Manchester 15/2/14

We walked back to Manchester City centre from the etihad on sat evening which followed the line of the Ashton canal. My daughter works in a pub around the corner from the canal on princess street. I like the way the modern buildings have given the canal a new lease of life and although the barrier on canal street has annoyed many boaters it looks superb . 

First run of the year

Had a look at the new pub development in Mercia and picked the guys brains re the breakdown at midland chandlers, you can park your boat next to the chandlers. Even had time to squeeze in a pint at the green man. 

A bit of a worry as the engine cut out just past willington. The bottom half of the cooling system was cold as was the slab tank . I suspect a faulty impeller or thermostat . We got back ok letting the engine cool down. There was also an excessive amount of air in the system. 

Camden 8/2/14

Prior to attending an association football match in the afternoon we popped over to Camden to have a look at the market and canal. The area is undergoing continued refurbishment and many of the old buildings are being renovated in the areas away from the fire of a few years ago. Unfortunately, due to the many tourists at the market, bargains are now few and far between - the tat has taken over especially poor banksy rip off t shirts. I think the best part of the area now is the diverse food stalls and pubs displaying a lot of memorabilia from the past innovative music scene and celebrity   Hangers on who have long since moved on. The good old days as the libertines used to sing.

Rubber mat

The rubber mat arrived for the back deck. Chose 3mm rubber with matching chequer plate design. Cut in four places to fit - not sure if it will keep the water out, but, who dares wins and only cost £15 for 1 mtr of 1.2mtr width. Will tide me over until I have a proper cover fitted in March 2014.

Not a lot happening

I have drained the water and removed the drain plug from the Paloma heater. I have lit the fire a few times to dry out the boat. The condensation in the engine bay is a bit of a concern, the batteries are also getting damp. As a temporary measure I have put an old duvet cover over the batteries and engine to help disperse the damp. I have ordered a smal rubber sheet to cover the engine bay cover that is letting the water in. I intend to have the back end covered professionally as soon as possible, however, my preferred cover supplier has ceased trade for the winter and will not be available until March 2014. The reason for the cover is to protect the engine bay and the cover from further corrosion. 

Mooring renewal 11/13

My three year mooring agreement ends in November 2013. Cart have offered me a renewal restricted to the length of the boat I.e. 23 ft (the original length of the mooring was 30.8 ft). As an incentive to pay a year in advance they have also offered me a 10% discount. Although I am a little disappointed to be losing some of my mooring, the cost saving is welcome in these difficult times and I am unlikely to buy a 30 ft boat after my current 23 ft - ideally I would like to move up to 40ft next. I presume the current moorers will be shuffled along to create a new spare mooring.

Couple of jobs 22/9/13

Morning visit to the boat to finish off the blacking - missed bits around the posts that stopped the boat falling over - starboard side. Also looked at the loose engine mount - front starboard. The mount is fully tightened, but the bracket onto the engine has one bolt loose and the other bolt missing. I tried in vain to replace the missing bold but couldn't get it to bite - perhaps the bracket is slightly out of line with the hole. For now all I could do was tighten the remaining bolt which was out by a quarter inch. The result is a mount which is a lot tighter as opposed to one which is not effective at all. A start of the engine proved that the mount is now doing its job and this should also reduce the vibration to the exhaust on the opposite side. The last day of summer today - so put the chimney back on ready for the cooler weather . Will winterised soon - not sure if we are having another trip out this year.