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Greetings boaty-types, Thanks to you all for being a community! I've done a lot of reading and learning here over the last year or so. My partner and I recently bought our first home...using a lot of knowledge gleaned from this site. The previous owners of our boat did not know about maintenance. We are most happy, and are only just starting to be aware of the list of jobs we need to do that is longer than our arms...lopped off and arranged consecutively!! Though I've read a fair bit, and searched a fair bit, I still have a few questions. Any and all advice/criticism/sarcasm gratefully accepted. 1. Windows. Our boat has standard hopper windows. From what I can see, they are the same basic ones that are still sold now. They are screwed to the outer hull with (probably) stainless screws. The seals are gone, or covered in moss and other interesting flora/fauna. One is broken, but has been replaced by a piece of perspex. a. Is there a useful guide/youtube/advice that anyone can point me to on putting in new neoprene/rubber? b. Two of our seven windows appear to be double glazed... the frames are the same throughout, but two windows contain double panes. This doesn't seem too crazy: neoprene in the centre, and rubber on the external glass. Is it possible to do this to all the others too? My impression is that (having taken the panelling off of one already) I must remove the entire frame from the hull to achieve this. From what I've read, this is not a great idea, because by removing the frames I can damage them, and also break whatever sealant is present behind them. We will need to repaint the boat soon too... 2. Ammeter/voltmeter. Without repeating the reasons one might desire such devices, my question is: Though the battery bank is in the engine room, we tend to be at the other end of the boat, living aboard. I'd like to get some cheapy ebay digi-meters so I can keep an eye on the batteries. I'd attach the voltmeter to a 'trunk' line of cable that I have running up both sides of the boat: nice and thick copper. As far as I know, that'd be a good reflection. In terms of the Ammeter... I have less idea. Where do I place the shunt? The device I want to measure is the battery... so...negative cable next to the bank? or positive...I am unsure. If it is possible, can I still have a pretty readout or gauge in the livingroom, or will the distance destroy the accuracy? 3. Gas locker. Our gas locker is wet. The drains (for gas) are slightly under the water line when the front watertank is full. The locker is at the prow. That, combined with bottles going in and out, has resulted in a rusty box. The surveyor who looked the boat over said that it wasn't fatal, but did need to be addressed.... he suggested removing ballast from the front of the boat. There is a space beneath the front deck, inside the boat, where the underlying marine ply is exposed.... should I cut a hatch out of this and get my hands on...a lump of cement? Would this cause other problems!? The other alternative was to raise the level of the locker by welding a new floor in... though I suspect that this would be expensive. In terms of the locker, my plan is to wirebrush all of the rust away, and then treat with Hammerite. I've been told that once treated, a rubber mat and greased walls will prevent further dings.... 4. PC fans. Last question! Has anyone tried putting PC fans inside mushroom vent intakes above kitchens or bathrooms? Do they make much difference? Cheers! Ren

Wanting to check when my charging current is low (tail current?) and looking for the right ammeter. Was thinking a 500a shunt and a bog standard digital panel ammeter off ebay - but presumably it will need to display + when giving out current and - when charge is going to the batteries (or vice versa?) - it's not clear if the panel lcd/led ammeters do that. Otherwise I presume I'd need a needle type one with a zero centre like on a car? I know some of you guys have them already and I want one too.