Jen-in-Wellies

It isn't so bad. You are a step closer to solving the problem. At least now you won't be trying to fix the thing that is probably fine using a product that likely wouldn't have fixed a head gasket fail anyway. A picture or three of the engine from various angles will help the experts here identify what you have and point out where the crank case breathers are to check, for example. Jen.

Especially since a butty being towed would hide the motor boat from view from behind anyway.

I'd be happy keeping the cables, providing that all the joints are made good. Failure of a cable is extremely rare, provided it is supported so it doesn't vibrate unduly, or get wet. Joints are usually the problem. The current going through them is likely to be less with the move to LED's, assuming a similar number of fittings and light output. Jen

Well the weather has finally warmed up. Doesn't need it.

When you are on the move, there is the ever changing landscape going by. Weird stuff, weird people, weird animals, just general weirdness to see. Unlikely to be boring. Jen Plus you can stop off for ice cream.

Oh well. Saw the trams at various points from the canal when we did the Rochdale by boat some years ago, but never actually used them. Thought it might be a possibility.

There is also a tram line to Rochdale that shadows the canal quite closely and could be a better bet for travelling out and back on the western part of the journey. https://tfgm.com/public-transport/tram/network-map

A brush will help keep the tail bushy. Definitely don't put hob black on it. Oops, wrong sort of squirrel. ?

Funny you should mention that. https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/notices/19831-lock-13-detached-head-paddle-frame Jen

I'd base my planning on a canalplanAC route for the canal. The advantages of this is that if you set walking time to say 2mph and lock and swing bridge times to 0 minutes in the preferences, it should be pretty accurate for gentle walking time and distance. The output gives distance in miles and furlongs, then see how these match up with station locations for getting home. Jen

I've used a cheap external float switch like this. Their limitation is the current they can take, so mime runs the bilge pump via a relay mounted above likely water level. The float switch is mounted in a hole drilled in an engine bearer support bracket. It has never been used for actually pumping water as my boat has a volvo stern gland, but I test it every so often by moving the float up by hand. There are float switches that will drive the pump direct, without a relay (4A or so typically), but these are more expensive and even more expensive with the marine mark up. Jen

My post started off as one of my usual smart alec remarks, but headed in to "well why not" territory as I wrote it. Sounds like there isn't a show stopper to doing this, with the tech already there for cars. Is it worth it for a company like Beta to develop it if there are not many years left for pure diesel propulsion new builds on inland waterways? A diesel engine for charging a series hybrid will be stopping and starting in response to the needs of the engine drive battery and run at an optimum speed for efficiency anyway. Jen

If they set it at 0rpm they could easily meet any emissions test. ? Wonder if Beta will introduce engines that stop when the morse lever is central for more than a couple of seconds, then restart as you move it in to gear, like many cars? With an override for charging at > idle out of gear of course.

These sort of conditions. (Cooper's Bridge, Calder and Hebble in 2017. Fortunately the boat was moored up!)

It is an ethnic smear on the population of an entire county. Hardly personal. If I said Joe Blogs of Norwich has a family tree that doesn't branch, then that would be personal.