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thomo
Barlick Born Old Salt
2021 Posts
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 Posted -
09/01/2008
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12:36
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This now supercedes the earlier topic and is specifically aimed at all who are involved, Plus I do not like making spelling mistakes. First of all the current weather forcast for Skipton is: Saturday; showers, high 5, low 2. Sunday; showers, high 7, low 3. Not brilliant, but not like last night when for the first time ever I saw snow being driven horizontaly and illuminated by violent lighting!. With the lack of traffic on the cut at this time we may not have to empty locks before entering. A few tech, bits next. Summit - the highest section of a canal, ours is the highest of all twixt Greenberfield and Barrowford. Top of flight, section above flight, bottom of flight, that section below. This of course becomes in turn the top if you are going down. The section between locks in a flight are called pounds.. Locks have a head; top, and a tail; bottom. Each lock has six "paddles" two of these are ground paddles and are situated at either side in the canal banking above the head gates. These allow water into the lock at low level and are always opened first, some are opened with a lever and the rest with a rack and pinion, operated with a windlass NOT TO BE DROPPED INTO THE CUT, Two more paddles are one in each of the head gates and should not be opened until the water has risen above them, windlass operated, the remaing two are in each of the tail gates. These two need not concern us on this trip When using a windlass, after raising the paddle, engage the "Pawl" on the gear before doing anything else. Never let the weight of the paddle take charge. Safety is paramount, know what you are doing first. Sadly a dropped windless was the cause of multiple deaths at Gargrave a few years ago. Swing bridges, there are quite few between Silsden and Gargrave, some are often open. To open these, first cross the bridge and using a "necklace key" remove the chain device which secures the bridge beam. push the beam to bring the bridge parallel to the cut reducing the effort before helps to prevent the bridge from bouncing back into the path of the oncoming boat, hold the beam until the boat is clear, this caution also aplies to lock gate beams. Returning the bridge is the reversal of this operation. Someone on a bike can be very useful when attempting a "fast passage" but if there are other people about, take your bike over the bridge with you, its not funny when your iron is off down the towpath in the hands of a stranger. Someone on a bike can go ahead and ready the bridge or lock two is even better. I hope that this is of some help to whoever comes along and is unsure of events. But to all who come, Welcome and thank you. Keep safe and as warm and dry as is possible.
thomo
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Stanley
Local Historian & Old Fart
36804 Posts
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Posted - 19/02/2008 : 10:18
Now that was a Christian act........
Stanley Challenger Graham
Barlick View
stanley at barnoldswick.freeserve.co.uk  |
Stanley
Local Historian & Old Fart
36804 Posts
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Posted - 28/02/2008 : 08:39
It is with deep regret that I have to report the demise of the H&E Memorial pressure cooker. The gasket completely failed and after an extensive search I have been unable to source a replacement. So it was £25 sent off to Amazon for the latest Tower hi-dome cooker. Sad, but even I couldn't think of any way round it. So, thanks for the ride, we move on into a leak-free future.
Stanley Challenger Graham
Barlick View
stanley at barnoldswick.freeserve.co.uk |
Callunna
Revolving Grey Blob
3044 Posts
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Posted - 28/02/2008 : 11:01
Obviously I'm devastated, as that pressure cooker was only bought (2nd hand) when I was a student in the 70s. Eeh, they don't build things to last these days, do they?
However, I'm pleased to see the H&E Memorial Bread Maker at the edge of the photo - unless you've wrecked that an' all... 
On to boaty things:
BK very kindly came round to install the replacement aerial only to discover the aerial wasn't the problem. It's something to do with the bit of cable in between the aerial and the radio.
However, he did a quick fix, which consists of a screwdriver delicately balanced on top of the round thingy at the end of the cable. It did work better when BK gripped this round thingy between thumb and forefinger but he seemed reluctant to stay there permanently for some reason. Probably thought we wouldn't feed him properly, or that our 19" telly was too small to watch now that he's used to one which is several miles wide.
Other problems for which I must find a solution: I've always thought the boat dips too much at the stern. Everything is on a definite slant and now I suspect we're getting a bit of backache from not sleeping on a level surface. However, I'm reluctant to whip out the ballast in the engine compartment in case it was put there for a reason. There continues to be rather a lot of water in the bilge - everyone who sees it comments on it so this must not be normal. Also, if the bow wasn't so high, I might be able to see better when steering.
And finally, the two radiators which are cold, despite bleeding them and poking th'oyl with a bit of wire. BK reckons it must be the feeder tank which is low, but I have no reference to see how to remedy this.
I shall try to contact Silsden Boats but if anyone (Thomo?) has any thoughts in the meantime, please do let me know. |
Big Kev
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Posted - 28/02/2008 : 11:20
There is a fairly long extension to the aerial cable. There's either not a strong enough signal or there's a break in the extension cable somewhere. I suspect it's the latter.
You probably wouldn't want me as a permanent fixture in the corner, I take up much more room than a delicately balanced screwdriver..........
Big Kev
It doesn't matter who you vote for, you always end up with the government. |
Callunna
Revolving Grey Blob
3044 Posts
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Posted - 28/02/2008 : 12:34
I'm delighted to report that BK's suggestion of a low header tank prompted me to phone Silsden Boats who told me where it is (boxed in, inside the wardrobe) and by adding several jugs of water to halfway full the problem is now resolved.
Turned on the heating and bled the two offending radiators again - this time absolutely loads of air came out and yes, they are now both piping hot.
Thanks BK! 
However, SB didn't think there was anything wrong with the tilt of the boat, but they don't have to try and use a keyboard which keeps slipping away from them, do they? Or when the dog has an accident, instead of a neat pool it turns into a long stream running down the carpet. Sorry, perhaps too much information there, folks... |
Big Kev
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Posted - 28/02/2008 : 13:44
quote:
Callunna wrote:
I'm delighted to report that BK's suggestion of a low header tank prompted me to phone Silsden Boats who told me where it is (boxed in, inside the wardrobe) and by adding several jugs of water to halfway full the problem is now resolved.
Turned on the heating and bled the two offending radiators again - this time absolutely loads of air came out and yes, they are now both piping hot.
Thanks BK!
However, SB didn't think there was anything wrong with the tilt of the boat, but they don't have to try and use a keyboard which keeps slipping away from them, do they? Or when the dog has an accident, instead of a neat pool it turns into a long stream running down the carpet. Sorry, perhaps too much information there, folks...Result......
With regard to the tilt of the boat, praps summat heavy strategically placed "up the sharp end" will level it up.
Is the pile of concrete flags (sorry ballast) a requirement in the engine room?
Big Kev
It doesn't matter who you vote for, you always end up with the government. |
Callunna
Revolving Grey Blob
3044 Posts
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Posted - 28/02/2008 : 16:27
Silsden say all their boats are like this but I wouldn't mind a second opinion.
It's something to do with there having to be a certain depth of water above the prop otherwise you lose engine efficiency when you're on the move.
Some boaters seem to think we're OK as is, while others say we're definitely too low.
As I've found, for every boating question there are at least five different opinions!
I wouldn't mind Thomo having another look, but he's a bit preoccupied at present (may have some news for us shortly...)
"Is the pile of concrete flags (sorry ballast) a requirement in the engine room?"
Yes - we're thinking about putting a conservatory on the stern... 
Edited by - Callunna on 28/02/2008 4:29:58 PM |
Big Kev
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Posted - 28/02/2008 : 16:49
"Is the pile of concrete flags (sorry ballast) a requirement in the engine room?"
Yes - we're thinking about putting a conservatory on the stern...
Edited by - Callunna on 28/02/2008 4:29:58 PM
That'll be nice, couple of conifers and a plastic windmill?
Big Kev
It doesn't matter who you vote for, you always end up with the government. |
Callunna
Revolving Grey Blob
3044 Posts
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Posted - 28/02/2008 : 17:52
Mock ye not - I've seen far worse on some boats... |
moh
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Posted - 29/02/2008 : 08:59
Have you got the brass bell in place yet Cally?
Say only a little but say it well |
Stanley
Local Historian & Old Fart
36804 Posts
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Posted - 29/02/2008 : 11:47
I can't understand why low header tank made me smile.......
Stanley Challenger Graham
Barlick View
stanley at barnoldswick.freeserve.co.uk |
Callunna
Revolving Grey Blob
3044 Posts
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Posted - 29/02/2008 : 14:19
Stanley: Erm ... am I being incredibly naive and innocent here?
What's wrong with a low header tank (apart from the fact that it should be full)?
Moh: No, that's just one of the umpteen little jobs that need doing. We'll get round to it one day! |
Stanley
Local Historian & Old Fart
36804 Posts
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Posted - 01/03/2008 : 08:20
Re. the depth of the propellor..... If it was my decision I'd have no problem transferring some ballast from the stern to the bow. Your boat sits low enough in the water to stand it. Remember that you are running a lot heavier than the usual trip boat because you have all your possessions in it. To my eye, the stern looks a bit low and would stand a bit of levelling. let's face it, all you need is a gang of strong men and a boiling kettle, we're not talking structural alterations here. If it was not a success you could always make another adjustment. I don't think for one minute you'd get into any problems with the prop.
Stanley Challenger Graham
Barlick View
stanley at barnoldswick.freeserve.co.uk |
Big Kev
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Posted - 14/03/2008 : 12:37
Good news on the possibility of a mooring, H. I've got everything crossed. I trust it's in the general area of where you are now?
Big Kev
It doesn't matter who you vote for, you always end up with the government. |
panbiker
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Posted - 14/03/2008 : 13:26
Fingers crossed Heather, it worked for me with the BBMF flypast for our event in June!
Ian |
FRABJOUS DAY, the homecoming.
