Old Son

I think I used household heating antifreeze.

I have a 64' narrow boat and don't have a BT. I have never had it so don't miss it. I dont think I would only buy a boat if it had a BT, there are many other things I consider far more important, layout, overall condition etc.

So does anybody have a link to a handcuff key that would see me around the system? I don't need a Watermate key.

It was the handcuff keys I was looking at.

I cant see them cheaper on Ebay unless I am looking for the wrong key?

And I'm sure Leesan will have something similar and probably cheaper

Phone the manufacturers of Vactan and they will give you an honest answer. A friend phoned recently to ask if he could Vactan below bitumen on his hull. They were friendly and very helpful. He also phoned Rylard who were also very helpful.

I use an aluminium scaffold pole with a plastic cover on each end. No rot, no rust and not much difference in weight.

Thanks for your advice

I have to strip them because I have an oil seal leak. I thought I would replace bushes whilst I was at it. I'm aware the oil will probably stink and be very contaminated. I am thinking to put the damper assemblies in some new mineral oil and pump until I end up with nice clean oil coming out, leave them to drain, reassemble and fill with fork oil

I'll put my hands up, this is almost non boat related. I will soon be stripping the front forks on my motorbike. I was wondering how to clean through the internals and thought maybe I could flush everything through with the mineral oil I use for my boat engine. It's cheap and I've got quite a lot in the shed. My query is, do we think the residue oil left after leaving the forks to drain would mix OK with the new synthetic 7.5W fork oil I'll be using? I really don't need it clogging after it has been reassembled. I know the oil takes a bashing but I'm thinking there will be so little left in the forks it shouldn't make a difference. What is the consensus?

CRT have been quite clear on this, currently no cruising. Only move your boat if you are a resident and need to empty waste or take on water.

By way of an update, fitted a new battery and it started 2nd kick. I think the carburettor needs some adjustment because it doesn't like ticking over on its own but it sounds sweet enough. Thank you all for your help.