NeilB

Been to the Lion twice and the White Horse about 4 times this year. The White Horse is much closer to my home mooring but I do feel it has the edge over the Lion.

Lightning had one of these fitted - https://www.norfolkmarine.co.uk/flushmount-safety-ladder-3-steps No one had warned me about it and I wondered what this plug was for that stated "pull" on it- so I pulled it!! As it was spring loaded it launched itself rapidly into the water, took me about 15 mins to re-pack the bloody thing. I'm having my transom cut-out rebuilt soon as previous owner bodged it, as long as enough room I might fit this just below it.

My cousin took her 2 daughters last night, they had some cracking seats!

I understand the sneaky French stockpiled a load of Kubota blocks, other users like Beta did not, including some genset manufacturers who are suffering now. My new Volvo Penta 50hp is here, just awaiting a slot at Sutton Staithe.....

Black car owner here as well ! Mainly because any other colour was over £800 and I refuse to pay BIK tax on it, next car due in March is also black. It was parked in Shell Bay last week and It's still a bit mucky several hundred miles on! Seawork boatshow starts tomorrow but I'm currently sat in the Southampton branch of Autoglass waiting for my new windscreen to be fitted, at least that will be clean! They could not travel to me as they need to calibrate the anti collision camera system.

Been cruising around Poole Harbour for the past 2 days with a blast up to Swanage for lunch yesterday and Poole Quay today. Bonus is I’m getting paid for it!

Yes it does, managed by the Crown Estates.

The closest you can get to London in a hire boat is Teddington lock, after this it becomes partially tidal. I have done it a couple of times, incidentally in the boat Simon is on for a launch event at Chelsea Harbour. Long time ago but pretty sure both Alexandra and Kristina went. Im often surprised the Thames does not have more hire boats, it’s a fantastic river with so much to see and do.

Those Pearls handle nice, by the time you come back you’ll be wondering why you ever needed a bow thruster! Looking forward to the rest of the tale.

The Lion is well worth the stop! Might bump into you tomorrow as heading back to Stalham.

Not a problem Malcolm, means I can save up a bit more money! Sounds like they are doing a good job, I heard they rejected some timber as the quality was not good enough.

Popped round to Sutton Staithe after finishing work for a double pump out and enquire when they can start on my boat. Apparently there’s an old woody clogging up the boat shed…. But shouldn’t be too long until my turn. Nice quiet wild mooring below Irstead for the night along with chilli chicken sales and half bottle of red. just arrived at Womack dyke so will wander up the village and have a drink or 2 at the Kings Arms to support the local economy! Might even do a little more work to the boat when I return.

A lot of hire yards left the thermostat on full and then disconnected them, not entirely sure why. Try starting the heating with the engine running, if it starts it could be the batteries are a little low and need checking. There are a few other things but this is the most common.

I noticed you had AGM batteries, most alternators require an additional controller when charging anything different to traditional lead acid batteries. They will still charge but could be overcharged which will shorten the lifespan. My 240V installation is work in progress due to the previous owners bodges, mostly the use of household wiring on some sockets. Rest of it was boatyard installed with 1500 kW inverter / 50 ah charger with auto changeover from shore power / batteries. i’v used the microwave for a couple of 5 min bursts without running the engine as and had no issues.

Though Wroxham bridge bout 20 mins ago, tad more clearance as closer to high tide now. IMG_0292.MOV

Let’s got to Coltishall I thought, nice, quit, peaceful mooring….. IMG_0282.MOV Live band at 8!

Oh,good. I left Wednesday afternoon so the must have had a few more go out on Thursday.

Not coming back through until sometime Friday!

I like the Lion as well but the White horse is much closer, Sutton hotel is another good one. Yes, it was Golden Bridge. Richardson's seem to have a few more boats out this week but being half term I would have expected all of them to be out. There was even a couple of spaces at the Ferry in Horning when I passed well after 6:30.

Popped up to Stalham Staithe in reverse, we’ll it’s only a couple me hundred yards so no point turning around twice! Had a chat to Smart covers for some window covers and a winter cover for the wheelhouse. Nice guy and his work is recommended by several of my neighbours. He’s going to measure up next week but he has about 2 months work lined up if anyone else is thinking of having some work done. Finished work at 4 and thought I’d try my luck at Neatishead, back up plan was to just chuck the mud weight over! At first glance it looked full except for a gap right at the end which looked big enough! Luckily it was and all secure just as the heavens opened. Being close to the White Horse was too tempting, I could see the rain was about to stop so set off before the rest of the Staithe had the same idea. No photos of the food but I had fried Brie and chutney which was definitely home made plus the portion was very generous. Followed up by the beef of the day with mash and veg. I also had some fruit which had been distilled down to cider! I stayed at Neatishead until noon and in my lunch break moved onto Barton and mud weight. The plan was to head to the Wroxham area to get under the bridge the following day. It was a beautiful afternoon in the sun and by 7:30 was approaching the bridge, there was space at Barnes but as the height was showing 6ft 9 I thought let’s give it a go!! I had to wait about 5 mins for a boat hovering by the Staithe and blocking the bridge, was just about to approach them when his wife appeared with their take away !! Probably took my mind off taking a big boat under the bridge for the first time in probably 30 years!! I had a feeling it would go well as there was no crowd!! Reckon she will fit under at a stated 6ft 6, but I’ll set my limit to 6ft 9 until I’ve had more practice. just celebrating with a pint in the Kings Head watching the sunset. Need a shopping top up as Roy’s is open in the morning and then off to Coltishall

I seemed to have lapsed behind again! The past few weeks have been busy with work and boat life, June is even busier! Managed to capture a nice sunrise at Ranworth on the day of the meet while awakening for an old man pee! Arrived on board around 6:30 last night, (28th), for 8 or 9 days. Decided to walk up to the Swan for a couple of beers and some food. I’ve heard good things from various members and I can only agree with them. Currently lying in bed while the immersion heats up for a shower. Plans for the 1st few days are to complete wiring the navigation lights and replace my front toilet headlining. Clive suggested a couple of fabricators for a mast so I’ll have a chat with them. I’m also working from on board so probably won’t go anywhere until late Wednesday. Depending on tides I’ll be heading above Wroxham bridge for a day or 2. Air draft is believed to be around 6ft 9 so we’ll see! I may opt for a very early passage so no dayboats buzzing around and distracting me as I’ve not taken a cruiser through for about 30 years!

Just having breakfast myself, just a toasted bagel though. Barton was a millpond last night but the wind has picked up so it’s getting a little choppy now. Bit of tidying up before setting off to Ranworth though.

Boat washed down, car can wait another month or 2!! Just topping water up and then I’ll pop down to Barton and chuck the mud weight in for the night. Saw Knut heading off a couple of hours ago.

The prop selection range is from 2,700 to 3000rpm so I'll have a bit of leeway, I'll run a few calculations at different weights and see what it throws up, can always have the pitch tweaked at a later lift.

Mine has a slightly sorry for itself and oily 4108, it's only making around 7.5mph and 2,600 rpm but I think it's still restricted from it's hire boat days. I've not actually checked as 7.5mph is plenty but now the thought is in my head I'll have to take a look now! The prop is buggered but as they took a similar sized chunk out of each blade there's virtually no vibration! I ordered a new engine yesterday, just awaiting a delivery date so we'll see how she goes with 50hp and a 4 blade prop. Anyone know what an Alphacraft 42 Centre cockpit weighs? Surveyor said 6,500 KG and I might try asking Herbert Woods as they have some in hire still and use a crane for lifting out. Need the info for my prop calculation.