Soundings

Just completed a little repaintingg and wonder how long marine gloss (one pack) should be left before it is waxed. Thanks Colin

Yes, being close is something of a bonus. We have always taken the view that if we cannot get to the boat within an hour then it is no good for us. That was why, when we moved here from Nortants, we sold our narrowboat. Others take the view that if the boat is too close there is nothing special about going there - also valid.

Winterisation came early in 2010 and Autumn Mist lay tucked up in antifreeze until the end of Feb when a decision to change mooring meant we had to move the boat to Ricos. So, opened up all sea-cocks, gave the starter battery a boost and bingo – the engine leapt into life (at attempt six). A quick trip down river (10 minutes) and then back to Ricos and the new berth. Weather is still unpredictable so, now having the benefit of electricity to the berth, a tube heater was fitted just in case. Sunday 20th March arrives and to celebrate my wife's birthday and her sisters wedding anniversary we decided on a brief family cruise followed by a carvery at Sutton Staithe Hotel. Slip off at about 1100 in glorious sunshine for a gentle cruise down the Ant, across Barton Broad and then back to Sutton Staithe where we tied up for lunch. An excellent meal and a few jars/glasses of wine ensued and then it was back to the boat and Ricos. A lovely start to the season in excellent weather. And, Ricos is looking a great place to be - friendly staff and fellow moorers gives the place a very nice feel

Unlikely seeing as I am talking electric heating on a diesel powered craft. It is hard to believe that somebody actually did that though

It all now makes perfect sense Many thanks

That is what I thought Antares but what is that N wire? I would have just run the live from the feed to terminal 3 and continues it from terminal 1 to the heater. I would have left Negative and Earth as direct feeds to the plug/power source.

Heater and thermostat duly obtained - from Norfolk Marine (B&Q did not have any in stock). Big question how do I wire the thermostat in? I have looked at the diagram but it seems odd - it is a shunt arrangement with Live, Neutral, Earth and Load connections. Load seems to be a continuation of Neutral but when the thermostat switches on it becomes Live. Presumably Load goes to the heater. I have done a lot of thio stuff so what am I missing Diagram attached Diagram043.pdf

Tube heaters and thermostat it is then. Next question, where is the best place to buy the kit? I am in the Potter Heigham are of Norfolk. Thanks

I am happy to take the chance on shore power staying up as there seems to be a high degree of reliability at Richos. Also as we move towards spring the really bad cold nights "should" be a thing of the past (famous last words those ). Also I only live 10 mins from the boat. If it were November I would cetainly do a full antifreeze job. So against all that - would a greenhousee fan heater serve as well as a tube heater? Many thanks

Thanks but what is the perceived problem? The boat is wired for shore power so what would the difference be between the two heat sources (tube/fan).

Just moved the boat from Broadsedge to Richos. Had to de-winterise so at least know the boat wintered well (so far). Having leccy hook-up at the new mooring I thought that rather than winterising again I would put a greenhouse heater in the engine bay of my Aquafibre 33. Most people seem to use a tube heater and if I use one of these what size would be ok - I have read somewhere that 80 watts is sufficient? That said, I do have a fan assisted greenhouse heater available and wonder if this would do the job? Advice appreciated.

Forgot to mention Autumn Mist is owned ny Colin & Pat

Clive, if you're eading this - will an Aquafibre 33 go unde Wroxham?

looks a bit scary to a whimp like me

Thanks Daytona-Bill, it was people saying the bridge height measurement is based on a box passing through the bridge that got me thinking. Up until then I had always thought the measurement was from water level to highest point of the bridge. In such a circumstance the arch of the bridge would almost certainly stop me passing through.

Have been watching this thread with interest. I have an Aqufibre 33 with higher grabrails on the sun deck that usual. As such I am not certain of the airdraft. What I do know is that the boat goes under Wayford Bridge with 4 to 6 inches to spare. Does that mean I will get through Wroxham? Incidentally, is there anyware I can go and get the airdraft of the boat measured? Thanks

I fancy coming down fron the Northern Broads to do just that this summer. How far beyond Norwich can one get - are here any bridge height issues? tHANKS

We all have our opinions and I disagree. There are many reasons why a driver might want to drive slower. In any event what do you see as the minimum speed 60 in a 60 limit. 45 in a 60 limit. The road in question drifts between 50 and 60; I tend to stay at 50 or thereabouts because my car is economical at that speed. I would resist fiercely anybody trying to make me do otherwise. On a motorway things might be different but they are built for speed - but not when it is wet, snowy, misty etc. But that is just me and my opinion. This could get very emotive so I'll shut up now

Sorry Mark, but because they wanted to drive at 45 miles per hour . I live in a small country lane where even the speed limit of 30mph is too fast. Drivers though ignore the "drive in accordance with the conditions" rule and if challenged say - I'm not speeding. I am sort of in favour of minimum speeds on certain roads like motorways but worry that rivers will just use this as an excuse to drive faster than the conditions dictate.

What a wrotten thing to have happen. It makes me realise how lucky we are to live close to our boat - but even that is not a guarantee. As I have mentiond before, I moved here about four years ago and transferred my boating allegience to the Broads from the canals. What I do miss is the security offered by the canals marina (Crick) where there was a resiident harbour master who kept a weather eye on all the boats. A duplicate set of keys were kept on site and any problem he would call and do what he could in the meantime. I accept that this was a marina with no hire fleet but then so are some around the Broads. Anyway - hope this all get sorted and that you are properly afloat soon.

Of course, speed has to be assessed alongside prevailing conditions - weather and surroundings. It is not just the result of an electronic calculation, or should not be.

I know that gas work on boats has to be undertaken by qualified personnel but what is the case re electrical work (installing new circuits etc). Can anyone do it provided they have the work checked over and certified, or must a proper electrician be involved from the start? This is a question raised by a mate of mine who wants to do some electrical stuff prior to selling the boat. I think he would prefer just doing it himself and leaving it at that Many thanks

Are you talking of the Cambs Fens, Strowager? We cruised there for a few years and the charge was zero. It was only when we came out of Stanground onto the Nene that we had to buy a license.

Oh for a marina with elec

Many thanks to you all . I am now armed with a gallon of "green" antifreeze from Wroxham Marine (not premixed) and it only cost £12 . This together with a length of tubing to assist with feeding the antifreeze into the sytem means I am tooled up and ready to go. Thanks again.