Winter 10/11

22nd January.
It was manic up until Christmas, but things have quietened down somewhat since then. So I have managed to spend the odd afternoon down at the boat.
I finally got all the radiators all in and connected up. I am going to have three sources of heat on my boat. A solid fuel boiler, an oil-fired boiler and a gas boiler.
I have put valves on the feeds to the solid fuel boiler and the oil boiler because they aren't fitted in yet. The gas boiler, however is. I have put valves on the flow and return to this boiler too, so that when the others are fitted it will be easy to choose which source of heat I want to use. I have connected the gas boiler because it already had a complete flue and was the easiest to fit. Its nice to work in a warm boat finally.
I have continued on with the lining out. I have got half the back cabin done now. I have to do the port side of the back cabin still so that I can finally get a proper connection from the fuel tank to the day tank for engine. At the moment the pipe is just dipped into a jerry can. I've been doing bits of panelling as and when the whim takes me.
Its the ICICLE Cruise next weekend. The first cruise of this year. I think we will have about 6 or maybe 7 boats going. We're only going up to the Coy Carp again in Harefield. Its not too far but if its as cold as it has been for the last week (and before Christmas) a few hours is quite enough to be on the back of a narrowboat. Last year I went on another members boat and got a lift back to the club after the meal but this time I'll be on my own boat and sleeping overnight on it. Thats why I have been pushing so hard to get some heating of some kind working. I'm not sure yet if Julie will be coming. Its still very much of a 'blokes boat' and maybe just a bit too rough and ready for her!

6th February 2011

The Icicle Cruise of last weekend was a deemed a success by all who participated. And to top it all we had our meal paid for by a mysterious benefactoress. There has been considerable discussion as to her identity but we're none the wiser.

Only 5 boats went after all and not without mishap. One of our boats lost the prop from their outboard just as they were manouvering for a lock. I picked up a plastic bag (I think) but cleared it with plenty of for'ard and reverse thrusts. (oooo-err Missus) I was perfectly warm on my boat even though the canal had frozen over in places overnight. It will be even warmer when the solid fuel stove is connected.

I have now finished all the lining out on the back cabin walls. I made the final connection to the fuel tank so can remove the jerry can from the back cabin. I have some roof panel sections to do but still have some wiring to put in place there for tunnel light and horn switches. I have also ordered another 20 tiny LED lights to light the rear cabin and engine room for when coming aboard in the dark. I have 9 fitted at one metre intervals in the main cabin and I think they work well as a kind of walkway/night light. and they only consume about 200 ma for all 9 bulbs. The other 20 LEDs will use about 400ma if they're all on, so not a large drain on the batteries. I may put some pictures on soon but I am a little ashamed of how my floating shed looks at the moment. I'll have a bit of a clear up soon and start to remove surplus equipment, then I'll add some pictures!