Sunday, August 13, 2006

Sunday August 13 2006
Caught up with some housework, pleased to say the vacuum cleaner works well off the invertor, but really drains the batteries!
Intending to stay another night, but there seems to be a concrete shelf sticking out from the bank below water level, and we scrape it everytime a boat goes past. Can’t get the fenders low enough to protect the hull, so we moved on.

Just a note about the boat specifications, for those who are interested.
The shell is 57’ long, of traditional design, and built by Jonathon Wilson in Sheffield.
I’ve already mentioned she was fitted out by Orchard Marina, just outside Northwich.
Propulsion is from a 42 HP Isuzu, driving the prop through a PRM 150 gearbox.
(Engine)
Electrical power is from 2x80 Amp alternators feeding to a Studer 1.8 KVA Sinewave invertor/charger, with a Sterling battery regulator to get the best out of the 4x110 AH Lead/Acid domestic batteries. We have an Aarrow solid fuel stove (which will get lit soon if the weather doesn’t improve!), and Eberspacher diesel fired central heating. Gas is used only for the cooker.

Anyway, we left about 14:30, and went through Wheelock and Malkins Bank Locks, with a stop for water, loo emptying and rubbish disposal at Wheelock.


Fed the ducks as we went along….


Had a bit of an argument with the top gate of Lock 62, which resulted in 3 broken glasses, 2 chipped mugs, and damage to Margarets pride. Must put a catch on the glass cabinet! Still, the bow fender is the right shape now.
Stopped for night near bridge 148 at 18:30.


4 miles, 10 locks.

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