Sierra2

Petzel is the brand to go for. Model depends on your needs and budget

Great info Boat Fan. Having done some reading 'methyl-methacrylate' does seem to be the way forward over Polycarbonate. Plexiglas don't mention crazing however, just a non yellowing guarantee?. I thought crazing was caused by long exposure to the Sun/UV rays?. I'm assuming there is an equivalent thickness for strength, ie 12mm Acrylic to 6mm Glass ? Thanks again

Thanks for the number W+T, I'll give him a call tomorrow I'll need to do some research on the difference between Acrylic, Lexan, Perspex. Perspex is very prone to scratching if I remember correctly?. That's an interesting point about UV resistance as the crazing/fading/cracking element had put me off the idea and moved me onto glass. Chas

I've already fitted a 'link switch' between the Isolator switch for each bank as a back up, so no need for jump leads. I'll check out the Advanced Smart Gauge now. Thanks for the help gents Chas

Thank you W+T. The two panels over the old Aft Cabin are huge(800x1080mm) so I'm worried about them being in Glass

Aye it wpuld be simpler but knowing my luck sooner or later a engine will fail and one bank won't be getting any power. I'm planning a solar set up as well but would prefer both engines to be able to charge both banks when on the move.

Afternoon all Had a Google but not much is coming up for a diagram for a charging system for charging a Starter and Domestic bank of batteries. I'm assuming a VSR or Split Charging system can be used but not much is coming up and how to go about it. Can anyone help? Twin Diesel Engines with 70amp alternators, will be approx 330-440aH Domestic bank @12v and 220aH Starter bank in Parallel @12v supplying both engines. This is what I was planning but as its a rebuild anything can be changed at this stage Chas

Hi all I'm struggling somewhat trying to source info on the type of glass I should use for the frame work I've had done to the hard top conversion that replaces the folding canopy. As a liveaboard and a semi plaining displacement hull I'm concerned about any weight added and making her top heavy. The frame work was built with imported White Cedar and is as light as we could make it. 1) I believe she is a Category B rated boat, do I require 6mm Toughened Glass for all panels or can I get away with less thickness?. 2) I understand water pressure from rogue waves in bad weather could be an issue with less. Would I be ok replacing the forward facing five panels with 6mm (as was originally fitted) ? 3) Are there any regulations that need to be followed as a private boat builder, if I'm going to sell her later? I plan to keep her for several years while saving up for a larger boat and do some sailing on the continent. Thanks in advance Chas

18v and if you only have the one battery make sure it's in the 3+ aH range Dewalt gets my recomendation from experience.

Can anyone recommend a small skirting type radiator that they do use and works?

You'd be surprised how many 'deals' fall through. My friend was on for Jog Post (leaflet delivery service). Debrough Meaden was choosen to invest (all five dragons made an offer) but after a month nothing happened. He done very, very well just from the air time

Funnily enough that's what has attracted me to the product as I want something at floor level away from the hull. I'd be doing the install my self as with everything else to keep the budget alive.

The prices are on one of the drop down menus, £30 a meter roughly with VAT

Seems perfect for spreading the heat evenly through a section of the boat and not taking up any space? http://www.discreteheat.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRfYw-cw3uU#action=share Technical : http://www.discreteheat.com/thermaskirt/technical-information/performance-data.aspx

Thanks for all the replies guys (sorry been busy seeing the new year in ) Good feedback on what I thought was an ambitious idea. I did intend to use the Port engine to power a Matrix heater to demist the windows in the wheelhouse, but quite like the idea of an additional independent radiator for cold weather cruising. Any thoughts on Point 5...? "the insulation around the Calorifer is old, tatty and falling off in parts. Is there any reason I couldn't cut it all off and have the Spray Foam contractor spray over it once it has been refitted and plumbed in? I would mask up all the connections for inspection and future works" Thanks again