Saturday 23 January 2010

The Coal Man Cometh.

During the last couple of days all the moorings here have filled up since boats started moving again since the thaw. At this rate hopefully we will be on the move again Monday weather permitting.

Today amid rain showers the coal boat Gosty Hill finally got through 3 weeks behind schedule. Iain gave us the low down on how they had had to tip the boat over to be able to weld a patch over a hole in the stern below the water line. Due to the age of the boat and thickness of the metal it was no easy job with the welding gear continually blowing holes along the weld.

It was a busy time for Iain as every boat moored here wanted coal, diesel or bits and bobs from him. It was an hour to an hour and a half before they eventually got away.

As for our own trial and tribulations,a radiator sprang a leak which turned out to be a loose connection, easily fixed. A check on the state of the batteries revealed that after 3 years and 3 months they were still in reasonable condition but 2 cells are showing water discolouration indicating a break down of the plates. We will just keep them going until they show serious signs of failure. Have to start saving the pennies as replacement costs will be around £1200. I have looked at cheaper alternatives but none fit the bill unfortunately, insufficient amp hours or space to fit more batteries.

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