Tommo

I run a 240-volt fridge freezer that is rated at 90watts, when we are cruising all the 240-volt power comes from a 2.5kw Mastervolt Combi unit supplied from 660Ah of batteries. I can usually last about 3 days without starting the engine, which I’m quite happy with, bearing in mind all the other calls on electricity such as toaster, microwave, TV etc. Ian

I would more or less agree with the above, after an evenings viewing they seem to come back, one at a time. I suspect your missing channels would have come back just the same even if you had not phoned Sky. Ian

I have never had any problems with an Epping at all, I always burn whatever fuel I happen to have, usually Homefire or similar, same as I use on the squirrel. Lighting method.. Some kindling wood and a fire lighter or two, when burning well, fill up with coal, leave ash pan door open for 15mins or so for extra draw. Make sure you have the damper on the chimney open, not always easy to tell which way it should be. Check through the inspection hole. Ian

If you have no light on the ON/OFF switch and the batteries have some charge in them it is quite likely you have blown one of the fuses, which are situated, beneath the control box. They are blade type car fuses and I think it will be the 20amp one (MX40). Replace this then without firing up the heater count the number of flashes on the control box. Seven is the usual and shows a problem with the glow plug. If so remove the plug and you will see is either completely carboned up or the element is broken. If only carboned up you may be able to carefully clean with a wire brush, don’t try and straighten the element as they are very brittle and will break. If you are able to clean the plug and get it going look upon it as a temporary measure and get a new plug ASAP. If fitting a new plug it is vital you remove the glow plug boss assembly and clean out the gauze and the swirl holes or your new plug will be very short lived Make sure you get a new gasket for the glow plug boss at the same time. The above comes from living with a Mikuni MX40 for 3 years. I think you need to look on the plug as a consumable item and replace annually. I have recently completely stripped mine down and serviced it with no trouble As has been previously said the ticking noise is the fuel pump and is normal. You can order parts direct from mikuniheating.com Ian

I will gladly lend anyone a RCD tester, but you will have to come and collect it. Ian

I have to agree with Mark, why not give the boat a polish; surely anything that will help the paint last longer can only be a good thing. I can definitely recommend carnauba wax, either Phil’s or the one made by Meguiars. It is very easy to use. I always give the boat a good coat of it before the winter and again in the spring. Ian

Probably burn well in the squirrel stove. Tommo

As it does in many domestic situations with no problem. Tommo

I see that ABNB are selling the old IWA boat Jubilee, at only 20 grand looks a good deal to me. You could live onboard whilst finishing off the fit out. Tommo

??

So where do you think you will find a residential mooring for such a boat around Milton Keynes? Tommo

Pete I think this is it. Seven Yacht Marine http://www.wifwerfen.co.uk/boats.html Tommo

No Tommo

Pete The good news is I recognize the windows in your picture as being the same as I had fitted to an Evans boat, which was built for me in 1993. The bad news is I cannot remember the name of the company that made them, and I don’t have that boat anymore. It was not Channel Glaze or Caldwell’s. I suspect that whoever it was is no longer in business. It’s really bugging me now that I cant remember. They were quite a well known make, lets have some names of window manufacturers. Tommo

Make sure the fridge is running when you check. How far from the batteries is the fridge. Tommo

Liam Sounds very much like a worn Universal joint to me. Tommo

Alan is quite right, you must book a passage and they want to know the reason you want to go. I went down on Saturday morning, we had a passage booked for 10am but were locked through at about 9.15 and had a very pleasant trip down to the basin with no other boats about. Spent Friday evening and overnight at Marsworth with the boat tied against the top gate. There are about 4 or 5 locks that normally have to be left empty with a bottom paddle raised, “due to leakage through the lock wall”, although on this trip we were asked to leave every lock except 12 and 13 with a bottom paddle raised. Don’t forget you need a BW key on locks14 and 15. Tommo

What are the thoughts on this part of the Llangollen when drawing around 2’6”. Tommo

Mark Well how nice to see a fellow SMH owner on here. At least you have got the right time of the year for your handover. Ours was at the end of January 2004 and the boat had 3” of snow on it, and was then closely followed by gale force winds. I did see your boat at Crick but did not have a look inside. Are you going to be at the open weekend? We are cruising up the Llangollen at the moment, but from around about the 20th July will be stopping off at Glascote for a couple of weeks on the way back home, so, may see you there. You will enjoy reversing out through the bridge with everyone watching you!! Good luck Ian

I once had a Nannie 4 cylinder and that has no air filter either, just a silencer on the air intake. Tommo

Well that is good news… I was hoping to get to Whixall last weekend, but due to breach I’m currently moored at the bottom of the Audlem flight, but it looks like I can get away on Friday. The Shroppie did not seem particularly busy last week but I wonder how busy it will be at Hurleston junction at the weekend? Tommo

Yes that’s spot on Les, fortunately I have a car on site as well so I can drive up to Crick on the Saturday. Tring Canal Festival, also known as the Wendover Canal Festival held on the Sunday and Monday of the bank holiday weekend. Takes place on the Wendover arm of the GU. Raising money to restore the arm into Wendover. I have attended the festival for the last 12 or so years, it’s a chance to meet up with the boaters you haven’t seen since the previous year, and an good excuse for a few beers, should you need one. Quite a local event really and I’m not surprised you “folks from op north” have never heard of it, but I know some members are from Cowroast, which is only a couple of miles away. Regards Tommo

Anybody going ? Tommo

Yes it will, the full output of the combi charger is 100 amps! However if you use a CSCP control panel you are able to adjust the charger consumption to suit the 240v fuse rating. Tommo

Andy I also have got a Mastervolt 2500 combi and I believe Gary is quite right; they are very fussy about the input from a generator. When I purchased it I was asked if I was going the use a generator, when I answered no, the reply was “that’s OK then as they can cause problems” I suggest you ask Mastervolt, or Keith Meadowcroft of Volt-Master who I notice will be at Crick, if you are going, a good man to speak to about all things Mastervolt. Tommo