Happy Jax 3

Seems to me you have all the material to construct another phone for ET!!

Just a little tip for tracing water leaks if you have one of them irritating hard to find leaks. spray a coating of talc around the area of the leak when it is dry, then when the leak starts it will leave a trace line in the talc that you can follow back to the leak.

Well done Suzanne & Adam Glad to read you are building your confidence in your new planing machine, without hitting a post as well.

Hi Steve You could try Brian Wards at Brundal, they have a large selection of gauges in stock. http://www.brianwards.co.uk

I had a dream last night, but it didn't include easter trips, food or boats.

Hi Barry The weather certainly has been a pain this year, but it is good to see you are still getting on with the project. I must say I am very impressed with the pattern tool, may have to make a smaller version myself.

Well done Ian We can go stern on or side, as long as we have leccy.

Nice shots Martin I especially like the Linx effect.

Keep it coming Andy. Looking forward to the transformation. Looking at the panoramic views of Lady Pamela, it has a very similar layout to HJII.

Count us in Jonathan Salty bottom or not we will make Oulton Broad and the RNSYC. Will be up for ten days at Easter if all goes to plan.

Hi Neil Dave is right, a DSLR for £200 ish would be a tall order. I started with an Olympus E-410 a couple of years ago and found this to be a good entry level; camera. Its predecessor the E-420 is currently available on line, new for approximately £289 which includes a standard 14-42mm lens. Although I soon upgraded to the E-510 which includes image stabilizer. If you look on ebay there are some really good bargains to be had. When I upgraded to my current Olympus E-3, I sold my E-410 kit which included the 14-42mm & 40-150mm zoom lenses, on ebay for under £300. My E-510 body only for £220, when I only paid £150 used for it a year earlier, it just goes to show how fickle ebay really is. I am sure you could get set up with a used entry level kit on ebay for £200. Good luck

Great to hear your getting it sorted Dave. Sound like a thorough clean up to me. I am sure it will be ok. Hope to see you out on the waves later in the year.

Don't forget the Beer Mark, just incase you lose your fresh water supply.

Hi Mark Looks like it is all going to plan. Did you see the Airtop 2000 ST kits on ebay new, buy it now £779 ?

Hi Mark Just caught up on this thread. Personally I would go Webo every time, Generally they are extremely reliable, yes, I no there has been threads on site regarding members having issues with webo & Eba's but you must bear in mind that in most cases the units are probably well over ten years old. As you know I had problems with mine last year smoking when turned off. It was very easy to strip down and maintain and parts are easily available from other sources other than marine suppliers at a quarter of the cost. As David has stated it would not be a problem to tap off an engine supply fuel line pre filter. With the running costs you stated for propex I would have used over two of your bottles just over the New Year week.

Keep it coming Clive, this is great stuff. One question though, why does the last layer have the pigment in it? At a guess I would say so the mould blends in with the surrounding scenery when not in use.

Haven't got a clue, but it certainly is a fine looking ship.

Nice shots Mark May have to venture out and get some shots later today.

And then we moved on to Ranworth with a element of trepidation after getting caught in the Ice last year. It was great to see the Maltsters back up and running, this was the first time we had visited since the re-opening. But will make up for it this year, that's for sure. As Lou already said it was like another forum meet. we arrived first, followed by Rod & Shirley, then we noticed Phil & Toby from Salhouse on the green, then Griff and Stevie V with the Broads Ambition crew arrived and finally, Bob & Sandy on Happy Days Illuminated the broad, laden with Christmas lights . Great to see you all again. All over to the Maltsters for another fine evening tucked up by the fire, thanks to Rod with his invaluable fire monitor skills. We came out to find the Broad had again frozen. Here's some more picci's for those who are interested. Remember to click on photo's to view. Broads Ambition in all her glory. Cold morning on Ranwoth, Is that Rod up before midday Good to see back on the map. Our only route out thanks to another friendly boater. Ice Station Ranworth

I think the cat was our the bag when Rod arrived and Gus said "Hello Rod"

I would just like to echo what has already been said. As usual the hospitality of the staff at the New Inn was exceptional, they laid on good food and entertainment and a great night was had by all. Glad to hear you got back safely Rod & Shirley, I was worried when I saw the Ice on the river up to Stalham, I was going to give you a call and w arn you, but had second thoughts as did not want to worry you unnecessarily and there was a track made through the ice, It would seem, thanks to Andy. As Lou promised here we go with some picci's Connor just can't help himself. Rod & Shirley braving the cold And the party got under way Nice to see romance is still alive James Barr, our evenings entertainment, well worth a look in if you get the opportunity. Roy just can't leave the girls alone Swinging now Who gave him that Loops and Sheila still going for it. 2010 Arrives New Inn on a quiet New Years Day

Hi Wayne Very strange indeed, does it stall out on both locks port & starboard? I had a Princess with twin AQ140 petrols which are basically the same engine. From memory the engine wiring harness runs along the port side of the engines and out to a multi-plug at the rear. Check your steering gear is not fowling the harness on locks, could either just be moving it slightly resulting in a poor connection or a direct short if it has rubbed through the harness. There is a fuse block in the harness behind the distributor, the connections are prone to corrosion, maybe worth checking. When it stops does the engine cut instantly as if the ignition is switched off,or does it slowly stall? If it is still has points & condenser you could try changing the condenser as they can break down under load, although you would expect problems during normal cruising. As previously been suggested it is worth checking for rope or such like behind the prop, these petrols do tend to stall with the slightest drag when at idle. The only other thing I can think of over and above what has already been suggested is the U/J in the drive seizing when on lock or the drives are going past the steering lock stops resulting in the u/j's going beyond it's operating angle, although you would expect a bit of clonking. As you say though, you have a warranty, let them sort it.

I use 500 watt oil filled rads with built in frost stats set to come in at +5c one in the engine room, one in front cabin and one in the main saloon. together with a dehumidifier on a timer to run for 12 hrs per day, seems to do the job. Last winter at 11 pence per unit cost me approx £38 All running from October until March. I have to agree with David, if power is cut, could be a problem. At our yard the proprietors check supplies regularly, especially in icy conditions, so I guess we are lucky in that respect.

You've captured some great shots there Simon, that lighthouse is something else. It's not a tree or flames, I reckon it must be seaweed. Where are you going in Scotland? Next year we are going to Dornoch on the east coast, north of Inverness. Can't wait to get the E-3 up in the highlands.

Hi Mark Yes you are right Mark, forgot they have outdrives. Not sure about heater plugs, even most modern car diesels have them and they activate when you turn on the ignition automatically. I am probably wrong though.