LEO

Hi, Good blog, I find it's nice to join the Thames via Dukes Cut - you get a lovely view of Oxford across Port Meadow. Best of luck hope you find a welder. Leo.

Hi, Have a good trip, hope all goes well, look forward to the blog. Leo.

Hi, I had a problem with tar running down the side of the boat from the chimney - I tried several things but 'Shiny Sinks' proved to be the only one that gpt rid of it. Mine was only an overnight build up though. Leo.

As KK said, Swans 1 Boaters 0, this was in 2007, they tried to nest again in 2008, in the same spot, but the cob flew into some overhead wires and went into St Tigglewinkles Hospital where it made a partial recovery. A pair are lurking around this year................................ Sadly, I think none of the cygnets survived, 1 got squashed between boats in the marina, 2 disappeared and one got sucked through the lock. Leo.

Hi, RR diesels were also used to provide power at 'secret' underground Rotor Cold War Bunkers, if ever the bunkers were used in the vent of hostilities. A good example exists at Theydon Bois Essex, the engine house is not open to the public unfortunately. Leo.

Hi, You are correct, I was looking at a 'Northwich' style this morning, it is shortly to be re-engined and the steel plate mentioned is clearly visible and will be removed to facilitate works. Leo

Hi, Interesting detail of the rudder arrangement on 'Pacific' - tucked well under the boat. Leo

Hi, Here's another bit of 'class engineering'

Hi, BW (and other organisations) never seem to ask for volunteers for executive and upper management jobs - shame, they would probably get some people with REAL experience if they did that. Leo

Hi, You've got a 4 blade prop!. Sorry can't help with this pic. Have been looking though my pics, can only find one of the counter showing the hatch at the moment. Remove your weed hatch system and take some pics and may be able to help more. ATB Leo.

Hi, Mmmmmm! not sure about the pic!. As I said mine has 4 bolts, tightened with an Allen key, provided they are tightened up there are no rattles. The whole unit is very heavy and as it forms part of the floor of the counter makes it virtually impossible to flood the boat with the weed hatch loose. I would say that your rattle is attributable to the arrnagement you have. Leo. This weekends job for me - to master the technique of posting pics!!!!.

Hi, I have a similar arrangement for the weed hatch on my boat. It does vibrate if the 4 fixing screws are loose. Mine also has two supports connecting the top plate to the bottom one, makes it very rigid, not sure how many you have but is your system rigid enough?. Hope that helps. Loe.

Not sure about the fire,but the boat looks good. Leo

Can't believe I just read that - have you just won the lottery or something?. I note you are using a newy established company.......mmm. Please tell me this is a 'wind up' Leo

Hi, Not really, best to check the condition of the coolant with a suitable tester and adjust as necessary. 'If it ain't broke don't fix it' attitude is often the best rule to work to. Leo.

Hi, Anything but washing-up liquid, I use Autoglym shampoo, works well. Leo

Hi, If you want a lasting seal, follow the method I have set out. Agreed you do get most of the problems with GRP baths, especially the cheap ones. More expensive, thicker ones are not so prone to flexing and have similar quailities to cast iron baths. For ease of installation and a satisfactory job, consider one of the better GRP units, but check the thickness of the GRP - there are several grades. What ever you do make sure that the bath is properly supported on cross members and proctect the surface when working near it, especially when tiling. It's much easier to use a generous amount of sealant during the installation rather than have perennial problems with leaks after installation. During inspections of houses I found that many problems with timber defects are found in the bathroom floor, behind the bath panel - the first sign being a collapse of the bath due to failure of the floor due to chronic leaks. Woodworm is usually prevelant around in the timbers around the WC pan - men are poor shots and never aware of their shortcomings. Leo.

Hi, Sealing baths is a common ongoing problem - it basically arises because they were not installed correctly in the first place. When fitting a bath it's best to carefully apply the contents of about 3 to 4 tubes of sealant to the wall where the bath will go and then push the bath into this and secure it. Result, water tight joint between bath and wall, important if you have an 'over bath' shower. Having fitted the bath, fill it with water and allow it to stand for 24 hours, empty it and tile. The gap between bath and tiles can be filled with sealer. It is sometimes possible to seal the joint between wall and bath if time is allowed for the gap to dry out completely, clean both surfaces with meths, fill the bath with water and the apply a line of sealant, but eventually this will breakdown and leak. Leo.

Hi P, In case of emergency on my boat, I take 12 volt Power pack as a back up. Got a good one from Halfords, also incorporates a 300w inverter, around about £100, but mine came up as £80 when I took it to the pay-point. Charges from the mains or 12 volt. Have not had to use it on the boat, but great for tyres inflation on the car and for backing up the 8 year old battery on my Honda. Leo.

Hi, Definately have 2 diesel tanks. I have one for heating (no Duty) and 1 for engine (60%Charging /40% prop ). Leo