Viking23

When is a boat not a boat.. ie when it's a toy. So what about these inflatable kayaks, 2 man pvc inflatable boats you can buy for a few pounds at Lidl, Aldi or seaside shops. Or inflatale crocodiles etc. What is the requirement to pay a toll on these? I have see dozens on the water, some towed behind hire boats, some towed with people in them, a lot under the influence too. Salhouse broad is a great place to launch one for the kids, these are used without paying a toll, so what do the Broads Authority do about it? Blatent non payment of tolls. Do they get fined, or told to pay the minimum toll? So what about an inner tube, is that some form of boat, what about a smaller version, some would call these life belts lol... Where is the line drawn? Richard

Rather than start a new topic, re charging points, I thought would add to this topic. Why are there no electric hook up points above Potter Heigham Bridge? Ok, in some older literature it states that Whispering Reeds have one, but if it is for public use, it is sited in a private dyke and is always obscured by moored boats. We spend a lot of time above the bridge, as we can always get under, and as a consequence we spend most of our time moored up, except when cruising for 20 minutes to the next spot. As a consequence, our batteries take a hit, and ideally we would like a few hours on electric hook up. Ideal places would be West Sommerton, or Horsey Staithe, Potter Heigham on the Martham side of the road bridge on the right, Hickling staithe is private, unless the Pleasure boat inn provides it. I know there are some opposite Herbert Woods, but these are often full from boats unable to pass under the bridge, and we always feel vulnerable in a small boat where boats are attempting to turn or moor up. Who should I raise the question with, should I ask the Broads Authority, if so would anyone else support this request. Fitting Electric posts is not cheap. The majority of the hire craft with electric hook up, for example, would be too big to get under Potter Heigham bridge to be able to use them. So I can see why they haven't bothered, also for most electric boats on hire from PH this area above the bridge can be explored in a day, on one charge anyway. Maybe I have answered my own question. Any thoughts please. Best regards, Richard

Thanks or sharing the photo, I love sunsets, see my Avatar. Excellent.

Wow, I am impressed, sounds more like my kind of forum. After all, a lot of us live a few hours from the Broads, and have to take our substitute fix by visiting local waterways. Sometimes on foot too.

Thanks for the welcome, and great to see a few likes of my earlier post. I hope to make some good contributions.

The Locks inn, excellent food and beer. Just one point, they are not on the mains, but do have a generator, so don't expect them to take credit cards for payment, cash no problem. No internet WiFi either. They don't serve food all day, between lunch and evenings, there is a window of a few hours in the afternoon where you have to have a drink or three waiting... It's a hard life lol. Nice open garden. Moorings are limited, but most people who moor there are very friendly and squeeze up as much as they can. Also some nice walks from there too.

Well today I have made my first post in over two years, that I have been a member. Sorry I have been away so long. I hope to contribute to as many posts that I can help with. Electronics, electrical work, and Honda Outboards, seems to be where my boat expertise is. Together with alternators etc, to which drew me to making my first post in years. Glad to be back.

Yes if the connections are ok, and the belts are not slipping, then the alternator is more likely at fault. However if the battery is unable to take any charge, ie Kaput (not my normal technical term for a duff battery lol) then this could cause similar symptoms. If it is the alternator, then it could be any of the diodes, or it could be the regulator. Some diode faults (but not all) lead to the alternator drawing current from the battery when the engine is off, sometimes as much as 4 amps, so you can also check for this too. Incidentally, another fault finding tip, NOT relating to this post, but if for some reason the ignition bulb doesn't light, because it had blown, then the alternator may not give any output, as it relies on the small current through the bulb to excite the windings of the alternator, so when the alternator starts to charge, the voltage on the exciter winding increases, and the bulb goes out, as the voltage each side of the bulb is more or less the same. I just felt that might help for future diagnostics.

Well thank you all for the kind welcome, I look forward to joining in on some of the threads. Thanks again, Richard

Hi, I am a new member to this site, but not a new visitor to the Broads. I look forward to making a contribution to those topics where I have gained experience and knowledge. I may also ask for advice as time goes by. It looks like a great site. Very best regards, Richard