it's still kicking around in the garage somewhere if anyone wants it!
Prefered to just let the clothes blow through and fold as neatly as possible. A good windy day, stick the boat pole in the piling and tie a line to cratch and hang up the laundry. Sod the iron!
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Yes, I thought £10k was excessive too. I also take on board your advice re fitting. I am toying with a gas free boat - makes the BSC easier I would have thought - no gas to leak. And price wise, LPG will probably increase in price at the same rate as diesel. However, looking to the future, when conventional diesel, petrol and LPG get in short supply, there is always biodiesel to run everything if I have a gas free boat. Yes, I do know you can produce methan, but I do not fancy eating that many tins of baked beans!!
Yes Chris, good idea.I would give you a jump start anytime!!!For AC power generation you can't beat a good water-cooled, inboard, cocooned diesel generator, but 10 grand does sound a bit much. I can't see what generator it is you're going for on this thread. I did quite a lot of research on this and the best generators I found were the Northern Lights 1500 rpm range. Personally I can't see why you'd want more than 5kw and you sould be able to get one of these installed for about £6K maximum.Also a word of caution: if you're paying for installation get it done by the manufacturers or their agents. There are various cooling options for example, which are of paramount importance and may be something your boatbuilder does not fully appreciate.http://www.es-store.co.uk/category-69/NLM673l2gen.htmlnow there's a thought for a canal based floating mobile business - Jelunga's mobile power supply - call out fee negotiable - response time calculated on a case by case basis but assume average 2mph mobilisation speed.
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Alex,Technically, using the main engine just to generate power via an engine mounted AC generator is in theory bad for the engine since it will be operating at a low load level. This will promote in time high oil consumption and inefficient running. In theory, the use of a separete generator, where you are utilising a higher load for the engine BHP is more efficient. I am trying to garner statistics to support this view. I know that hte majority of boats do not even have a mains generator fitted, and either rely on 12 volt only or 240v through an inverter. However, my expected use will require a greater use of mains voltage, and since I will be designing the boat for up to 30 years in the future, I acknowledge that as I get older, I will not really want to cruise that much. So therefore I will either need a mooring with a mains supply, or have to run the main engine, or use a geny. I am not inclined to rely on a shore power since that will need a mooring with more "commercial" costs. I may just like an on-line mooring in an isolated location. Therefore the need to be self contained and independent of shore facilities is paramount.Ref washing, I for one prefer to wash my undies in private, so an on board washing machine is esential. Drying? well a rotary washing line mounted on the boat is a must and a washer / dryer a good idea, vented o/b of course.thank you for your views though.
you can never have access to too much power. You never know, you might need to couple up to a friends boat in trouble!!Hi ThereIMHOYou are now considering wearing out two engines to generate electrical power.How much power do you feel you will need?With a little forward thinking the 240v engine generator can be run for the washing machine on days when you are cruising.Whilst this same engine is running the two alternators for battery charging and heating the water.With a quality charge controller you can top up the battery's and heat the water with 1-1/2 hours running on a mooringModern diesel engines have extremly long lifes and I think it would outlast the boat.If I ever fitted a washing machine it would be low power model and run from an invertor.Sorry to sound a bit blunt but I think a £5k engine mounted generator will be more than suffient.I am not convinced of the need for a 240v generator at all. We CC throughout the summer and have never felt the need, we drop of the washing at a nearby launderett while we have a wander around the shops. Also if you do have a washing machine you must also have facilities for drying it and you do not want it inside promoting condensation.AlexHi ThereCan you let me know the proposed demand for all this power. Will it be an electricaly driven boatAlex -
Absolutly correct. I agree with this answer and diagram. That is what it said in both my "Arthur Ransome" book and my Penguin "Sailing" by Peter Heaton.
What is not correct is my spelling of absolutley, both times.
Not that I would ever disagree with anything said by the highly educated Bones, but well there we are
Keith
Nope.Springs run from the bow to a point on the bank/pontoon near the stern, and visa versa. Not at 45 degrees.
They should really be separate ropes.
they should be combined with normal bow and stern ropes.
See
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Andy,
Thanks for this. One builder I have spoken to has also mentioned this £10k figure to fit one in the engine room with the main engine. I thought this a little over the top to say the least. I had not thought about replacing the gas locker with a geny compartment though. might reduce the cost, and I have toyed with the idea of a gas free boat, but thought it best to keep the LPG as a fuel option, just in case.
Only problem I can see with it mounted so far forrard is when ramming U Boats. It might shake the geny loose from the mountings!!
My boat is gas free and has a 10kVA cocooned generator in the forecabin. This was accomplished by lowering the top of the integral water tank to create some space and has been done without spoiling the lines of the boat.It was installed for the previous owner and probably cost about £10,000 overall. I probably wouldn't go this route myself but Madame likes having a full Bosch electric kitchen including washer/dryer.
The genny is started from a remote panel in the galley.
It also had a dishwasher (!) which I have removed.
(Anybody out there want to buy a hardly used Bosch dishwasher?)
The boat also has a big domestic alternator on the main engine, 1600W inverter and battery stack so we use that most of the time when cruising and only run the gen when using the cooker, washer or charge batteries if moored for long.
Maintenance of the generator has been no problem. it's powered by a lister LPW3.
I'd guess that it costs no more than gas to run.
PM me if you want more details or to discus by phone.
Regds A
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I am starting this topic to get members views of the benefits of having a diesel generator fitted to a NB at the build stage. Here are a few statements to base answers on :-
1) Boat will be used as a liveaboard, mainly constantly cruising, but also sometimes staying on one mooring for the permitted 14 days max.
2)The generator will be also plumbed in to the calorifier, so when in use, it will contribute to hot water creation.
So my questions are:-
1) How many members have a diesel generator fitted?
2) Why did they fit it?
3) Has it proved an economical decision? (Has the extra cost of the installation and extra maintenance costs been balanced by reduced overall fuel consumption and wear to main engine)
4) Any other comments or questions to help me make a decision as to whether to spend up to £10K on having this fitted on a new build?
I suppose the alternative is to have a main engine mounted generator, but my " belt and braces" approach it that if the main engine fails, you can at least generate power to keep operating whilst waiting for repair, and power an electric outboard( a small joke). And if the generator fails, you can still have mains from an inverter.
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Hi, just to put in my 1.5d's worth, as a bus driver I have the same problem with low bridges at work. The method I use is just to close my eyes and "use the Force" It often works. But when it does not, all I have done is convert a nice double decker bus to a single decker!!!
Seriously though, do not take my advice. I am still waiting to buy a boat!!!
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Well this topic seems to have died of old age. But thanks for all the comments and suggestions. Our decision has not really changed - the house will have to go if we are to afford a new boat. But we have modified the route, so that we will probalby buy a 2nd hand boat and live on it for a year. Then if we do not get seasick or suffer from claustraphobia (is that spelt rite?) sell the house and buy a custom made narrow boat. So see you all on the cut probably early 2010. Unless of course you spot me on a holiday boat this May, when we will be satisfying our desire by having a two week holiday on "Dove Valley" from May 2nd to 16th. If you do see us give me a wave or a pint, and do not think "more bloody grockles"
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Hi,
I have been looking for a Tilley iron for ages. Is it still available and where is your garage?
Keith
I had a Tilly paraffin powered iron when we lived on Speedwell - brute of a thing it was too!You had to prime it with meths just like the lamps and pump up the pressure. It had a little exhaust poking out of the side and it used to sort of backfire a spit smuts! Hilarious but a bit scarey! I think it's still kicking around in the garage somewhere if anyone wants it!
Prefered to just let the clothes blow through and fold as neatly as possible. A good windy day, stick the boat pole in the piling and tie a line to cratch and hang up the laundry. Sod the iron!
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Well, I am really jealous of all you nice people with ice around your vessels. Unfortunatley, the only ice I have is in my fishpond in the garden.
I just wish it was Nov 2009 when we plan to buy our boat to live on.
Roll on 2009.
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Gary,
As a potential customer in the next 12months or so, I look at the spec given by the builder and his price. Then I look at what extras / changes I will want and work from there. So if your initial spec is better and your price is higher, I would take that into account.
And by the way, what would your price be for a 60 foot NB fully fitted?
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Hi Boaty Jo,
At last - some sense that I can read.
- .... .- -. -.- --. --- -.. is my reply.
How fast can you type morse? I used to be able to read at 18 wpm on a good day.
Can we start some semaphore as well just to remind me of the old days?
When approaching blind bridge:... --- -.. / --- ..-. ..-.
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I can well remember Harry Corbett with Sooty as a kid. Then took my children to see him with Matthew at aldershot. They used to rehearse at a local building in Mytchett. I thought Matthew had "passed on". Glad to hear he is still going. Maybe he is as someone else said "a little stiiff" because he has someone else's hand up his backside?
In1996 I believe, for 4 and a half million pounds. Thats some mark up on the seven and sixpence it cost his dad to buy him. -
I think you misunderstand me. The interest is only to pay for regular maintenance and unforseen circumstances. Pensions will pay for all "noraml"living costs, unless my maths is totally up the creek.
Even assuming your boat costs £100K and that represents half your house sale, you will only receive around £5K interest per annum on the other half. Deducting inflation from this will give a net return of maybe 1 or 2% per annum. Is that really enough to live on and maintain the boat? I don't think so. So ultimately your capital reserves will be drained too.Meanwhile, on the capital "invested" in the boat, you are losing another £5K of potential interest per annum on the money you can't invest (because it bought the boat) plus the depreciation on the boat (at least another 5% per annum) plus the depreciation of the purchasing power of your boat capital (ie: general inflation) should you ever sell up (another 5% per annum).
Overall, it has to be a mad decision from a financial standpoint when, in reality, you have so little capital available. And that capital may have to last another 30 years. What happens if one of you dies? Would you want to stay on the boat and work it yourself? In addition, pension annuities are only around 6%. Have you really assessed how much you will really have and the longer term financial consequences once you look beyond the "dream"?
Chris
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You can get cat flaps that are locked until operated by a proximity sensor fitted to your cats collar, powered by a small battery I believe. Available from most good pet stores as they say.
Ref cat murders (?) we intend to move onto a narrowboat next year with our cat. But hey, all you vermin lovers, all our cat does is sleep all day, so no threat to moving wildlife.
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Well, I seem to have started a very emotive subject for some! But interesting views. However, my mind has not been changed, and we are still determined to go for it. Now the big argument is narrow boat or dutch barge! I am on the narrow boat side, because they can go more places and are significantly less expensive ( I will not say cheaper) than a Dutch Barge. However, her indoors likes the idea of crossing the channel now and again and heading south to the warmth.
Shoulde this be another topic?
But thanks for all the input.
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The biggest problem with age is mobility. If you 've got that sorted, life will be great on board.
I am intending that the boat should have a bow like NB Belle, designed with part of the gunwale detachable and with a loading ramp. Initially for a motorcycle, then eventually for a Zimmer frame and mobility scooter!
I have also seen a report of a NB being built with joystick control through hydraulic ram steering. Then all you need is an automatic mooring system and you have the perfect retirement home!
Seriously, some of the problems of old age are just the same as living in a house, except no stairs! I have planned for a boat that is "old age" proof as much as possible, but you will still have the same problems in a house.
Maybe I should start a marina with "sheltered" moorings and have a "retirement" marina? But then there would probably be some busy body telling me that I was too old to take my boat out for a cruise, and I am not having that.
Thank you all for your contributions to this topic. I see it has brought many interesting comments in a short time.
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Yes, the big attraction for us is the lack of ties to house, mortgage, and the conventional world.Hi jelungaI will let you know, possibly sometime in the next 25 to 30 years.Oh!!! by the way have sold house, do not own any property and waiting for boat to be built.Mad probably.
Thanks for your comments. We can onl;y afford one or the other. The plot is that half the money from the house sale will pay for a boat, the other half to create enough interest to ensure we can afford to maintain it. Our pensions should pay for all of our daily expenses and running costs. Roll on 2009 !!!!Good luck with your venture and we certainly hope you will not be needing a funeral director for a long time! Selling the family home is a big step - we intended to do it but after our first year afloat and a few simple calculations we quickly realised that living a boat can be a very expensive business. We decided, therefore, to keep the house and we certainly wouldn't advise anyone to sell their land based property because, from an investment point of view, a boat (however splendid) is no equal to a house and what could you do if you should ever become incapacitated or ill to the extent that you are not sufficiently fit to enjoy boating?
Glad we are not the only potential lunatics. I am just fed up with the conventional world of take take buy buy acquire acquire. I am more than happy to stop work, take a lower income, but escape from the pressure and stree of today. So selling the house does not frighten me - we can always live in our caravan for a year if we have to - this will then lets us appreciate the "space" of a narrow boat!!Hi jelungaI will let you know, possibly sometime in the next 25 to 30 years.Oh!!! by the way have sold house, do not own any property and waiting for boat to be built.Mad probably.
#My view totally. The longer I leave it the less time we will have to see everywhere. Could take years!Hi JelungaWe have been thinking of doing just that for a few years. Some say to us “just do it!” and I think they are probably right. There is a very real risk of getting old and wishing that we had! We have a small house and would not be able to downsize and fund a larger, live-aboard boat. So, in another 5 years (no longer!) we plan to sell-up and live-aboard with no desire to be enslaved again to the “property ladder.” Maybe we will build a boat that is as future-proof as possible so that there would be no great problems in the case of possible ill-health. Consideration would also have to be given to mooring site if cruising becomes limited.Noah -
The other half and I are going to sell the house and live 100% on a canal boat. Does anybody have any thoughts to share on how you cope when age sets in. By age I mean 65 +.
Any body know of a Viking Funeral Director?
Will it be an electricaly driven boatAlex 
living afloat ???
in Living Afloat
Posted
Well Angel, it was my other half who came up with the idea ( me M she F) so I thought I had died and gone to Heaven. our plan to to do the same, sell the house, buy a boat to live on and stop slaving away for an employer.
One of my problems at the moment is how to do the ironing. I am trying to find a Tilley Paraffin iron since normal electric irons take too much power. Suppose I could buy an old flat iron, but I would miss the spray and steamer functions.
K