Shardlow 23/8/14 to 24/8/14

We had a very poor meal at the new inn on Saturday night - well below the usual standard. The Crewe and harpur was better on Sunday if a little basic - the two for one offer appears to be a mere doubling of the normal prices to make the punters think they are getting a bargain! We had no problem getting a mooring in shardlow this weekend and the pubs were fairly quiet apart from the marina bar which had a rather lively disco.

Took the boat for an overnight stay in shardlow this weekend. The boat didn't overheat for a change although the temperature was much lower than of late - forecast to be one of the coldest august bank holidays on record. Most of the locks were ok if a bit leaky. One disturbing event was the fierce by wash from Aston lock which almost sank a 40ft boat - the boat was pretty high - lack of ballast? it was secured by its back rope only and it therefore turned side on to the lock and the tidal wave from the bottom gates almost turned it over - apparently all the crockery was smashed on board. It could have been a lot worse. The lock landing is so short at Aston you have to moor too close to the bottom gates. People should always tie up with the centre rope as well. The canal was very low at the fat end of the t & m with reports of several boats grounding around the shardlow area.

Brass polishing update

Polishing vents

This is all new to me - never had the inclination to do it - must be getting to the age when one lusts after the Volvo, etc. This is my first effort - only took around 3 man hours and at my charge out rate would have cost £180 plus vat!

Sea trials

Tentatively took the boat for a test run this afternoon - very windy - in these conditions the little springer handles like a cork a a bathtub! I took the boat half way to stenson and then back up to Mercia marina to avoid being too far from base. The temperature didn't rise above 82 degrees f and there was no black smoke from the exhaust or air filter. I will give it another test before taking it out for the bank holiday weekend.

Temperature gauge fitted

Looks ok - wired up the backlight and gauge to the radio switch. I can chose to have it on or not. 

I ran the engine with load for 20 minutes and the max temp was around 80c. I might take it for a run tomorrow, but, I am still cautious about overheating. 

I felt the skin tank pipes and both in and out were warm to the touch suggesting good circulation. 

I am glad that I replaced the thermostat housing now as the new one has a spare temp sensor for the gauge.

I won't miss the radio as it didn't work very well anyway!