Jim

When we bought our Falcon in 2004 she was called "The Topaz" and we have stuck with that although everone knows her just as "Topaz" Her original name "Beaute" was revealed when we were compounding the hull and this was confirmed to me by the builder in 2006. From Beaute, her name was changed to "Map of Taz" which seems to have transformed to her current name. Map of Taz, we wonder where that came from??

We never have condensation probs in our Falcon cabin and I think that has a lot to do with the carpet trim on the roof. The helm area is worse in the mornings but once you open a section of the canopy, it soon clears. We use the dessicant stuff you can get over the winter months which has always been good. The first boat we hired in 1979 was an Elysian from Southgates in Horning. She had a hard lining on the cabin roof so when you woke up in the morning, you had to dodge the cold drips!

A few of my boaty chums suggested we fit an inline pump when we were struggling with our original (useless) calorifier. I never did get to try it but I can't see it would make matters worse. In the end, we bit the bullet and had a complete new 40ltr system fitted plus immersion which is perfect. Our engine runs at 80 degrees and half an hours cruising provides a full tank of hot water.

I looked at this art form via Google this afternoon so for those that have never seen, it's worth a look and the effects are amazing http://makezine.com/2015/06/10/burn-fractal-patterns-plywood/

I have to speak to our sign supplier in Ely later this afternoon, let me know exactly what you want to achieve and I'm sure they can point you in the right direction.

I bought a similar transformer as an emergency replacement for a 24Vac IR lamp. It would output no voltage until it detected a load

As soon as I get time Eric, ours is going round to Moonfleet in Horning for an estimate and also to get the small chips done. They have been there in 12 years since we bought her and despite a lot of TLC lately, they spoil the overall appearance and are good "dirt collectors"

Apologies for duff info, seems it has been postponed till next April:(

River Carnival is normally in September

Sure is Hylander and not too far from me and MM

Strategic vulnerability indeed. I doubt this has been given the consideration it warrants. Trafalgar House built the bridge in 3 years as part of a PFI. The new bridge/tunnel needs to be started now not in 10 years time

Indeed they do, every time I pass that junction I see them.

I was thinking the same Grendel and it might get better once they get rid of all the roadworks around the A13. The other thing I have noticed is the constant "lane hopping" where folk don't simply stay in lane. As soon as they spot adjacent lanes moving quicker that them, they move over which can and does cause accidents. People have to keep sharp braking to avoid hitting them so I imagine this just makes the delays worse.

Since the Dart Charge system was set up, it seems travelling into Kent via the bridge has improved a lot. However, the queues for the tunnels seem to be almost 3/4 miles tailback every weekday and have become a nightmare!

Still with the Ferry Inn but maybe a bit off topic, while working on our boat recently, we have heard what sounds like a live band at the pub and from our mooring they sound good. Can anyone verify?

Ran the bilge blower fan for 30 mins yesterday which made a big difference and then a small drop of Bilgex poured down the shower drain. No more nasty pongs lol

Never have overnighted on mudweight, but if we did, I would do the same Griff.

Correction! Where I thought a sump could be fitted is much higher than the shower tray. There is only one option on a Falcon 22 and that is to lift the cabin floor right next to the shower. Siting a sump in the V should then be okay. Pity about the glued down fitted carpet

ditto! What would the plants do without us Chris?

That's the plan Jonzo! I'm still waiting to hear what my level of involvement will be in the NDR. With a bit of luck, it will be beneficial for us in the future!

It is much improved since you were last there Alan but I can't speak about the Ferry Inn as we haven't been in there since March 2012. The mooring issue is not a problem to us as we can walk round from our berth but, as Simon posted, you do need to keep your eyes peeled when passing as it is a busy stretch of river. We had a Sunday carvery meal in there and it was very good!

Road closures can be a pain. Diversion to get to Spixworth makes the trip miles longer from the inner ring road. Bright side is I found a terrific shortcut to Hoveton so much easier to get to our boat!

I know they were looking to make as early a start as possible. The scheduled completion date is looking hard to achieve

Thanks for the replies! We have a skin fitting for the hand basin which is fine and is fixed sufficiently above the water line so no risk of sinking! Our marina fitted a much improved calorifier, immersion, shore power etc so we do tend to use the shower more since then which means more water in the bilge. If the old copper tank was removed during this work (if not it will be removed) then we should have space to fit a sump which would sit lower than the shower tray. I must admit I haven't been under that area for years and reaching the shower tray could be fun just to get a fitting on the drain. There is also a bulkhead which stops all the shower water reaching the bilge pump and the solution to this has always been to whack the throttle forward which means the water will reach the pump.or jump up and down on the swim platform to get the bow up. Need some bilge freshener as a temp fix.

We were supposed to be featured in a boating article which reunited designers with their originals. Apparently, the take up was poor so they cancelled for the time being. At least we are going to meet Andrew so he can have a trip down "memory lane"