bag 'o' bones

Lead has a similar effect judging from the house roofs round here.

American Hummer.

Line mooring without power. Think will look at the solar panel route as well as removal during long periods. Thought about a small wind genny too as the mooring seems to have a regular supply of wind. Not sure of the practicality though. ......or just use the boat more!

Plan is to only fit the full battery bank when we actually use the boat properly. At the moment the boat is only being used for day use so there is a no need for the fridge tv etc. and limited use of the lights/water pump. The idea is to fit a single battery for day use and keep the main bank at home on a maintenance charge, hence the need to make the battery pack less cumbersome. Not even sure if we actually need 4 110ah leisure batteries! Engine starter has a separate automotive battery

Having pretty well destroyed 4 12 volt batteries due to lack of sufficient charging, were wondering whether it would be worth replacing them with 6 volt batteries because: 1. Depending on shape they are half the size of a 12 therefore lighter and easier to manoeuvre into the engine bay. Plan is to remove the batteries when not in use. 2. If one cell decides to packs up it only takes out 2 other cells rather than 5. Any other advantages/disadvantages?

Not necessary to strip the paint back to bare metal. Flat the paint back with 400 grit paper and apply paint with a roller. Satin black paint is probably the closest to freshly applied bitumen, although a lick of primer beforehand will improve adhesion.

Were planning to black up to the gun whale in due course as like others have pointed out its easier to touch up. If you have a shorter boat it also has the added benefit of making it look longer

And if you not going to be using the boat for an extended length of time and it not on the grid it would be worth pulling the batteries out and taking them home to be placed on a maintenance charger. In our experience Lead acid is not fit for purpose if you are unable to charge them effectively.

Second that. Also useful for making a rusty tool acid dip.

Well isn't that point I was trying to make?

We have a couple of CK hoses short and long. Expensive food safe not really necessary in my opinion, a good quality standard hose is perfectly ok. Flushing the hose for a few minutes will wash away any bacteria and plasticiser chemicals. Thing is, if plasticiser leaches to the extent that some food safe manufacturers claim, the plastic wouldn't stay flexible for very long! Pay your money take your choice really.

Laminate is prone to water damage. Check out high quality grained vinyl before you make a decision. Surprisingly realistic and far more practical. ...and very quiet.

Nowt wrong with a bit of drum 'n' base!

I don't think it would be a problem. Publishing a photograph for purely academic purposes would come under the fair use guidelines. Copyright only really comes into force if you are profiting from the publication. Obviously if the picture is in a commercial collection that is offered for sale then that is a bit different. Just acknowledge the source and it should be ok.

Have only needed to overtake once. Was allowed to pass but not after stupid comments like 'you need to slow down' well yes if you haven't got a distance schedule to meet!

The consumption you quote does seem excessive. On a car engine similar effects can be caused by blocked crankcase breathers. Not an engine I know much about tbh.

Thank you for everyone who has contributed to this topic but I think it is time to close.