On a Promise

[Wittenham]

After lurking for many months, absorbing massive amounts from the very knowledgeable regulars on here, I figured I would update on Promise.  As a reminder, last year I picked up an Agenda 21 mooring on the Oxford canal that came with a 'free' butty.  The butty had been outfitted well at some point in the past, but was in grim shape.  The advice here was to get it lifted and the bottom checked, but it was a bit less clear on how to get the engine-less boat to the marina.  It was surprisingly easy to tow it to the Thames behind a kayak, lifted, inspected, passed and bottom blacked.  

 

In no particular order, the fixes have been:

• clean it.  A few mm of coal smoke residue and cigarette smoke on every surface.  Got there... eventually.
• replace the stove.  Decided to rip out the radiators and put in a magic Morso [1442?] with some kind of outer shell that [allegedly] helps distribute heated air more widely.  Not so sure, yet, but it is survivable.  The stove, with its new DEFRA rating, features a chimney that is large enough to be topped by a revolving restaurant....
• replace the leaking Paloma.  Paloma Bob, as recommended on here, came good.
• replace the leaking water pump.  And eventually got all of the water out of the bilge.
• build a plan for electricity.  I know, I know, power audit.  Hard to do without having lived on the boat yet.  The plan is 4 batteries, connected to a victron combi, powered by an LPG generator.  Possibly solar, if i can find a less tree covered spot on the mooring.  I have inhaled the posts of the many electric experts here, and will ask a question or two soon.
• fridge.  Will put in a 240V fridge
• hob.  Failed the BSS, so it is being replaced.
• general.  painted the rust bucket last fall.  It is not pretty, but it is functional.  A lot of minor wood trim stuff, a bit of tiling here and there.  Some fiddly hatch work needed, particularly the door that has had its hinges rust away.  Leak in the ceiling through one of those brass roof caps [loved them painted as mushrooms, was that Jen?]

 

So, all in all, it is coming together.  Slowly, slowly, but enjoyably.  I am amazed at both the knowledge of the forumites here, as well as the willingness to puzzle through problems, almost like a narrowboat version of doing the su do ku each morning.  Cannot recall the exact details of the thread, but I particularly recall the guy in London in the summer [Erik?  Something German sounding] with his electrical challenges and how much time and effort was put into helping him.  I liked the recent discussion on steps, I plan to borrow some of those ideas.

 

If you are passing by, say hi.  Moored up next to Wolvercote Lock.

 

greg

[Athy]

It's pleasing to hear of your progress - well done.

Those members who helped will know who they are - well done to them also.

Have a you any photos of the boat in her improved condition?

[Wittenham]

4 minutes ago, Athy said:

 Have a you any photos of the boat in her improved condition?

Not yet, but when it gets pretty enough, I certainly will.

[Alan de Enfield]

28 minutes ago, Wittenham said:

I figured I would update on Promise.  As a reminder, last year I picked up an Agenda 21 mooring on the Oxford canal that came with a 'free' butty.

Many thanks for the update - you'd be surprised how many "come ask & go" never to be heard of again.

 

Well done.

[Sea Dog]

Doncha just love it when a plan comes together? Keep up the good work Greg!  ?

[Wittenham]

and I meant to add... .it is amazing how much better the electrics worked when I replaced the blown fuses.  Which was more than half of them.  They worked even better when i eventually found those tiny little switches that turned the lights on.... [i am not joking]

[The Welsh Cruiser]

Personally, assuming you don't have a landline connection I'd consider having a gas fridge fitted. You could then reduce your leisure battery bank to 2 (I have 1 myself), save yourself endless hours of engine running for charging and the painful financial hit of replacing 4 batteries regularly. I'd also go for solar, unless your mooring is totally enclosed by trees. Or find another mooring, with less trees. Running your engine for hours every day is a pain, not to mention the wear to the expensive lump.