kayDee

Hi Nick Yep, Tyto is 60' too... I'm worried now! Is it really such a tight fit in the lock? Scary! I'll make sure I do all that and hope the bow water gulleys can handle the amount of water! I need to get a cratch cover ASAP then! Hehe! Thanks for the warning Nick, I didn't realise that a 60' would be such a tight fit. Oh, what are "scuppers" ? I know the term "scupper" - as in to 'scupper someone's plans' for example. Thanks! Kay x

Thanks Nick Oh, we're not going to rush through, that's when people make mistakes! We want it to go nice and smooth with no problems! Will update on Sunday when we get to the mooring... If anyone does spot us, please do say hello... Kay x

Thanks CW! Yep, she really is! We'll be seeing Dave and Teresa tomorrow so I'll certainly mention you to them! God, I bet it takes us about 6 hours then! Thanks for the good luck message - I'm sure we'll be fine... Kay x

I'm scared now Janet! Hehe! I can imagine how hard its going to be. Ah well, we'll get through it! We might be able to pair up with another boat so there will be more to help out. I believe there are staff manning the flight that help out - so I'm told? I bet they're not around at the weekends though! Sulk! By this time on Sunday, we'll be up in Chorley and chilling on the new mooring, listening to... well, nothing really... Peace and quiet at last! Thanks for the message Janet... Kay x

Hi all... Very giddy Kay at the moment, we've just got the keys for Tyto and she is paid for at last - no thanks to norwich union dragging their heels! We'll be bringing her up from Parbold to Chorley on the L&L this weekend so please say hello if you spot us! We're hoping to pair up, up the flight as this is our first time! Very giddy! She is ours at last! Giddy Kipper Kay! xxxxxxxx

This is getting a bit too technical for the likes of me to take in... Would this run a washing machine? Clickypoo Its very cute! Kay x

Thanks for that. I know what you mean about the noise - not really noticeable in big open spaces but on a little mooring it will be. I've not got that much room to go running long lengths of cable and locating it remotely. Well, I either get a generator or end up upgrading the inverter to handle the higher load - mmm, I think I know which may be the most expensive of the two! I want one of those Victron units that I've seen advertised in various waterways magazines etc. They look fab! Nice cute blue colour too... Awwww.... I was just reading that bit in the manual so that's okay - I don't have to use my laptop on the rather noisy AC connection from the generator but I guess a washing machine won't be as fussy - I hope! I've still not decided which I want though - petrol or diesel. Diesel would be easier as I can get that when I fill the boat up, rather than having to moor up and buy it separately. Mmm, decisions decisions... Ah well, if anyone can suggest a cute little diesel generator that can handle a washing machine - (I don't need 12VDC) and isn't too noisy then please let me know! Much appreciated... x Kay x

You absolute STAR! Thank you!!! Kay xxxxxx

Are the "UNITED POWER" and "DIRECT POWER" ones any good or are they just cheap Chinese units that fail after a few months? This seems a bit cheap... ClickyPoos Kay x

Thanks for that. Yes, I think an external 240V supply does bypass the built-in inverter but would it charge the batteries at the same time? Does that need to be pure sine to charge them? I just wanted 13A to enable me to run just about anything in the future that I might need. I know the washer won't chew up 13A, probably not even on a hot wash but it was for future proofing really so I don't end up buying another one in the future because it's not strong enough. Thanks kay x

Hi all... I'm thinking about getting a generator to enable me to run a washing machine (in the future) and to keep as a backup really for power should there be any engine problems. I've had a look at quite a few on eBay but they all seem to be strange manufacturers that I don't recognise. I want something that will give me at least 13A @ 230VAC so i can run a washer and perhaps my fridge at the same time - something around 3kVA but not a really noisy one or too big to move around for me! Petrol or diesel better? The diesel ones seem to be the louder ones and are generally bigger? I've no idea what I want really but as long as it gives me around 13A and is reasonably quiet then I'm happy... oh, and its not too heavy for me to move on and off the boat etc. I want to be looking at spending no more than £350 really. I know those Honda silent suitcase generators are fab but just too much money. Also, my battery management system is a Sterling 1500W pure sinewave inverter/UPS and I've been told that there are only certain generators that it likes having connected to it - is that right? Any help with this would be greatly appreciated so I don't buy a yucky one that's not fit for purpose! x Kay x Here is my Sterling battery management thingy... Kay x These Sterling units any good by the way? Kay x On the subject of the Sterling thingy - anyone know where I'd source a user manual for it? Kay x Sorry about the screws and the diode! xxx

You mean there is ANOTHER filter that has to be changed too? OMG! Kay x

Good idea! That would certainly work! I'll do that, thank you! If there is ANY mess after I've worked really hard cleaning it all out, there will be serious bother! Kay x

The mess in my photo was done by the last people to service the engine. They removed the oil filter and just let whatever was in there run out into the drip tray. When I take over the boat I'm going to make sure its kept completely oil free - perhaps a very light coating of clean engine oil from a rag on the paintwork of the tray to try to deter rust but certainly not a miniature oil slick like there is in there at the moment - it looks horrid and will not be staying like that for long! :-) Kay x Oh, and next time its serviced, I'll make sure I'm watching what's going on and crack my whip if they try to just remove the oil filter like that again and have it go everywhere! Kay x

This is something I've got to work on getting right too - the black art of "alight all night" or "warm till dawn" - Whoever she is! Kay x

I must admit I was going to opt for the easier way of using disposable nappies as my first choice anyway so I'll give that a go... Kay x

Right then! I will !! Kay x

Awww, thank you Captain Rosie. It is practice, you're absolutely right, and I will get there in the end. I can keep my house fire in all night by throwing ash on it and then recovering the hot embers in the morning and keep it warm so I'll do that on a slightly smaller scale. I'll let you know how I get on and if I do manage to keep the stove in all night. Its great to chat to experienced boaters and get answers to as much as I can. Once I know everything (haha) I'll not keep bugging! x Thanks again Kay x

Thanks for that people. I will forget that idea, plus it takes up too much room anyway - they're not exactly slimline are they really... I do have a stove yes, so like you say - I need to keep it stoked up and try and keep it "in" all night so I can recover it in the morning more easily. I'm not on a marina, I'm on private farmland so no onshore power - just my own boat power. I think I've seen the error of my ways now and thought it to be an easy way of heating (which it is) but its not practical and is too dangerous. Well, I'm new to all this so I have to learn - which I'm doing (gradually!) and I appreciate people's honesty with my daft questions! Hehe! Thanks everyone, I will not be going down that route and will make sure I work that stove HARD! Kay x

Thanks Lady M I didn't realise there would be such a large amount of condensation. I will forget that idea then unless I'm desperate on the odd freezing evening! I guess any kind of heating is going to generate condensation to some level. Thanks for the info... Kay x

Mmmm, forgot about the condensation aspect... Bugger... That would be a nightmare wouldn't it! Good point... Although it would be occasional and I have got a digital CO monitor thingy... Kay x

Hi all... Would there be a problem using a portable gas heater (the ones with the gas bottle in the back) as emergency heating onboard? I realise it can't be near anything flammable and it certainly won't be located in such a position where anything can catch fire but I was more concerned about fumes or anything like that? Does the room need to have some form of ventilation to be used? Its only for emergency heating really and won't be used regularly. Is it possible or a complete 'no go' ? Thank you... Kay x

Thanks for everyone's input. I will try the nappy idea and the cat litter in tights option too. I ladder enough of them so I have a bloody endless supply! Ooooops! I guess fishnets would be out of the question? Kay x

Bump! Kay x