David J Smith

Hi. That's the very place I went to. But they had to machine the mounting points to match my old one. Great service, with no extra charge for the Machining. The only trouble I had was there was an extra wire coming off the new alternator. I had no idea where that was supposed to go. But Weltonhyth Marina Sparky came to the rescue and had to run that wire up to my control panel. All sorted for some time now. (Fingers crossed). Hope you are all good now. Dave

Didn't go via that link. I just searched eBay, with the title "Plant keys". Good enough for ya?

My new key arrived today, It is perfect, Cost £2.75 plus 75p postage. Bar**s can take a jump. £21 quid ffs . Avin a larf eh. Thanks for all your help again. Where would I be without you lovely lot? David.

Thanks for that heads-up. He had the exact key. With the same number. A right result. Thanks again David

Haha. Love that Alan. Ok, I was wrong. Nothing like mine. Any idea's mate?

Hi David. I tried three key-cutting shops in Banbury. None could do it. Even tried the one that has a shop in Tescos. Sorry, can't remember their name. I was wondering if I could get one from an agricultural merchant. Coz it's a Yanmar engine. (I think). The same engine that is in a lot of mini diggers. Am I correct?

Hi all. I've given up messaging Barras Shire about buying a spare key for the engine. They just don't answer my messages. So. does anyone know where I can get a key from? I don't want to buy the complete setup. ie new barrel etc. Surely it can't be that hard? I have attached a picture of my dash, along with my key. Thanks in advance guys. David

While we are on the painting subject. Wife wants diamonds painted on our main hatch. Are you able to advise how we go about that, also using four colours. Sorry to be a pain. Thank David.

Hi Rob. Thanks for your fast reply. Yes we want to do three strips going round the swan neck.i think its all to do with using the right width tape, compared to the circumference of the neck . But that all changes depending on the angle of the tape that you go down the neck. Its coming across as quite technical. But can't wait to give it a go. Its getting quite stressy here. With the wife who thinks its done one way, and me trying to get across to her, how I think its done. Could well end up painting it solid black. David.

Morning all. I have searched the net to find an answer to this question. But come up blank. So, does anyone know, or can point me in the direction of the technique for painting strips on a narrow boat swan neck, please? Dave and Diane.N/B Tickerty Boo

Thanks, Alan and Magnetman. That has really put my mind at rest. Cheers for your fast answers guy. David.

Hi guys. In brief to start with. Early this year I replaced my four massive 160 ah batteries. (The same as I had fitted previous). Along with a brand-new alternator. The engine is a Barrus Shire. When I start cruising. I get a reading of 14.2 volts. Which I guess proves the alternator is working. We cruise for around five hours. When we park up for the night. I noticed that it reads 12.9 volts. This is pretty constant every day. But it's reading that well before we switch some internal lights on. Which are all LED by the way. My inverter is 3kw. after we have sat down for the evening. I checked the voltage after an hour, and it dropped to 12.7. The only other thing on in the boat is the 12-volt fridge. Are these readings ok? Because I know that the lights will go on a lot sooner this time of year. Please tell me what it should read, and/or put my mind at rest please. Thanks David. N/B Tickertboo. (presently near Rugby)

Good afternoon all. We are in the process of moving the multifuel stove from the middle of the boat, to the forward port side of the front lounge. I'm having trouble locating a new cast iron chimney cowel. Because our roof has a much larger curve than normal. At a guess,I'd say right acroos the roof the curve is nearly 4"high. The best one that Midland swindlers had, just won't do. As it will make the chimney lean outboard to much. So.Can anyone advise where we might be able to either get a bespoke one made. Or hopefull, we may be able to buy one "Off the shelf" that will fit. Thanks in advance as usual. Dave and Diane. NB Tickertyboo. Weltonfield Marina.

Great picture of a more up to date panel than I've got. Mine don't have those 4 red warning lights. Can't send a picture,as i'm at home right now. Thanks Dave I can't right now. As i'm not on board the boat.I'm back home in suffolk. Thanks anyway. Dave