Parvis

I totally agree but it would be great to get a better understanding of where my power is going Another question if i were to install 2 more solar panels to my setup would i be able to install them to the Solar Controller without overloading it.

Hi All, We have a fairly simple solar controller set up; Victron Energy Blue Solar PWM 20a 12-24v Dual Battery solar controller which doesn't offer much in the way of solar management, display etc. The control panel for this is more or less the same price as the controller itself. Ideally i would like to up grade the controller system to allow for a better visual and more efficient use of my solar. Can anyone recommend a good controller system that could be put in place of the Solar dual?

So the current setup on the boat is a 12v Victron Multiplus 1.6kw Pure sine wave/80A integral and 6 leisure batteries and 2 30w solar panels. Ideally I would like to monitor the input from the solar and monitor the batteries useable I.e what we take out and what we are putting in. initially we are looking at gaining an idea of what we are using then once we have a better understanding of how we are using our power tweak this to become more efficient etc.

We are going to be living aboard but with work we will be out and about in the daytime so although the windows were a concern I was looking at some internal shutters. For us I think making it internally secure without openly making it look like a prison boat and advertising that we are worth a look is important

Apologies for the confusion I actually was referring to power monitoring and locks for use on doors etc.

After lots of organising, stress, laughter and more stress we finally took our potential new life out for a cruise yesterday. We cruised around the splatt bridge area for a few hours and went over a few of the finer details of the boat. Theres a few cosmetic details that need atention and a few equipment upgrades that are needed but we are nearly good to go. I was wondering how difficult installing a power management system is? The boat is going for blacking in the next week so was thinking about installing it then. Also what are people's recommendations for door locks/padlocks and life jackets?

Great were these something you added after? I have seen a few garden gate esq grill in front of some doors and some steel solid one and I'm just wondering if there are manufacturers or custom? Understandably although boat doors do have a spec they can change over time.

Completely agree

Hi All, One of the things i have in mind for our new large girthed boat is upgrading the existing bow doors. They are made of wood and have glass windows and although look great they are not the most secure. I was wondering what people's advice was on upgrading these rather than replacing them? Im not too sure the best place to start looking but i was thinking about an iron grill on the front? Many Thanks in advance

Thanks for all the replies and advice The problem we are faced with is that myself and my partner are currently not in a position to take extended periods of time off together. Which means one of us has lots of fun the other not so much. So After some planning we are going to cruise to Evesham where we shall meet Ray (not many left like him) and head to Watford. Off to take the boat out on Saturday then meeting Robin the surveyor on Tuesday so he can see it in the water etc before dry docking her the following weekend.

Thanks for all the replies I've contacted Tuckeys and I'll keep you all posted

Hi All, Myself and my partner are purchasing a Widebeam aka A Fat Boat and we are seeking some advice regarding the quest we have ahead. Its currently based near Splatt bridge and the aim is to get it to Watford where we will be starting our journey. Understandably if it had a more slender waist line we could crusie it back over the course of several weeks but as it stand it would be a bit of a tight squeeze Not having the confidence We have spoke to some pilots who were not only exceptionally helpful and friendly (something we are discovering more every day) but have suggested the route by water to get to where we need to go, portishead > Bristol > Bristol > Bath > Reading We were interested if perhaps by land would be another good option and if so would anyone be able to recommend any individuals or companies that could do this. The cost for craning from P & A marina is £492 as it currently stands. many thanks in advance.

Great idea

Hi All, Hope those afloat are enjoying the Sunshine. Myself and my partner are on the cusp of purchasing our new home away from dry land. We will be taking our 57ft Widebeam out of the water for a pre purchase survey early July and if all successful (and with a few adjustments) we will be aboard from the 22nd July. Its going to be a big change for us and having visited this site for some time I think the array of questions we have will be both numerous and humerus but it seems we will be in the right place. We are going to try and keep a documented update on here so please feel free to comment and question.