Phoenix_V

Thanks to all for their help. The boat is a small (40' x 10') replica dutch barge type and the bow thruster prop would normally be inaccessible without going in the water. The bow thruster is quite small only a 6" tube (arguably too small though I believe dhutch uses the same size on a heavier longer boat) Hence a weedhatch modelled along same lines as the one on the main engine is proposed, but it would be deep to get it 6" above waterline and very narrow because of the tube, I was therefore looking for any one who had drawings/photos showing how this had been achieved and comments on results. I realise that I would not be able to remove the leg this way but need to reach the prop to clear and perhaps if need be remove prop up through the hatch The idea of lifting out a plate with the whole unit attached is the best (I think) though could be thwarted by a long stick jamming the prop and stopping it lifting. Some bowthrusters (but not ours) are actually designed with this in mind and come with the plate and sealing. On this type of weedhatch the bottom plate which is always under water would need a good seal wheras on the former type only the top plate which is above water and only subject to splashing needs to seal. Therefore I doubt our engineering ablility to fabricate such a bottom plate and watertight seal, but if anyone has done it that would be very interesting to see.

We are looking to build a weed hatch onto our bow thruster tube, (Vetus 55kgf thruster) Would appreciate any photos, any tips how best to fabricate and make watertight thanks

I'm looking to get the shell we are fitting out sprayfoamed soon, did you have any response from Websters?

Polyurethane glue from screwfix, did one about 6 years ago, no problems, dont get it on your hands though nothing gets it off

The Old Alde is apparently still available and considerably cheaper than the new one, I gather the new one is slightly more efficient but uses more electricity so is there really any great advantage in going for the new one?

Your maths are about right for the Alde BUT There are various gas buying schemes and it is possible to buy an 11kg bottle of flogas (as I do) for about £13 delivered Aldes website quotes 420g/hour on full power so that equates to about 10kg in 24 hours or just under 50 pence per hour. Looking at Webastos I am not sure I follow your calculation, according to Webastos website the Thermo top c for instance would appear to be a comparable heater with 5.2kw output uses .59 litres diesel per hour ie about 36 pence per hour, so the difference is not so great. Drip feed stoves are less efficient. Diesel heaters such as the Webasto use about 3.5 amps/hr electricity (again taken from the website) and have known isues with reliability and require regular servicing. The fuel occupies less space but it is easier to get bottles delivered to a boat than diesel and regularly changing bottles is no more onerous than humping bags of coal. So I dont think the choice is so clear cut I should be interested to hear from anyone who has used both as I am currently looking at what heat to install and at the moment veering towards coal/multifuel stove for comfort and economy backed by an Alde.

We tried to turn a 72' at Kidderminster about 20 years ago but couldnt and didnt find a winding hole until Stourport so it's not a new problem

If you join a scheme such as the rboa scheme gas can be bought at much cheaper than calor prices

I read somewhere, not sure where, that private aircraft users have who have been affected by the end of derogation just like us have an agreement with the government that the minimum rate of duty will be applied to aeronautical fuel, I think about 22p/litre? so if true there would be a precedent for charging same on gasoil

We have some moorings available at Broxbourne Cruising Club on the River Lea at a fair price with facilities contact broxbournecruisingclub@ntlworld.com

There is one lock on the Avon where it was always recommended for full length boats to enter facing upstream precisely for that reason so the bow could overhang the cill,cant remember the name it's the one with the lockhouse on stilts, the issues on narrow canals are different with odd bulges in lock walls and an old working boat whose width varies a boat might only fit in one direction on certain locks conceivably, in other words think of the bannana shaped boat meeting the bannana shaped lock

Any chance of anyone providing a supplier or better yet a circuit for a led dimmer, and also regulated supply unit (would be useful for lcd tvs too I guess if big enough)?

Strange that, when we got stuck in lock 13 on the Ashton the BW "expert" after telling us that the gate wouldnt open fully because of the granny paddle gear on the back of it alleged that our boat was bannana shaped. When we suggested raking the crap out from behind the gate they did'nt want to know. I'm quite certain the boat would have fitted if the gates opened fully, has any one else tried this lock with a full size boat lately? I am submitting a formal complaint so would appreciate any extra info.

Broxbourne Cruising Club are moving to their new site on 31 August there will be a few moorings for active club members with boats under 40', for more details see our website www.freewebs.com/broxbournecruisingclub

Hi Saw your boat at Anderton last week and wondered how the schilling rudder was doing?

Sorry! didn't know Now I read it properly its obvious, my mistake

So what were they doing? I know they dont build boats using rivets now so what were they doing? Why the negetative reply im only trying to find out things

Hmm am I being silly or were the boat builders putting in proper rivets?

Press Release Broxbourne Cruising Club seeks your help in obtaining planning approval for new site Broxbourne Cruising Club has been established on land owned by the local rowing club below Carthagena Lock on the River Lee for some 40 years. In order to facilitate their own expansion in the last 2 years the Rowing Club have sold off much of this land and the number of moorings has been reduced from 26 (with permission for 7 more) to a current figure of 10 with the prospect of more losses. A new site to replace the lost moorings - further down the same pound - was identified 2 years ago and permission granted in principle by the local council subject to a suitable access being found. The club now have an appropriate access and have submitted a further application. We have a lot of local support but there is some opposition mainly from the Lea Valley Regional Park who do not appear to recognise the value and attraction of boating to all the other activities that take place on the River. We are therefore requesting any boaters who may have some knowledge of the River Lee to write to the local council in support of our application. We do need to remain in the local area to retain our character and membership profile. Although on Green Belt land the plan is small scale and appropriate Recreational boating and Cruising Clubs are in general a public benefit. Please do help! Letters should be sent to : fao Stephan Solon Director of Planning Epping Forest District Council Civic Offices High Street Epping Essex CM16 4BZ quoting reference EPF977/05 Or EMAIL ssolon@eppingforestdc.gov.uk Further information can be obtained from our website www.freewebs.com/broxbournecruisingclub or by contacting us at mail 23 Buttondene Crescent Broxbourne EN10 6RQ Phone 01992 425093 Email broxbournecruisingclub[at]ntlworld.com *Changed to prevent spambots picking up address - Jon

Classic case of sod's law, this always happens

Hi Saw your boat out at the weekend (shame about the rain!) is it a new addition to your fleet?

Would like to go but the club cruise is on since its a bank holiday weekend!

Use a thick bit of rubber pipe and fill it with that spray foam so it floats if it falls in the water. Mite not look quite as good as the £75 ones but there a dam sight cheaper! Another way is to criuse about and find some floating about!

Yeh I a letter saying they would try and improve MY area would be nice though, instead of computer generated crap!