Starting the list.

We have been back off our cruise for a week or two and my feet have not touched the ground. I have made a start on my list of maintenance tasks. Starting with the outside jobs whilst the weather is good. I have been busy rubbing down some rust spots on the roof. Treating the cleaned area to some anti-rust treatment before giving the repair a coat of protective paint. The Memsahib is wanting to do some rubbing down and re-varnishing of the steps into the saloon which have been taking a beating from us and the dogs over the last few months.

The List:-

1. Sterilise the water system throughout the boat before draining down.

2. Fix problem with pump out tank level indicator.

3. Checking the antifreeze level in the central heating system.

4. Checking the antifreeze level in the engine coolant.

5. Engine oil change and oil filter change.

6. Visual check of all engine belts.

7. Dose the fuel tank with diesel bug treatment.

8. Check the roof joint on the stove pipe and reseal.

9. Fill up the diesel tank.
10. Rust spot eradication on roof.

11. Cure small leak round saloon window.

12. Battery bank replacement. (Spring)
13. Insulating the windows for the winter. (bubble wrap)
14. Front cratch cover fitted.
15. Rear cover fitted.

16. Gas bottle replaced.

17. Update lighting to LED (Started)

18. Repair to pram cover. (Started)

19. Finish fitting the washing machine. (Started)

20. Modify the saloon table.

21. Additional shelf space. (Started)

22. New boat pole.

23. Rope replacements.

24. Side fender replacements.

25. Button fender shackle replacements. (parts ordered)

26. Modify the top box height.

27. Install and test new diesel generator.

28. Install and test new solar panel.

29. Prepare paintwork for re-painting. (Spring)

30. Install self pump out pump. (parts ordered)

31. Replace floor covering in bedroom. (Started)

32. Re-varnish saloon.

33. Fit finishing strips to saloon area.

34. Black the hull.

35. Replace water pump.

36. Pump out the toilet system and drain down for the winter.

37. Install Villager Puffin back boiler.

We had the boat out of the water during our last cruise to black the hull, so that was one of the major tasks completed.

I found the leak on the water pump so a new one has been ordered. The existing one is a Shurflo Aqua King. I priced up a maintenance kit for the pump which came in at £43 and a few pence for postage. I then went on Ebay and was able to buy a brand new pump for just £48 and free delivery.

The stove pipe has been removed and cleaned up. I then set everything back in place with new fire cement and door seals and so the stove is performing well again. We have an Alde central heating boiler on the boat. however, the system has been made redundant by the stove which keeps the boat toasty warm even when on slow burn. The Villager Puffin is a great little stove. My plans for upgrading the system include plumbing a back boiler in at some point.

The fresh water system has been sterilised and drained down for the winter. Aldi have their own version of Milton sterilising fluid. One pound for a large two litre bottle. Reading the instructions two bottles give the correct mix. I left the sterilizing fluid in the system for a couple of days before draining down.

I purchased some LED lights from a source on eBay. I have been testing them and I am very pleased with the end result. So I shall be doing a steady replacement of the bulbs over the winter months. I need to purchase a further 18 led units altogether so I shall be looking for a price for a job lot.

I seem to be on a roll at the moment...

Later....