Nige

The engine in question is a Mercedes 636 and the old alternator that was on I believe was a 24 volt one - no way to tell as its now deceased and had absolutely no markings on it. Thats whats caused the problem - it died and I've had to replace it. I was under the impression - wrongly as it turned out - that a 12 volt alternator was ok to charge a 24 volt bank. I dont think this engine would cope with a 12 volt starter, not sure. And as im selling the boat I dont really want to get involved to that level. I was hoping there could be a simpler solution that would allow the batts to be charged without major work involved Cheers, Nige

SO would I be right in thinking that the way to go would be a 24 volt alternator to charge the starter batteries, with some sort of split charge relay system to charge the leisure batteries at 12 volt ? Is such a system possible ? Cheers, Nige

Hi Folks - A very simple question here, if you have a STARTER motor that requires 24 volts on your boat engine, and have 2 - 12 volt batteries wired up to give the 24 volts required, can you also have an ordinary (65amp in this case) 12 volt alternator connected to them for charging? My chief engineer is telling me its a no.........and as im selling the boat on Friday I need a quick solution !!! Cheers all, Nige

Will definately take a rain check on that if I may - got a hugely busy weekend - and indeed week - coming up this week, so wont have a minute to myself I dont think. Where are you moored right now just in case I get a few mins and can pop down ? Nige

Hi Andy, Keep those fingers crossed as I might have a buyer for Discovery.......don't want to tempt fate though, so im not saying anything more just yet... Will let you know. And thanks to all those who posted information re the steel kits - it's given me much food for thought, cheers all. Nige

Hi all, Was just wondering if anyone else, had come across these kits:- http://www.apolloduck.co.uk/display.phtml?aid=54905 It's one that appeals very much to me and something i'll keep my eye on over the next few years, as it appeals very much - both from a price point of view and from the looks and lines of the actual boat. Thoughts/ideas anyone ? Cheers, Nige

Hi Mike, Was just wondering if yourself or for that matter anyone else, had come across these kits:- http://www.apolloduck.co.uk/display.phtml?aid=54905 It's one that appeals very much to me and something i'll keep my eye on over the next few years, as it appeals very much - both from a price point of view and from the looks and lines of the actual boat. Thoughts/ideas anyone ? Cheers, Nige

DEFINATELY OPTION 3 !!!!! What a Prat ! If you dont like it MOVE ON ! 4.30 in the afternoon is a perfectly respectable time to be running the engine, but some dont like it on at all regardless of the time. I had a do earlier this year with an "Alternative/Crusty" type who was MOST put out that I ran a Kawasaki suitcase generator from 6.45 pm until bob on 8.00pm. As I went out to switch it off, (At exactly 8pm dont forget!) he was just setting up a generator of his own, that he intended to - and I quote here - "Run until midnight to teach you a bloody lesson". He was reminded in no uncertain terms of the guidelines and told to go buy a watch ! But the network is big enough to find a quiet spot wherever you are, so there's no need to be near anyone either. Some people are just total S***S !!! Nige

These seem to be very good and are 3 pin 12 volt types:- http://www.midlandchandlers.co.uk/ELECTRIC...KETS_B288B.aspx And as for the standard Cigarette lighter type I fitted two of these recently:- http://www.midlandchandlers.co.uk/CIGAR-LI...SSED_A14M2.aspx and have been very happy with them. They have a locking collar on the inside - so you insert the standard cigarette socket adapter and then twist it. It locks itself in and wont pull out without you twisting it back again. Price is good too. Nige

Hi Andy, Cheers for that - thanks very much. Not been onboard for a couple of days, but a couple viewed Discovery last week and like her very much, but they are waiting for their house sale to go through. They found her through Apollo Duck though. Apparently their house sale is supposed to complete on the 21st September. I asked them to put a deposit down - but they said they couldnt come up with £1000 ! So I said in that case, yes you can have the boat if no one else comes along in the meantime... They seem nice enough - but I hope Discovdery sells before then - I want to get things moving. Any idea if/when you might be passing? I'll try and be onboard - you could stop for a brew! Cheers, Nige

I wouldn't cruise anywhere else !! And I know what you mean re the crazy weather - I was outside last thursday morning chopping firewood, as wednesday night was bally freezing !!! Just what kind of summer IS this???

MY GOD !!! You found a laundrette that still do service washes ! I have lived on Discovery for 2 years and hunted all over the place for such a beast !! Never did find one....................whats that smell................

I vote the meeting is held on Travis!!! Been dying to see aboard her for ages !!

Hi Guys, Im all at sixes and sevens at the mo - schedule wise, as Im doing temp work for a couple of agencies. They ring up pretty much anytime and say "Can you get to so-and-so?" And my finances being in the terrible shape they are at the moment I cant really say "NO" ! - The point being Im not sure when or if im going to be onboard.....Thing to do - if you pass Discovery and it LOOKS like im about, give me a shout and raft up! Nige

OOOOOOOOOOh you cheeky young scamp you!It might be because im not there EVERY day !Nige Hi Andy,WET ? We got bloody soaked ! What a miserable day to have to put a fun day on.By the time we got to Waynes at Lower Park, all we wanted to do was get in front of the stove and crack a beer ! Needless to say the Salterforth fun day didn't stand a chance of our attending....... Nige