Bimbly1

When I had a similar mishap, that's what I did but I found it impossible to get a close matching texture finish but if I don't look too closely, I don't see it.

Sorry to read of your problem Neil. That's the timer I have on mine and the diagnostic link was well worth having, although I had to get someone from a boatyard out to interrogate it. After that, sorted....

Interesting. I wonder how the 60% was determined?

Have moored in Kidderminster between Tesco and Sainsbury's several times over the years. Never had any trouble sleeping or with local young insomniacs.

If you install a bar thermostatic shower, be aware that this type don't withstand prolonged freezing conditions. I have had two where the hot side inlet valve has stuck in the closed position. Once I managed to fix it with gentle persuasion; on the next occasion, (winter 20120/11), my powers of persuasion broke it for good. That said, the one I have at the moment was fine over this winter, with a little heater on during the cold spells. You may remove it as part of your winterisation process if you don't live aboard. To save water you may want to try installing a Venturi shower head handset. I have heard mixed reports, so depends on your pump setup I suspect. Where they work well, water consumption is considerably reduced. Good luck. Bob.

Excellent, off to buy some shovels.

Ahh yes, the sterilising effect of canal water!!

Upper Bittell reservoir (Worcs & Brum) is at about half capacity. Edited to remove smiley.

Thanks for that. It looks better already. I last went through three years ago and the tunnel was a less pleasant experience that Standedge, by a long, long way!

If there are bubbles coming up from the macerator, we leave it for a few minutes and try flushing it again. If no joy with that, we block the outlet with something like a loo brush and press the flush button. That usually works. However, if something other than loo roll or guano has gone down the pan, you'll have to disconnect and manually clear the blockage. This will involve releasing the bowl, inverting it and accessing the macerator. Tedious but not too difficult when you know how. Have had to do this once in the past six years but if you do it, for God's sake empty the holding tank first!

Progressing at 2-4mph, boaters and pedestrians are able to co-exist considerately, even with anglers Cyclists moving at four or five times that speed are by definition, divorced from that level of consideration which is why they fail to slow down and swerve around slower users at speed. Sadly, amongst the answers is the education of people to be thoughtful and considerate to others. Speed reduction may best be effected by modifying the towpath finish with a sufficiently ribbed surface to slow them to a reasonable speed.

Whatever you do, please rush at it slowly. Believe me, you'll feel better and enjoy it more.

What a shame, just before "the season" gets underway. How long before The Vine becomes a prestigious waterside residential development?

92p at Limekiln, Stourport-on-Severn.

A Shurflo has worked well for me over the past six years. Not too expensive and spare drivers are easily obtainable.

Most of us started out by hiring, some lucky enough then to get a boat of our own. And use it. Courtesy and consideration make for a better experience all round and if I meet people who appear not to have a similar philosophy, I am pleased to keep as much distance as possible. Without being rude. Unless their behaviour is endangering us, others or themselves. Hmm, feel a list of caveats coming on. Time for my Horlicks.......

Nah, it's a bow sprite

Ok Alan, although airports won't run out of air but the waterways may run out of water. Then we are all stuck. Bob.

Hi Alex, Photos as requested. http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/3440/img0741copy.jpg http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/7954/img0742copyu.jpg Edited to add: The engine and alternators were supplied in late 2005. The unused wire is blue/white and the end covered with black insulating tape. The other connections are I hope, fairly evident. HTH. Bob.

Conflicting information Alex? From Barrus? Never! Haven't got access to a camera at the moment but will try to get a photo tomorrow. When mine went wobbly, I removed it and took it to Cox's, (as recommended by Barrus). They rang to ask about an "extra" wire on the back of it as they hadn't seen one on a Barrus 110 alternator before. They checked it out and found that it was causing a constant drain of an amp or so, even when the engine was off but were unable to ascertain what it's purpose was. In the end they sealed it off and it has been working fine. Bob.

Think you mean you can untie the boat and moor somewhere else?

Go for a repair. I can recommend Cox's Automotive at Atherstone who fixed mine and my Travel Pack but any local repairer should be able to sort it for you. Good luck. Bob.

Why use pigeon holes? I generally have found that academic and practical approaches are mutually complimentary. It's common sense that is often lacking, to the detriment of all. Edited to correct spelling. Doh

You balance may be helped if you hold the boat shaft in both hands, (as per tightrope walking). You may need to open windows to facilitate!

Interesting. I read that as, "Not less than minus 3, i.e. could be higher." To be lower, the minus 3 figure would be stated as the maximum surely?