Rose of Arden

2012-02-02T13:21:00.001Z

The February Caption Competition.

The caption competition is intended for you to be able to display your prowess at providing a pithy and witty caption. One that has a watery theme to it at the same time. This months judging panel consists of her Serene hugeness the Queen of Barnsley, TV's Hexfactor winner Doris Dongle the voice of the decayed, Hugo Yorway the long lost explorer. Angus McCoatup senior dressmaker to the mayor of London. Osmosis Dewsbury and Eileen Dover winers of TV's Celebrity Pig Wrestling. Art Grant leader of the oily CaRT ballet and carrying company. Robyn Evans winner of the lifetime achievement award for piss poor services.

Is it a come as you are

party Mr Evans?

There are no prizes as the blog meister is a cheapskate and tight fisted old curmudgeon. But you will reluctantly get a mention in the captains blog. You can submit your entry on the back of a ten pound note or by using the comments feature below. (now we will find out who the cheapskates are)

Later.....

On Manoeuvres (6)

2012-02-02T00:11:00.000Z

This is one of an occasional series of tips about manoeuvring a narrow-boat on the canals and rivers. There may be other ways to achieve the same result. However, the method has been devised or adapted by me using trial and error. (Trial and Error are two of my regular boating companions) Our boat is 50 feet long and has a keel depth of twenty five inches and weighs in at a tad over eighteen tons. The techniques described are intended to help new comers to boating.

Every boat should have a properly stocked First Aid Kit. Not all accidents are major but any graze of cut however small will need to be cleaned and sterilised because of the risk of infection. Remember to check the First Aid Kit once a year for expired items. Most Antiseptic items have expiration dates.

As in any waterways activity there is always danger. Being prepared and focused on safety bodes well in any activity. The chance of being involved in a boating accident is higher when alcohol is involved. Don't drink and drive your boat, wait until you are moored up for the day.

Staying safe on the water is important. Boating is usually a very safe and enjoyable summer activity, but without understanding safety issues, accidents can happen. Its hard to talk about boating issues without some reference to Personal Safety. You will in your boating career, at some point fall into the water. Some people will do it several times. I am on 3 dips and the Memsahib is on 2 dips - so far! I did it in the summer months, she did it in February through the ice however the water was quite shallow and she could stand chest deep in the water. The important thing is knowing what you will do, if and when it happens. The second most important thing is to learn from the experience.

You need to give some thought to personal safety and you need to explore the "what ifs" in your mind. What ifs are when you think about what could happen and what you will do if it does. If you have regular crew members, you might discuss what they should do in a particular circumstance. Maybe a "man overboard" routine could be a good starting point. There are things that the person in the water should automatically do and things that people on board should automatically do.

Whenever we have guests on board for the first time, I always welcome them first and then move onto a little chat about our basic safety rules. If they are aboard to gain some boating experience then safety issues often help with understanding.

If you are cruising on a river, a lightweight automatically inflating life vest is a must. Select a vest that is intended for your weight range. Get into the habit of wearing it at all times that the boat is under power. Like a seat belt in a car, it will become second nature to put it on. Furthermore you will start to feel uncomfortable in charge of the boat when not wearing it.

Never, ever be in a hurry. The speed of travel on our canals prevent any likelihood of hurrying along anyway. Never let anyone else who might be waiting pressurise you into cutting corners. Never accept proffered assistance from anyone you don't know. Only accept assistance if you are confident that the person has sufficient knowledge and experience not to create any additional danger. Always seek advice and heed the warnings from any lock keeper who may be operating the locks.

Tip: 1 Never be afraid to seek assistance or advice from a fellow boater. Most boaters are only to happy to help. They remember their first days as a new boater on the canals.

Something you might want to consider is what you will do if you fall overboard. You must swim or even walk away from the boat, some canals are actually quite shallow. Get clear of the boat is the first action to take. You must try to avoid getting between the boat and any other obstacles such as the bank or any other boats. You must keep well clear of the back or stern of the boat if the engine is running. You must get yourself to a place of safety before considering any other options.

NOTE: NEVER under any circumstances should anyone else go into the water to try and rescue someone. You will only create a second casualty that also needs to be rescued. From the boat or from the bank lend your assistance in any way you can. Use the lifebelt or any other buoyancy aid that is to hand. But never enter the water yourself. Even keeping an eye on the person in the water and constantly pointing at the position where they are, will help other crew to organise a rescue.

A typical narrow boat is very heavy and can easily crush you. The wind can cause a boat to move with surprising speed as can any current in the water. However, your main threat is posed by the propeller if the engine is running. Some boat propellers continue to turn even when the boat is in neutral gear.

Think about how you will you get back on board.

The circumstances of your location will dictate the best method of regaining the boat. However, the hardest place to get back on-board a boat without assistance, is from the water. Think about trying to climb out onto the side of a swimming pool. Now think about it wearing saturated clothing and then climbing out of the pool. However, it is easiest wherever possible to get back aboard from the bank.

If the only place that you can get back on board is from the water. Remember, it is practically impossible without assistance to climb aboard a narrow boat from the side via the gunwale.

If the engine is not running and the only place that you can get back on board is from the water. You could approach the back of the boat. We have a short knotted rope left permanently hanging over the side from a dolly. This rope will let you gain some additional grip. Then using the tiller arm the button fender and the rudder as a step, pull yourself from the water. Some narrow boats like ours also have a small step welded directly to the hull at the back to help you climb back aboard.

Crew members on board should instantly put the boat engine into neutral, then deploy the lifebelt towards the person in the water. Then get ready to assist the person to come back on board. The lifebelt should always be within easy reach on the boat roof when cruising. When deploying the life belt, remember to hang on to the end of the rope to assist the person in the water to reach the boat.

We have regular dog overboard issues as we have two terriers travelling with us. The dogs love the water for which they have no fear. They each have a life vest which will give them extra buoyancy in the water. The life vests have a carrying handle which makes it easy to get them on and off the boat. The carrying handle also makes it easy to snag them with the boat hook from the water. Its a bit like hook-a-duck at the fairground. A boat hook can be used to give assistance to someone in the water or to hook clothing if they are unconscious.

Later....

The Candidates in the CaRT

2012-02-01T09:50:00.001Z

I guess the popular topic on the boating blogs and forums will be the election to CaRT of four Independent Boating Representatives to council. Now we have a list of 33 candidates who have supplied a 150 word election address. Not a great deal you would imagine can be expanded upon in 150 words. But I did my first pass of the candidate list. I tried to select each one using their election address.

I had in mind that the four positions to be elected to council are intended for independent boat owners. The four places are to represent the interests of the boat owners only and not specifically other interests.

Now, people who are supported or sponsored by some association or other can't claim to be really independent representatives. Quote "IWA is fielding five IWA sponsored candidates on behalf of all boaters." The IWA has posted a list of their sponsored "independent" candidates. The IWA represents according to their website Anglers, Canoeing, Cyclists, Freight, Walking, Kids and Nature.

Not only that they have the gall to claim to have done it on all boaters behalf.

The IWCC has one selected candidate. So I will automatically exclude them from my vote options. Organisations representing other boating interests should not be sharing a bed with CaRT if they are to be entirely without any conflicts of interest and independent.

Here is the list of Very Busy People who have other significant interests that I feel will cause them to have conflicts of interests or not enough time to spend being proactive in meeting and addressing the needs of the boaters who are independent of any affiliation to other groups.

HENDERSON, CLIVE "I am Chairman of the Inland Waterways Association." As Clive does not have two heads, I can't see him being able to wear two hats, and be entirely without any conflicts of interest.

ROPER, PAUL "I’m an IWA Trustee and Chairman of their Navigation Committee which campaigns for boaters." Paul, will be far to busy with his IWA trusteeship and chairing the navigation committee.

SCOTT, PETER "I'm Chairman of IWA Northeast and Yorkshire." Peter, will also be busy with his chairmanship of the IWA Northeast and Yorkshire.

WELCH, VAUGHAN "A long-standing IWA Trustee." Vaughan could sit down and rest his IWA feet for a while instead.

CAPLAN, IVOR HENRY "A trustee of IWA and residential boater." Ivor will be far to busy with his IWA trustee ship.

PEARCE, DAVID "I am a long-term member of IWA and currently Secretary of British Waterways Advisory Forum. National Chairman of the Association of Waterways Cruising Clubs." David will be busy cruising the clubs as chairman. Lots of outside interests to detract from 100% focus on boaters interests within CaRT.

VINNICOMBE, ALF "British Waterways have done a good job." Alf, you are obviously so far out of touch on planet Zarg. Especially with British Waterways and their activities over the last millennium. Have a cup of tea instead.

BARTON, PATRICIA PERRY "I want to balance pleasure with service to the Trust." I want someone to serve boaters interests not just the interests of the Trust. Good luck with the plate spinning.

FARRELL, ANN "I am Vice Commodore of Nantwich boat club, a volunteer at IWA festivals and events, a trustee of Chester Canal Heritage Trust, member of SUCS and Saturn supporter." Lots of outside interests to detract from 100% focus on boaters interests within CaRT.

PINFIELD, BOB (ROBERT) "Currently Chairman of Cookmill Parish Council (20 yrs+). Member of Wychavon Standards Committee & an R.Y.A Instructor. I run a small family business in Worcester." Lots of outside interests to detract from 100% focus on boaters interests within CaRT.

PETERS, STEPHEN "National Association of Boat Owners (NABO) for the past 18 years - currently Hon Treasurer and Rivers Secretary. Member of RYA, Avon Navigation Trust, RNLI (Governor), Railway & Canal Historical Society, Cruising Association and Seamaster Club." Lots of outside interests to detract from 100% focus on boaters interests within CaRT.

HUGHES, BERNARD, OBE "I am self-employed, a Devon County Councillor." Lots of outside interests to detract from 100% focus on boaters interests within CaRT.

CAWSON SUE, The HNBOC committee has nominated her.

The candidates I would lend my support to. Listed in no particular order.

MAYALL, DAVID "Other candidates may be nominated with the support of associations; I believe we are best served by individuals, not representatives of associations." I don't always agree with David but I believe he will remain fiercely independent - and at the same time be a team player on council.

TIDY, ANDY "Author of “Captain Ahab’s Watery Tales”. Read this blog and see the level of knowledge and commitment.

RUDD, STEPHEN "Appointing the BW senior management as Trustees is not a progressive start." I agree entirely without any reservations.

SMETHAM, TONY "I am independent of all organisations representing boaters."

FINCHER, ALAN "I am independent, love boats and boating, and am already well-networked with many boaters countrywide.

KELLY, FRANK (FRANCIS) "I am a wholly independent candidate. As a member of Council I will undertake to be an effective voice for the civil liberties, human rights and will seek to address problems of prejudice, discrimination and harassment faced by our community. I fully support the Boater's Manifesto, and Article 8 in particular."

BLUNDELL, MALCOLM JAMES "As your boaters' representative on the Council, my primary aim is to get the best deal for you! I will use my proven professional skills to ensure that the trustees receive sound and accurate guidance, and act upon it, making sure they are challenged on the use of scarce resources.

BROWN, CHRISTOPHER "Endeavour to promote the interests of private boaters and be a voice for their views ."

For any names not in my list (13) there was insufficent detail to make my mind up one way or another. I am sure to return to this topic again and again. I look forward to hearing and reading much more before polling day arrives.

Later.....

Social Irresponsibility.

2012-01-31T09:16:00.002Z

The British were a nation of shopkeepers according to a dismissive comment from Napoleon however he was soon about to have his Waterloo so to speak. These days the British have a new reputation as a nation of animal lovers. Whenever a generalisation is made, there are the exceptions that come to the forefront. Following on from Social Responsibility and Social Interaction. Today I bring you Social Irresponsibility.

You know me, I'm all for dog walkers clearing up when a dog has to do, what a dog has to doo doo. However, I think that there are limits to what you can do, before whatever you are doing becomes disproportionate and a questionable activity, when practised at night. In a night time activity that would only make a foaming at the mouth "Disgusted of Hyndburn" feel happy. Settle down children and "Watch with ~~Mother~~ Big Brother" if only it was with the wonderful Daphne Oxenford. *

Step forward Hyndburn Council in Lancashire. In a country where spying on the populace apparently knows no bounds. In a country where street cameras are a constant reminder of the late arrival of 1984 by George Orwell. Hyndburn Council has taken night time ~~dogging~~ surveillance techniques to a new level of expertise. Ultra sophisticated night vision equipment has been issued to a small select band of council workers. Covert wardens are now being plotted up in public places in Hyndburn.

I wonder if the wardens get issued with hard hats and body armour. Can you imagine the furore if a ~~dogging~~ surveillance warden. Kitted up with his night vision equipment should be spotted by a high profile local dignitary, engaged in a bit of, extra curricular Ugandan of an evening.

The equipment it is alleged is being used to catch errant pet owners walking their dogs at night. Add to this the use of plain clothes council officers and surveillance vehicles being used to monitor the public areas. Miles Parkinson, council leader in Hyndburn said "It's difficult at those times because the person has to be caught in the act. However, with night vision, wardens can see much further along footpaths where the problem occurs and catch offenders. We hope that if people know that night vision is available to our wardens, it will serve as a deterrent. Hyndburn's wardens new technology allows them to work at all hours in areas not illuminated by street lighting."

Now, call me an old and cynical pet person if you must, but this is a voyeurs charter. Ask yourself, why would a cash strapped council want to purchase expensive night vision equipment and surveillance vehicles. Then pay wardens to go out on a night shift to monitor popular places where people are out and about doing various activities one of which might also include walking a dog.

Now one of the things I know about night vision equipment (I own some myself for my observing bat activities) is that it does not perform very well if a flash light is used by people to illuminate an area when out walking. Point the light at the night vision equipment and you can see ~~jack~~ ~~shi~~ nothing! The one night time activity when a flash light is used is when walking a dog. Night time activities where you might not want to use a torch and where night vision equipment might work - I will leave to the readers imagination. In the past three years, a very proactive Hyndburn Council has fined around 50 people during daylight hours for failing to clear up after their pets. This is a very expensive sledge hammer to take to a doggie style walnut whip.

* Listen with Mother on radio and Watch with Mother on television were a great success in the 50's and 60's and are fondly remembered by many.

Later....

Weather to go out.

2012-01-31T09:16:00.000Z

I can't make my mind up "weather" to go out.

Scattered snow showers and freezing temperatures are on the way forecasters have warned. The Met Office has upgraded its cold weather alert to Level 3, stating that there was a 100% probability of "severe" conditions across most of England this week. According to the Met Office temperatures will drop to as low as -6C (21.2F) on Wednesday and on Thursday, when daytime maximums will be no more than 3C (37.4F). Severe weather warnings for ice were also issued for Monday night and Tuesday morning across eastern parts of England and Scotland, and Northern Ireland, south-west England and south Wales.

A high pressure system hanging over Scandinavia and western Russia is pushing raw, easterly winds towards the UK, meaning this will be the longest spell of cold weather so far this winter. The mercury could plummet to as low as -6C in rural parts of south Wales on Tuesday night, and -5C (23F) in Devon.

The minimum temperatures will be -3C (26.6F) and -2C (28.4F) across the country generally.

Another log for the fire me thinks....

Later.....

On Manoeuvres (5)

2012-01-30T09:32:00.000Z

This is one of an occasional series of tips about manoeuvring a narrow-boat on the canals and rivers. There may be other ways to achieve the same result. However, this method has been devised by me and trial and error. (Trial and Error are two of my regular boating companions) Our boat is 50 feet long and has a keel depth of twenty five inches and weighs in at a tad over eighteen tons. The techniques described are intended to help new comers to boating.

If the steering becomes difficult and the tiller is wobbling and shaking much more than normal you may have something wrapped around the propeller or tiller. You may need to take steps to clear the blockage. First flick the propeller into reverse for two or three seconds at low power. Then go into forward again at low power. Do this forward and reverse change a few times. If the problem persists you may need to go down the weed hatch to remove the debris.

Going Down The Weed Hatch or Weed Box.

Remember its safety first everytime.
When going down the weed hatch you must always stop the engine.
You must always remove the key from the ignition.
Wherever possible moor up the boat.
Wash your hands and arms when you finish.

One of the unsung joys of boating is going down into the weed hatch. You will need to stand in the engine room to remove the weed hatch cover and to reach down into the water to feel around the propeller. Items that I have found wrapped round the propeller include jogging bottoms, a coat, a car tyre inner-tube, fishing line, rope, thick and thin wire, carrier bags, plastic sacks, a wet suit, a single wellington, a cushion, an overcoat and a balaclava (sometimes I have even found weed as well). You will always get several different items of debris whenever you pay a visit to the weed hatch. If you have the time, then try and clear all the debris. However if you are drifting along, just clear enough debris to let you restore power and control to the boat. Then move to a place where you can moor up and complete the task.

Pen knives and scissors are as much use as a chocolate fireguard and are no good for clearing debris from a propeller. You will need a good strong folding pruning saw, a good patio knife, hacksaw, pair of strong side cutter pliers and a short strong tapered steel bar (fire poker) in your armoury. You will also need a pair of fabric gloves which can be washed after use.

Folding Pruning Saw with clog free teeth which are sharpened on 3 sides. A comfortable ergonomically designed rubber grip and the blade folds into the handle for easy storage and blade protection. Blade Length: 6 to 8inches. If the blade is to small you will still struggle, if it is to large it will be hard to position correctly.

Patio Knife intended for removing moss and weeds from paved areas and patios will allow you to cut by pulling and twisting rather than sawing.

Side cutter pliers are essential for cutting through wire and heavy duty fishing line. Old mattresses can create havock when they get entangled round the prop and tiller. When it comes to cutting metal side cutters are an essential tool in your armoury.

Low profile hacksaw can come in handy for cutting through items like shopping trolley baskets and bed springs. A hacksaw with a pointed profile is easier to manoeuvre around when working in the weed hatch.

A short steel bar with a pointed end, a bit like a poker used with a stove is useful for being able to leaver strong items into a position wher you can get your pliers or saw.

The last item is a Neodymium recovery magnet so that any metalic objects such as your weed hatch tools can be recovered from the canal. Last year when we were on the leeds liverpool canal we dropped our handcuff key into a lock. With the aid of the recovery magnet we recovered three keys including our own. Cost is about £6 on eBay. A Neodymium recovery magnet will pick up objects - up to around 20kgs in weight.

Tip: 1 Where possible add a small lanyard to your tools that you can pass around your wrist in case you should drop them.

After replacing the weed hatch cover and tightening back in place. You must check that it is seated and sealed properly. So before putting the engine covers back over the engine room. Stand clear of any moving parts. Start the engine, put the propeller into forward and give a short burst of speed, do the same in reverse. If everything looks to be watertight then you can set off again. After a quarter of an hour check again to see if there are any small leaks developing. If you run long enough with a leaking weed hatch you can soon flood the engine room.

Previous On Manoeuvres (1) (2) (3) (4)

Later.....

The Boaters Alphabet (K)

2012-01-30T09:28:00.000Z

This is one of an occasional series of entries into my blog. The "Boaters Alphabet" today's letter is K and is a costal and inland trading boat, the Humber Keel.

The Keel was a common vessel trading along the east coast and on the Humber during the 9th and 10th Centuries. The Keel is unique in this country for preserving the working square rig into the 20th Century. Sailed over a trading ground that was usually along the Humber waterways with the occasional, coastal passage. The Sheffield sized keel being able to travel as far along the navigation the canal basin. The main features of the hull are exceedingly bluff bows, massive lee boards and arched hatch covers.

is for Kiss (Keep It Simple Stupid) a well known principle for keeping life uncomplicated and relaxed. I always try to adhere to the KISS principle. Anything for the quiet life. Now the quiet life has to be earned and so someone has it to do. This time it would seem its my turn.

Now where did I put my book on pipe dreams?

Keel - the center line of a boat running fore and aft, the backbone of a vessel.

Keel - a type of boat.

Knot - a measure of speed equal to one nautical mile or 6076 feet per hour.

Knot - a fastening made to tie a small rope to an object.
Knot - a magnificent wading water bird.
Ketch - a sailboat with a tall main mast and a shorter mizzen mast.
Kill switch - a switch that automatically shuts off a boat engine.

Later.....

Assault and Battery (7)

2012-01-29T01:23:00.001Z

Continued from Assault and Battery (6)

One Item that I missed was the effect on the boats power budget from small battery chargers. Most people have small battery pack chargers used for mobile phones. Often left sat in a socket waiting for the next charge. I was surprised to find that such devices consume power even when disconnected from the phone and in standby mode. It was the same with the television set. Remember to turn such items off. Otherwise whatever power is consumed on standby is a continuous draw on the battery bank.

Another question....

Q1) Why do some battery monitors have to be reset from time to time?

The voltage measured at the battery terminals can be used as a rough indication of the battery’s state of charge. However, if a more accurate figure is required then we need to monitor the battery much more carefully.

A battery monitoring system is the most accurate way to monitor a battery’s condition with regard to charge and available capacity. Some battery monitoring systems are quite simple and just measure the terminal voltage and any current (amps) flowing out of the battery. This only gives a reading for a specific moment in time. Other more expensive systems are capable of monitoring the number of amps flowing in (charging) and out (discharging) over time. In other words we are monitoring and recording the battery ampere hour performance.

So over time the battery monitor measures the charging and discharging cycle. Keeping a running total of what has gone in during the charge and what has been removed at discharge. The problem is that a battery's capacity to deliver amps changes with how much current is being drawn from the battery over time. If we have a fully charged 100ah battery and we draw 10 amps for four hours we should have in theory have a reserve of 60ah left. However if we discharge 40 amps for one hour we should have the same 60ah left in reserve. The reality is that at a higher discharge rate the capacity left will be much less and maybe as low as 30ah. Whilst after discharging at the lower 10 amp rate. The remaining capacity might be as much as 50ah. Another problem is that as batteries age, their capacity diminishes. So our 100ah battery when new, a year later may only hold 90ah when fully charged.

The reason for the reduced capacity at a high discharge rate is the rate of change of the chemical process inside the battery cannot keep up with the demand. This is highlighted when the terminal voltage goes low. A battery discharged at a very high rate which is then subjected to a lower rate of discharge can recover some of its lost capacity again over time. This is as the chemical process catches up again (called reforming) and can only occur where a reduced amount of power is being discharged. Conversely, a battery that is discharged at a slower rate of discharge will be able to convert over time much more of the chemical process into available capacity.

Now the monitoring problem becomes even more complex because we are unlikely to maintain a steady flow of amps out of a battery. As items switch on and off - such as a fridge, a water pump or any other intermittent electrical item. The amount of discharge is going to vary over time. As we run the engine the rate of charge is going to change over time. A lead acid battery charging efficiency is poor. As the battery ages the efficiency will diminish even further. Our battery monitoring system will become more and more out of synchronisation over time.

When a battery is charged or discharged efficiency losses occur. We have to put more in, say as much as 30% and we get less capacity out which could be around 40% loss over the life of the battery. So there could be a 70% charging efficiency and a 60% discharging efficiency over time. But we don't need to monitor how efficient our batteries are unless they are nearing the end of their life.

So periodically we need to reset the monitoring system to a known condition. Opinion on how often this reset charge should happen is open to conjecture. I try to do mine about once a month for no other reason than I try to remember to do it at the start of each month.

The only way we can do that is to give the battery a complete recharge. However, when doing this full charge. It would be a good idea to go through the three main conditions of charging. Bulk charge, Absorption charge, Float charge which is sometimes confused with the Equalising charge.

Bulk Charge is when the battery is charged at the full available charge current.

Absorption Charge is when charging is current limited to charge the battery at a slower rate to prevent the chemical process from gassing. The current going into the battery will steadily decrease as the battery reaches its fully charged state.

Float Charge is when the battery is maintained at a lower fixed voltage to compensate for any slight discharge.

Equalising Charge. Batteries will reach their fully equalised state, when float charged a long period of time. However, after your battery is fully charged, you can perform an equalising charge by allowing the battery charging voltage rise to 15.5v for three or four hours. The equalising charge allows individual cells in a battery that are not taking a full charge for some reason. An additional small charge time at an elevated voltage to recover to full charge capacity. This is not to be confused with overcharging a battery with a cheap automotive battery charger.

The more expensive battery monitors also have what is called "system event logging". They can record whenever certain types of events occur. Such as a full discharge of the battery. Or you may be able to set an alarm for when a certain monitored event occurs. Say a discharge below a fixed level. Or if current is being drawn out of the battery above a certain level.

So when I say a "reset" charge I don't mean a hard reset of the battery monitoring electronics. There is usually a combination of buttons to press to let the battery monitor know when the battery is fully charged. The battery monitor is then resynchronised to 100% capacity once more.

There are several battery monitoring systems available. From the very simple to the very complex. From the cheap and cheerful to the expensive techno toy!

On Rosie I use the victron BMV501 battery monitor. The data used by the BMV 501 is monitored to an accuracy better than 0,5 % and, employing Peukert’s formula, account is taken of the reduction of effective capacity of the battery when the discharge current increases. An optional temperature sensor helps to further improve accuracy where wide temperature variation is expected.

The standard display includes:
Battery voltage.
Battery charge/discharge current.
State of charge of the battery: in Ah or as a percentage.
Time to go: the time until the battery is flat at the current rate of discharge.
Battery temperature

The BMV 501 also records data of the performance and use of the battery:
Adjustable over and under voltage alarm settings.
Average depth of discharge.
The deepest discharge that occurred.
Number of charge/discharge cycles.
Number of times that the battery has been fully recharged.
Number of complete discharges.
Number of times that the under-voltage alarm has been triggered.
Number of times that the over-voltage alarm has been triggered.

A simple battery voltage monitor is the BEP Marine. This stylish, high-quality panel mount analogue voltmeter will help you to keep a close eye on your batteries and charging systems. Suitable for 12v systems only, it is colour coded for easy reference.

Another simple on is a Durite simple analogue voltmeter. Ideal for keeping an eye on your batteries and charging system. Features a backlight, suitable for vehicle or marine use and require a 53mm diameter hole for mounting. Available in 12V or 24V.

BM1 The BM-1 is designed to monitor the state of charge of lead acid battery systems with capacities of between 5 and 600 amp hours. With a simple, four-button operation, the unit continuously monitors voltage, the charging or discharging current, and the accumulated Ampere-hours taken from the battery bank. It also predicts the time remaining to full charge or discharge of the battery bank.

The Victron BMV-600S is Victrons newest high precision battery monitor. The essential function of a battery monitor is to calculate ampere-hours consumed and the state of charge of a battery. Ampere-hours consumed are calculated by integrating the current flowing in or out of the battery.

Xantrex LinkLITE battery monitor can measure currents up to 1,000Amps. It selectively displays voltage, charge and discharge current, consumed amorphous and remaining battery capacity. It is equipped with an internal programmable alarm relay, to run a generator when needed or to turn off devices when the battery voltage exceeds programmable boundaries. Description Defining the amount of energy available in a battery is a complex task since battery age, discharge current and temperature all influence the actual battery capacity. High performance measuring circuits, along with complex software algorithms, are used to exactly determine the remaining battery capacity.

SmartGauge battery monitor. Super simple installation, highly accurate state of charge meter. Cannot run out of synchronisation with the batteries. Volts display, Charge Status (percentage), user programmable alarm functions, interface to the SmartBank split charge control system.

The Sterling Power Management Panel is a combined instrument including four volt meters, four amp meters and one amp hour counter. All voltages, amps and amp hours can be monitored on a central LCD display. Because the current is measured via shunts, the heavy cables required for conventional in-line amp meters are not necessary. This ensures minimum cable usage, low voltage drops in the connections and less Radio Frequency Interference and Electromagnetic Interference around the instrument panel.

Previously Assault and Battery (1)

Previously Assault and Battery (2)

Previously Assault and Battery (3)

Previously Assault and Battery (4)

Previously Assault and Battery (5)

Previously Assault and Battery (6)

Later.....

The Boaters Alphabet (J)

2012-01-29T01:23:00.000Z

This is one of an occasional series of entries into my blog. The "Boaters Alphabet" today's letter is J and is a Jetty. A landing point, projecting out from the shore. Also called a mole, pontoon, dock, pier, quay or breakwater. Usually a place to moor a boat to give ease of access. The Spiral Jetty is the work of American sculptor Robert Smithson. It is an earthwork built of mud, basalt and earth, it forms a 1,500-foot-long 15-foot-wide anti-clockwise coil.

is for the joy I get from spending time on the boat. Watching nature slowly glide past. Ducks and Geese with new broods in tow. A sudden flash of blue, followed by a piecing whistle from a Kingfisher flying inches above the surface. Soon to be seen sat on a branch low to the water. Like me he is eagerly watching and waiting. A sudden dart and a small splash. Back to the branch, and a quick side to side movement as a small fish is dashed unconscious. Another meal for a brood of hungry chicks huddled and hidden at the end of a bank side tunnel. Like the Kingfisher, its not an easy life just watching and waiting. Its a difficult pastime. However, someone has it to do and today its my turn.

Wine or beer another difficult choice!

Jacobs Ladder - a rope ladder.
Jack plate - a mounting device for an outboard motor.
Jet Ski - a boat powered by a water-pump used to create propulsion.
Jib - a triangular sail projecting ahead of the mast.
Jibe - a change of course so the sail boom swings over to the opposite side.

Later.....

Amazon Kindle on board your boat.

2012-01-28T00:01:00.003Z

I have an Amazon Kindle, it replaces a large number of books on the boat and at the same time saving space. The Memsahib also owns a Kindle she likes to have her own rather than share. There are some interesting things you can do with a Kindle. One of them is to read your favourite blogs. It’s a nice way to read favourite blogs on-the-go, although the blog images are black-and-white and video is not available.

You can even get paid to have your blog published on the Kindle. You are not going to make enough to retire, but little acorns. Amazon launched its Kindle Publishing for Blogs program just for this purpose. You might need to think through how your blog will look in black-and-white.

If you are thinking about buying a Kindle, look for a secondhand one. For some time, the Kindle has featured an experimental browser that lets you access the web for free. It's clunky, but it can prove a godsend for boaters with the 3G edition of the Kindle who need to access email or other urgent information in locations with no Wi-Fi. From the newest Kindles onward, however, 3G web access will be restricted to Wikipedia and the Kindle Store only. No Gmail, no BBC News, no Twitter. To access those sites on the Kindle, you'll need to be connected to a Wi-Fi network. On the bright side, though, existing Kindle users, who own what Amazon is now calling the Kindle Keyboard, get as much 3G use as they want. The company said: "Our Kindle Keyboard 3G will continue to offer experimental web browsing over 3G or Wi-Fi."

You can also place copies of wanted documents on your Kindle. Think about the paper stuff you leave behind at home that you might need to refer to. You can convert these documents to display on your Kindle. These are Kindle's native file formats that require no conversion, Kindle (.AZW), Text (.TXT), Unprotected Mobipocket (.MOBI, .PRC) Audible (.AA) MP3 (.MP3). HTML files can be renamed to .TXT and display quite well on the Kindle. Most of the time I just copy and paste what I want to read into Notepad and then email the file to my Kindle. There are free programs that will take any multi-column Word or PDF file and format them to read on the Kindle.

With Kindle Personal Documents Service, you can send your personal documents to your registered Kindle devices, at your Send-to-Kindle e-mail address. Send to Kindle for PC is a free application that lets you easily send your personal documents to your registered Kindle devices, (Your Send-to-Kindle e-mail address is a unique e-mail address assigned to your Kindle device.) from your personal computer. You can send your documents using Windows Explorer or from any Windows application that allows you to print. Send to Kindle for PC is available for download at www.amazon.com/sendtokindle.

There are thousands of free books on every topic under the sun that can be downloaded onto your Kindle. Even the Amazon site has lots of free downloads. There are other sites where members take out of copyright books and convert to a format suitable for the Kindle. You can even download audio books to listen all played through your Kindle. Laid awake, and the other half is sleeping soundly. You don't want to disturb them by turning on a light to read - listen to a kind book at bedtime!

You can play what I call sensible games like sudoku and if games do not float your boat how about downloading crossword puzzles on your Kindle. Family photographs can be displayed on your Kindle but only in black-and-white.

There are many possibilities for the Kindle, its a great device to experiment with. I am working on a series of Kindle canal and river cruising files with, photographs, points of interest, maps and texts. Similar to the printed canal navigation guides. However the versions will be able to be updated section by section. People will be able to contribute their own content into the guides for sharing with others. You page through the file on a section by section basis. say, lock to lock, junction to junction, town to town or by points of interest.

Some of the posts on the blog have been part of the Kindle conversion experiment. First to see what they look like when web browsed from the Kindle. And when converted directly for reading on the Kindle. When they are completed, I shall be giving them away for free. I'm also working on converting the Rosie blog into an eBook - done on a year by year basis. Again I shall be giving the eBooks away for free.

Later.....

They are a load of bankers

2012-01-27T00:04:00.075Z

The new CEO Stephen Hester of the (83% owned by the public) Royal Bank of Scotland earns £1,200,000 a year. His bonus this year is £963,000 of bank shares. Down from a £2,000,000 in bank shares bonus from last year. His pension pot has not been disclosed. So that's a cool £40,348.61 per week.

However will Hestor be able to manage.

Stop Press.
Sir Philip Hampton, chairman of Royal Bank of Scotland, has turned down £1.4m in shares, in stark contrast to the position taken by his chief executive on bonuses. Sir Philip was awarded 5.17m shares on top of his salary. Sir Philip’s decision to sacrifice it comes at a difficult time for the bank, with its chief executive Stephen Hester awarded a near £1m bonus on top of his £1.2m salary.

Stop Press.
Stephen Hester has now turned down the award of a near £1m bonus.

Stop Press.
It was revealed yesterday that £35.54m and counting is the total remuneration package so far that Mr Hester has received since joining RBS in 2008.

Hesters previous experience was as CEO of British Land with a property portfolio including a large amount of property (£4.1 billion) which has been purchased from and leased back to major retailers such as Tesco, Sainsbury's, House of Fraser and Asda. British Land has also been involved in Broadgate, since 1984 which is one of the largest development projects in London and is still incomplete. In October 2011, the company was placed in the number one position on a list of FTSE 100 companies that use tax havens for their operations.

More than 100 senior bank executives at the Royal Bank of Scotland were paid more than £1 million each in late 2010. The CEO Stephen Hester got £8 million in payments for the year. Total bonus payouts reached nearly £1 billion. The bailed-out bank reported losses of £1.1 billion for 2010. The bankers were getting their bonuses, because the 2010 figure was an improvement on the loss of £3.6 billion in 2009 and the record-breaking £24.1bn loss in 2008. The bonuses for all other staff in 2010 topped £950 million.

Are you feeling the pinch, could you do with a pay rise? Are you retired, and your pension pot is leaving life a bit on the frugal side? Been given the run around by your bank whilst the bankers enjoy another round of huge bonuses once again?

Feel that there is not much you can do about it - or is there?

Do you remember Nicholas "Nick" Leeson a former derivatives broker whose speculative trading caused the collapse of Barings Bank, the United Kingdom's oldest investment bank. Leeson made speculative trades that at first made large profits for Barings. Of around £10 million, which accounted for 10% of Barings' annual income. He earned a bonus of £130,000 on his salary of £50,000 for that year.

Nicholas "Nick" Leeson paid the price and was sent to prison.

Contrast that with Sir Frederick "Fred the Shred" Goodwin. In October 2008, Goodwin officially announced his resignation as Chief Executive of Royal Bank of Scotland and to go into early retirement, effective just a month before RBS announced that its 2008 loss alone totalled £24.1bn, the largest annual loss in UK corporate history. His image was not enhanced by the news that emerged in questioning by the Treasury Select Committee of the House of Commons in 2009, that Goodwin has no technical bank training, and has no formal banking qualifications.

Sir Fred the Shred was also paid a price, a £703,000 pension.

Goodwin's pension entitlement was a fund of £8. However it had been doubled, to a notional fund of £16m. Lord Myners revealed that the reason Goodwin's pension was so large was that RBS treated him as having joined the pension scheme from age 20 instead of 40, when he actually joined.

Following negotiation an agreement was reached between RBS and Goodwin to reduce his pension to £342,500 a year after he took £2.7m tax-free lump sum. The agreement followed the completion of RBS' "internal inquiry" into Goodwin's conduct, which found no wrong-doing.

In 2010 Fred bought footballer Graeme Souness's former home. In 2011, Goodwin moved out of the home after being asked to leave by his wife. The move followed media revelations of an extra-marital affair with a colleague at the Royal Bank of Scotland.

So Fred was even sticking it to his colleagues so to speak!

An ePetition approved by No 10 to ensure that honours are awarded for "public services" only is available for signature here if you support the sentiments expressed in it.

It is of course right that persons who have given outstanding service to the nation and or their local communities, or charities, should be recognised for achievements and dedication. However the current system of honours seems rather antiquated. References to the "British Empire" may not still be relevant, or even appropriate, today. The same might apply to the creation of new hereditary titles, since the honour is bestowed for personal achievement, not that of one's ancestors. Finally the system of selection should show some transparency, and must not be open to abuse for political ends.

However, if you feel that Goodwin and others should be taken to task about their actions. An ePetition approved by No 10 is available for signature here if you support the sentiments expressed in it

An ePetition requesting the government to investigate all banks and bankers that caused this financial meltdown in the uk, and then to bring criminal charges against them, so they can then be tried by the courts with a jury of there peers and if they are found guilty then they should face at least 10 years jail time.

There is a rich seam of ePetitions on the same subject here is a small selection.

An ePetition approved by No 10, Ban Bankers Bonuses here

An ePetition approved by No 10, Make Bankers Pay here

An ePetition approved by No 10, Tax The Bankers Bonuses here

An ePetition approved by No 10, Bankers Bonuses To Go To Charity here

An ePetition approved by No 10, Bring Bankers to Justice here

If I was to create an ePetition it would go something like this:

We the undersigned petition the government to arrest all bankers and British Waterways senior executives. After a "Mugabe in Harare" style show trial with level guilt being measured on the level of pay, pension and bonus compared to the statutory minimum wage. To resurrect the principals of Judge Jeffrey's. By re-introducing the penalty of transportation to to penal servitude on the Island of Rockall for those found guilty of minor offences. Those found guilty of more serious breaches of the law it will be transportation to penal servitude for life in the Falkland Islands working on penguin counting research.

Jeffreys' notoriety comes from his actions, after Monmouth's Rebellion. Jeffreys was sent to the West Country to conduct the trials of captured rebels. The trials, later known as the "Bloody Assizes", Jeffreys issued sentences to defendants. About 300 were executed, and between 800 and 900 were transported to the West Indies.

Rockall is an extremely small, uninhabited, remote rocky islet in the North Atlantic Ocean. The United Kingdom declared Rockall to be part of Inverness-shire, under the terms of the Island of Rockall Act 1972.

A story about how banking works.

Young Fred bought a donkey from a farmer for £100. The farmer agreed to deliver the donkey the next day. The next day he drove up and said, 'Sorry son, but I have some bad news. The donkey's died.' Fred replied, 'Well then just give me my money back.' The farmer said, 'Can't do that. I've already spent it.' Fred said, 'OK, then, just bring me the dead donkey.' The farmer asked, 'What are you going to do with him?' Fred said, 'I'm going to raffle him off.' The farmer said, 'You can't raffle a dead donkey!' Fred said, 'Sure I can. Watch me. I just won't tell anybody he's dead.'

A month later, the farmer met up with Fred and asked, 'What happened with that dead donkey?' Fred said, 'I raffled him off. I sold 500 tickets at £2 each and made a profit of £898' The farmer said, 'Didn't anyone complain?' Fred said, 'Just the woman who won. So I gave her the £2 back.

Sir Fred the Shred, has now retired from the Royal Bank of Scotland .

Later.....

The Boaters Alphabet (I)

2012-01-27T00:02:00.000Z

03This is one of an occasional series of entries into my blog. The "Boaters Alphabet" today's letter is I and is an Inlet. A small narrow waterway leading to a sheltered haven a safe place to moor.

is for Images of the early canal builders. The Industrial revolution that the digging of canals kickstarted. Today these images are just faded picture's that hark back to an Important time in our history. Now we only glide pass the remains of that old heritage. The canals bear silent testimony of the days of the number one and the engineering skills of the old navigators. Many interesting places to visit with some to tarry for a while. Someone has it to do, it is not easy, this time its my turn.

Inboard - toward the center of a vessel and a type of motor fitted inside a boat.
Inglefield - a clip for attaching a flag to a halyard.

Inflatable - a dinghy or raft that can be filled with air.

Later....

Are you up for being a CaRT volunteer?

2012-01-26T08:36:00.000Z

After a recent ruling by three judges that a Citizens Advice Bureau volunteer is not covered by employment law because they did not have a contract of employment and was not being paid. He or she also did not qualify for protection under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and the associated European Framework Directive.

What this has done is to create a situation where a volunteer may or may not be covered for any of the usual protection from third party liabilities. Such as getting hurt whilst volunteering. Or causing an accident. Remember the old adage - where there is a blame there is a claim. Who meets the claim, the charity or the volunteer.

The decision was welcomed by the Association of Volunteer Managers. If the appeal had been allowed, they argued, it would potentially have created a huge financial burden for many charities and deterred them from taking on volunteers.

What this means is that having to pay out for such liabilities cover would cost to much.

Paul Michell, the barrister who successfully represented the CAB, recognises that the outcome does not leave a satisfactory state of affairs. "If volunteers are not protected under employment and occupation directives, then how are they protected? That is the next question."

Rob Jackson, director of development and innovation at VE, said it was pleased with the Court of Appeal's decision. "We don't think volunteering is the same as paid work. Making it so would create another set of problems. It would put up barriers to volunteering when we're trying to encourage more of it."

Kate Bowgett, Association of Volunteer Managers, also thinks the appeal court got it right. Volunteers she says, "don't exist legally".

That means that a volunteer is on their own. There is no such thing as an acceptable legal definition of a volunteer. Other than a volunteer does not exist.

Mark Restall, a consultant on volunteer management and author of Volunteers and the Law, agrees with Bowgett. "A few years ago I would have said volunteers needed a better defined status. But now I feel that the status quo is better. At the moment it's based on mutual trust, and any legal changes would risk making it something different - almost a sub-category of employment."

Restall also cautions against anything that might look to an employment tribunal like a contract or a form of payment. "They will look at whether something of value has been offered or exchanged. This can be anything over and above direct reimbursement for expenses." He says that even giving volunteers a flat rate to cover potential expenses or offering them perks such as discounts at a charity shop could be seen as payment. "The problem is that we don't know for sure about lots of issues, but we only ever do when it comes up in a tribunal case, and there's only been a small number of them".

The appellant in the CAB case in the appeal court did not have a contract with the CAB, but she had been given a volunteer agreement. This was described in court as "binding in honour only ... and not a contract of employment or legally binding".

Victoria Willson, a solicitor at Levenes Employment, which specialises in the third sector, says that such a document or a letter can be helpful. "It should say that they are a volunteer. It shouldn't be too prescriptive, though. Make it clear that the arrangements do not impose any obligations to do the volunteering and avoid using employment law terminology - for example, 'disciplinary' and 'grievances'."

Would you still volunteer after reading the above?

Read more Here - Here and Here

Later.....

The Boaters Alphabet (H)

2012-01-26T08:34:00.001Z

This is one of an occasional series of entries into my blog. The "Boaters Alphabet" today's letter is H and is a Hitch. The hitch is not a boating problem, hitch is a boating knot. The hitch knot is used to secure a rope to another object or to another rope, or to form a loop or a noose in a rope.There are a large number of knots used in boating sometimes used for mooring up or joining two ropes together.

is for happy a time when the first flowers of spring arrive. A time for planning a long cruise on the river. The frost and ice have gone and fresh shoots of grass hide the first daisy of spring. Happy hour is the bouquet of a glass of white wine and the heady bouquet of spring. Its a hard job, someone has it to do. Today it is my turn.

Now where did I put my glass!

Haven - A safe anchorage.
Hatch - An opening in a boat's deck fitted with a watertight cover.
Head - A marine toilet.
Heading - The direction in which a vessel's bow points at any given time.
Headway - The forward motion of a boat.
Heather - Blogmiester on Nb Takey Tezey
Helm - The wheel or tiller controlling the rudder.
Helmsman - The person who steers the boat.
Hold - A compartment below deck in a large vessel, used solely for carrying cargo.
Hull - The main body of a vessel.

Later.....

Was Thatcher an equal to Churchill

2012-01-25T01:31:00.003Z

In the Daily Torygraph, there was an interesting piece by the journalist Peter Oborne about secret plans which are being made to give the doyen of the unthinking classes "Milk Snatcher" Margaret Thatcher, a state funeral. Apparently the proposal to give her a state funeral did not originate from the Conservative party, but it was the brainchild of Gordon Brown, the former New Labour prime minister. Now, I know that Winston Churchill had a state funeral and I believe that his service to the country deserved that. How anyone could think that Thatcher was an equal to Churchill beats me!

According to Oborne, "Secret discussions have been taking place without public debate to give Thatcher a big public send off at the taxpayers' expense, at a time when public services are being cut along with state benefits and people losing their jobs. Oborne argues against giving her a state funeral which he believes would insult "many honest patriotic people".

A number of petitions have been set up including "No state funeral for Thatcher" which when I last checked had attracted 8,602 signatures. It can be found here.

In Oborne's article he refers to a letter from David Farham, a former miner who wrote to his local newspaper 'The Shields Gazette'. It is worth quoting: "I am proud to say I was on strike for 12 months in the 1984-85 strike, when Thatcher used the full might of the state to defeat us. I would stand on a picket line now if it would prevent her having a state funeral. She had a near-pathological hatred of trade unions, and referred to us as the 'enemy within', but what did we do that was so treacherous? We struck to prevent pit closures and to protect jobs, with disastrous consequences. Look at the former pit villages which she left devastated."

Thatcher left Downing Street in 1990, propelled out of office by her fellow conservatives. However she continues to receive allowances from the taxpayer under the 'public duties cost allowance'. Despite her mental and physical infirmity, she has received £535,000 from the taxpayer for costs incurred from performing these infrequent public duties. To offer the woman who was one of the most divisive leaders in modern times, (A woman who destroyed the livelihoods of thousands of British working people. A megalomaniac who openly admired, the Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet.) a state funeral, would be an outrage to public decency and a slur on the state funeral ethos.

No contest, Thatcher never will be an equal of Churchill. ... Just say No!

Later.....

On Manoeuvres (4)

2012-01-25T01:02:00.001Z

This is one of an occasional series of postings about manoeuvring a narrow-boat on the canals and rivers. There may be other ways to achieve the same result. However, the method I employ has been devised or adapted by me using trial and error. (Trial and Error are two of my regular boating companions) Our boat is a semi-traditional in style and just over 50 feet long. Rosie has a keel depth of twenty five inches and weighs in at a tad over eighteen tons. The techniques described are intended to help new comers to boating and the forgetful like me! However, if you have crew available they can still assist when things get difficult by keeping quiet and not offering their advice.

Passing another boat.

When you meet a boat coming the other way, each boat should gradually move a little bit away from the centre of the canal. Each boat should take up a position leaving a few feet of clearance. You will pass the other craft with the on-coming boat on your left hand side. In shallow water when you move closer to the edge, you can slow down the engine to reduce the risk of your propeller being damaged by any debris on the bottom. This also has the effect of raising the stern a little in the water. Do not reduce the engine power to the point where you loose steering. You may need to make short busts of power to help with steering. Observe the bank side vegetation and try to adjust your speed and position so that you pass each other well clear of any overhanging obstructions such as tree branches.

When passing moored boats, slow down so that your movement does not cause other boats to rock in the water. It can be a bit disconcerting when moored up, to find your lunch suddenly sliding around on the table.

Sometimes you will be passing moored boats and meet another craft coming the other way. The passing will leave much reduced clearances. Sometimes in this scenario it is much better for one boat to slow down and hug the bank. In this case the one closest to the moored boats will keep moving as it is closest to the centre of the canal. The one furthest away will slow down and hug the bank and if necessary be prepared to stop.

When approaching a bridge where it is difficult to see beyond, sound one long blast on your horn. If as you approach a bridgehole you hear a long horn blast be prepared to stop. When meeting a boat at a bridge hole, the nearest boat has priority. (On rivers, the boat coming downstream has right of way.) Be prepared to slowdown or stop at bridge holes. Murphy's law states that in mile after mile of empty canal, passing boats will always meet in a bridgehole. Wherever possible I try to adjust my speed so that I don't need to stop the boat from moving forward whilst some other boat negotiates the bridgehole.

Remember a boat that is not under power is drifting, when drifting you have no steering. You are a bit like a car on ice, you can turn the steering but little change of direction if any will happen.

When passing a boat you will find that the boats will be pushed apart slightly as they pass. Be prepared to make any fine adjustments to the tiller as you pass. The amount that boats are drawn towards or away from each other will depend on how deep the water is. In shallow water a passing boat may draw away enough water from under your boat to leave you sliding along on the bottom for a few seconds.

When passing through restricted bridge holes the boat will noticeably slow down until you are clear of the restriction. You are squeezing your boat through a narrow gap and the water in front is trying to find its way past you, down the sides and underneath to get to the propeller.

Now for overtaking, because I am never in a hurry, I tend not to overtake other boats. If I catch up with another boat, I tend to slow down to match their speed. But there are rare occasions when the boat ahead is moving very slowly when an overtake might happen. I wait until I have a good view of the canal ahead and then give a toot on the horn to indicate to the boat ahead what I am doing. Sometimes the boat ahead will be encouraged to speed up. When this happens I just fall in behind again. Most often the boat ahead will pull to one side and give you more room to manoeuvre. My preferred method to overtake a slower boat on the wider canals is to pass whilst saharing a lock if there are any around. You get to meet people and enjoy a short chat. Suggest to them whist chatting that you will be the first boat out of the lock and that you will set the next lock ahead.

From time to time check what's happening behind you. If a boat is catching you up, its a good idea to move over and reduce your speed to let the other boat pass with the minimum of fuss and minimum of distance travelled. Wave the boat behind on, when the canal ahead is clear and you are ready to move over.

Previous On Manoeuvres (1) (2) (3)

Later....

Driving licence for a boat.

2012-01-24T14:53:00.000Z

Today for some reason - maybe it was complete boredom - I started to look at my driving documents. The green counter part was interesting as my three "brownie points" for being a bit swift (36 mph in a 30 mph zone) had now reached their 4th birthday. I know, they last for three years, but you can only have them removed after 4 years, no I don't understand why either!

However, it was not that that made the tea come down my nose - When I looked at my plastic credit card style part of the licence. It had expired. Merde! DVLA will tell you if your car tax is due, but they say nada, zilch, SFA if your licence expires. The green part of your licence is current up to the age of 70. However the plastic bit only lasts for ten years. My plastic bit ran out about two weeks ago. Now I'm not sure how PC plod would view this, or if I had a bump how my insurance would view this dire crime. But I think I could hazard a good guess.

Apparently, the penalty is up to £1000 if your plastic licence has lapsed. So, I went to the Post Office for a D1 form, the nice lady said that they did not supply the forms any more - but she happened to have one left over. If you request one from the DVLA on-line, it is a 10 day turn-around.

However, rather than risk driving without the plastic bit, when you submit the D1 form - do it at a local DVLA centre (the ones the government is busy trying to close down to save money) as they will then photocopy your licence and then stamp it with the DVLA proof of submission stamp. Oh! don't forget to give them a £20 note as a fee. Now you can drive once again. Simples! You also have to send with the application two passport sized photographs. You can update your driving licence on-line but only if you have a new electronic passport, (now costs £77.50 I've just done that today as well, when I checked it, my passport had run out.) So now I am back behind the wheel, and hundred pounds lighter in the wallet.

I'm glad that I don't have to have a driving licence for the boat. Oops, that's a possible revenue raiser for those lovely people at CaRT to spring onto us!

Later.....

Birds of prey being persecuted!

2012-01-23T14:56:00.000Z

We took the dogs out this morning end enjoyed a two hour stroll around the Old Moor Nature reserve. The highlight of the walk was watching a Buzzard doing lazy circles in the sky over Cat Hill and disappearing off into the distance. I think most of you who read my blog will know that I am a conservationist with an interest in Bats and also an RSPB volunteer. So is should come as no surprise for me to ask if you will add your name to an ePetition. The petition is to ask DEFRA to Introduce the offence of vicarious liability for raptor persecution in England. (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.)

DEFRA Scotland in recognising that those who persecute birds of prey, frequently do so at the direction of their employers or others with vested interests. DEFRA in Scotland has just introduced an offence of vicarious liability, the purpose of which is to bring those parties to justice.

This petition calls on the government to introduce an offence of vicarious liability to bring to justice those who direct or turn a blind eye to raptor persecution in England.

As an indication of how bad thing are, in the last year only four pairs of Hen Harriers successfully reared chicks in England, fourteen peregrine falcon territories failed on grouse moors in Lancashire's Forest of Bowland, and only one successful Goshawk nest was recorded in the Derwent Valley, Derbyshire. Current legislation is not enough to deter those who break the law and destroy our heritage; the introduction of vicarious liability would hit those directing the slaughter.

You can add your name to the governments ePetition here.

The petition is for British citizens or residents only. At present the petition has some 5,600 signatures. A minimum of 100,000 signatures are required by November 2012 in order to trigger a response from the responsible government department (DEFRA).

Later....

Fat cats and volunteers.

2012-01-23T00:06:00.000Z

Most people are aware that the top few at BW are enjoying a remuneration package well beyond their capabilities. With redundancies planned to help raise their bonuses and their pension provision. However, they are not alone in the melee circling round the trough.

Ta daa!......

News on the CaRT volunteering front comes by way of a picture from a recent training event. Here the volunteers pay strict attention as they learn about division of duty and the team leader structure that will soon be in place.

The team leader is demonstrating the use of the CaRT supplied volunteers spade. Now that BW has sold off all the tools and other assets, the volunteers are required to bring their own. A search of local back garden sheds by the ~~ASBO~~ volunteers is expected later this evening.

Billy Bob has brought along a green water container which he will leave on the towpath for other volunteers to use. Jim Bo has brought along a brown water container to be used in place of the sold Portaloo. This container will also be left on the towpath for future use. Swampy Sid has brought along a cold liquid lunch that he hopes he will not be leaving along the towpath, but will eventually end up in the canal.

Later....

The Boaters Alphabet (G)

2012-01-23T00:04:00.000Z

This is one of an occasional series of entries into my blog. The "Boaters Alphabet" today's letter is G and is for the boats Galley.

is for the Galley known to land lubbers the world over as the kitchen. A very important area on the boat. A place where the "assistant lock slave" can be found as she prepares a meal for the crew. Its a hard life, someone has it to do, today it is her turn.

Put the kettle on my love, now where did I put my slippers.

Gangway - The area of a ship's side where people board and disembark.

Gear - A general term for ropes, blocks, tackle and other equipment.

Grab Rail - Hand-hold fittings mounted on cabin tops and sides for personal safety when moving around the boat.

Gunwale - The upper edge of a boat's sides.

Later...

Cooking up more crap for TV.

2012-01-22T15:25:00.001Z

One of the reasons for spending time away on the boat is to get away from the media madness that has befallen television and the country. This is nothing new, its been around and growing for a good few years.

Let me give you an example, take television cookery programs. Every now and then someone comes up with a format for a new “style” of program. The reality is that the program is nothing new. Its the same-old – same-old stuff from before. Just repackaged and some third rate presenter fronts the program. But then the imitators jump onto the band waggon and soon its regurgitated ad nauseam.

Take, cookery programs and the euphemistic “celebrity chef”. In reality at best a kitchen cook who has become well known by presenting cookery advice and demonstrations via the mass media, of television.

You can go back to the earliest days of television and there were the old stalwarts in the shape of Philip Harben, instantly recognisable by his educated accent, expansive manner, ample girth, neatly trimmed beard and in his trademark black and white striped apron.

At the same time there was Marguerite Patten, who delivered in the style of a home economics lesson. With her approach to cookery that included teaching essential knowledge and skills needed in the kitchen. All done with knowledge and character. Just like your Granny and with the same sort of appeal.

A time of good wholesome no nonsense television, now seemingly lost forever.

The first of the usurpers were Johnnie and Fanny Cradock who performed their unique brand of comedy cookery with a monocle and tails and she in an evening gown, dangling earrings, pearls and bouffant hair. John Walsh of the Independent said about Fanny “She had mad glittering eyes, the face of a supercilious horse, the maquillage of a French clown and demeanour of a woman in constant search of an argument. Fanny Cradock appealed to British audiences: her certainty, perhaps, her bossiness, her air of innate superiority, as if she were a grande dame condescending to offer cookery tips to the great unwashed. She was a howling snob, a scold and a terrible mother but, for 20 years from the mid-1950s to 1976, she was the queen of British cuisine.”

I trained my dog not to beg at the table. How did I do that. I let her taste my cooking.

Graham Kerr's "The Galloping Gourmet" The origin of his 'Galloping Gourmet' nickname was the result of a worldwide trek to the finest restaurants around the globe. The title was echoed in the opening of each episode of his original series, filmed in front of a live audience, where Kerr entered the stage area by running in and leaping over a chair in the dining room set.

No longer did we dads have to sit with our kids watching Rainbow just to drool over Jane Tucker, as we sat through the pain of Bungle, Geoffrey and George. I have never liked Justin Lee Collins, but he is one lucky son of a bitch. Justin meets Jane Did you know that Jane married Rod, but now she lives with Freddy. You could not concoct a better dish!

But I digress.

Cookery programs progressed to following the usual trend by adding a bit of eye candy in the form of the thinking man’s cook Delia Smith. Who in fulfilling the dream ticket for the modern man, was also football focused. A cook who loved football and maybe loved the football a bit more. Her choice of team left a bit to be desired, but she was a woman!

Keith Floyd became well known for cooking with a glass of wine in one hand, often in unusual locations. Keith was the unthinking woman's cup of tea. Floyd was regarded as a pioneer of taking cooking programmes out of the studio. Floyd went on to present his shows from around the world, including France, Spain, Italy, India, Australia and the US, cooking on location in his unique and very chaotic style. Driven by his exuberant passion for good food, good wine and a good time. It was Floyd's wine-fuelled flamboyance that viewers loved.

But now the cooking plot like a bad soup thickens to a paste. The concept of cooking had been boiled, fried and char grilled to death by the lack lustre producers. So the new format would have to be the old sex angle.

No one is ever going to complain about having one of these in their lunchbox, and they're pretty handy to have around in a kitchen as well. Renowned for her flirtatious manner of presenting, Nigella Lawson has been called the "queen of food porn".

Nigella is neither a trained chef nor cook, but who would notice! Nigella has assumed a distinctly relaxed approach to her cooking. She emphasises that she cooks for her own pleasure and enjoyment, she finds cooking therapeutic. It works for me! The Guardian said "Men love her because they want to be with her. Women love her because they want to be her" Nigella has said that she often partakes in watching football and is an avid supporter of Chelsea. No one is perfect not even Nigella - but its a close run contest.

So the next angle was the cheeky kiddies of the cookery classes, in the shape of Jamie Oliver. Oliver married former model Juliette Norton and they now have four children. Poppy Honey Rosie Oliver, Daisy Boo Pamela Oliver, Petal Blossom Rainbow Oliver and Buddy Bear Maurice Oliver. Yes, I was right its the cheeky kiddies of the cookery classes.

In keeping to the kiddies theme, Oliver began a campaign to ban unhealthy food in our schools and to get children eating nutritious food instead. Oliver's efforts to bring radical change into the school meals system, was chronicled in the series "Jamie's School Dinners." This challenged the junk-food culture by showing schools they could serve healthy, cost-efficient meals that kids enjoyed eating.Jamie's efforts brought the subject of school dinners to the political forefront and changed the types of food served in schools.

So sex and kiddies has now been done by both priests and producers. So what's left for television to flog to death. The TV cooks have already mastered the four food groups: Fast, Frozen, Instant, and Chocolate. So this time its bad behaviour.

Gordon Ramsey was an American television voice actor based in New York. Some of his notable performances included a children's television show as "Bozo the Clown". Gordon Ramsey the cook is living up to his namesake in The F-Word (named after his favourite expletive) he named the turkeys he raised as Antony, Ainsley, Jamie, Delia, Gary and Nigella in reference to other celebrity cooks. My moment of triumph came when I spotted Ramsey filming in Sheffield. As I passed I gave him a cheery wave and said "Hello Jamie" he was not impressed.

So we are reaching the bottom of the list of themes - Twonks is next on the list.

What about Heston Blumenthal who is a proponent of low temperature, ultra–slow cooking, whereby a joint of meat is cooked for up to 24 hours so as to keep the fat content within the meat. Ultra-slow cooking does not melt the fat or release many juices, making the creation of gravy impossible. Blumenthal says that gravy is unnecessary as the meat itself is sufficiently moist. He has also experimented with sound amplification to enhance the sounds, such as the crunch, created while eating various foods. Blumenthal's signature dishes include snail porridge and parsnip cereal. Blumenthal has been credited for the bacon dessert sweet, a savoury bacon-and-egg ice cream.

We are running very low on producers themes now... But today, I got a text message about Anthony Worral Thompson.

Welcome to celebrity ready steady cook. So Anthony you had £5 to spend on ingreadients, what's in your bag? "Organic chicken, langoustines, rice, stock, wine, scallops, onion, garlic, stilton, brie, goats-cheese, three bottles of Cava, one bottle of Blue Nun and I have £4.94 left over."

With a great deal of additional talent to go at, I could be here all night...

Ainsley Harriott.

Rick Stein.
Marco Pierre White.

Gary Rhodes.
Jane Asher.
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.
James Martin.
Brian Turner.
Phil Vickery.
Lesley Waters.

Then just to prove what goes around comes around, there were the television producers plonkers :-
The Hairy Bikers. The show features a number of the elements of the Two Fat Ladies format, including regular banter between the two hairy hosts, unusual cooking locations and the use of motorbikes.

Who were the Two Fat Ladies? TFL was a television cooking programme starring Clarissa Dickson Wright and Jennifer Paterson. It originally ran for four years. The show included regular banter between the two hairy hosts, was filmed in unusual cooking locations, the use of a motorbike and sidecar and with the hosts sporting tattoos and beards, or was that The Hairy Bikers!

Chaos, panic, mahem and disorder, the producers work here is almost done.

But now in meltdown to come up with yet another theme, in total desperation the producers have plumbed the depths of culinary despair and come up with.... Master Chef, which reminds me of a cross between a cooking game show and a chip shop on fire. With the catch phrase "Cooking Doesn’t Get Tougher Than This" I could not agree more.

Later....

Keeping the Memsahib happy.

2012-01-21T12:04:00.000Z

I have discovered the secret! It's not all that difficult to keep the Memsahib happy.

All I have to do is:-

Be a friend.
Be a companion.
Be a lover.
Be the master.
Be a chef.
Be an electrician.
Be a carpenter.
Be a plumber.
Be a mechanic.
Be a decorator.
Be a stylist.
Be a sexologist.
Be a gynaecologist.
Be a psychologist.
Be a pest exterminator.
Be a psychiatrist.
Be a healer.
Be a good listener.
Be an organiser.
Be a good father.
Be very clean.
Be Sympathetic.
Be Athletic.
Be Warm.
Be Attentive.
Be Gallant.
Be Intelligent.
Be Funny.
Be Creative.
Be Tender.
Be Strong.
Be Understanding.
Be Tolerant.
Be Prudent.
Be Ambitious.
Be Capable.
Be Courageous.
Be Determined.
Be True.
Be Dependable.
Be Passionate.
Be Compassionate.
Give her compliments regularly.
Love shopping.
Be very rich.
Not stress her out.
Not look at other girls.
Give her lots of attention, but expect little yourself.
Give her lots of time, especially time for herself.
Give her lots of space, never worrying about where she goes.
Never to forget: birthdays, anniversaries and arrangements she makes

It's not difficult to make the male in the relationship happy.

Leave him alone

Later.....

The Bargee's Pail

2012-01-20T17:58:00.000Z

This months Waterways World has an article about a "Bargee's Pail." This is an early version of a slow cooker. With food in a pot that is placed inside the pail and then suspended over a fire. It made me think back to when I was a child.

My grandfather had a Yorkshire Range in the kitchen. This was where he cooked "seven day stew" in a small cast iron cauldron which was hanging on a arm that allowed it to be placed near the flames in the hearth. Seven day stew was concocted from any items that were left over from preparing other meals, everything went into the pot.

Food that was left on the plate went to feed his pigs which he kept on a small holding. The pigs were on occasions invited indoors after they were "boned and rolled" then hung from a hook on the staircase. Whenever I went to visit, a sharp knife which was almost worn through from all the sharpening (bit like a sickle) was used to cut a thick piece of bacon off the bottom of the pig roll. All these years later I can remember the wonderful taste of seven day stew with a bacon slice and a large hunk of fresh bread which he baked everyday on the range.

But going back to the Bargee's Pail. I can remember when I was quite young, a new gas main was being installed down our road. I was interested in the contents of the spoil heap because of all the finds that were being thrown up. The broken clay tobacco pipes were my main interest. I found several with decorated bowls. One that I remember was something like a small Toby jug character who was sat on a chamber pot. At that time most of the road excavations had a night watchman. He was housed in a small portable shed (sentry box) and kept warm with the aid of a brazier just outside the door.

I remember one night watchman had what looked like a small milk churn. This was placed over the brazier to slow cook the contents. Just like the bargee's pail it contained an earthenware pot with a lid and a glass bottle inside. The churn was a dull green in colour and it could have been of military origin. There were always "billy cans" full of hot water round the brazier in the daytime as the labourers got them ready for the dinner break cup of tea.

On another topic.

Two BBC Radio Leeds presenters have begun intensive training for a special waterborne challenge in March in aid of BBC Sport Relief 2012. Adam Pope and Katherine Hannah aim to navigate along the entire 127 miles (204km) of the historic Leeds Liverpool Canal - using just a pedalo boat. Travelling at an average speed of about 2mph (4km/h), and negotiating 91 locks along the way, the pair aim to complete their pedal-powered journey in just 10 days, collecting cash for Sport Relief along the way. I wonder if they will stay on board for passing through the locks?

Later....

On Manoeuvres (3)

2012-01-19T20:09:00.001Z

Moving clear of the bank.

The side of a shallow draft vessel like our narrow boat acts as a very effective sail in windy conditions. However, the sail effect may be working against you when manoeuvring around. If you have ever had your boat pinned to the bank by the wind. Its sometimes a real trial of your patience to get clear of the bank and under way. The stronger the wind blows the harder it is to get off.

I have been working out my own techniques for dealing with this and other kinds of problematical situations. First you need to be aware of the hazards. In shallow water such as close to the bank the tiller or propeller is always in danger of coming into contact with some object or other. The further you move along close to the bank the more likely you are to meet up with some object or other just under the surface. Try to keep the propeller speeds reduced until clear of the bank. The tiller is also a problem, especially if you reverse into the bank. The tiller may be forced through its full arc and you could be swept overboard by the tiller arm. Always stand clear of the tiller ark when manoeuvring the boat especially when moving in reverse.

So my technique is to set the boat in forward gear and with the minimum amount of power. Set the tiller to push the nose into the bank. This manoeuvre causes the stern to move away from the bank. Use just enough power to push the stern out from the bank with minimal or no forward movement of the boat.

When the stern is well clear of the bank go into reverse using a good bit of power and pull the bow clear of the bank. Keep a weather eye on the opposite bank, Take care not to put the stern to close into the opposite bank. As soon as the boat has gathered a little speed in reverse, I then set the tiller at about three quarters of full movement and using as few engine revs as possible start to push the stern back in towards the bank. As long as there is some backward movement and for a few moments whilst the boat is almost still in the water. The boat will continue to pirouette around its centre point. As soon as the bow is further to the centre of the canal than the tiller. Move the tiller towards the centre line, to deflect more of the power into moving the boat forward. Then gently increase the forward power to gain the centre of the canal. Straightening up the boat as you move away.

You may need to modify the technique if there is any flow in the water. The amount of power you will need to use will depend on the angle of the wind against the side of the boat. If the wind speed is variable (gusting) try to time your manoeuvre for when the wind falls away a bit. You will not get it right first time, but practise the technique even when there is little or no wind. This technique has often been used to successfully release our boat from the bank. There have been a couple of occasions when we have even had to drop the pram cover at the back just to reduce the sail effect.

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Later....

Social Interaction

2012-01-18T22:51:00.000Z

Following on from my posting about social responsibility - or the lack of it. This started me thinking about how new technology is changing our social behaviour.

I can remember reading as a young man Orwell's 1984 and being a bit worried about the possibility that our world could change in that way. It may have taken a little longer than he predicted, but Orwell's vision of a society where cameras and computers spy on every person's movements is now here. However, it has been expanded to include many more technologies.

Common sense at the time said it could never happen. Here we are many years later and some of the building blocks of the spectre of Big Brother are in place. George Orwell would not be surprised by the latest technology. Welcome to the new digital world of social media.

The game console replaces real world interaction with an Orwellian like fake reality. Interactions are - killing or being killed - and the concept of death is nothing to worry about as resurrection comes at the press of a button.

Our children as they grow are indoctrinated in the on-line warfare lifestyle. Its not collecting cigarette cards now - its collecting a high score of kills. For some in the on-line world warfare has the same passion as religion has in other parts of the off-line world. Its not limited to our children either, read about the award for Mark Bradford here.

As boaters we can if we wish live very insular lives and have little interaction with the world. The old euphemism of "dropping off the radar" or "leaving the rat race". That could be a deliberate choice to make for anyone who wants to disappear from view for whatever reason. Disappearing without trace is getting much harder. The last real couple to do a disappearance were Lord Lucan and Shergar.

This scenario is made much easier by the on-line world that we are gradually changing into. We can manage most of our finances, make a purchase or pay our dues and demands, without ever leaving the confines of our boat.

Or can we actually make that choice?

Many people have aspirations about owning a boat and travelling the canals and rivers. Just having a low impact lifestyle and being as green as they possibly can. However, the pressures of schooling our children and holding down a job are a difficulty to overcome. Currently, this restricts the lifestyle to the wrinkle generation. Because there are petty battles between constant cruisers and those who are more domiciled to living within a marina.

We are all numbers. Even your boat has a number.

Remember the National ID card how long before that idea gets legs again. The reality is gradually turning our country into a form of open prison, where our every social interaction is observed, registered, analysed and ultimately will be controlled by the state. Our absolute right to live our lives in freedom has already been removed. With the re-introduction of the ID card, we will not even be allowed out of our own homes without proof of our identity.

Mobile phone number - an essential item for our children and their peer group. Many parents have provided phones for children as means for keeping tabs on them. Children text their friends rather than talk face to face. This reduces the amount of social interaction that our children and us might enjoy together. But the mobile phone can can also pinpoint and record where you are at any moment in time. Mobile phone records also pinpoint who you talk to. Even the nice people at Murdock newspapers have access to any phone messages in your mobile account. We are just a number.

IP number - we all use computers as an aid to living increasingly hectic life styles. I can remember a time when the computer and other new technology was going to make our lives much better. Hedonism for life was the promise. Now service providers log when we are on line, the sites we visit. Do you believe in a free lunch, so why do google and others offer all those free applications such as blogger? We are just a number.

Number plate scanning - Is now being used in many private car parks (Sheffield Meadowhall for instance) and is used to gain automatic access to your address details from the DVLA. Just to send you a parking ticket if you should over stay your time. We are just a number.

Bank account number - How much is on deposit in your account is one thing. Direct debits now give others the right to take whatever amount they wish whenever. The banks know what you purchase, who you choose to purchase from, even where was it delivered. We are just a number.

What do you like to read - Do you purchase books from Amazon or borrow books from the library. Think of it like Amazon’s suggestions of books that you may like to read - based on other books you have previously purchased. We are just a number.

Street cameras - Under the guise of fighting crime, many of our streets are now monitored 24 hours a day. Many council employees have been granted access to the video data.

According to the latest studies, Britain has a staggering 4.2million CCTV cameras - one for every 14 people in the country. On a global scale 20 per cent of cameras are in the UK. It has been calculated that each person is caught on a camera an average of 300 times daily. These cameras together with hundreds of private, remote-controlled security cameras used to scrutinise visitors to homes, shops and offices.

Facial recognition - Facial recognition software has long been used in CCTV video monitoring in the security and access control industries. Those photographs of yourself that you post on Farcebook and other such social media sites. Ask yourself, who has access to the photographs and how are they being used?

Loyalty cards - Morrison's and other supermarkets keep a track of your purchases using techniques called data mining. The supermarkets know more about your shopping habits than you know yourself. We are just a number.

It does not stop at digital records.

Under Section 44 of The Terrorism Act anyone can be stopped in the street and forcibly searched by having their clothing removed and their pockets and perhaps even their physical bodies inspected by the Police. The prospect is an experience you may find difficult to comprehend - how one person can be violated by a stranger in uniform on little more than a whim. God forbid that their should be any petty malice or other prejudice by the uniform. The one emergency service that was identified as blighted by being an institutional racist organisation.

Plans are in place to move away from the world of bank cheques and into the world of plastic transactions only. Taken to the ultimate degree, I suppose we can do away with any currency in the usual forms and change to a more notional than physical currency based on credits. Social interaction is a relationship between two or more individuals. Social media is an interaction between you and your lifestyle and whoever cares to look.

Welcome to the world of Orwell's 1984 - we apologise for the late arrival!

Later.....

On Manoeuvres (2)

2012-01-18T06:50:00.001Z

This is one of an occasional series of postings about manoeuvring a narrow-boat on the canals and rivers. There may be other ways to achieve the same result. However, the method I employ has been devised or adapted by me using trial and error. (Trial and Error are two of my regular boating companions) Our boat is a semi-traditional in style and just over 50 feet long. Rosie has a keel depth of twenty five inches and weighs in at a tad over eighteen tons. The techniques described are intended to help new comers to boating and the forgetful like me! However, if you have crew available they can still assist when things get difficult by keeping quiet and not offering their advice.

Steering your boat in a straight line.

The mechanics of steering are very simple. The propeller on the boat is used to push the boat forward or pull the boat backwards through the water. The tiller sits in the water directly behind the propeller. Water from the propeller that is pushing the boat forward passes on each side of the tiller. Moving the tiller to one side will deflect the water and the deflected water will push the stern of the boat sideways. An analogy is that the boat is like a vehicle that has steering through the rear wheels only.

When steering, the boat turns or pivots round a central point. The point is midway along the centre line of the boat. Take a long narrow piece of paper and fasten it to a board with a drawing pin in the centre. If you move the bottom of the paper to the left, the top will move to the right and vice versa. The boat behaves in the same way when moving forward. If we want the front of the boat to move to the right, we have to deflect the rear of the boat to the left using the water deflected by the tiller. Its the same if we want the front of the boat to move to the left. We have to deflect the rear of the boat to the right using the water deflected by the tiller.

The tiller is used to steer the boat through the water. However, other factors such as movement of the water and the direction of the wind will also create some directional changes. You will need to make frequent small corrections to the boat tiller to keep the boat steering in a straight line. If you stand at the rear of the boat next to the tiller and look along the length of the boat you should be able to “aim” the boat along the centre of the canal by sighting on trees and other objects in the distance.

When you move the tiller there will be a short - time delay - before the boat responds. Most people steering for the first time tend move the tiller to far at first. They are over correcting because of the short delay in the boat responding. This causes the boat to pass through the sighting line. This then requires the tiller to be moved in the opposite direction. Just to correct the boat back onto the sighting line. This over compensation will cause the boat to zig-zag along the canal. Just make small changes on the tiller and learn to wait for the boat to catch up.

Tip:1 Try and stand to in front of the tiller, as much as possible. If the tiller catches on an under water object the tiller can be wrenched to one side or the other and you could be propelled into the water.

Tip:2 When reversing the boat the tiller is leading and is much more likely to become snagged or to strike an object.

Tip:3 Boats can be quickly propelled backwards into a lock gate by the inrush of water into a lock. Whenever you are steering the boat in a lock, always stand forward of the tiller.

Here is the trick to steering in a straight line:

Only make small (think tiny) but often frequent adjustments to the tiller, as soon as the boat starts to drift off the sighting line. Then wait for the boat to start to respond and then move the tiller back to the centre just before the front of the boat comes into alignment with the sighting line again. The boat will slowly ease back towards the sighting line once again. You will get it back on course hopefully without passing through the steering line and needing any further corrections of the tiller. If you want to know how well you are doing, just occasionally glance behind you at the line of spindrift or smoothed water you will leave behind in your wake.

The faster the speed of the engine the shorter the delay before the boat responds to the tiller. The slower the speed of the engine the longer the time it will take for the boat to respond. If the steering becomes difficult and the tiller is wobbling and shaking much more than normal you may have something wrapped around the propeller or tiller. You may need to take steps to clear the blockage. First flick the propeller into reverse for two or three seconds at low power. Then go into forward again at low power. Do this forward and reverse change a few times. If the problem persists you may need to go down the weed hatch to remove the debris.

Remember there is no hand or foot brake on a boat. To slow or stop forward movement you will have to put the engine into reverse. If you lose engine power to the boat, then the boat will continue to glide for some distance before it comes to a stop. If you need to stop quickly and the engine has failed. You can rub the boat along the canal edge. Remember that as the boat slows down the tiller will start to lose any control over the boat. Essentially you are adrift on a moving boat!

For anyone new at riding a bike there are so many things to remember. However, the only way to become proficient is through practise. After a while, you just become confident enough to just get on and ride the bike. All done automatically without having to think in detail about anything. It is exactly the same with steering a boat, after a while it becomes second nature. You will automatically make the correct adjustments to the tiller, without thinking.

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Later....

Assault and Battery (6)

2012-01-17T10:55:00.001Z

A few replies to questions that have been raised about batteries that I ought to share. I am no expert in battery technology. But I am an interested amateur with a good knowledge of electronics and prepared to delve.

When messing around with batteries there are several dangers to be aware of. One is the battery acid which can be very harmful. The second danger is the risk of shorting out the battery terminals with metal tools. This can cause molten metal to splash around. I always wear safety goggles when working on the boats batteries. I have also made up a set of insulated tools (exposed metals bound with insulating tape) that I use. The tools I use are shorter in length than the distance between the battery terminals. When charging batteries produce hydrogen gas which is explosive. You must try and avoid any sparks being made. Try as far as possible to work in a well ventilated place.

Q1) Can I mix battery types in a battery bank.

The simple answer to this is no. As far as practical all batteries in a battery bank should be replaced with a new set of batteries. The batteries should be capacity sized at the same ampere hours and manufactured by the same maker. Mixing batteries of different ages will cause the newer batteries to age prematurely. Its a false economy to do a mix and match.

Back in the days when I used to maintain large battery bank systems. Part of building a new battery bank was that the batteries would be tested and selected to match as far as possible others to be included in the bank. But we are talking about life support systems in an emergency situation.

If you have a bank of four batteries in your boats leisure bank and one fails prematurely. Remove it and run on the three remaining batteries. Do not add a new replacement into the system. There are people who do this and they swear that it works OK. Most of them are also adding different capacities, different manufacturers and also second hand batteries into the bank. Not a scenario for me.

Q2) How can I test my batteries for performance.

You can test the whole battery bank, a single battery or a single cell in a single battery. However, I always recommend starting by checking for the simple faults first, like a loose battery connection or a malfunctioning battery isolator switch. Problems arising with batteries tend to be gradual, if it is a sudden change the problem may lie elsewhere.

When batteries are used in a bank together they tend to age at a similar rate. As batteries age capacity reduces. However if you are having charging or discharging problems, then one battery in the bank may have failed. The test is best done by charging each battery in your battery bank separately. If you are using wet cell batteries (not the low maintenance type) top up the batteries with distilled water before charging.

Charge the battery with a good battery charger until the battery reaches a full charge. Disconnect the battery from the charger. Allow the battery to sit disconnected for 24 hours to see if there are any internal problems causing the battery to self discharge. At rest the batteries should give a terminal voltage above 12.23 volts. Any that indicate less than 12.23v you could take the batteries to be tested at an auto electrical centre. They do this "drop test" using a special load testing device. The battery 20 hour discharge rate is used to give an idea of serviceability.

You can also test the specific gravity of the battery acid in each cell on a battery using a very cheap specific gravity testing tool. Checking in this way will identify any cells in a battery that are failing or failed. Like the charge test, wait 24 hours before testing the specific gravity in each cell.

Q3) What is the best way to monitor your battery bank.

This depends on what it is that you want to monitor. If it is the voltage, then a simple volt meter placed across the battery terminals will suffice. The voltage reading will vary depending on several factors. If any electrical item is drawing amps out of the battery for instance. Then the "terminal voltage" that's the voltage measured across the battery terminals will vary.

If you want to monitor the current (ampage) going into and out of the battery during the charge or discharge part of the cycle. Then a simple ammeter with a suitable shunt will suffice. Now whilst the two items above give some useful information. Monitoring a battery bank really means measuring the battery bank capacity (state of charge).

This only way to monitor a battery bank for capacity performance and state of charge is by measuring the voltage across the terminals. However, this can't be done during the charge cycle or anytime soon after the charging has finished.

Batteries take some time to settle back to the quiescent voltage state. (A quiescent state is one in which a battery is considered stable and unlikely to change its terminal voltage.) To reach this state can take a number of hours. I would not take a reading in less than 12 hours. It could take as long as 24 hours to reach the fully quiescent voltage state. It all depends on the temperature and the type of battery.

There are two problems with measuring the capacity in this way. One is that it is not practical to wait up to 24 hours to be able to measure the capacity. The other problem is that the capacity or state of charge of a battery can vary between 100% and 50% with only a tiny difference in reading of 0.64 volts measured at the battery terminals.

Q4) I have seen several battery monitor system advertised which one is best?

such as the Peukert number) that may be required to be input. They also vary in price and ease of installation. Monitoring a battery bank is a black art. At best most monitoring systems will require a periodic resets to be performed as your battery bank ages, if only to maintain some accuracy. They may not be the simple plug-in and forget monitoring systems you expect. Look at the functions provided by the monitor and look at the documentation provided. If the functions are what you want to monitor and the documentation is explanatory and understandable. That's the one for you and me!

Peukert Law gives a value for the internal resistance and recovery rate of a battery. A value close to one indicates a type of battery with good efficiency and minimal loss. A higher number reflects a less efficient battery. Peukert Law readings for lead acid are between 1.3 and 1.4. As the battery ages this value will get bigger as efficiency decreases and losses build.

Q5) What is the correct disposal method for a lead acid battery?

One that does not effect the environment. Many scrap yards will give you good money for a battery usually calculated on total battery weight. The money raised in this way will help to off-set the cost of new batteries. I sold a duff 110ah leisure battery about a year ago for £6.

Q6) What can I do to increase the number of battery cycles?

Simple, do not discharge the battery. However that is not a very practical solution. This is why you should try and calculate the power budget for your boat.

The theoretical capacity of my battery bank is 500 ah.
I want to be able to draw an average of less than 12 amperes over a 24 hour period. (in theory 288 amps but it will be lower)

This gives me a theoretical peukert number of 1.2219993327851 which is lower that the more usual 1.3 to 1.4 20 hour figure. So that gives me additional capacity. Which in turn means extra cycles.

I have produced a chart for my own battery bank based on information provided by the battery manufacturer. This gives me a state of charge at a quiescent terminal voltage and the estimated number of cycles available if I don't exceed a specific discharge value.

The reality is that I am giving myself the best opportunity to have a leisure battery bank, that will have a long and undistinguished life cycle.

Later.....

UK Canal Maps

2012-01-16T15:29:00.001Z

I love messing around with maps. when it comes down to the canals, there is a great deal of map information on both the Web and in print. This posting only scratches the surface.

Maps of the Inland Waterways for both rivers and canals are covered by several publications such as the Nicholson's Guides. There are a set of seven guides in the full series Nicholson's. Very detailed with extensive additional information. The map scale is two inches to the mile.

Guide No 1 - Grand Union, Oxford & the South East.

Covering: Birmingham, Gas St Basin to Salford Junction. Digbeth Branch, Oozells St, Icknield Port and Soho Loops. Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation. Regents Canal, Limehouse to Little Venice. Grand Union Canal, Brentford to Salford Junction. Aylesbury Arm, Marsworth to Aylesbury. Northampton Arm, Gayton Junction to Northampton. Paddington Arm, Bulls Bridge Junction to Paddington. Slough Arm, Cowley Peachey Junction to Slough. Wendover Arm, Bulbourne Junction to Wendover. Hertford Union Canal. Limehouse Cut. Lee Navigation, Thames to Hertford. Stort Navigation, Fields Weir to Bishop's Stortford. Stratford Canal, Hockley Heath to Lowsonford. River Medway, Tonbridge to Rochester. Oxford Canal, Oxford to Hawkesbury Junction. Coventry Canal. River Thames, Brentford to Thames Flood Barrier.

The full set of guides are:

Guide No 2 - Severn, Avon & Birmingham.

Guide No 3 - Birmingham & the Heart of England.

Guide No 4 - Four Counties & the Welsh Canals.

Guide No 5 - North West & the Pennines.

Guide No 6 - Nottingham, York & the North East.

Guide No 7 - River Thames & the Southern Waterways.

There are also Pearsons "Canal Companions" set of guides. With detailed information. The map scale is two inches to the mile.

Pearson - Cheshire Ring.

Covering: Macclesfield Canal, Hall Green to Marple Junction. Peak Forest Canal, Whaley Bridge to Bugsworth Basin and Portland Basin. Ashton Canal, Portland Basin to Manchester. Rochdale Canal, Manchester Castlefield to Sowerby Bridge. River Irwell, Cathedral to Salford Quays. Bridgewater Canal, Manchester to Runcorn and Leigh. Trent and Mersey Canal, Preston Brook to Hardings Wood. Leeds Liverpool Canal, Burscough to Wigan. Ribble Link. Weaver Navigation, Winsford to Weston Point Docks.

Other guides include:

Four Counties Ring.

South Midlands and Warwickshire Ring.

Stourport Ring.

Kennet and Avon, River Thames.

Oxford, Grand Union.

Pennine Waters.

Welsh Waters.

Severn and Avon.

Richlow also do guides to certain northern canals and I own one myself.

Coverage Guides include:

Ashton Canal.

Chesterfield Canal.

Huddersfield canals.

Lincs Waterways.

Rochdale Canal.

Tidal Trent.

There are other Internet based planing guides such as CanalPlan which you can use to plan a trip and print off a full itinerary. Nick's Canal Route Planner, CanalPlanAC is an interactive guide to the inland waterways of Europe, it plans journeys, calculates the length (distance, number of locks, time taken etc) of your trip and shows gazetteer information on places along the way (pubs, shops and museums). It has an extensive collection of waterway photographs.

If you have never used CanalPlan software before, I recommend that you read the introduction before making your first stab at a trip itinerary.

Canal Route Planer

Site Link

Then there are the London Underground Style maps that have been produced as labours of love by various people. Which give a good overall feeling for the canals, but unlike detailed maps do not give a real representation of distance. The Underground style map is geographically very inaccurate it does however make very easy reading for trip planning.

For download.

Canal Rings (3450 x 4453 png file)

Canal System (3450 x 4453 png file)

Aston colourpress

London Canals (jpg)

WikiMedia

BCN Map

Tuesday Night Club

Witham navigable drains.

Waterways From the Air.

Rivers and Canals.

WaterExplorer

Interactive Map

UKWRS Google Earth Canal Maps

Coverage includes:

Aire and Calder Navigation, Andover Canal and Salisbury and Southampton Canal, Ashby Canal, Ashton Canal, Birmingham Canal Navigations, Bridgewater Canal, Bridgwater and Taunton Canal, Caistor Canal, Calder and Hebble Navigation, Chard Canal, Charnwood Forest Canal, Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation, Chesterfield Canal, Coombe Hill Canal, Coventry Canal, Derby Canal, Driffield Navigation, Droitwich Canal, Exeter Canal, Foss Dyke, Gloucester and Sharpness Canal, Grand Surrey and Croydon Canals, Grand Union Canal, Grand Western Canal, Grantham Canal, Hereford and Gloucester Canal, Horncastle Canal, Huddersfield Canals, Kennet and Avon Canal, Lancaster Canal, Lee and Stort Navigation, Leeds and Liverpool Canal, Leven Canal, Lydney and Pidcocks Canals, Macclesfield Canal, Manchester Bolton and Bury Canal, Manchester Ship Canal, Market Weighton Canal, Melton Mowbray Navigation and Oakham Canal, Middle Level Navigations, Monmouthshire Brecon and Abergavenny Canal, Newcastle-Under-Lyme Canal, Norfolk Broads, North Walsham and Dilham Canal, Nottingham Canal, Oxford Canal, Peak Forest Canal, Pocklington Canal, Ripon Canal, River Great Ouse, Rochdale Canal, Sankey Canal, Scotland Canals, Sheffield and South Yorkshire Navigation, Shrewsbury Canal, Shropshire Union Canal, Somerset Coal Canal, Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal, Stourbridge Canal, Stratford-upon-Avon Canal, Tavistock Canal, Thames and Severn Canal, Trent and Mersey Canal, Uttoxeter Canal, Weaver Navigation, Wey and Godalming Navigations, Wiltshire and Berkshire Canal, Witham Navigation and Navigable Drains, Worcester and Birmingham Canal.

Waterscape

Interactive Map

For purchase from IWA.

Chris Clegg

Canal Time Map The map is a single laminated A4 sheet.

London Tube Map

Original

Different View

Later.....

A deep and crisp and uneven night!

2012-01-15T10:20:00.004Z

Who were those characters "Deep and Crisp and Steven" that our children sing about in their versions of popular Christmas carols. A selection of which were performed almost nightly at our front door, supposedly for our benefit just a few short weeks ago. Have you noticed that the kids never get past the first verse and if needed the first verse is repeated several times until you submit. Its a bit like waterboarding with song!

But I digress.

We were out until quite late last night visiting friends. It was well after midnight when we eventually got back home. The roads had been gritted by the local council and so were not much of a problem. When we pulled up outside chateau "Wits End" the pavements were quite slippy with a deep coating of hoar frost. Being the nominated driver I was sober but the Memsahib had been sipping on the odd bottle or few of champers topped up with the odd brandy that were left over from the new years celebration. She blamed the icy pavement and drive for all the wobbles as we walked to the door!

We were out visiting because, yours truly had been roped in to perform the "last rights" on a sickly computer system. After about three hours of treatment the computer was resuscitated back on its feet and out of danger - the patient is now performing reasonably well. The computer had never been updated in any way since new. It was a case of Patch-Patch-Patch from the Micro$oft update site. It was also short of any of the usual anti-virus applications. A couple of free malware and anti-virus apps were installed and the computer left to scan the drives.

I noted that the computer was also connected to the Internet through a wireless modem. This had been plugged in when new and left in the default plug-and-play condition. I could see that several people in the neighbourhood were also enjoying the benefit of a free broadband connection. After configuring the router with encryption and building a table of valid IP's that could connect to the router it seemed to be a job well done. I expect a few locals will be installing their own broadband in the near future.

When the scan was finished, the surprise was that there was very little in the way of unwanted junk to clear out. I would have thought that it would have been bombed out with a load of nefarious crap off the Internet over the last few years. Clearing out the temp files and other such detritus freed up almost 2 gb of disk space. It seems that apart from the occasional jaunt on Farcebook the computer was mainly used for storing family photographs. I'm going back to back-up all the photographs before the hard disk decides do die.

I was to be stalled by the Memsahib in my plan to retire to a nice warm bed. So there we were at 1:30 in the morning, togged up with my Russian hat, storm proof jacket, heavy walking boots. The wine fuelled good idea of the Memsahib also had her dressed in a similar outfit. We were going out again, this time taking the dogs for a run on the local fields. Even the dogs were toasty warm in their fleecy jackets. The grass was covered in a hard frost rime. There were also two sets of frosty footprints left behind in the grass marking out our progress. One steered a fairly straight course and another set that seemed to wander around a little, whilst tacking from side to side. I did wonder to myself which track belonged to me - I will let you guess.

The stars always seem brighter and clearer on a frosty night and as we roamed around the fields, I was picking out the usual constellations in the night sky. Betelgeuse in the constellation of Orion was very pink tonight, even to the naked eye. There is a nebula known as Messier 42, just below Orion's belt. The nebula is visible with the naked eye. It is seen as the middle "star" in the sword of Orion

There is a lot to be said for a blazing log burner when returning home from a late walk on a frosty night. I know that it is an attractive prospect, because I could not get near it for the sprawled bodies of dogs! As Samuel Pepys wrote in his ~~Blog~~ diary "and so to bed."

Later....

On Manoeuvres (1)

2012-01-15T10:19:00.000Z

I have over the last couple of years written (so far) a rambling series of around 450 posts of my observations about life in general and life on our boat. Some of which have also been about the trials and tribulations that we encountered in life and on the cut. Some have been about the up-keep of the boat. Some have been humorous, some have been sad. A few have been from Mr Angry Old-Curmudgeon. Some have been fuelled from the Victor Meldrew school of "I don't believe it!" Some have even been based upon our various sojourns down the cut. Not least, some have detailed our experiences whilst trying to master the basics of manoeuvring the boat around the canals and rivers. I do not lay claim to being an expert on the subject, in reality I'm just a life long novice when it comes to boating. (The smart part is knowing I'm a novice and not believing I'm an expert!) But we are both enjoying every moment of the experience and I anticipate that we will spend many more years doing the same trial and error excursions before we are forced to moor up for the last time.

Financial Health Warning. Before owning our own boat we hired boats for our holidays from time to time. We hired boats not only in the summer, but at all other seasons of the year. As long as the canal was free of ice, we went boating. Actually, we have also been boating with thin ice on the canal as well. Boating is habitual and once you're infected by the boat bug - its with you for the rest of your life. A boat has been described by others as a hole in the water in which you throw your money. My take is, it's only money and there are no pockets on a shroud. You can become a boating optimist like what I am, or a boating pessimist, its your money after all.

I have always been confused with talk about people single handing a boat. Why would anyone want to manoeuvre a boat using only one hand. I suppose you could hold a can of beer in your free hand. But enough of my twisted view on the perversity of the English Language.

So just what is it that you need to know and learn to enable you to start manoeuvring a boat around on the canals for the first time. My advice would be to start with, reading as much factual and theory about boating as possible. Observing boats on the canal (Gongoozling as explained here) especially when they are working through a lock. You must learn something of the history of the canals as this will add a whole new dimension to what you will encounter, observe and enjoy.

The old national service term was to "get some in." In other words gain the experience by doing it. There is much to learn about boats and there is no fast track way to gaining that experience. We would not try moving any boat on the river or canal, without first of all gaining some basic skills. You could do this by becoming a volunteer crew member on a boat. Most boat owners will welcome aboard a newbie wanting to gain some experience of boat handling . You just need to enquire around your local waterways. We have had friends aboard to build their confidence and to introduce them to the idiosyncrasies of steering and manouvering around.

Boaters are in the main happy to share their knowledge. They are also happy to recruit a ~~lock slave~~ new crew member to assist with the locks. There are also recognised "skipper" courses like the RYA inland helmsman course that you could take. But even the basic Inland Waterways courses are much easier to understand if you have some basic experience before you attend.

However, many holiday makers happily take charge of the boat for the first time after some very minimal training in the form of a short introduction to handling a boat. Its not rocket science, but it can be quite daunting for the first time boater. Confidence will come, but you have to be prepared to try to understand the issues and then to try and master each task in turn.

What I like about boating is that all the family can get involved or you can go boating completely on your own. The techniques used to "single hand" a boat apply equally well if you have a full crew on board. What is certain is that life on a boat is very enjoyable and is normally conducted at a very gentle pace. We intend to spend much more of our time out on our boat than we do at home. In 2012 we will be spending up to nine months of the year on an extended trip, just cruising. If the weather is kind we might even spend a bit more.

Note: I am in the main considering canals and not rivers. Rivers will bring additional issues due to the movement and depth of the water. I will only refer to rivers by way of a comparison or to demonstrate a particular point. You need to practise your boating on the canals before you venture out onto the tidal rivers.

I will not try and re-write the excellent guides on handling a boat that are already available. I will in the main just witter on about some of the issues that we have come across and the way that each was tackled by us. I have said already, there may be much easier and better ways to do the same things.

Later....

Tying Myself in Knots.

2012-01-14T02:08:00.000Z

Most boaters will have two or three knots that they use for securing their boat. In fact most people will actually have knots that they use everyday, even if it is only for tying their shoe laces. (I will come back to shoe laces later) I was a boy scout many years ago and I became reasonably good at doing about ten different scout troop knots. Then for many years, I had no use for knots other than tying up the odd parcel.

So like a lot of other knowledge, it went into some dark recess at the back of my mind. The only real knot that I remember was called the lorry drivers hitch. I was shown this particular knot by a family friend when I was about ten years old. It was used for holding loads and sheets in place on the back of a lorry.

Fast forward to today and my interest has been stirred once more by a free gratis gift from a fellow boater of a well made woven rope button. Plus my recent purchase of several rope fenders for the boat. I'm ~~knot~~ not very dexterous of fingers when it comes to this sort of thing. I may know what I want to do, but getting the various bits of rope to do my will is another matter altogether. Part of my lack of dexterity is due to some surgery on my left hand ring finger many years ago. At the time I asked the surgeon if I would be able to play the piano after my hands had healed. He assured me that it would not be a problem. I said that's good because I was unable to play the piano before. He was an old grump, a bit like me and did not see the humour in my comment.

So I decided that as a personal challenge I should increase my knowledge of knots once again. But things have moved on from the days when I used my boy scout lanyard to demonstrate a knot. Now we have many different types of rope. With different types of ply and a whole raft of different materials which now add to the confusion.

There are websites which demonstrate many of the knots. There are websites that discuss the whole science of tying knots. Wikipedia has a list of knot names and links to information about their history and uses. Some sites have animations. Some web sites have instructional videos. There are mobile phone applications that you can download. Some sites provide a few hints and tips for beginners on tying knots.

The best tip for me so far has been

Get yourself some nice, thick rope, don't learn with string! String is extremely hard to control, and your knots will be so small that you won't be able to see what is going on. About 4 feet of 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick nylon rope will do nicely for learning purposes.

One tip I can offer is to get two different coloured lengths of rope to practise with. It helps to understand whats happening with knots used for joining ropes together.

If you want to have fun with friends, for a small wager, say 50p, entice them into letting you tie this knot into their shoe laces. Tell them to win the challenge they have to untie the knot in less than thirty seconds withour removing their shoes. They will fail. Then say that for a further bet of 50p if they remove their shoes you will give them one hour to untie the knot. They will fail again. It might be kind to have a spare pair of laces in your pocket, which you are prepared to sell for a further 50p

The trick is known as The impossible knot!

Talking of impossible knots, the Gordian knot was an extremely complicated knot tied by Gordius, the king of Phrygia. The knot came to symbolise a difficult problem that was almost impossible to solve. So if you come across someone hogtied on the towpath entangled in a Gordian knot of their own making, its me - HELP!

Previous Get Knotted

Later.....

Boaters Alphabet (F)

2012-01-14T02:06:00.000Z

This is one of an occasional series of entries into my blog. The "Boaters Alphabet" today's letter is F and is a Flag. Flags cover a wide variety of functions. A flag is a piece of fabric with a distinctive design often of a symbol used as a signalling device, or for identification. National flags are patriotic symbols, often with military associations due to their original military use.

The Jolly Roger is the most famous of flags flown to identify a boat's crew as pirates. Consisting of a human skull above two long bones set in an X arrangement on a black field. Historically, the flag was flown to frighten pirates' victims into surrendering without a fight.

is for flag to be flown when cruising along the canals, on a warm summers evening. A light breeze gently moves our pirate flag. Birds are singing in the willow trees and all is well with the world. The metallic click as another ice cold can of beer is opened. The glug-glug as the glass is filled. Its a hard life, someone has it to do, today it is my turn.

Yo ho ho and a bottle of ~~rum~~ beer, bottoms up!

Fathom - Six feet.
Fender - A rope or inflated cushion, placed between a boat and the side to prevent damage.
Fore and Aft - In a line parallel to the centre line of the boat.
Forward - A position toward the bow of the boat.
Fouled - Any piece of equipment that is entangled and difficult to clear.
Freeboard - The shortest distance from the surface of the water to the gunwale.

Later....

Assault and Battery (5)

2012-01-13T00:05:00.001Z

Continued from Assault and Battery (4)

Where will heavy duty battery technology go next?

Technology forecasting or foresight attempts to predict the future characteristics of useful technological machines, procedures or techniques. Technology foresight starts by looking backwards at the type and nature of change. It then looks at the present time and what recent innovations have been introduced. Then you need to look at the practicality of using the new technologies. You must look at the cost effectiveness and finally you have to estimate the future demand for the technology.

Looking Backwards: Battery technology has gone forward very slowly over the last 100 years. The design and layout have remained almost static. There have been a few new materials introduces to improve, capacity, delivery and life cycle. Most of the more recent changes have been towards reducing the maintenance requirements by the introduction of sealed systems. A battery holds relatively little power, is bulky, heavy, is inefficient to charge and has a short life span.

The drawback of lead-acid batteries is the behavior of lead plates. The sulfation is the only major drawback of lead-acid. If it can be overcome then all the other concerns of lead-acid batteries can be addressed. Sulphate, is produced at both plates during the discharge reaction. Depending on the temperature and the presence of impurities, in time, it turns into a crystalline structure. This is traditionally called “sulphation” or “sulfation” and can represent the death of a lead-acid battery.

The Present Time: Most of the recent effort in battery technology development has gone into the production of small low capacity battery technologies. This has been driven by the use of everyday electronics such as mobile phones and computers which have been scaled down ever smaller. Engineers now design hand held devices around the battery, rather than the other way around. Much of the improvement has been made in reality by reducing the power consumption of the various portable devices.

However, this does not signal the end of heavy duty battery systems. There is some research into carbon plate technology for high capacity batteries which sugests that the carbon inhibits the build-up of sulphate on the battery plates.

There is a slow movement towards hybrid forms of power by the automotive industry. Though the voltages in the battery bank will be in the range 100 to 200 volts. !2 volt systems are being developed, including electric bicycles which are stating to become a user consumable item. Electric motorcycles are starting to come to the market as is the all electric car. Previously fuel costs were quite low so the incentive was not there for development of hybrid or all electric cars. Battery replacement costs were not considered as being prohibitive. There was always a significant problem with the weight of the batteries. As was the need to provide for additional power control, monitoring and charging mechanisms.

One item under development is the KERS system. The acronym KERS stands for Kinetic Energy Recovery System. The KERS device recovers the kinetic energy that is present in the waste heat created by the car’s braking process. It stores that energy and converts it into stored electrical power that can be called upon later. Maybe waste energy in the form of heat from a boats diesel engine could provided some charging power.

Solar power was a driver for storing solar output into large battery banks. However the market has changed to one where rather than store the power for later consumption. The output is sold to mains electrical suppliers directly.

The Future: I believe that the future lies in the fuel cell technology as a direct replacement for the battery bank. Improvements in the hydrogen fuel cell are being made but the improvements are slower than with other technologies. It will be twenty five years before the technology does replace the battery. So until that time arrives we are going to be stuck with today’s battery systems with little change in technology. Solar generation will continue to fall in price and will improve in efficiency.

One idea that I have been pondering on for a while is being able to decouple the electrical generation (alternator loading) from the engine when not needed. This could reduce the engine load and thus fuel consumption by optimising the system efficiency of the engine and alternator at any point in time.

Previously Assault and Battery (1)

Previously Assault and Battery (2)

Previously Assault and Battery (3)

Previously Assault and Battery (4)

Other posts on the subject of batteries and battery banks.

Boat Battery Maintenance Pt 1

Boat Battery Maintenance Pt 2
Boat Battery Maintenance Pt 3

Post on Solar and Wind Power
Piss power for your boat.

Later.....

Boaters Alphabet (E)

2012-01-13T00:03:00.002Z

This is one of an occasional series of entries into my blog. The "Boaters Alphabet" todays letter is E and my favourite waterways sound is the tonk - tonk - tonk of an old diesel engine.

is for "Engine" With the bow wave like a ever widening ripple and the engine a faint tonk-tonk-tonk under your feet. Moving without haste or purpose and our arrival is expected whenever. Under a warm sun and our efforts rewarded with several long cold beers. Our clock is the season of the year and our days linger on and on. Its a hard life, its not easy. Someone has it to do, today its my turn!

Another cold beer?

EBB - A receding current.
EYE - A closed loop or ring at the end a line, rope, cable.
EYE SPLICE - A permanent loop in the end of multi stranded rope by means of rope splicing.
ENGLISH KNOT - A knot for joining two lines.

Later.....

Assault and Battery (4)

2012-01-12T00:05:00.003Z

Continued from Assault and Battery (3)

Standard lead acid battery type is normally the cheapest type, these are cost effective but need more maintenance.

Traction Batteries The term traction battery relates to batteries used to power electric vehicles. This can mean anything from a mobility scooter to a fork-lift truck, so encompasses capacities from 30 or 40 Ah to many thousands of Ah. The smaller traction batteries are usually 6 or 12 Volt units, where the largest are single 2 Volt cells. Traction batteries are intended to be fully discharged and recharged daily and traction batteries can withstand many thousands of discharge cycles. There are also batteries known as semi-traction batteries, which can be thought of as higher quality leisure batteries, exhibiting a greater cycle life.

Sealed lead acid battery type typically need no maintenance and will hold its charge for longer. These are also safer, as they cannot leak electrolyte as a standard battery may. Years ago, boat batteries lost water at a high rate and boaters were advised to check the acid level as one of their weekly checks. Improvements using calcium as a hardening agent in grids in place of antimony have caused less contamination of the acid and much reduced water loss. This makes the battery maintenance-free so no water needs to be added during its life under normal operating conditions. Sealed batteries are very sensitive to overcharging which results in gassing. This causes water loss that can never be replenished, loss of capacity and premature aging.

Gel battery type are able to cope with more charge/discharge cycles during their lifetime and will hold their charge for longer having low internal resistance and so low self drain properties. Deep Cycle Batteries are designed to deliver constant power over prolonged periods of time.

One reason that I like wet cell batteries is due to the effect on the life cycle by over charging a battery. Overcharging will cause a rise in temperature, but more seriously, overcharging can also cause the release of gases. As the gasses are vented from the battery, the electrolyte fluid level will diminish. Requiring that water is added to replace that lost to gassing. It is almost impossible due to the design of the battery to add lost fluid to a low maintenance sealed battery. Manufacturers have no control over how the user treats the battery. For safety reasons, pressure release vents are built into the cells to provide a controlled release of internal pressure to prevent reaching dangerous levels. It is recommended to keep the charging current below 20 % of the rated capacity.

Other maintenance issues are sometimes encountered with batteries. As batteries begin to come to the end of their life it is possible for them to suffer a number of ageing issues. All rechargeable batteries have a finite lifespan and will slowly lose storage capacity as they age due to secondary chemical reactions within the battery whether it is used or not. Some cells in a battery may deteriorate sooner than others, but the overall effect is to reduce the capacity of the battery.

The boater can get a much longer life out of the battery bank by specifying a battery bank with a capacity that is larger than that required to meet the in between charge from the calculated power budget. However, the bigger the capacity the longer it will take to charge the battery bank. The bigger the capacity the bigger the purchase cost.

I based my capacity (Ampere hours) on the estimated power budget. The budget figure should not reduce battery bank capacity when new, by more that 35% in a 24 hour period. This also took into account the battery ageing would also reduce capacity over time. I wanted to use other sources such as solar generation to provide a daily top up charge. Thus reducing the need to run the engine when off mains. I calculated a solar panel size of around 100 watts. This would provide at best around 8 Ah into the bank. However due to the vagaries of our weather and the lack of charge during the hours of darkness, the real input into the bank would be reduced.

My worst case power budget figure was to consume 120 Ah at an average of 5 amperes per hour, over a 24 hour period. With the new capacity of the battery bank being 500 ah. This would be around the 25% discharge point when the bank was new, ignoring the solar top-up. This would give me a predicted life cycle of around 800 cycles. I estimated that we would be off mains for a maximum of 200 days a year. So I hope to achieve around 4 years for the battery bank life.

Battery performance diminishes due to deterioration of the active chemicals as the battery ages. There are published processes which claim to rejuvenate a battery. The process will never bring a battery back to an as new condition. I have played around with a number of the chemical rejuvenation processes, some have a limited effect but most are as much good as the snake oil of the old travelling salesmen. Some processes will extend the working life of a battery for a short period in time. But like all the anti-ageing creams, lotions and potions we see advertised on television. Ageing will always run its course, but it might be delayed a little.

Depending on how you use you battery bank, end of life will occur at different points in the life cycle. The actual ageing process results in a gradual reduction in capacity over time. When a battery reaches its specified lifetime it does not stop working suddenly. In a low capacity environment it may be as low as the 50% of the "as new" capacity point. In a high capacity environment end of life might occur at the 80% point.

The cycle life depends on a number of factors and assumes that the battery is always fully recharged. However, how long a battery bank will last is also down to the internal construction of the batteries. It is down to the level of discharge in each cycle. If the battery is only partially discharged each cycle then the cycle life will be much greater. It is down to the extremes of temperature that the battery is exposed to. It is down to the level of under charging as well as the level of over charging. It is down to how the battery is stored. More than anything else it is down to how it is used and abused as well as the care and maintenance given throughout its life.

To be continued in Assault and Battery (5)
Previously Assault and Battery (1)
Previously Assault and Battery (2)
Previously Assault and Battery (3)

Other posts on the subject of batteries and battery banks.
Boat Battery Maintenance Pt 1
Boat Battery Maintenance Pt 2
Boat Battery Maintenance Pt 3

Post on Solar and Wind Power
Piss power for your boat.

Later.....

The Boaters Alphabet (D)

2012-01-12T00:03:00.006Z

This is one of an occasional series of entries into my blog. The "Boaters Alphabet" todays letter is D and my favourite waterways insect the Demoiselle.

Demoiselle

is for Demoiselle. These electric blue wonders of nature can be observed flying on a warm sunny day. Swooping low over the water and chasing each other away. Not to be confused with the dragonfly, these insects can fold their wings. Observing nature is not easy. Its a hard life, someone has it to do, today its my turn!

Now where did I put my slippers?

Dead Ahead - Directly in front of the boat.
Dead Astern - Directly behind the boat.
Deck - The top part of a boat above the gunwhale.
Displacement - The weight of water displaced by a floating vessel.
Dock - An area intended for boats to moor.
Draft - The depth of water a boat draws.
Dinette - A small dining area usually consisting of a table and facing bench seats; it can often be converted into a berth.
Dinghy - A tender, either rowed or equipped with power, used to go to and from a larger vessel.

Later....

Social Responsibility.

2012-01-11T12:08:00.000Z

Is there such a thing in this world as Social Responsibility? (Social responsibility is an ethical ideology or theory that an entity, be it an organisation or individual, has an obligation to act to benefit society at large. Social responsibility is a duty every individual or organisation has to perform.)

My rhetorical question is prompted by one despicable act carried out by one individual upon another less fortunate. The public perception of social responsibility has seemingly changed. I can remember a time when people tended to watch out for each other. Looking back it seems such a distant time.)

I had a small group of friends as a child and the river and canal was our playground. The River Rother had been straightened at this point leaving a small elbow shaped lake. The water was very clear and there was an abundance of weed and wildlife. The river by comparison was quite dirty and polluted so we always used the lake for swimming. One nice and warm summers day we had built a raft out of planks of wood and other bits and pieces. Like all children we had been having a wonderful time the day had flown by and it was now time to go home. As we were getting dressed someone said where is Dave?

Dave had disappeared we all immediately went searching for him. Dave was discovered under the raft. We pulled him ashore and as he was coughing and spluttering. we knew that he had not come to any real harm other than having a shock to his system. That's was the way we were. we had a social responsibility to each other - to us we were just great friends and that was the way it was. like all children we did not see and danger in what we were doing, we were all accomplished swimmers. It was just one of those things. A few days later, we were all back at the lake swimming without a care in the world. All none the worse for the experience.

Contrast that with today.

Adam Lowther was cycling along the towpath on the Leeds Liverpool Canal at Kirkstall. He was following some distance behind Michael Houghton another cyclist who for some reason fell off his bike into a canal. For Adam Lowther there was no question of any compassion or social responsibility. This to Adam Lowther was an opportunity and he stole Michael Houghton the drowning man's bike. Adam Lowther rode away on the mountain bike, making no attempt at a rescue. He made no attempt to alert the the police or any other of the emergency services.

Adam Lowther was later traced by the police after selling Michael Houghton's bike for £20 at a second hand shop. He admitted to police that he has seen Michael Houghton unconscious in the water, and had left him. Recording an open verdict, the West Yorkshire Coroner said "Adam Lowther could have tried to get Mr Houghton out of the water, and the fact that he didn't and stole Michael Houghton's bike shows what a thoroughly cowardly and despicable young man he is. Adam Lowther received a four months prison sentence for the theft of the bike.

It was later in the evening that a walker and another cyclist came across the body, dragged it out of the water and attempted resuscitation, but all attempts were to no avail.

Now, I am not an apologist or a do-gooder for Adam Lowther, far from it. But for the coroner to say that Adam Lowther was a coward is wrong. We teach our children never to enter the water for any reason. If there is one person in the water in difficulties, then a second person entering the water creates a second casualty. As a first aider, if I come across someone unconscious in the water. My first responsibility is to myself to remain safe and my second responsibility to the other person is to summon appropriate help.

Despicable, Adam Lowther may well be so in our opinion. But today we know that our children carry knives, some carry guns, and the need for a fix of drugs are possibly the main driver for the current level of theft. Life is of little value in the peer group of Adam Lowther and other young people today. I can offer no other reason for the actions of Adam Lowther other than for some young people this is the way of life.

I could not have ignored Michael Houghton. I would have summoned help, I would have attempted some form of recovery from the water. But that's me and that's my personal values to go to the aid of someone who is a stranger but in difficulties. Its the way we were brought up and would be an instinctive reaction.

Later......

Battling in the countryside.

2012-01-11T01:02:00.005Z

As some of you know, I have this thing about bats. Now for most people the small flying mammals are something of a mystery that are sometimes seen fluttering around on warm summer evenings. However, for the nutters, bats are also a winter species. The day before yesterday we went hunting for bats in the morning. We only discovered two of the cute little fellows. Buried away in crevices in some dark and cold underground tunnels.

Two teams from Sheffield Bat Group and Doncaster Naturalists got together last weekend to do a hibernating bat survey. This involved tramping through woodlands, climbing steep hillsides and squeezing into caves. I enjoyed every moment of the day. On our way back the Memsahib treated me to an impromptu and totally free gratis walk around a Lidl supermarket. Some days are full of pleasure!

A Government-commissioned report has given the clearest indication yet that the proposed £32 billion HS2 high-speed rail project will be given the go ahead. The report suggests that Transport Secretary Justine Greening will give the green light to HS2 which passes through Tory heartlands in picturesque spots. A decision on the project, which has sparked fierce and acrimonious debate with Conservative MPs among the anti brigade, is expected in the next few days, possibly as early as Tuesday.

The wallet has taken a battering. The Audi needed its annual servicing and four new tyres fitting. Hey presto! The paupers workhouse is now beckoning on the horizon. With deft of touch that would have pleased a magician, the garage mechanic emptied my wallet in a flash. At least Dick Turpin wore a mask.

For a while, I have been thinking that Rosie is a little bit under propped. So, I have just purchased a new bronze propeller. Its only one inch bigger in both diameter and pitch than the existing one. I am hoping that this will give us a little bit more fuel economy. But when will Rosie be out of the water next...

ASBO for pensioners

Two pensioners have been given anti-social behaviour orders after they attracted hundreds of pigeons to the town they lived in by feeding them every day. For 10 years 75-year-old Danuta Rogowa and Margaret Ann Reynolds, 69, have refused to put a stop to their habit, claiming there is nothing wrong with a bit of bird feeding. But Wiltshire Council said their actions - along with those of a third woman, Teresa Wozniak - have caused the pigeon population in Trowbridge to increase "excessively".

This reminds me of a story about my dad and pigeons from many years ago!

Later....

The Boaters Alphabet (C)

2012-01-11T01:00:00.000Z

This is another one of an occasional series of entries into my blog. The "Boaters Alphabet" today we have reached the heady heights of the letter "C".

Canal

is for the Canal that stretches away to the next of the locks. Rippled water with Reedmace and Willows that weep from the bank. A good depth of water and summers first Dragonflys that dart and dive round our heads. Lazily moving to our next place to stay. With the good company of friends and fresh coffee in hand. The scent of our next meal rising from the galley. Its a hard life and someone has it to do, today its my turn!

Now where did I put my sun cream?

Cabin - A compartment on a boat for the crew.
Capsize - To turn the boat over in the water.
Cast Off - To leave a mooring or anchorage.
Chart - A map used to navigate a vessel.
Cleat - A boat fitting to which lines can be attached.
Clove Hitch - A knot for temporarily fastening a line to a bollard.
Course - The direction in which a boat is steered.
Current - The movement of water.

Later.....

The Boaters Alphabet (B)

2012-01-10T11:10:00.000Z

This is another one of an occasional series of entries into my blog. The "Boaters Alphabet" and todays story comes through the broken window.

Bollard

is for Bollard, a short tapered post used on a boat or a wharf for mooring to the bank. The best places I have found for such items are outside canal and riverside pubs. On a warm summers evening at the end of a long hot day. Crickets chirp and all is well with the world. A cold beer in your hand and the smell of tasty food that awaits. Its a hard life, but someone has it to do, this time its my turn!

Now what did I do with my knife and fork?

Beam - The point of greatest width of the boat.
Below - Beneath or under the deck.
Bight - The end part of the rope or line and the part, on which a knot is formed.
Bilge - Inside the hull but below the floor boards.
Bitter End - The last part of a rope or chain which is attached to the boat.
Boat - A waterborne a small craft smaller than a ship.
Boat Hook - A short shaft with a hook fitting at one end.
Bow - The forward part of a boat.
Bow line - A line attached or leading from the bow.
Bowline - A type of knot used to form a loop in the end of a line.
Brightwork - Polished metal boat fittings.
Bulkhead - A watertight partition used for separating hull compartments.
Buoy - A float used for marking the position of a hazard or marking a mooring.

Later....

Deciding weather to go out!

2012-01-10T00:02:00.000Z

The unseasonably warm weather has made for a few surprises in the garden. A fuchsia is still flowering on from last year. Daffodils and Snowdrops are well on their way. things are a bit topsy turvey with the weather. I wonder if we will get another mild start to the boating season this year! Were you up and around for the red sky display yesterday morning. The old weather saying was " Red sky at night, shepherd's delight, Red sky in morning, shepherd's warning." The red sky this morning proved the old rhyme to be totally wrong as what should have been a cool 5 or 6 Celsius actually reached balmy 13 Celsius.

It has long been a human desire to make accurate weather predictions. Man has felt the need to be able to predict the weather from the earliest times. Back then predicting the weather was the seasonal change from winter to spring and identifying the best time to plant crops. Later is was the merchant about to send ships on trade. Knowledge of the seasons might mean the difference between success and failure.

Our history is full of rhymes meant to help in determining whether the next day will bring fair or foul weather. The only instruments of any reliability for a long time was a weather vane, seaweed, a pine cone and human experience.

When the wind is blowing in the North. No fisherman should set forth, When the wind is blowing in the East, 'Tis not fit for man nor beast, When the wind is blowing in the South. It brings the food over the fish's mouth, When the wind is blowing in the West, that is when the fishing's best!

For us in the UK, Saint Swithun's day (July 15) was reputed to forecast the weather for the rest of the summer. If St Swithun's day is dry, then legend says that the next forty days will also be dry. If however it rains, the rain will continue for forty days.

As a boater, I suppose all I am interested in on the inland waterways is the daylight temperature and strength of the wind. However, the weather forecast can be quite ambiguous because of all the different sources of information available. Most of us get our weather from the TV or radio news and if we want to know a more long term forecast, then we have to go elsewhere.

I suppose the BBC five day weather forcast for a particular area are as accurate as most other weather services. For a week long weather forcast I use NetWeather.TV on the web for longer term forecasts.

Then there was the fabled "air ministry roof" Following the First World War, the Met Office became part of the Air Ministry in 1919. The weather was observed from the top of Adastral House, where the Air Ministry was based. Thus giving rise to the popular weather forecast phrase of the day "The weather on the Air Ministry roof".

We must not forget, the Shipping Forecast, broadcast on BBC Radio 4. The Shipping Forecast has long been of real interest to, and vital to the safety of, mariners traversing the various Sea Areas around the British Isles. "And now the Shipping Forecast, issued by the Met Office at 10:00 GMT today." The weather forecaster would then read out a list of names such as Viking, North Utsire, South Utsire, Forties, Cromarty, Forth, Tyne and Dogger. Other more memorable ones included German Bight, Finisterre, Fastnet, Shannon and not forgetting Rockall which also seemed to lend itself to many risque jokes.

The Meteorological Office has been around recording and forecasting the weather for a large number of years. In 1854 as an experiment the government of the day created a weather department. This fledgling weather department was to become the Met Office, set up under the Board of Trade. Its aim was to research the possibilities of forecasting the weather, mainly to protect the safety of ships and their crew at sea.

Old met office web site
New met office web site

Yes, we Brits seem to have a deep preoccupation with the weather.

Later....

Assault and Battery (3)

2012-01-09T07:47:00.000Z

Continued from Assault and Battery (2)

Lead acid battery life can be extended if an equalising charge is applied every 10 to 40 days. This is a charge that is about 10% higher than normal full charge voltage, and is applied to the battery for about 2 to 16 hours. This makes sure that all the cells are equally charged, and the gas bubbles mix the electrolyte.

During each charge and discharge cycle, the lead content in the batteries plates gets gradually eaten away (grid corrosion). The material then forms a sediment that builds up on the battery floor. There is little or nothing you can do about this gradual change and the manufacturers leave a small space at the bottom of the battery for the sediment to fill.

Charging a battery to full capacity is a time consuming process. Lead acid batteries should be charged in three stages. The first stage is the bulk charge. The second stage is the absorption charge and this is followed by the third stage which is the float charge. The constant-current charge applies the bulk of the charge and takes up roughly half of the required charge time, the topping charge continues at a lower charge current and provides saturation, and the float charge compensates for the loss caused by self-discharge.

Over time a lead acid battery will become less efficient. Its capacity will begin to reduce through a gradual ageing process. Batteries can still fulfil a good percentage of their function well into old age. However, there comes a point when the law of diminishing returns dictates that the battery is past its useful life.

Ring 3 Stage Charger.

A high charging voltage above 14.4 volts will shorten the service life of your battery due to increased grid corrosion on the positive battery plate. A periodic fully saturated charge (all three of the above stages) is essential to prevent sulphuring of the battery plates. Leaving a battery in a discharged condition causes sulphation. The more discharged a battery is, the faster the sulphation will build up. In fact, keeping lead acid below 12.6 volts will cause the buildup of sulphation. The battery must always be stored in a charged state with periodic top-up charges.

Voltage Check

A normal automotive battery charger will charge a lead acid battery. Some of the chargers are quite crude and will have a charging voltage that exceeds the 14.4 volts. If we charge a 100 ah battery with a standard battery charger at a constant 10a for 10 hours we might assume that the battery would be fully charged. However, batteries are quite inefficient when charging even when new. A new battery would require about 10 hours charging time to get to about 70% of its capacity. The next 30% of capacity would take almost as long again. As the battery gets charged up, the voltage goes up, so the amps out of the charger goes down. They charge OK, but a charger rated at 10 amps may only be supplying 5 amps when the batteries are 80% charged.

However, a specialist charger with the three stages listed above, is a much better option.

But what happens if we are not connected to a mains power supply with access to a state of the art charger. What if we have to rely on the engine alternator to provide the battery charge. How can we monitor how well our batteries are functioning?

To get a good idea of the state of charge, you can monitor the voltage at the battery bank terminals with a volt metre. However, the battery bank will require an hour without use to settle out at the true quiescent voltage.

Lead-Acid batteries do not have a memory, and the rumour that they should be fully discharged to avoid this "memory" is totally false and will lead to early battery failure. Inactivity can be extremely harmful to a battery. It is a poor idea to buy new batteries and save them for later use. Either buy them when you need them, or keep them on a continual trickle charge.

On Rosie we have a Beta Marine marinised Kubota 38 engine complete with 2 alternators rated at 45 amps for the starter battery and 90 amps for the leisure battery bank. We have a Victron Inverter with a three stage land line mains charger. Plus the Beta battery monitoring system. The Beta engine was provided with an alternator controller which is also a three stage charging system. The controler is user configurable for different types of battery.

Our new battery bank is rated at 500ah as we have a bank of four 125ah leisure batteries fitted. With few exceptions we have converted where possible everything on board to 12 volt operation. We have gone for a number of power conservation options such as LED lighting.

Last but not least. The sealed, or maintenance-free, battery are now a popular alternative to the old wet top-up batteries. The construction and materials used in the maintenance free batteries vary quite a bit. The most popular is the Absorbed Glass Mat type of sealed lead-acid battery that uses AGM between the plates. It is sealed, maintenance-free and the plates are rigidly mounted to withstand extensive shock and vibration. Nearly all AGM batteries can recombine 99% of the oxygen and hydrogen. There is almost no water is loss.

On a personal note, I still prefer the wet cell lead acid battery that requires topping up from time to time. Whilst the zero maintenance types are more popular, I feel that I can extend the battery life cycle by being proactive. Doing a monthly check ensures that I will become aware of problems much sooner. But that's what I did in the past and it falls within my comfort zone. None of this new fangled zero maintenance electrickery stuff for a crusty old curmudgeon with electrolyte in his veins like me, and wet cell batteries are also much cheaper.

Later....

The Boaters Alphabet (A)

2012-01-09T07:45:00.000Z

This is one of an occasional series of entries into my blog. The "Boaters Alphabet" is my way of creating some blog content whenever time is short and I need to spend my available time elsewhere doing other things.

A is for Afloat

is for "Afloat" and all the enjoyment I get from just being on board our boat Rose of Arden. There is nothing better in this life than a sunny summers day. Tranquil surroundings all enjoyed with a glass of wine. Listening to the trilling song of a Skylark and watching Swallows, Housemartins and Swifts swooping around the sky. It's a hard life and someone has it to do, this time its my turn!

Now where did I put my sunglasses?

Abaft - Toward the back or stern of the boat, or generally being behind the boat.
Abeam - Being at right angles to the boat.
Aboard - Being on the deck or even within the boat.
Abreast - Being alongside and close to another boat.
Adrift - Not under power or attached to any mooring.
Aft - A position closer to the stern of the boat.
Aground - Sat on the bottom not fully afloat.
Ahead - Moving in a forward direction.
Alee - The opposite side of a boat to the direction of the wind. Opposite of windward.
Aloft - A position that is above the deck of the boat.
Amidships - A position towards the centre line of the boat.
Anchorage - A mooring place but not attached to the shore.
Astern - Going in reverse against the usual direction with the boat moving stern first.
Athwartships - Across the boat at right angles to the centre line.
Aweigh - The anchor when it is raised clear of the bottom.

Later.....

Assault and Battery (2)

2012-01-08T09:25:00.002Z

Continued from Assault and Battery (1)

Batteries are designed to fulfil a specific purpose. There are two main types that we are interested in on our boat, Starter or Automotive type and the Leisure or Deep Cycle type.

The main difference between an automotive and leisure battery is the amount of instantaneous amperes that can be delivered and the number of charge and discharge cycles the battery will support. The number of cycles for an automotive battery is a few tens. (50-80)The number of cycles for a leisure battery is typically a few hundred cycles. (300-500) The deeper the discharge of the battery the fewer the cycles the battery will complete. The maximum discharge cycle on an automotive battery is up to 75% of capacity. At which point the battery will run out of cranking power. The maximum discharge cycle on a leisure battery is typically to 50% of capacity for the maximum number of cycles.

The automotive battery is the one we use to start the engine. Its internal construction is designed to provide a huge amount of electrical power that is needed to crank over an engine. These instant high energy requirements (hundreds of amperes) differ from the typical requirements needed from a leisure battery.

The leisure battery is constructed so that its power delivery can be provided over a much longer period in time but only at a few tens of amperes rather than the instantaneous hundred of amperes needed from an automotive battery.

We measure the capacity of a battery in amperes hours. If the battery is rated at 100 ampere hours. In theory the battery should be able to deliver 1 ampere for 100 hours or 100 amperes for one hour before it is considered as discharged. I said in theory, because of various technobabble reasons, it don't quite work that way!

The slower you take amps out of a battery the more amps in total you will get. The faster you take amps out of a battery the fewer amps in total you will get. This is another one of the technobabble reasons you don't need to understand. You just need to accept that it happens this way.

Often the battery capacity will be quoted at two time related discharge rates. Typically quoted at a 8 hour and 20 hour rating. The 20 hour rating is the capacity of the battery determined over 20 hours at 80° F (26.7°C). A battery rated at 100 A.H. for 20 hours means that if you divide 20 into 100 the battery can be discharged at 5 amperes continuously for 20 hours. Likewise, if the rating was at 8 hours then divide 8 into 100. This would mean that the battery could discharge 12.5 amperes for 8 hours.

The lower the discharge rate, the more in total ampere hours you will get. Now these figures are useful when selecting a capacity size (in ampere hours) for your battery bank. But you would also need to know what the average power consumption you have on your boat. Most boaters do not have any idea of the power budget for their boat. You can forget about the starter battery, it has only the one function. Your power budget is what is used over time by your electrical items on your boat.

Deep Cycle Battery bank sizing can be one of the more complex and important calculations in your electrical system design. If the battery bank is over sized, you risk not being able to keep it fully charged. If the battery bank is sized too small, you won't be able to run your intended electrical items for as long as you'd planned.

The first thing you’ll need to know is the amount of energy you’ll be consuming per day. It’s worth the time to do a careful evaluation of exactly what the amperes for each of the appliances you plan to use and for what lengths of time. Keep track of this information on an electrical load list. You’ll can then refer to this list later for sizing new or replacement components. A loads list is simply a tally of all electrical loads that will be used in the completed system. Everything from lights, to television sets, to hairdryers, to cell phone chargers should be included on your list.

Typical items include lighting, fridge, television, stereo and pumps. All the electrical items on your boat will consume some power. Some consume power for long periods and some for short periods. Make a list of all the items such as TV and refrigerator and do a quick estimate of the time in use and the amount of amps each item draws. Many appliances will give you their power consumption figure on a small plate attached to the item or in the instruction manual.

It is possible to monitor your power consumption using an ammeter to measure the power being drawn out of the battery bank. You can turn all the appliances off, turn each one back on in turn and and make a note the amperes being used. Now estimate the amount of use a day for each item or over a few days make a note of the actual usage and you will have a reasonable idea of the ampere hours for your boat. Remember that fridges do not run continuously but come on for a short period two or three times and hour.

There is a secondary use for the list and that is to provide a later comparison. For instance on Rosie we have started to replace the small halogen bulbs (which consumed about 2 ampere each) with LED lights. Because the lights are switched in banks of four and six bulbs we made significant savings. We found that six LED lights consumed slightly less than a single halogen bulb.

Continued in Assault and Battery (3)

Later....

Jimmy Greaves

2012-01-07T19:56:00.001Z

Jimmy

I have always been a fan of football, Manchester United is my team of choice. However, I have always admired some players from other teams. Last night I went out to meet up with one of my heros. Jimmy Greaves' record speaks for itself. Jimmy scored an amazing 266 goals in 380 games in the league, FA and League Cups and European competition. Chelsea, AC Milan, West Ham United, Brentwood, Chelmsford City, Barnet and Woodford Town also had him on their books. But it was as a player at Tottenham Hotspur that Jimmy won the FA Cup in 1962 and 1967. He also won the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1963 scoring twice in the 5-1 defeat of Atlético Madrid, ensuring that Spurs became the first British club to win a European trophy.

Jimmy was the striker for the England team during the 1966 World Cup but suffered a leg injury, and had to be replaced. His replacement, Geoff Hurst, scored the winner in the quarter final against Argentina and kept his place all the way to the final, scoring a hat-trick as England won the tournament. Only the 11 players on the pitch at the end of the 4-2 win over West Germany received medals. Following a Football Association led campaign to persuade FIFA to award medals to all the winners’ squad members, Greaves was presented with his medal at a ceremony at 10 Downing Street on 10 June 2009.

Jimmy, became a popular television presenter and football pundit, striking up a partnership with Ian St. John. Together they hosted a popular Saturday lunchtime football show called Saint and Greavsie and hist catchphrase was "it's a funny old game". Unfortunately, we were told that Jimmy had been admitted to hospital and would be unable to attend the function.

In a turn of fate, that I know he would love. Jimmy also created yet another record. For the first time ever, a leading England striker was substituted by the leading England goalkeeper, when Peter Shilton attended the function in Jimmy's place.

With 125 caps, Peter is also the current record holder for the most games played for England, no mean feat when you consider that Ray Clemence who was capped 61 times severely restricted his appearances between 1975-81.

So for one of my footballing hero's, I wish him well and I hope for a speedy recovery.

It's a funny old game...

Later.....

Assault and Battery (1)

2012-01-06T08:33:00.001Z

It's been some time coming, but its time for a direct assault on Rosie's batteries over the next few weeks. Batteries on a boat are a consumable item. They have a life, the harder you work them the shorter their life expectancy. But as with most things a bit of "Tender Loving Care" will make their working life and performance last much longer.

Hydrometer check

Many years ago, part of my job was maintaining batteries used for emergency power. I remember sitting in a class room for a period of six weeks being bored to death with a load of mumbo-jumbo technobabble. At the end of the period, what I learnt was that general battery maintenance and battery life span, are two very different things. Especially in an environment where batteries were changed on a regular maintenance schedule. Care of the batteries went little further than weekly topping up of the electrolyte levels with de-ionised water and the odd check of the specific gravity of the battery acid.

What I have learnt since is that if you want a cost effective life span for your batteries. Then the maintenance regime needs to be a regular task completed on a monthly basis. There are also a few other things that you can do to improve the cost effective life cycle of the battery bank.

Typical Battery Construction

The technobabble relating to the care and welfare of your typical battery bank is a black art. Unless you take a great deal of pleasure from shoving needles into your eyes. You don't need to understand all the technobabble associated with them. Lead-acid is the oldest rechargeable battery in existence, (150 years and counting) so the technology is not new. However, over the years improvements have taken place in construction, materials and our understanding. There are however some simple and easy things that you can do to help you to become a caring owner, of that battery bank hidden away under your feet.

In an ideal world, what you should do on your boat is try to provide the optimum operational conditions for their longevity. Ever tried to start your car on a cold and frosty morning. The starter motor labours to turn over the engine and it can take much longer than normal to start. This will have as much to do with the temperature of the battery as its state of charge.

Batteries have a range of temperatures in which they like to work. Not too cold and not too hot. They even have a preferred temperature at which they will perform at their best. The optimum operating temperature for the lead-acid battery is around 25 Centigrade or 77 Fahrenheit in old money. If you use your battery bank outside the normal temperature range the battery bank will continue to work, but its length of life may be reduced.

Batteries self-discharge faster at higher temperatures. Battery lifespan can also be seriously reduced at higher temperatures. Most manufacturers state a 50% loss in life span for every 15 degrees F over a 77 degree cell temperature.

Vibration can and will damage a battery. Due to the improvements in internal and external construction batteries are much improved, but long term vibration can still be a significant problem. However, batteries do not bounce and are not very good at absorbing such harsh treatment.

I use a thin sheet of foam material under the battery bank to insulate the batteries from the cold hull and help reduce the vibration caused when the engine is running. However, as heat reduces the life span of batteries at a faster rate than the cold. I do not insulate the batteries in any other way.

When batteries are being charged they create internal heat. That heat needs to be able to escape. I have small 10mm spacers between the batteries that allows some air to circulate in between the batteries which are mounted side by side in the bank. This helps to cool them down. Some batteries come with inbuilt spacers in the shell of the battery. How effective is this? I have no idea, but I know that when a battery gets hot it uses up some of its internal fluids and this shortens the batteries life span.

Batteries are rated at a nominal 12 volts. However, depending on the construction and the materials used this voltage can vary slightly. There is lots of technobabble about various voltages. All you need to know are the rough rule of thumb values.

The nominal voltage of a standard lead acid battery is generally stated as being 12.00 volts. However when measuring the (open circuit) voltage of a fully charged battery, it should give a reading of 12.65 volts. When the battery is being used (under load) as the battery discharges and its capacity falls so will the voltage across the terminals. The end-of-discharge voltage for lead acid is 10.5 volts.

Voltage on a fully charged battery will read 12.65 volts for a 12 volt battery. At 50% the reading will be 12.18 volts, and at 0% will be 10.5 volts or less. Specific gravity measured with a hydrometer will be about 1.265 for a fully charged cell, and 1.13 or less for a totally discharged cell.

Technobabble Alarm: Because of something called the Peukert Effect which is directly related to the internal resistance of the battery. The higher the internal resistance, the higher the losses while charging and discharging, especially at higher currents. This means that the faster a battery is discharged, the lower the AH capacity. Conversely, if it is drained slower, the AH capacity is higher.

The state of charge, or the depth of discharge can be determined by measuring the voltage or the specific gravity of the acid with a hydrometer. This will not however tell you how good the battery condition is. Only a sustained load test can do that. It is a good idea to have your batteries load tested before replacement. If there is a fault in the charging system the battery may not be charged fully and the symptoms would look like an old battery.

A battery "cycle" is one complete discharge and recharge cycle. It is usually considered to be discharging from 100% capacity to 20% capacity and then charged back to 100%. However, there are often ratings for other depth of discharge cycles, the most common one is 50%.

Battery life is directly related to how deep the battery is discharged at each cycle. If a battery is never discharged more than 50% of its capacity it will last twice as long as if it is cycled to 80% of its capacity. When calculating your battery bank capacity and you have some idea of the loads. You should look for a battery bank with a discharge capacity of around 50% for the best storage vs life cycle.

Continued in Assault and Battery (2)

Later....

Welcome aboard.

2012-01-05T10:41:00.002Z

Welcome aboard to "Ava Mae Flynn" who came into the world at 11:45 last night. Ava is the latest addition to our wider family. Mother and daughter (9 pounds) are both doing well, the father is still in the recovery position!

Our congratulations go out to Lindsey and Mark.

Living on a Boat

2012-01-05T00:04:00.003Z

Following on from my downbeat posting a few days ago about the down turn in the boating market. I thought you might be intrested in our latest thoughts on where we go next. We have been thinking about living on board Rosie full time for the next 5 years or so for a while now. There are some financial benefits to us for doing this.

For a long time we have always tried to get along in life without owing anything to anyone. We first of all had to look at our current cost of living expenses and for the up keep and running costs of our main residence. Doing the sums on the usual list including rates, heating, insurance, car, telephone and maintenance (no mortgage) which came up with quite a significant figure.

Our first option was to explore renting out our main home. We are told that we could expect a rent just short of £900 per calendar month. The tenant would be paying most of the other major costs. We would actually make a significant cash income after allowing for the landlords up keep costs. There are additional management charges as we don't want all the hassle of doing that.

The second calculation was to look at the cost of running the boat. With all the usual costs involved in process. Boat licence, insurance, mooring, survey as well as another list of incidental and one off payments. As it happens our boat is fully paid for and so we don't have any expenses for that.

Because we are moored at a BW marina, our expenses are higher than if we were constant cruising but possibly less than if we were in a none BW marina. However, even then the costs are less than our main residence bills! We do, however, have to pre-purchase electricity, diesel and LPG gas from time to time. We could go the CC route and then look for an over winter mooring at the end of each boating season. But we will have plenty of time over the next boating season to think about what we went to do.

But there are other benefits that we see from living on the boat. Ones in a way that it is difficult to put a price upon. Living on board we find to be a much more relaxed and simpler life style. We tend to read quite a lot, so we both have a Kindle each. That way we don't clutter the boat with too many books. We like to watch a bit of television. We walk for most of our shopping, though an electric folding cycle is on the books. There are additional enjoyments that we get from out daily chores and routines such as walking the dogs. We cook straightforward meals and we use a slow cooker for most of them. We maintain our boat ourselves as far as is possible. We don't have to rush from place to place. We have no real time lines or deadlines and stress is something we don't see anymore since retiring.

Because our boat is small by most house standards, we are forced to have less possessions. If something comes on the boat, something else must go off to make room for it. Filling your life and home with possessions is a symptom of our consumer society. We have become much more self-reliant, knowing you can't just pick up the phone to get something done. While I have always been environmentally-conscious, I don't want to live a "green eco warrior" life when on board (we do see it as a plus) but we do try and recycle whatever we can. We are now much more aware of the amount of electricity that we use. We are also much more aware of the solar heating and solar electrical generation options.

We also discovered that time is no longer of interest to us. We tend to get up and go to bed depending on the amount of light outside the window. We tend to tell the time by a calendar rather than a watch. We are more outgoing in meeting up with our short term mooring neighbours. Sunrises and sunsets as well as warm sunny days never go out of fashion. The stars in the night's sky on clear evenings are enchanting. You know what I am like for wildlife watching.

Its a new adventure every day. Some adventures are bad, some are good but they always leave you with a good story to tell. We have our own freedom to do whatever we choose and this is the best aspect of living aboard.

Later...

Another bad day.

2012-01-04T21:52:00.001Z

Our old and ancient cat, who has put in a number of appearances on the blog has passed away peacefully. Jasper was a real one off character, not taken to exploring outside of his own garden. This may be why he lived to three times the average age for a cat! His life of leisure came complete with a harem of two other cats who doted upon him. Often to be seen enjoying the sun in the back conservatory whist being groomed by his two girl friends.

Jasper was adept at keeping our two dogs in line, which he did with some panache. It was not unusual for him to give out the odd boxing lesson. With a loud voice that demanded instant service from his human slaves. He was always the first to be fed and liked to lend some credence to his authority by muscling the dogs out of their dishes. His task at which he excelled was in removing moles. When we first arrived in the area the neighbourhood gardens were over run by moles. Within a year, the mole population was decimated and the neighbourhood lawns took on a putting green quality once more.

Happy and healthy for most of his prodigious life, it was only in the last couple of years that his old frame became a bit stiff first thing in a morning. (something he shared with me) More recently he became the owner of a hyper thyroid for which he was on medication. Its said that cat's have nine lives, this old boy lived everyone to the full and in complete luxury. If there is an after-life and we do get the opportunity to come back again but in a different form - I want to come back as Jasper.

Later....

As you like it!

2012-01-04T07:36:00.001Z

Trinny

In Bill Shakespeare's As you like it, there is the line "All the world's a stage and all the men and women merely players." In pantomime lore, the two Ugly Sisters in Cinderella share a taste for garish clothes and a love of the high life. A production of Cinderella, playing at Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury, has attracted a complaint after naming the sisters after the Duke of York’s daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie.

Susannah

Writing in the Kentish Gazette, Bob Britnell, a senior planning officer at Canterbury City Council, said: 'Looking at their photos, they don't seem ugly, just two pretty, ordinary girls who get on with their lives without courting celebrity, so why mock them."

Sorry Bob, but you should have gone to Specsavers!

Mr Britnell, said he would not be going to see Cinderella at the Marlowe Theatre because of the 'cheap joke'. I can also assure Bob that keeping these two girls is not at all cheap and the royal wedding where they were photographed was certainly no joke to the tax payer.

Paul Hendy the producer said "Mr Britnell had been 'misinformed' and it was a pity he's written to complain without actually seeing the production. The 'sisters' are indeed called Beatrice and Eugenie but the term 'ugly sisters' is never actually used in relation to the names and we never refer to the royal family at any point. In our production, our 'sisters' wear fantastically outrageous and lavish costumes and the joke is more of a reference to the self-confessed unusual fashion sense of the sisters' royal namesakes."

Princess Britney and Princess Madona

Hendy continued "In pantomime, there is a long tradition of using the names of famous people who have been in the public eye that year. In our past productions, the sisters have been called 'Britney and Madonna' and 'Trinny and Susannah. I firmly believe that pantomime should have a slightly satirical edge and gently poke fun at the great and the good. It is the broad range of humour that makes pantomime so uniquely British."

There are eighteen boats named Beatrice, two named Eugenie but no boats called Ugly Sisters on Jim Sheads Web Site.

Funny Facts:

Hello hello hello, or should that be ello ello? You would have thought that the best place to keep goods safe from thieves would be in the hands of the police. In recently released facts. Its reported that handcuffs, uniforms, speed guns, dogs and even patrol cars have been stolen from police stations in the past five years. The haul also includes dozens of warrant cards, several bikes, riot shields, a red "door whammer", a battering ram used by officers for breaking into houses and breathalysers.

Its to be hoped the toilet bowl is still in there, otherwise as they say "The police would have nothing to go on!"

Later.....

The power of the Mobile Phone.

2012-01-03T14:03:00.000Z

I am a straightforward outspoken sort of a cove. I have friends of many different racial backgrounds. I hate racism of any kind with a passion. There are times when one must take a stand against the racists in our midst. This is one of them.

uTube link Emma West is white and English as she loudly proclaims. However, she is not representative of anyone in this country with more than a few brain cells. Emma West is an evil mouthed racist, she is disgusting, offensive and not a fit person to be left in charge of the upbringing of a child. Social Services need to be made aware of her personality.

I am amazed at the level of control that was exercised by the people that she targeted, intimidated and abused. They are to be congratulated on their self control. I'm not sure that I could have been so self restrained.

West appeared at Croydon Magistrates’ Court charged with two racially aggravated public order offences, one with intent to cause fear or provocation of violence. I do hope the courts make an example of her and let it serve as a warning to others of her ilk.

I have long been opposed to on street cameras, I find them to be to obtrusive into our lives. However, the Mobile Phone and uTube is a strong element in curtailing the accesses of violent and abusive people. It is starting to become a power for good.

Later....

Boat owners abandoning ship?

2012-01-03T11:31:00.001Z

There is an old saying about when America sneezes the UK catches a cold.

It seems that the financial crisis is biting into the coastal boating community in the USA. In an article in The New York Times, Brett Flashnick writes "They often sandpaper over the names and file off the registry numbers, doing their best to render the boats, and themselves, untraceable. Then they casually ditch the vessels in the middle of busy harbours, beach them at low tide on the banks of creeks or occasionally scuttle them outright. The bad economy is creating a flotilla of forsaken boats."

Some of those disposing of their boats are in the same bind as overstretched homeowners. They face steep payments on an asset that is diminishing in value and then decide not to continue. They either default on the debt or take bolder measures. The boats are expensive-to-maintain toys that have lost their appeal. The owners cannot sell them, because the secondhand market is overwhelmed. They cannot afford to spend hundreds of dollars a month mooring and maintaining them. And they do not have the thousands of dollars required to properly dispose of them. Maj. Paul R. Ouellette of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said. “Our waters have become dumping grounds, it’s got to the point where something has to be done.”

Todd Schwede, an insurance investigator said "In many cases, the boater is following this logic. I am over insured on this boat. If I make it go away so no one will find it, the insurance company will give me enough to cover the debt and I’ll make something on the deal as well.” When Brian A. Lewis of Seattle tried to sell his boat, Jubilee, no one would pay his asking price of $28,500. Mr. Lewis told the police that maintaining the boat caused “extreme anxiety,” which led him to him drill a two-inch hole in Jubilee’s hull last March. The boat sank and Mr. Lewis told his insurance company it was an accident. His scheme came undone when the state, seeking to prevent environmental damage, raised Jubilee. Mr. Lewis pleaded guilty last week to insurance fraud.

Could it happen over here?

The numbers of new builds is quite low. Many builders have ceased trading and this seems to have carried over to the businesses specialising in fit-outs. Boat prices on brokerage are also showing some of the signs. There are many boats listed on eBay and on brokerage as "reduced for quick sale". None more so than wide beams which seem to have taken the biggest hit on value. One boat we know of belonging to a hard pressed owner was sold for £45,000 below the price they purchased at, less than two years ago. If you're looking to buy a boat, then now could be a good time to purchase as people start to draw in their purse strings.

Will we see abandoned boats on the UK canals?

In a way this has always been one of the more esoteric issues. It seems to be almost a tradition that the old wooden boats were sometimes abandoned and left to rot away. Some people see this as being a natural return to nature and even adding to the picturesque quality of the canals and rivers. We have all seen the remains of old boats dotted round in various places. However, the odd abandoned plastic boat don't seem to carry the same sort of cachet that the old wooden ones do.

A Boater with balls. Or how to get a boat with an 80 ft mast through the 65 ft bridge hole using two tons of water.

Later....

Council tax charge on moorings.

2012-01-02T12:27:00.000Z

Most inland waterways users are aware of the difference in BW rules and regulations between residential and leisure mooring. At the same time, we are all aware of those who bend the BW rules and regulations a bit to evade paying council tax, water rates, residential mooring fees and such other dues.

This state of affairs has come around because of marina operators (whoever that might be) need specific planning permission from the local council for residential moorings. The residents domiciled within the marina covered by residential planning permission are expected to pay the local council tax and go on the electoral roll.

Leisure moorings where people choose to live aboard full time were in the past in a council tax grey area. But not any more. Changes are about to take place that can effect all marinas, including the ones in the past offering unofficial residential facilities by turning a blind eye to live aboard's.

Did you know that additional State benefits can now be paid to people choosing to live on a boat. Even one that is only covered by a leisure mooring agreement. Councils will also pay housing benefit and council tax benefit, to anyone living on a residential or leisure mooring, legal or otherwise.

Each case has to be considered upon its own merits. In some cases people on benefits living full time on a leisure mooring in marina could be considered liable to pay Council Tax. However, it is now a matter to be decided between the boater and Council's Valuation Officer. What does happen is that any council tax payments made to anyone on state benefit then becomes a matter of public record.

The claimants never see the money as it is passed internally between one department and another. The actual council services covered by the council tax charge don't have to be provided either. This is a win win situation for people who qualify for certain state benefits. All courtesy of the new changes being proposed for council planning systems. Intended for reducing the level of bureaucracy throughout the whole current planning process.

Later.....

January Caption Competition

2012-01-01T00:01:00.006Z

The rules are quite simple, the captions should try and reflect the water theme. I will be the judge and jury and the prize will be a mention in the ships log. The caption under the picture is our entry but does not count.

January 2012 Caption Competition.

The 2011 Miss Knobbly Knees winner is.....

The December Caption Competition winner was Tony Corrie with "The saying of an old Sea Dog, I Sea (see) No Ships".

So its time to stop worrying about Osborns Mini Budget. The one where he puts the boot in. Forget all about the Anti-Capitalist Camp upsetting vicars and bankers. Its also time to have collective amnesia about the latest round of big bonus payments in the offing at British Waterways.

To submit your caption Click on the comments tag below.
Please use your real name rather than anonymous.

Later....

A Dipstick on the boat!

2011-12-31T00:18:00.000Z

A project that I had been meaning to get on with is a Diesel Tank Dipstick. Rosie does not have any fuel or water level metering installed. The old way was to poke a length brush handle down the filler until it reached the tank bottom. Pull out the handle and then read the amount of fuel remaining.

Well I say read the fuel level, it was more of a guesstimate of the fuel level, as the broom handle is not calibrated in any way. The occasional dip was also not the best way to keep the tank clean and there is always the risk of contaminating the tank in some way. Rosie has a 206 litre fuel tank. I know the tank capacity and that the tank is made of stainless steel. This information was gleaned from the boat builder supplied boat owners hand book.

My first pass at making a calibrated dipstick was to get a piece of flat brass stock from B and Q and to give it some sort of removable calibration marks. This I did with a china graph pen. It was based on the amount of fuel being added to the tank during our last cruise. I was able to reasonably calibrate the location of the 25, 50, 75, 100, 125 and 150 litre marks.

I marked the different capacity levels on the brass stock with a hammer and chisel. I was later in the cruise able to predict when filling at a chandlers that the tank would hold an extra 50 litres. It actually held 48.6 litres before reaching the top. So the calibration gives a bit more of an idea than the broom handle guesstimate ever could.

Then I had an idea, and I came up with the Rose of Arden Dipstick Mk II.

I thought, why not include a method of checking for water contamination each time I dip the tank to check the actual fuel level. If you drop a hollow straw into a liquid, the liquid will flow up inside the straw to the same level as the liquid is in the container. When you remove the straw the liquid will flow back out of the straw into the container. However if you use your thumb to seal the top of the straw once the liquid has reached the same level inside the straw. Then a vacuum is created above the liquid, thereby stopping the fluid from draining out of the straw.

If you place your thumb on top of the straw and then push the straw to the bottom of the liquid before releasing your thumb. The liquid entering the straw can only come from the bottom of the container. This is the method I use to ensure that I get a sample from the bottom of our fuel tank.

The dipstick requires the sighting tube to be used just like a laboratory pipette. Pipettes work by creating a tube with a closed end at the top and an open end at the bottom. Dropping the pipette into a tank containing a liquid and then opening the top allows liquid to be draw up from the bottom of the tank. Sealing the top of the pipette then creates a vacuum above the liquid. The vacuum holds the liquid in the sighting glass when the dipstick/pipette is removed from the tank.

So I modified the dipstick so that the fuel level in the tank would register in piece of clear plastic tube. I use the type used for pumping air into a fish tank. I ensured that the tube supports would also coincide with the major fuel capacity points. Then the small sample of fuel draw up from the bottom of the tank (this is where any water or other contamination will collect) can be released into a small container and checked for water or any other type of contamination.

This project could be easily modified to make a Water Tank Dipstick.

Later.....

Old Jews Telling Jokes.

2011-12-30T18:29:00.001Z

The Memsahib was out last night, so I settled down in front of the television. I was entertained by a series of programs. Earthflight, Mastermind, Have I Got News For You, QI, and Great Expectations were amongst the fare available. Just before going to bed for the night I chanced on Old Jews Telling Jokes on BBC 4. Of American origin the programs features a series of old Jews telling their favourite joke. Strong language and reflective of the Jewish community and its sense of humour. The first program was followed by a second helping and so I was much later to bed than normal. Available for the next seven days check them out on BBCi. Watch out for the Jewish lady and the joke about Broccoli, she is brilliant.

I'm back once more to looking for a 3kw diesel generator for Rosie. We attempted to purchase a brand new one on eBay. I checked out the sellers history, quite a few satisfied customers with sales of similar generator items. Did the usual Paypal payment and sat back waiting for delivery. After a week, I emailed the seller - no reply. Tried a second time - no reply. Then I noticed that bad feedback was starting to pile up on the sellers profile. Cut a long story short, Paypal restored the money into our account. I have just found a similar generator for sale at a business a couple of miles up the road. This time it will be Cash on Collection.

Each year, government papers are released under the 30 year rule, which give some insight into what our political leaders were thinking at the time. Back in 1981 Thatcher 'considered arming police' and was also urged to abandon Liverpool. Sir Geoffrey Howe argued for a secret policy of 'managed decline' in Liverpool. Secretary of State for the Environment Michael Heseltine the cabinet papers note: "Mr Heseltine considered the behaviour of the police in Liverpool to be quite horrifying. They were not acting in a racialist fashion. They treated all suspects in a brutal and arrogant manner."

One letter, written by then Chancellor Geoffrey Howe, gloomily predicts the general election will see the Conservatives faced with the prospect of "doing something which has not been done before - winning an election despite not being able to offer the electorate much in the way of material improvement". It is tempting to draw parallels with Cameron's coalition government.

Thatchers attention was also drawn to the Sports Council quango after she received a letter from the Duke of Edinburgh about the unelected make-up of the body. In a memo sent to to No 10, it said "Apart from his general dislike of bureaucracy and his support for voluntary effort, his particular interest stems from his being President of the Central Council of Physical Recreation, a capacity in which he conducts a running battle with the Sports Council." Later Iain Sproat, the Conservative sports minister, outlined proposals to replace the Sports Council with the UK Sports Council for elite athletes.

A White Paper report in 1980 recommended that 246 quangos should be abolished saving £11.6m and costing 3,700 jobs. The current government announced in October that 192 public bodies would be axed, while a further 118 will be merged. In David Cameron’s plans for the “bonfire of the quangos”, designed to save the taxpayer billions of pounds. British Waterways would be given charitable status.

I have a feeling of Déjà vu, some things never change.

Later...

Short Cruise.

2011-12-29T19:42:00.000Z

We had a short one day cruise yesterday into Sheffield basin. We were in company with WB Tabularassa. The weather was warm and the sun was quite strong as we set out. However, the wind freshened up quite a bit so that by mid morning the wind chill had driven the temperature well down. We did the usual chores including a last of the season pump out and then returned back to the marina once more.

Trip Total
Distance 5.5 miles
Locks 4 locks
Swing / Lift Bridges 2
Tunnels 0
Pump-out 1

Rosie's Running Total
Distance 539.5 miles
Locks 544
Swing / Lift Bridges 91
Tunnels 6
Pump-outs 7

So what do we have to look forward to next year.

Brenda's Diamond Jubilee.
Yes, unfortunately Brenda has been on the throne for 60 years. Chuck and Camela are hoping that Brenda will throw in the towel.

The Olympics and Paralympics.
Yes, in the middle of a recession we throw billions at a two week sport fest. Hungry and homeless people on our streets. Thousand of people to lose their jobs. We have the Olympics.

Olympic Torch.
Olympic Flame will take a 70-day journey round the UK.

The London Mayor Elections.

Ken or Boris - Boris or Ken. Yawn.

The US presidential elections.
Yawn.

Pseudo experts talking rubbish.
"Experts fear that major events such as the Olympics and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee will lead to a 'significant drop' in blood donations. NHS Blood and Transplant warned that a 'perfect storm' could be created in 2012 by special events, extra bank holidays and a bumper sporting calendar."

Its time to seriously plan our cruise for next year. All of the above reasons are so inspirational, I can't wait to start the engine and push off down the cut.

Later.......

A Plod along the tow path.

2011-12-27T23:49:00.001Z

I was stopped by a nosy police officer around 2 a.m this morning. Just as I was walking back to the boat minding my own business. I was asked by the officer "where are you going at this time of night." I replied, "I am on my way to a lecture about alcohol abuse and the effects it has on the human body, especially when staying out late."

The officer who was taken aback then said, "Oh yes, and who is giving that sort of lecture at this time of night?" I replied with a smirk of satisfaction, "You mean who is giving that sort of lecture at this time in the morning. That officer, would be the Memsahib"

With a puzzled expression he enquired "What is a Memsahib?" I replied "That is my wife and in answer to your next question the lecture happens most nights." I wished him "good consternoon aftnable" and toddled unsteadily on my way.

Gaddafi seized power in a military coup in 1969. In 2011, the Libyan state he established was overthrown in a civil war which consisted of an uprising aided by a NATO intervention.

Rising oil prices and extraction in Libya led to increasing revenues. By exporting as much oil per capita as Saudi Arabia and through various welfare programs, Libya achieved the highest living standards in Africa; though not as high as several similarly oil-rich Gulf countries.

The history of the United States traditionally starts with the Declaration of Independence in the year 1776, although its territory was inhabited by Native Americans since prehistoric times and then by European colonists who followed the voyages of Christopher Columbus starting in 1492. The largest settlements were by the English on the East Coast, starting in 1607.

The British government's threat to American self-government led to war in 1775 and the Declaration of Independence in 1776. With major military and financial support from France, the patriots won the American Revolution. The 1860 election of Abraham Lincoln calling for no more expansion of slavery triggered a crisis as eleven slave states seceded to found the Confederate States of America in 1861. The bloody American Civil War (1861–65) redefined the nation and remains the central iconic event.

Later.....

Should CaRT volunteers also be members!

2011-12-27T00:18:00.001Z

There are over 100 waterway stakeholder organisations that operate in the sphere of charitable trusts and societies on the UK's Inland Waterways. Many of the stakeholder groups are small in scale. For some, a significant part of their income is via the membership route. Most of their output is driven by volunteers, the majority of the volunteers are also members.

"The Coalition Government’s agenda of severe public spending cuts and building the ‘Big Society’ demand a greater role for volunteers in public service delivery. Confidence that this demand can be satisfied is in part driven by a misguided assumption that volunteering rates have risen during the economic downturn." Matthew Hill, Institute for Volunteering Research, 2011.

Look at most of the existing charities that are at work in the UK such as English Heritage. Where membership is open to anyone and is currently set at £46 per year. Membership of English Heritage is an important part of drawing in the volunteers and for raising funding toward their activities. Membership benefits also draw the public to visit and to leave donations.

* English Heritage is the place to find our about listed buildings and scheduled monuments such as Stonehenge. Membership brings with it access to special events and other benefits.

Minister, Richard Benyon MP reporting on the progress on the Canal and River Trust. Told the All Party Parliamentary Waterways Group hearing on 8th December. "On membership, the Trustees had decided that the charity should not have a membership for fund-raising purposes, believing that other means of raising funds and stimulating voluntary giving were more effective for fund raising than a formal membership."

Now, you may be wondering like me, why the Canals and Rivers Trust trustees would want to abandon any idea of having a formal membership. Irrespective of whether the membership is a paid one or a freebie. Other than paying members might feel that they have a right to question how their money and donations are managed. The additional burden of managing a members year on year subscription service should be able to dovetail into the old BW financial systems that CaRT will inherit. Curiously I'm not sure how infrequent and random small public donations will fit into the existing financial systems.

Standard issue volunteers toolkit.

Membership to CaRT would help to create a sense of belonging and something that gives people a way of demonstrating their support for and commitment to the Inland Waterways. You don't have to own a boat or be into canal fishing to demonstrate a commitment. If nothing else, group membership would help to create a focus point for the much heralded vanguard of a volunteer army that we will see in place by next April.

According to the Institute for Volunteering Research. The top five benefits from volunteering as given by volunteers are:-

A sense of satisfaction from seeing the results. (97%)
I really enjoy it. (96%)
It gives me a sense of personal achievement. (88%)
To meet people and make friends (86%)
Gives me the chance to do things that I am good at. (83%)

The top five reasons for not getting involved were:-

Not enough spare time. (82%)
Put off by bureaucracy. (49%)
Worried about risk / liability. (47%)
Don’t know how to find out about getting involved. (39%)
Not got the right skills/ experience. (39%)

The full list of volunteering stats can be found Here.

Call me "Old and Cynical" but the idea of not needing or encouraging a paid membership does not hold water. Not un-like most of the locks. The IWAC (Inland Waterways Advisory Council) have produced an excellent document on Volunteering and Inland Waterways: How to Attract, Integrate and Retain Volunteers. The benefits to the Inland Waterways of not having a paid or freebie membership is not addressed in this document. Because not having a membership was a no brainer from the start.

So it looks like CaRT are hoisting their petard. CaRT will carry forward the usual standard of British Waterways management into the foreseeable future. More of the same old BW.

The Inland Waterways Advisory Council have also come up with the idea of continuing their work for the next two years. Working as a sort of watchdog on the way that CaRT performs. The Government says that closing down the IWAC will save £200,000 a year. However, because the IWAC is almost totaly run by unpaid volunteers the actual amount saved is £10,000 these are the IWAC's own figures.

I wonder if CaRT will have the eagle eye of IWAC keeping watch on them. Or will the CaRT trustees want the IWAC to be shot at dawn on the 1st of April.

Later.....