Bob.Doubles

Thanks - which is your tower?

Yes, I am a bellringer, although these days I can cruise Bob Doubles better than I can ring it!!

Thanks, I'll try it.

I'm sure you are all absolutely correct about the 'replacement' ignition switch, but given the cost of Vetus spares, there are a number of things I want to try first. Unless anyone has an idea for testing an ignition switch...

I had a spare given to me a while ago. Of course, this spare may have problems but, on the balance of probability, they would not be identical to the issues presented by the original switch. The fuse on the Vetus is a cartridge fuse in a panel mount. It all looks fine (and, since the engine will run with some coaxing) it is fine. This is very helpful as a check list. I need to run through it all in a logical way next time I'm on the boat.

Thanks - that all makes sense. I have a few things to try now. If you think of anything else, let me know!

I've cleaned the battery terminals already. Yes, I wondered about the battery master switch, but it seems a bit unlikely. Why do you say 'especially if has a plastic key'?

Thanks. The fuse is not blown, but I guess it might be a poor contact.

My Vetus 4.15 has suddenly developed a start and stop problem. I turn the key and get a very low alarm, very dim lights on the instruments and it will not turn the engine over. If I move the key backwards and forwards a few times, the alarm gets loud, the lights get bright and it will start no problem. Then it won't stop using the key. If it starts once, it won't start again without giggling the key again. I have tried a different ignition switch but it makes no difference. I have changed the stop/start relay, and I replaced those useless 12 way connector blocks some time ago. But I obviously have a bad connection somewhere. Any ideas?

Yes, you're right about Worksop, although not quite so much traffic noise if I remember right. I tried to use the pump-out in Northampton but it was dead - a passing boater said they all were! I expect the new Northampton marina will have a (chargeable) pump-out, when they finish the facilities block.

Thanks for all the replies. We are just back from the trip and I thought I'd pass on what we found. We moored for two nights in Northampton at the Morrisons mooring - looks a bit iffy but all fine. Obviously a popular mooring, although we were on our own one night. Much better, I think, than the above the bottom lock mooring. Great theatre in Northampton!! Nene was terrific - windy, wet, windy etc. Very slow locks. The only problems were with the Northampton arm - on the way down we (unusually for us!) decided on an early start - big mistake since (according to the BW guys) the top of the flight practically de-waters overnight and they have to run water down every morning. If they are delayed for some reason you have to do it yourself. Same problem on the way up - top pounds dry. I think I would vote the section of the arm under the MI as one of the most unpleasant spots on the canal system! Do the free pump-out machines on the Nene ever work?

I'm going to Northampton but I don't have time to justify the licence to go on the Nene - the best mooring in Northampton seems to be on the Nene, but is there mooring within a walk to the town on the GU?

Many thanks for all the info. We are quite shallow drafted, so hopefully...

We're planning to head down the GU in August and wondered what mooring was like on the Wendover Arm at that time of year. Google Earth makes it look attractive but difficult to moor. Any local knowledge for the best place to try?

I currently have 4 domestic batteries, each 90Ah. I've had them for years and I've never had any problem with electrics, even though we often use the electrics without a lot of cruising - I hate running the engine just to charge the batteries. Now, however, the batteries are getting to the end of their lives and I need to replace them. They are a funny size (or rather the space they are in is a funny size), and it seems that I can more easily get either 75Ah or 100Ah batteries to fit rather than the 90Ah. I've done the calculation and the 75Ah set would give me enough capacity, although the 100Ah would obviously give me more for those times I might need it. But a 75Ah bank would get to full charge more quickly and therefore be operating more efficiently, last longer etc. So up to 100Ah or down to 75Ah? Any views? Roy