PaulD

You need to remove the plastic cover. The friction allen screw is underneath. Paul. Forgot to mention, carefully lever it off with a screwdriver or two. It clips back onto some lugs (if you don't break it).

When I checked and corrected the prop shaft alignment earlier this year I noticed a significant reduction in the amount of water dripping from the gland. Obviously a factor. Paul

We have a semi-trad and engine noise within the rear deck became tiring after a long day. Outside the boat it was quiet enough. Insulation under the deck made a dramatic improvement but I used proper stuff with the "lead" barrier. Paul

Just show a bit of authority: Paul

We had our dinette and sofa cushions made by Elite Furnishings. They are based in Tamworth. I have no connection with them other than as a satisfied customer. Paul

Threads on CAV filters were 1/2 inch UNF when I installed mine. 1/2 inch UNF compression fittings are £4.92 + VAT each from ASAP - probably best if you don't add it all up! Paul

The stud came out at less than 35Nm...its all a bit flimsy...as the stud sticks out by the same amount that is threaded into the aluminium..any sideways forces in use are amplified... in my case with a PRM160...the stud only clears the gearbox by a few millimneters..so not good if it starts to unwind.. Best do what my engineer did..replace them with bolts. This gives you much more clearance if they start to come undone. He also added a large 'safety ring' to the cone nuts which helps if they come loose. This is Centreflex equipment..but I didn't have one on my original unit. I also replaced the studs with bolts to improve clearance. Not completely happy with that as it increases the chance of galling the threads in the coupling bore when tightening. Studs are better but the whole arrangement is awkward - most people need to split the coupling here to check alignment. What did we do before locktite? Paul

I got the 45Nm from the Centa CF Marine-03-05 catalogue / data sheet. It does seeem very high for an M10 aluminium thread. Lucky I couldn't get my torque wrench in the gap between the PRM box and coupling - I also used an ordinary spanner and some locktite. Paul

CF-M-127 TA = 45Nm for the M10 studs. Paul

Graham, Mine are UHMWPE 10mm thick, drilled and fixed with stainless csk screws. Looks like it will last forever. Paul

Graham, I checked and the correct material is UHMW-PE (ultra high molecular weight polyethylene). A popular brand name is TIVAR which is used to line conveyor chutes. Paul

Recommended by my boat builder and it works really well. Hopefully someone will come along and tell you where to get some. Paul

We are moored at Kings Bromley and will stay there for much longer than we planned. Very quiet and friendly marina and no pub / restaurant / Midland chandlers / yobs / traffic etc. It depends what you are looking for. Nice cycle ride to Fradley along the towpath if you need a pub. Also short drive to Lichfield which continues to impress us. Plenty of cruising options and being close to Fradley you can get though in the evening or early morning when it is quiet. Only downside is that it is not close to a bus route for getting back to the car. Paul

I don't see the logic / economics of installing 240v if the only use for it is a fridge. There are hundreds of Shorelines out there on the cut and my Waeco has worked OK so far (four years). Paul

Tables do come in useful sometimes. Having a bad day? Paul

We have a folding table and benches which fit on our semi trad rear deck. Something like this: http://www.royal-leisure.co.uk/product/White_Trestle_Picnic_Set_355419 Shop around for a better price and different sizes. Also works on the towpath for a picnic. Stowed in the corridor against the side when not in use stuck to two Ikea magnetic strips. Paul

BSS 3 says "conduit made of non-conducting material". I read this as plastic and not metal. Anyone had any issues related to this? Paul

Ian, You should join one of Tony Brooks diesel engine maintenance courses run by RCR. You get hands on experience with several demo engines and an excellent book to take away. Tony is a regular contributor to Canal World and I am sure he will be along soon. Paul

I used 250mm galvanised cable tray for all cable and pipes in the engine compartment(semi trad) and it made fitting out very easy. Also proved useful for mounting the many bits and pieces like battery isolating switches, fuses, valves etc. I managed to buy a few 3m lengths for a few pounds from the local army surplus store - they are quite expensive new. I got my shell builder to weld mounting angles all around the engine compartment otherwise not sure how you would mount the trays securely. Paul

Vents at top of gas locker? Is that in the BSS? Vent (drain) should be at bottom. Paul

To answer your question, Locktite 577 takes all the black magic out of plumbing. No skill at all required. It is expensive but a small bottle will do a fit out and enough left to impress everyone at home. Paul

Does the surveyor have a name, I wonder? Paul

Another option for us old uns who don't trust MCBs. Newey and Eyre have a DIN rail mounted fuse carrier which takes 10x38mm "French" cartridge fuses. I installed some 4/5 years ago and so far no problems. Part # NLFCFH10. Paul

It would be a pity not to include the intended water gauge on the RCD electrical documentation. The Mid Service Centre units are a quick and easy installation. Paul

Following website is a mine of information about TV aerials, this page is for the log periodic: http://www.aerialsandtv.com/aerials.html#LogPeriodicTheory Paul