2525/0404/2011201120112011 by admin.

Well! We finaly managed to get out of the Marina though not with everything fully functional. we now find having got a working battery moniter that the alternator for the domestic battery bank does not work! It is cutting out after about  a minute so we are having to use the generator to charge the batteries even after a full days cruising. So we are again waiting for an engineer.

We spent the first weekend in Pangbourne so that we could replenish Meat supplies. and took the first few pics.

Turtles on the Thames

Fed Up Heron

Drying out after a dip

In Marlow now and a lesson in how not to overload your boat.

Swim for it!

Down to Windsor for Easter to find an easter bunny running wild. Lovely weather very hot we will leave on Tuesday to try and meet up with the engineer before guests next week end.

Steam yacht Alaska

Three Men in a boat

Eaton Collage Quad

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0303/0404/2011201120112011 by admin.

As you will see from the latest pictures We have been a little busy of late. This is why I have been remiss at updating the blog. I have made a set of steps that hang from the side to make it easier to board when we moor alongside places such as Kingston upon Thames where the hard is at water level. After the man over board demonstration at the Dutch Barge Association Rally where I took part I have been pondering on the ability to recover someone who may be unconscious or otherwise debilitated. The solution I have come up with is to make a small add on modification to the Gin Pole I made for raising the mast so that I can use it over the side as a crane to winch a casualty to side deck height for recovery. We have now a rescue sling three rescue ladders of various types as well as all the normal life-rings and throw lines etc. Although we have jack-stays so persons working on deck can clip on so hopefully I will never have to use the crane/winch in anger.

I have started to make the boat sea ready by fitting cargo netting to keep my tools and spares stored in the lazonet( back of the boat) in place and I am waiting for some fixings to go into the floor of the Saloon into which I can screw strong eyes so that we can ratchet secure the loose furniture for sea.

We are waiting for two engineers to come before we leave the Marina The first who should be with us Monday to wire in the extra navigation, battery management and communications systems which will integrate with our existing gear making the Radar more efficient at plotting other traffic, and the other by the end of the week to fit new twin fuel filter/water separator’s in stead of the single one I have at the moment. This is a safety feature as when you go to sea sediment can be stirred up in the tanks which can lead to engine failure this I do not want. The result will be that I will always have one filter in service and one spare ready to be swichen in if needed.

Cargo netting

New improoved Deck Coating

New Heading Sensor and Mast

Detail of footing for MOB recovery system

Gin Pole/ MOB crane recovery system

New Nav and Communication gear

Step for Carol!

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