onthecut

I know this is an ancient thread, but I too find myself in exactly the same position. Did either of you find an answer ? Mike.

I'd second Paddles Up comments. Helpful, knowledgeable and competitive. Dealt with them when I needed to re-engine a TR3 genset. Good price and no problems. I had the impression that a good chunk of what they do is actually industrial Lister Petter engines. Mike..

Hoping someone who knows a lot more than me can help out ! I am looking at replacing my defunct genset with one running a Leroy Somer, four pole, no sliprings, self exciting alternator. What I can't figure out is whether this needs a separate voltage regulator device or not ? I have the original handbook and in the faults section it only states that if the voltage is incorrect, then the engine speed needs looking at. The exploded parts list shows no AVR. The unit itself has a pair of fair size capacitors under the cover, a terminal block and that's about it. Any definitive answer most welcome. Mike.

Given the small number of affected tunnels, each of which would require just two signs, I think compared to, say, the numbers of signs warning anglers not to fry themselves, the additional cost would be infinitessimal. Mike.

We have used floor paint on the roof and decks. Some clearly state for concrete floors, so probably best avoided (unless you have a concrete boat, of course), while others do state good for metal. We have found though that the consistency can vary considerably; couple of years back we re-did the roof with some stuff that was dry by it came out of the tin. Worked OK though, as applied thickly with a stiff brush, it gave an excellent no slip, slightly ribbed finish. Durability has been good, even in the highest fottfall areas. Mike.

I'd give some serious thought to having the exhaust outside --- going to get very smoky inside ! Mike.

They didn't venture much south then --- seemed really quiet to me from Alvechurch down to Tardebigge this afternoon. I was surprised how quiet the North Stratford was once the stoppages had been lifted. Mike.

OK -- I know I should have checked the map first, but hey ho --- parked car, set off on foot to meet other half heading toward Tardebigge from Hopwood. Get to tunnel, can't walk on water, so head up to follow path. Find public footpath from road over tunnel mouth, but not a hint of any BW sign to indicate it's the way to go. Follow path; cross racetrack fast dual carriageway, climb a stile designed for people 12 ft. tall and get to the end of the field section and then -- a choice of three directions. Again, no clues. I do think just a rudimentary map somewhere appropriate would be a small but very useful thing BW might consider at tunnels where there is nothing remotely obvious about the pedestrian way around them. Mike.

Gradually heading to Droitwich to sample the new bit. Question is, not having been on it yet, are we talking about getting to Stourport in one go and, if not, what and where are decent moorings on the newly opened section ? Mike.

Apart from Stourport, Kidderminster, Kinver, Wombourne, Compton, Brewood, Wheaton Aston and they are just the ones that come immediately to mind ! Mike.

Our first 'taster' boat cost £10k, had it five years or so, minimal maintenance costs, sold it for £15k, so we reckoned we pretty much had free boating for the five years we had it. I think at £20k ish, you are looking at an interesting part of the market --- get it wrong and it will be a knacker you probably don't want at any price; get lucky and you stand to get some real value for money. Be aware that outside the world of brokers and magazine prices some very acceptable boats change hands at well below the figures you might imagine. As with houses -- death, divorce, run out of steam projects -- all come along on the canal as well -- and that's where the bargains lurk. A bicycle and stretches of on line moorings are an important tool here -- look for the fading, hand written 'for sale' sign. First stage is to go and look at as many boats as you can; partly to familiarise yourself with the market, but primarily to see as many different layouts as possible. You will see things you hadn't thought of and really like and you will see things you realise you don't want at all. This is where marina based brokerages are handy -- the chance to do multiple tyre kicking all in one spot. Another thing to factor in to the equation are your own skills, finances and available time. If you are a dab hand with the spanners, then a boat with a tired engine might represent a significant bargain opportunity; likewise, if interior refurbishment is your thing, then a tired interior or layout that wants changing may represent the same opportunity. Do bear in mind that if your prospective boat is for living aboard, you will have a different focus to an intermittent user, particularly if aiming to cc. Power generation, good size water tank, bathroom arrangements, means of heating, comfortable bed etc. etc.; all much more important when it's your home. You have probably noticed by now that on the forum every point of view and piece of kit has its proponents and opponents. This can become confusing, as in many cases all the points are valid, so you do need to spend some time deciding what features would be really important to you and apply that filter. The only key requirement really is that the hull is sound - after that, most other things can be played with. Mike.

Staggering, isn't it, especially in pretty slow times. They really should have skipped the solid oak panelling, jacuzzi and wide screen TV options ! Mike.

Working in Erdington has to be getting on for a dream ticket if you are looking to combine liveaboard with cc ing, given the multiplicity of local canals and ready public transport and road access to the area. I think you will find much the bigger issue is taking that step from having a house to selling up and moving on board. If there is any way you can manage it, do try and hang on to your house until you have tried at least a few months (like now, when it's cold, raining and dark days) liveaboard. Not only do you need to see what you think when the novelty wears off, but there is the perenially thorny issue of what layout / cost boat you buy. However much you may think you do, you really won't know until you've done it for real just what you want in a liveaboard boat and how you want it laid out. Even though property prices may be flatlining at present, it's still a big step to get off the ladder. Mike.

Make sure it's a single hand and not a single finger --- that could go badly wrong !! Mike.

Hi Loraine. I wouldn't go for a large, slow to respond heat source. Yes -- lovely in winter, but useless and uncomfortable most of the year. Don't forget, new boats are well insulated and such a cooker will be stifling beyond your imagination from about April to September, paticularly as you have to keep it lit for it to be any use. If you do decide to go for one, be sure to check with the supplier about use on a boat -- many such devices require considerably more flue length than is realistically achievable on a boat, without which they may well not perform as designed. Mike.