Sign of the times

As the boat safety is due soon I decided to brave the weather and refit the brass signs. The gas locker one was fixed to the locker cover and the battery isolation and fuel cock ones to the engine cover. 

More jobs to be do e as well; the windows need resealing and the lead has come away from one of the windows. Need the weather to improve before tacking those jobs. The boat safety chap is ok about the damaged paloma as he is only interested in the gas side and is pleased that I have installed a carbon monoxide alarm.

Oil change done

Oil change done this afternoon - no mishaps apart from getting oil everywhere. Safety arranged for mid April so time to renew the licence if it passes. I had a go at repairing the paloma but the solder wouldn't stick - might leave it for now - the crack is in an awkward place on the side of the pipe.

Post winter snag list

First visit to the boat for a few weeks. A bit of mould on the outside due to the damp spring. We filled the water tank and then discovered, on engaging the water pump, a split in the cold water feed pipe in the Paloma water heater - this is anoying as I always drain it down in the winter.
The boat started ok and we took it for a run to midland chandlers for a few service items. Bought an oil filter for the service and a plastic joint to enable bypass of the paloma heater. I also asked if they were having a sale soon. Aparently the next 20% off sale is 10 April 2015 so I will buy hull blacking and new anodes then. I will take the boat out at Swarkestone boat club in May this year (March in 2013) so the blacking will go off better. I will also use international inter tuff this time rather than midland chandlers own make which is not very durable.
We turned the boat opposite the board walk on the way out of Mercia Marina - the new pub pictured has had mixed reviews and is apparently not that popular with boaters being a bit pricey and having a small menu.
The paloma heater is no longer connected to the water pump - it took a bit of heat to remove the hoses. To be fair I rarely used it anyway, but, I will repair the split by closing it with pliers and melting a bit of solder over it.
The boat safety is due in a few weeks so I might have to remove the gas supply as well - not sure if closing the gas isolation tap to the boiler will be sufficiently safe for the examiner.
Going to be an expensive year despite reduced use of the boat due to lack of time and an aeging unreliable engine.
No plans to sell up yet due to the mooring at Findern and excellent storage and parking facilities.

New steps and Crap water points

New steps at the Findern linear moorings - thanks cart.

More evidence of the frailty of the new water points - failing at an alarming rate after 2 yrs, when the old cast iron ones lasted 50 years. Both of the Findern ones have failed and one of them is rarely used apart from the restaurant next door

Hungry critters

Looks like the local wildlife have taken a shine to my paper licence ticket - will have to laminate them or I will be breaking the terms of my cart agreement.

Top up anti freeze

Went to the boat to top up the anti freeze - room for 1 litres - hope that doesn't indicate a loss of coolant -I suspect the loss is due to a cool day. 

Noticed on the way the work being done on stenson lock.  

Also went for a walk on the disused cromford canal at lower hartshay - this needs urgent work as the canal is being used as a dump by the local pig farm drain and it stinks really bad. The vegetation also needs clearing as the bit on water has burst its banks. Frustrating as this is an easy stretch to restore. 

Trip to willington

Took the boat for a pint in willington yesterday. It started and ran ok despite not being used since August. Drained off the water tank and opened the drain valve on the paloma water heater. Lit a fire to warm up the boat. Last pre winter job is to top up the anti freeze which was lost when testing the coolant flow in the engine.