PaulJ

Its nice when someone is corteous enough to shut a gate for you-but usually all undone as soon as you get through and it swings back open no matter how slow you try going through ? Being sworn at isnt so corteous though-I always try to smile or laugh back. Seems to irritate offenders way more than swearing back..

I have a similar installation to JohnB-oak bearers approx 4 1/2 × 3 onto steel bearers (Engine is Sabb 2J). As it was my own setup I decided to try sandwiching some 100mm x12.5mm Tico between the two- which is a vibration absorbing mat for heavy machinery. This was actually suggested to me many years ago by Tony Tucker, a well known marine architect/surveyor and a man who I hold in high regard as knowing his stuff. I cant say for sure if its actually better or not as havent tried it without- but my installation is certainly alot smoother and quieter than many modern installations with rubber mounts and the washing machine produces far more vibration through the boat than the engine ever does! https://shop.deltarubber.co.uk/tico-s-anti-vibration/tico-s-antivibration-mounting.html

Have a word with GS controls https://www.gscontrols.com/ They did my 12v/230v distribution panel and made me a matching engine panel both labelled to my specs at a very reasonable price.

If I ever want to test a loo I use a few slices of bread (pref the ends) wetted and moulded to a generous and appropriate size. Not so bad to shift if it doesnt work ?

Wait until the ceramic seal parts company with the the rubber cup- you will have plenty of water in there then! Know a boat this has just happened to a few days ago. Their bilge pump got a good work out and theyve just had the stern gland replaced with the old fashioned type and a greaser..

Ah but you can.Probably travels at the same speed as a narrowboat too ?

I have found prop/engine size/type /draft makes a huge difference. What works well for one boat achieves nothing on another. The section you mention I did on a 3ft draught widebeam last year. I stopped using reverse unless I really had to as half the time when I did the prop fouled and I couldnt stop anyway!

Maybe that the pipework or valves are a bit blocked with scale etc and making the pump work harder to flush. Maybe worthwhile removing, checking and cleaning before it actually stops working. A toilet you cant have a dump in really is a bit of a waste of time!

Sorry-Cant help. There are a few about but rarely seem to come up for sale. And good luck with the recurring ad on Apollo Duck..

HR denotes the gearbox-so its got a Hurth (250?) That being the case the engine sits approx 7 1/2 in below the bearers and approx 28 in above Bearers are set 1 inch above the hieght of the prop shaft (centre) From front of flywheel to gearbox flange is about 1 metre. Max width of engine about 20 inch with the bearer centres needing to be about 13.5 inch. Lovely sounding grunty engines. I am biased though as have one myself...

Sorry Canalboat. I have only found C&RT chaps (and chapesses) helpful and in the main cheery. Subbies that are working for C&RT are a different kettle of fish though-you are not confusing them by any chance?

Lol. But it is actually a great idea-repeat speeders ,agressive boaters etc get a big purple licence so you can let em get on with it.. ?

Only for dickheads..

I dont personally think any boat does but plenty seem to think different. Interesting to hear straight from the horses mouth as it were though-thanks.

I was still coming up in the lock as the first C&RT arrived. The volly who was ahead of me setting locks was at the top lock as they turned it. So given that (genuinely) working boats have presidence would a boat mover have the same right way of way ?

Thats an interesting point-I was coming up the Bosely flight few days ago and at the top lock (which a C&RT boat coming down had just left set for me ) the gates suddenley shut and another C&RT boat turned the lock on me!

If you watch a mink swimming you can see the whole body whereas an otter you more likely just see just the head.

When I left Stibbington on Tuesday morning, the narrowboat next doors uxter plate was about 3 inches out of the water because he was sitting on the bottom! (He was floating on Monday night)

Its only up a matter of inches although quite a flow on in places at least between Wansford station and Yarwell lock.Above Yarwell lock about 6 inches. The main navigation restriction seems to be that the top gates at Yarwell are padlocked open!

River Nene is set to stay on SSA until at least Thursday now. Just been told they are not going to un reverse the locks until then-IF it doesnt rain as predicted..

Thats here end of September. But really- Thomas is in a whole different league ?

Not many places you can be stuck on SSA and have Thomas pass by overhead. Had pretty good time here with a few traction engines,old cars and motorbikes thrown in for good measure. And yes I went for a ride on the Thomas train too.. ?

Its funny how it all works. The Nene which Im stuck on has been on SSA twice in as many days. Yet the Great Ouse remained navigable with not so much as a caution on it throughout. On the Bedford end it only went up about 4 inches and is only 15 miles away in places from the Nene!

Thanks.Isnt it just ?

The other end is great! There is a bit of a flow on it but the level is normal. Expect that will change very shortly ?