Jonathan

Alan, I enjoyed the thought of you depositing a stack of 5p pieces on a counter to pay for a breakfast!

The "Mail" that comes with Windows 10 does allow multiple accounts. It doesn't merge them into one inbox, so you need to look at them each in turn, but they do flag "new items" at the top level so that its possible to see that an account has new (unread) mail messages. I have three accounts that are all attached to my Mail. I also use Outlook, which allows multiple accounts too.

magicaltrout, If your lights are "older" style incandescent or fluorescent, then each may be using between 8 to 24 (or 32) Watts. The newer LED bulbs use less energy. If you have several lights on, the fridge and the TV, then you might be using 10 Amps (120 Watts). Over 4 or 5 hours that's 40 or 50 Amp-hours, which will hammer a battery and use almost half of its capacity. |f one battery has been discharged more than the other, then switching to "both" is likely to cause current to flow from one to the other, and that will detract from their ability to start the engine. It may be true that the batteries need replacing, but unless you understand how the batteries are wired and how much energy you are taking from them, you may find that new ones are not much better. Would it be possible to get advice from someone local to your mooring who understands boat "electrics"?

It would be interesting to measure (using the multi-meter) the voltage at the battery when the fridge and TV are on. If this is still above 12V then there may be a poor (high resistance) joint in the 12V electrical circuit.

Two consecutive fishing platforms just outside Beccles, before the remains of an old railway bridge, on Thursday (9th May) Morning. The heron on the first was not a surprise but the second was occupied by a rare visitor.

I can only echo what has already been said, and send my condolences to you and your family.

YnysMon, I am no expert in these matters, but I think we were lucky to get a relatively mild and dry week. The boat also has electric radiators that make a difference when moored near a post! The only real "negative" was the condensation which meant that everything (clothes, bedding etc.) had to be kept away from external walls. The positive side was that we hardly ever saw another boat moving (maybe one or two some days), and every mooring was almost empty. My friends were talking about getting some ski suits or similar, to allow them to sit "outside" in worse conditions.

Saturday 10th Most of the day was spent getting ready and travelling. As previously, my friends, Pauline and Mervyn, had invited me along for a week on the Broads, but unusually this was their first week on their own (shared-ownership) boat. I was acting as “spare” crew member because Pauline has been unwell recently so the mooring etc. might have been a bit tricky if she was still not fully fit. As it turned out, I’m sure they would have been able to handle the boat perfectly well without me. After the usual pre-embarkation shopping, we got on board and investigated the boat layout and various systems so as to familiarise ourselves with the locations of critical items and the appropriate practices and procedures. It was tempting to set off for a brief cruise and return to the home mooring, but with nightfall approaching and the boat being an “unknown quantity”, rather than risking any mishaps we just settled in to the accommodation and went to the Yare pub for the evening. We all enjoyed our meals which we thought were a good-average “pub-grub” standard. With the benefit of shore powered electric radiators upon returning to the boat we watched a film and had a relatively early night to bed. Sunday 11th A bright-crisp morning in Brundall. The forecast weather promised to be better than might have been expected for the week. It remained cool enough to need a coat every day, but the “inside” steering position was never used, because we prefer the improved view from “on top”. We all get up early for work normally, so an early start, use of the boatyard showers and quick breakfast allowed us to set off quite early. We cruised slowly and rarely pushed up to the speed limits. Instead, we admired the autumnal colours, and wildlife. I received a running commentary on the flora and fauna form my fellow travellers who both know far more about these things than I do. I also never needed to consider if I was thirsty because I was either just drinking a cup of tea (or coffee) or being handed a fresh one. After dark this continued, but the beverages turned alcoholic. Clouds started to build as we passed Cantley. Turning from the Yare onto the Chet we idled towards Loddon, where we moored and walked the length of the village and back, re-stocking from the local shops and visiting the Kings Head for a light lunch, which again did not disappoint. We did not need it but took advantage of the water point and then moved the short distance from Lodden to the quieter Pyes Mill mooring for Mervyn to fish for an hour before dark (you may just spot his head over the front cabin in this picture). We had bought sufficient food for any eventuality, but we decided that having had breakfast and lunch and hardly moved an evening meal was unnecessary, never-the-less we ate hertily from the “snack” that Pauline provided. and the gin, wine and whisky meant that we watched the film through heavy eyes. We did need the boat heating that evening (it was quite windy) but overnight it was not particularly cold. The main problem we encountered every night was condensation. The glass and alloy window frames dripped or transferred water to the curtains which also dripped. The interior wall panels also became damp, but it was the middle of November! Monday 12th Tea and toast started the day and we were soon under way again. This was 08:23 and still not very light! The proud new owners with the mooring behind and NBN burgee stern starboard. I removed the leaves from the decks soon after! Turning south on the Yare the Reedham ferry was busy. Pauline slowed to allow it across and then zig-zagged around it. There were otters in the river near Sommerleyton (which I missed with the camera, because I was steering!), and we used the journey to provide hot water for a relay of showers, even though the water did keep at a reasonable temperature overnight. The grey skies started to break as we reached Oulton broad. There was not a great deal to “see” at Oulton, we wandered around in the hope of finding a shop for food provisions but decided that we didn’t need anything when we saw the lack of choice. We had lunch in Fancy Cakes Patisserie (opposite the crescent-shaped entrance to the park), which turned out to be an excellent random choice. The food was very good and reasonably priced, so we had to take a selection of cakes back to the boat for later. Topping up the water again, we left to find a “fishing spot” for Mervyn. Retracing our path a short distance we took the left turn on the Waveney towards Beccles, and continuing past W.R.C. we stopped briefly at the Aldby Hall Fisheries (adjacent to the remains of a [railway?] bridge) for Mervyn to have a look and to see if he wanted to stop there, but moved on to a wild mooring a little further up stream. Following the cakes (eaten under way), yet more food and generous amounts of alcohol followed by some soporific T.V., I managed to find a film which kept us all awake. Tuesday 13th Actually, the picture above was taken at 09:35 after a relatively leisurely start, as we all began to get into “holiday” mode. The short cruise to Beccles provided hot water again. We explored the town for a while and bought provisions for lunch and “tomorrow”, having resolved to have a pub supper. The afternoon passed quickly, with Mervyn “deep cleaning” the gungy bits from all of the window frames (evidence follows – for the other syndicate members), and Pauline and I choosing lighter duties. The Yacht Station facilities provided a bit more “elbow room” than on board and the electric points here allowed us to put the oil radiators on again which meant that the boat was warm after we returned from the pub that evening. We went to the Bear & Bells in the town bus-stop square. I chose not to eat there after looking at the menu, and I think Pauline and Mervyn were both disappointed by their food. It has some good reviews on line and seemed popular so perhaps we were unlucky. We had more to drink on the boat, so we were all ready to sleep quite early, but the relatively high winds caused much creaking of fenders and clonking of mud weight chain and that led to some disturbance through the night. Wednesday 14th. Mervyn was up early and fishing. If you can’t spot him in the first picture then the second shows how a zoom lens can help. He had limited fishing gear with him and was surrounded by locals with all the “kit”. He was pleased to catch a number of reasonable fish whilst the others struggled. Pauline and I relayed tea and toast to him, and then went to explore more of the town. We spent some time in a shop which I think was “Marmalade Tree” that is full of interesting things and gives the impression that you are walking around a museum where everything is for sale. Returning to the boat, we had another generous lunch and set off Northwards again. Arriving at Sommerleyton reasonably early. In spite of the occasional noise from the trains, we decided to stop at Sommerleyton, sharing the mooring with Southern Crusader,. The evening sunset followed quickly. Our walk up to the Dukes Head in the dark was rewarded by a warm room, attentive staff and excellent meal, probably the best of the week (apart from the ones Pauline cooked of course!). Thursday 15th We did not hurry to leave in the morning in order to catch slack water at the new cut. We managed to time it just about right, so that the tide began to push us back up the Yare, having just passed Herringfleet windmill, which a rather bedraggled looking kestrel was using as a lookout post. The cut down to Rockland provided a good lunchtime stopping point, and before anyone comments, the bow was some 15 to 20 feet behind that ladder. After which we continued around the broad and out of the other entrance. We saw Marsh Harriers regularly, but they remained distant, and standing on a moving boat with a hand-held camera the best I could do to catch them on camera follows. Turning back onto the main river we continued past Brundall through the Bargate/Surlingham broad branch, where the lowering sun illuminated the autumn colours to their full effect. Then on up to Brammerton Common, where we arrived as dusk was approaching. Most of the downstream moorings were occupied by fishermen (who left soon after) so we moored at an electric post near the “liveaboard” community at the upstream end. Friday 16th Friday was the only poor day for weather. It started grey and damp, with a light drizzle in the air. We had thought of touring into the heart of Norwich, but with these conditions we delayed moving and Mervyn took the opportunity to fish again. I went out and asked if he would like tea and toast out there, but he was happy to return for a breakfast and warm up. Later in the morning we set off up river again, and returned to pass through Thorpe. Having not been along that short stretch previously I took a number of photographs, but will not bore you with all of them here. . The weather deteriorated again and when we arrived at Brundall there was light drizzle beginning, but the boatyard facilities and shore power made up for that. We started “tidying up”, and put some items into the car but it soon got dark. I was able to “catch up” on various NBN topics and books were read, then after eating another enjoyable meal we retired early, so that we could be up early again the next morning. We had used 41 litres of diesel, having never pushed the rpm beyond about 1600 even when against the tide. We thought that was quite reasonable, given that we had visited or passed most of the places in the “southern” broads and it included some heating too. Saturday 17th Sorry, no photographs today. Surprisingly the boat and wooden walk ways were covered in ice, so some care was needed as everything else was packed and transferred to the car. We then had a walk around the Brundall boatyards (just to be nosy really), and had a chat with various locals that we encountered along the way learning a few interesting titbits of information. We also discovered the real location of Independence, having been misinformed previously. We were on our way home by 09:00, having handed over a parcel that was delivered to the boatyard an hour or so earlier. Stopping a Goodies on the A140 for breakfast and to buy lots of delicious things. I was home and into the normal routine later that day, but (still following routine) was back in Norfolk on Sunday; however that did not involve boats or the broads.

Well done Robin. Great news. Just cruised passed Independence. Sitting in Brooms now using their Network!

MM, I'm just thinking out loud so tell me if this is a stupid idea! Tie two or three of the "tube" style fenders in series (like a string of sausages). Secure one end to a cleat as usual, Tie a LONG rope to the other end, and walk said rope via the bow, under the keel to the other side. Pull tight and secure to the "opposite" cleat. You now have one or two submerged fenders. The only additional equipment required is the long rope(s).

Hylander, It may depend on which web browser you are using. I see it correctly when using Edge but pink & green using Chrome. I also tried downloading the mp4 file and that displayed correctly. I wonder if it's something to do with 32 and 64-bit processors because the pink and green looks like a "negative" (remember film cameras?) which is what you will get if all of the numbers are seen as negative numbers (due to missing or adding 32 bits of data).. I guess that I have 64-bit Edge and 32 bit Chrome.

But that's soon to be rectified with the addition of the Acle erection!

Is this a new computer? Has something changed? Are you using a mouse? If you are using a mouse, then that sort of thing can happen if you have dirt or hairs caught in the sensor. If you unplug the mouse then does it still happen? Check underneath (where the red light shines) to make sure that it is clear of debris. It's probably best to unplug it first! Failing that, there may well be an accumulation of "bits" inside the mouse. If you can take it apart then do your best to clean the mechanical bits and reassemble. A new (USB) mouse can be bought for a few pounds in most supermarkets these days.

Baitrunner, I agree with grendel and regulo, although what neither have said (but both implied) is that the battery box is not wired as you assumed! The top-right corner is negative and the bottom left positive. So: With the top cell displaced you are measuring across that cell, through the circuit and then through the bottom cell hence the 2.5v (there's probably a diode in the circuit hence 0.6v dropped). The "negative" reading is because you are measuring across (just) the middle battery backwards. With the leads reversed it's just over 1.5v as expected. My guess is there's a "short" somewhere allowing a continuous discharge even when you think it's "off".

Ray, I bet the gas oven is looking more appealing now! Another thought: It is possible to buy 12v "slow cookers". They will be no use for "ping food" instant meals, but you could prepare a meal, cruise for a few hours (the alternator would feed the 7 or 8 amps used by the cooker whilst the engine is on), and the food would be cooked when you moor up. With the engine off, this style of cooker would be using less than a tenth of the power consumed by a microwave.

Well it could be Bridge Broad, just upstream from Wroxham ... but I have not been there for a few years!

Robin, The ZF manual says (Page 97) "10.2.1 Control Head The primary function of the Control Head is to send out a variable DC voltage to the Processor. This DC voltage is representative of the Control Head’s present lever position.", so it is not a digital system it is analogue from the control levers to the processor box. On page 105 it says "the command signal is between approximately 0.8 VDC at Full Astern to 4.10 VDC at Full Ahead.", so it looks like the total range is 3.3V or about 1.67V either side of the neutral position. If "full throttle" corresponds to 3000 rpm, then there is only about 0.06 Volts change per 100 rpm (less if max' rpm is higher), so the engine variations you have experienced may have been caused by very small voltage changes. Given the long cable runs, the various joints and connectors, proximity of radios, radar, fridges, D.C. motors for pumps etc. I'm surprised it works at all! Grendel has already suggested a noisy potentiometer (variable resistor) may be the problem (like the "scratchy" volume controls on old radios and televisions). If it is possible to clean it, as he suggested, and then the situation might improve, but it should be possible to see the voltage change at the processor as the throttle(s) is/are moved. If it is not smooth then you have found the problem (rapidly cycling the lever end-to-end, with the power off can help sometimes too!). I think that other "noise" in the circuit from other electrical/electronic devices could be a problem, particularly if there is any hint of corrosion or moisture at the joints. It would be very difficult for you to know if the erratic engine behaviour correlated with something else running (e.g. bilge pump), but it's worth a thought. The ZF MARINE web site says: "We have established a reputation for reliable, responsive control systems" So you may get some help from them if you tell them how unreliable it is, particularly if you know that this system has not been installed for very long (from http://www.allboatservices.co.uk and the boat's paperwork). Good luck with the investigations. I don't know where I would even start.

I agree! Add to that that many extinguishers are almost useless against a fire that has already got a hold and as Jayfire has already said, they can really only help you to get to the exit. I suspect that what Robin has in mind is a fixed engine room installation. He has the ability to close the external vents remotely and if he could then "flood" the close engine room to suppress a fire it might be effective if the extinguisher is big enough (he said "commercial sized version "). On a slight tangent. My experience with "dry powder" extinguishers is that they are effective at stopping a petrol fire, but the powder is quite corrosive, and damages electrical installations.

I have refreshed the "MarineTraffic" site a few times in the last few minutes. They are only showing 7 or 8 kts with wildly different headings each time, so I'm guessing it's rough out there! I'm also guessing that the 4.5 hrs is going to be more accurate for the remaining time.

Robin, Just a thought, which I think you mentioned yourself some time ago, with the heavy crane/hoist for the rib on one side it is possible that it will cause a list. It may be that the previous owner kept more fuel in one side to compensate for that, so allowing fuel to equalise through the centre tank might allow it to "lean" a bit! This would explain the "must be kept closed" instructions. If the cross-flow valves are open now then I suspect that this would be obvious next time you visit. Thank you for the frequent and informative updates. I think we (NBN forum readers) are all looking forward to next weekend as much as you are!

Robin, I think I agree with Siddy on this but I cannot see a connector in the video. My understanding is that you have feeder pipes from port and starboard to the centre tank and that there is an isolator valve at each end of each pipe. I also get the impression that the centre tank is lower than the other two. I would expect there to be a fuel feed from that centre tank, otherwise there will always be a quantity of fuel in it that could never be used. In the video section where you are showing the depth of that tank there is a vertical pipe with a tap that is open. I’m guessing that that pipe is feeding fuel from this tank to something. I am confused as to why you have been told to isolate this tank. There is no way that fuel could siphon from a lower-level to a higher level, so a list cannot develop “by itself”. When the boat is rolling due to wave action then cross-flow would occur, but this will be limited by the pipe size and would not be significant enough to be noticeable before the boat rolls the other way. I suggest an experiment. If you have fuel level “sight tubes”, or some way of actually seeing the physical level of the fuel without relying on a remote display gauge. 1. Close the centre tank valves (as they are now). 2. Check the actual fuel level(s). One side would do, but both port and starboard would be better. Possibly mark the level with a felt-tip pen or a strip of sticky tape. 3. Induce a list! Either get lots of people to sit on one side or use the crane to displace the rib out to one side. 4. Check the actual fuel level(s) again. This might be slightly different as a result of the list. 5. Wait! 6. No levels should change, showing that the valves are closed (or the pipe blocked). 7. Open the four centre tank feed valves. 8. Wait! 9. Check to see if the fuel on the “low” side is going up and the “high” side down. 10. If it does then the valves work. But there may be a restriction (blockage) somewhere. If it does not then either the valves do not open or the blockage is total. 11. Remove the list! 12. The levels (if changed) should return to the marked positions. If there is a restriction, but not a total blockage in the pipe(s) then it is likely that the rate of fuel flow during “polishing” was much greater than the cross-flow could equalise. Unfortunately, the same would be true during refuelling. If there is some flow, then you can repeat the experiment, closing just one main valve at a time and that would tell you that those valves are working. The "worst case" occurs if no fuel flows, because then you know nothing more about the valves.

I dropped my phone into the Herbert Woods basin as I said at the time: I was VERY annoyed. I had owned that phone for many years and it was not an "expensive" one, but I had intended to contact another friend to meet-up during the week and although the other on board offered the use of their 'phones there was often no signal or no reply!

Surely the tender has to be renamed "May 4th", being the Independence day-boat!

Local radio, traffic reporters saying: "...There's delays at ..." when what they mean is: ".. there are delays at ..." or "... there is a delay at...". Common mispronunciation of "Nuclear" (by BBC presenters and US presidents!) as "Noo-cue-lar" rather than "New-clear" (or perhaps "New-klee-are").

Robin, Clearly, you have researched the subject in some depth. All I am saying is that the greater the temperature difference between the "inside" and "outside", the less work the unit has to do. Some will do so by varying pump speed, others by switching on and off. But when it is hot outside they will need to either run faster or be "on" more than "off". With a cold (water) source the pump can run slower or be "off" for more time between "on" cycles. The Peltier systems were perhaps a misdirection on my part. I was making the point that they say that they can reduce (on increase) the temperature inside the box by "X" degrees, so going flat-out they can only achive a specified temperature difference, not to an absolute value. The same is true with car "aircon", where the people who recharge the refrigerant only advertise that they can improve the cooling by a certain number of degrees below ambient outside temperature. With any refrigeration (or heat-pump) system you are putting energy "in" (usually via a pump), to move heat from one radiator to another. The job is easier, so the pump has to work less hard or less often, if the temperature difference between the radiators is greater (taking heat from the hot one and dumping it in the cold one). Anyway, don't let me drag you down into these details. It's your boat (or will be?) so just enjoy it and do what you prefer, as I said last time, I'm sure either option will work satisfactorily. Good luck with the purchase (and research of the other thousand and one other things that I know you are looking at for it).