Jump to content

Finally underway – thanks


AftApeth

Featured Posts

So I'm finally afloat.

 

I first posted here back in November when I'd started seriously looking for my boat. At that point I was thinking about a 1970s 46ft cruiser and got some very quick and helpful replies on CWF that helped push me a bit in the right direction. Since then I've viewed countless boats all over the country and thought a couple of times that I'd found the one and put in a serious offer, but then lost out by being a bit too slow in one case and gazumped in the other.

 

I had my offer accepted on a 2002 57ft trad called 'PAL' at Aqueduct Marina back in July. It took a couple of weeks to get my surveyor and then a few more weeks to sort out the things that needed doing. And then a few more weeks when it was discovered that the electrics needed serious attention. But I finally got her put back in the water on Monday and headed straight out on to the cut. I've now made it to Norbury Junction and have just spent my sixth night aboard. Still a few things to sort out (water pump, leaking coolant), but I'm getting there.

 

I wanted to say a big thankyou to everyone on CWF who's chipped in with helpful advice and indulged me with all my questions along the way. Particular thanks to GoodGurl, Jamm, Rasputin, DHutch and others who have often humoured me for hours in Chat. I hope to meet you out on the cut some time.

 

post-23108-0-44099100-1442151292_thumb.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks Rog, it is a good feeling. Feels even better on days when I can have a shower and get water from my taps! I'm definitely preparing myself for the novelty to wear off. When it has, I still think all this countryside and slow pace of life will be good for the soul.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

 

I had my offer accepted on a 2002 57ft trad called 'PAL' at Aqueduct Marina back in July. It took a couple of weeks to get my surveyor and then a few more weeks to sort out the things that needed doing. And then a few more weeks when it was discovered that the electrics needed serious attention.

Firstly, congratulations!

 

Out of interest, what were the electrical problems that needed attention? Did the surveyor suggest that one of the gas fittings was live?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Firstly, congratulations!

 

Out of interest, what were the electrical problems that needed attention? Did the surveyor suggest that one of the gas fittings was live?

 

It's a bit of a list. The surveyor said he didn't like the look of the electrics and that I should get a specialist survey. Aqueduct recommended that Keith Meadowcroft at Voltmaster do an electrical inspection. Keith tells me it's not the worst he's seen, but perhaps in the top 10. He reckoned, as did the surveyor, that a lot of the work was done by the owner himself without enough understanding of what he was up to. Here are some choice highlights:

 

The wiring on the two automatic AC switching units suggest that originally there was an inverter and a separated battery charger. When these units failed for what every reason, a Victron Inverter / charger replaced them.

Unfortunately who ever under took the changeover of the equipment did not understand the way in which the system was configured. In addition, there are many errors concerning wiring termination and cable extensions.

AC System:

01. With the removal of the inverter and battery charger, this caused a significate number of faults.

02. Most of the faults concern the way in which the earths are inter–connected.

03. Whoever installed the Inverter / Charger did not understand the way in which the two AC switches worked. One of the switches is no longer required.

04. There is an AC travel Power system installed unfortunately this has not been correct executed because of its AC output which is termed as floating. This means that both the output wires carry 115–volts with respect to the earth wire, instead of 0 and 230–volts as is found normally. The electrical output of the travel power should have gone through an isolation transformer to rectify this situation. There is a very good possibility that AC protection devices will not function correctly.

05. The galvanic isolator has been giving no protection what so ever. Because it is installed in the wrong cable. This could be the reason for the pitting on the hull.

06. I am not happy with the very close proximity of an AC outlet socket to a sink. Because of the non-existence AC protection.

 

It goes on in much the same vein with the DC system too.

 

Why do you ask about the live gas fittings? Have you come across the boat? I've passed a few people so far who knew the previous owner. Apparently a well-known and well-liked character on many parts of the system.

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

 

 

Why do you ask about the live gas fittings? Have you come across the boat?

 

No, it's just that I bought my boat from Aqueduct Marina, and while I was generally happy with the transaction, the survey did flag up expensive electrical problems with a very simple electrical system which on reflection, I feel may have been exaggerated.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

No, it's just that I bought my boat from Aqueduct Marina, and while I was generally happy with the transaction, the survey did flag up expensive electrical problems with a very simple electrical system which on reflection, I feel may have been exaggerated.

 

I know what you mean, that's worry I had. I find the electrics the most frustrating part since it's the bit I understand the least. I tried asking around a few different people to get quotes for the work and to try and work out which bits exactly were critical. Nobody really seemed confident about answering. Aqueduct did the electrical work themselves in the end, but the story changed a bit along the way. At first I asked (after one of the informative Chat sessions on here I mentioned above) whether the isolation transformer required was really needed since it seemed like it had to do with galvanic corrosion and why didn't I just get my existing galvanic isolator wired up properly. Aqueduct said if I'm out on the cut and not in a marina that would probably be OK. But then they spoke to Keith again and it turned out it really was essential for overload protection (or something) on the travel power. I could never work out why the travel power couldn't just be rewired properly without the need for an expensive isolation transformer, but I was told it was essential anyway. In the end I just got all the work done for peace of mind.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

That's good !

 

Enjoy it - I hope you have a fire on there as its going to get chilly soon ;)

 

If so get some coal on the roof and a nice sharp 30 inch bowsaw for cutting up fallen branches - Shropshire union should be good for free firewood :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So I'm finally afloat.

 

I first posted here back in November when I'd started seriously looking for my boat. At that point I was thinking about a 1970s 46ft cruiser and got some very quick and helpful replies on CWF that helped push me a bit in the right direction. Since then I've viewed countless boats all over the country and thought a couple of times that I'd found the one and put in a serious offer, but then lost out by being a bit too slow in one case and gazumped in the other.

 

I had my offer accepted on a 2002 57ft trad called 'PAL' at Aqueduct Marina back in July. It took a couple of weeks to get my surveyor and then a few more weeks to sort out the things that needed doing. And then a few more weeks when it was discovered that the electrics needed serious attention. But I finally got her put back in the water on Monday and headed straight out on to the cut. I've now made it to Norbury Junction and have just spent my sixth night aboard. Still a few things to sort out (water pump, leaking coolant), but I'm getting there.

 

I wanted to say a big thankyou to everyone on CWF who's chipped in with helpful advice and indulged me with all my questions along the way. Particular thanks to GoodGurl, Jamm, Rasputin, DHutch and others who have often humoured me for hours in Chat. I hope to meet you out on the cut some time.

 

attachicon.gifIMG_0031.jpg

Welcome aboard....if you know what I mean.

 

Is that photo, Tyrley bottom lock? Wicked side washes.

 

'YOUR BOAT' Pal. Is it named on one side only?

 

Rob....

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Welcome aboard....if you know what I mean.

 

Is that photo, Tyrley bottom lock? Wicked side washes.

 

'YOUR BOAT' Pal. Is it named on one side only?

 

Rob....

 

Yep, I think that was Tyrley bottom lock. Those side washes not much fun, though I think I found Audlem flight worse. It is indeed just named on one side. Did we pass you?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

Yep, I think that was Tyrley bottom lock. Those side washes not much fun, though I think I found Audlem flight worse. It is indeed just named on one side. Did we pass you?

Don't think so.

I sort of know the previous owner. Didn't know that he's off the cut but did say last year that he was thinking about it.

Good luck in your new venture.....you won't regret it.

 

Rob....

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.