Knitting Blankets

 

Back in February I wrote about Jan knitting blankets <link here>.  Subsequently a number of comments were received asking for more detailed instructions.  Recently we received a comment on the same post from Deidhre telling us she had worked out how to do it and had posted additional details (plus photos) on her own blog <here>.

So if any of our readers are struggling with Jan’s instructions or gave up.  Do have a look at Deidhre’s blog and you may be enlightened!

Meanwhile I’ve been monitoring the online price of solar panels and today we placed an order through Ebay <here> for two 100w monocrystalline panels at £89.95 each.  We’ve also separately purchased some MC4 solar connectors.  The panels are coming from Europe which will allow me to do some preparatory work to the wiring.

There are some essential boat items I failed to include in the contract specifications so we have been busy scouring the internet to source them at the best price.  The current list includes

• Fenders (ordered and received)
• Mooring ropes (received)
• Life Ring (supplier identified)
• Lift Jackets(supplier identified)
• Anchor (received)
• Shackles (received)
• Aluminium Ladder (modified for use as a boarding plank)

Then there is the list of non-essential items

• 2 way radios
• Solar panels (ordered)
• Vacuum cleaner (purchased today)
• Cratch mats
• Ecofan (purchased)
• Security cables and padlocks (for the ladder and solar panels)
• etc, etc

I managed to purchase some suitable machine screws and bolts for the modified aluminium ladder at B&Q only to subsequently find some better (and cheaper) in Wilkinsons <grrrrr>.  However I did managed to avoid purchasing the expensive aluminium ‘checker plate’ in B&Q.  It’s significantly cheaper on Ebay. 

Jan happened to notice Robert Dyas were selling Russell Hobbs vacuum cleaners at a heavily reduced price (£39.99).  It’s very compact and ‘box’ shaped which will make it easier to store.  The other advantage is it’s ‘bagless’.  At 1800 watts the inverter should have no problem supplying power.

Over the last couple of days we have been inundated with officials from The Environmental Agency, CaRT and Thames Water.  A very large diesel slick has appeared on the water around the marina.  Initially we were concerned that we might be the source having only recently gone into the water and filled the diesel tanks for the first time.  However it quickly became apparent Waiouru wasn’t the source.

The EA brought in a floating boom which was placed across the canal.

One of the hire boats was used to get the boom to the far side of the canal.  The far end was then bought back in an effort to trap the majority of the diesel.

Diesel absorbent mats were then left floating on the surface inside the boom to soak up the diesel.  The EA appears to have captured the majority of the diesel with just a few traces left around the moored boats.

Ladder & Fan

Wet..wet…wet!     Well that describes the weather.  The 4 fold ladder ordered from Midland Ladders via Ebay arrive which provided an opportunity early in the morning to experiment with an idea we have for a gangplank.  Some modifications are required.

The first thing you may have noticed is it’s now a 3 fold ladder!  Four was just too long.  The plan is to pot rivet aluminium plate to the rungs to make a lightweight folding gangplank with a load capacity of 150kg.  The second modification was to the boat end of the ladder.

The stabilization bar has been shortened so it will fit across the rear deck.  The bank end hasn’t been modified.

The plan is to store it on the roof immediately in front of the rear sliding hatch.  We plan to go to Newbury soon and whilst there will look for a suitable lockable bike security chain for the ladder.

Around  midday we had a visit from Peter & Margaret.  They had just returned from their P&O Mediterranean cruise and were sporting a tan.

They are the owners of nb Kelly-Louise <blog link here> and very kindly allowed us use of her whilst we were waiting for work to start on Waiouru.  They were telling us how much they had enjoyed the cruise.  Also the excitement of a major crack occurring in the ship when crossing the Bay of Biscay in rough weather.  Peter has written about the incident on their blog.  We hope to catch up with them once we start cruising and as they are familiar with the Lancaster Canal I asked if they would be interested in doing the Ribble Link with us!

Richard has made significant progress with the cratch board.  He has completed the frame and ordered the glass for the windows.  The King Plank <correct name?) was made in the afternoon.  It’s the horizontal plank which connects the top of the cratch board to the roof of the boat.

View from the inside face

The windows will open inwards and be on ‘lift off’ hinges.  We specifically wanted the cratch board made this way so we can gain access to the water filler point and the bow anchor point from inside the cratch.  The logic/reasoning behind this decision was the actual area in front of the cratch board will probably be quite hazardous during winter (ice & snow).  The cratch board will be painted but the King Plank is made of oak and will be varnished.

I must find some time tomorrow afternoon to give everything at least one coat of ‘Impreg’.

A courier also made a delivery to us today and we are now owners of an ‘Eco’ style fan.  It’s not an ‘Ecofan’ but a very similar fan which was significantly cheaper.

It looks very similar to the ‘Ecofan’

We purchased it from First4Spares via Amazon <here> for £73, including free delivery.

Hot & Heavy

Nick came on board first thing this morning to have another look at the Refleks diesel stove.  This time he bought a flamethrower gas torch to ignite the stove.  He ‘fiddled’ about with it and coaxed it into life.

He made the interesting observation “This heater is not as tall as heaters we have previously fitted!”  Perhaps it’s a newer model?  Whether it’s a new model or not; it belts out the heat.  We had it on the lowest setting and Waiouru was still ‘toasty’ warm inside!

You actually feel warm looking at the flames and the red hot glow of the grill inside the burning chamber.

So we now have both the Hurricane and the Refleks for heating.  Actually we’re now using the Hurricane to get some hours on the unit and test the central heating system.

Nick then decided it was time to fit the engine.  The Beta 43 had previously been placed into the engine compartment to check it for size and mark out the position of the mountings.  This time it was going in to be installed.

Engine arrives slung under a jib on the forklift tynes

It was partially lowered into Waiouru using the forklift with the final 4ft of lowering being done using a block and tackle on an endless chain.

Once inside its position was adjusted so the mounting blocks were parallel and the engine was as far to the stern as possible. The position of the mountings were then marked on the engine bed and it was then removed (again)

This enabled Nick to drill the holes for the engine mounts. 

The mounts were then removed off the engine and bolted in place. 

Then the engine was installed for the final time.  After tightening everything down Nick connected the engine to the propeller shaft using the Python Drive.

The Python Drive serves two major purposes.  First it enables the engine to be fitted into the boat without it having to be directly in alignment with the propeller shaft.  This is because the Python Drive is a flexible coupling.  However; more importantly, the thrust from the propeller is transferred from the Python Drive to the mounting plate (thick white horizontal plate in the above photo).  The mounting plate is welded to the hull.  The effect of this is to eliminate the thrust of the propeller going to the engine and it’s four mounting feet.  So there is less stress on the engine mounts and noise is also reduced.  It’s a more expensive option but is probably more cost effective in the long term.

There was just enough time to celebrate the launching of Waiouru with the ABC staff by cracking open Snorre’s bottle of Champagne.  Everyone had a little and toasted good luck to Waiouru.

We also managed to take a couple of photos of Waiouru on her new temporary mooring.

There is probably another day’s work for Nick in the engine compartment and then the bulk of the engineering will be complete.  Meanwhile Richard and James are working away at the joinery with James making the rear door lining and surrounds whilst Richard is working on the cratch board.

Not on the level

It was an interesting night.  We both now have one leg longer than the other after walking around in Waiouru during the evening.  It proved impossible to have a shower as the combination of the list to port and low profile shower tray meant the water would flow out the shower door rather than towards the drain.  We also had a very broken night’s sleep.  There were numerous showers and as a consequence the bow bilge pump kept starting and stopping.  During my dozing I had a nightmare that the list meant the bilge was on the high side and water was flowing through the front doors into the cabin.  I had to get up and check before the brain kicked in and I realised the list was the opposite way.

It was a mistake wearing my tiger printed satin pyjamas as I kept on sliding out of them during the night.  Meanwhile Jan found herself repeatedly pressed against the lower side of the boat and having to scramble back up the bed.  Needless to say we were fully awake at 4.00AM and up at 5.00.

When it got light we were able to see the full extent of the list.

The plan was to take some photos of Waiouru today but time got away on us!  When Richard and James offered to adjust the ballast I quickly accepted.  All the concrete slabs are in a row down the starboard side which is why we had the list.  The obvious area to lift flooring was the saloon so that’s what they did.

James raised a serious sweat moving the slabs from one side of Waiouru to the other.  Of course it also meant they had to remove the underfloor insulation panels!

All this work mean Waiouru was now trim laterally but the bow appeared to be rather high and the stern low.  Both concerned me as the engine will add another 250kg to the stern and the bow needs to be down to improve steerage.  Initially I thought the water tank in the bow was close to being full but I decided to add water anyway.  To my surprise the tank too a large quantity of water which had the desired effect of lowering the bow.  Nick told us the engine probably won’t make much difference to Waiouru’s draft!

Nick had decided to commission the Hurricane heater.  We had both read the installation manual but despite this it still required a call to the UK agents (Calcutt Boats) to find out the shortcut for filling the system.  In the end the job took us most of the day.  First we had to fill the system with water and check for leaks.  Nick also made strenuous efforts to remove all the airlocks.  The system was then partially bled and 20 litres of anti-freeze were added.  This was followed by more bleeding to remove yet more airlocks.  Finally he was ready to start the Hurricane.  Unfortunately the thermostat in the saloon wouldn’t come to life.  More checking of the wiring before the problem was fixed and the Hurricane came to life.  It didn’t take long for the pipes, finrads and radiators to start getting too hot to touch.

There was just enough time left at the end of the day to reinstall the underfloor insulation and the ply panels.  Somehow I managed to miss eating or drinking anything since the porridge and tea at breakfast.

Poor Jan had to leave the boat because it was being pulled apart to either gain access to the ballast or central heating bleeding points.  The 12v and 240v power was also disconnected which meant the bread baking in the slow cooker collapsed

Still, Waiouru is now level and we are looking forward to a good shower and long night sleep.

Hopefully there will be time for launch celebrations tomorrow!

Not as expected!

The day seems to ‘drag’ whilst we waited for the crane.  Around noon there was a delivery which turned out to be the bow and stern fenders we had ordered from Outdoor Xscape.  We seized the opportunity to fit the fenders whilst nothing was happening.

Our first attempt at fitting a stern fender

Then the bow fender
All the chains will eventually be covered with a protective sleeve and a couple of the chains require either a sacrificial link (thinner shackle) or two of the links to be joined with a cable tie.  The purpose of the sacrificial link is the be a ‘weak point’ that will fail should the fender get caught on a obstacle such as a lock gate.
No doubt some readers might be expecting to see great photos of Waiouru being craned into the canal.  For some reason we always have to do things the hard way!  Waiouru has gone into the cut but it was a night launch.  We certainly didn’t plan for the big event to occur in the dark!
The crane arrived at 3.30PM but it was immediately apparent this particular crane was smaller than the one that usually does the lifts.  Its maximum rated capacity was 60 tonnes instead of the usual 80.  To compound the issue Waiouru is heavier than the usual lift with its estimated deadweight being around 20 tonnes.  The crane operator consulted his lifting tables and decided it was unlikely he could complete the lift whilst Waiouru was in its current position.  Moreover there wasn’t much room to get the crane any closer.

Mobile phones came out and calls started to be made.  Meanwhile the clock was ticking and the sun was going down!  It appeared neither of the two boatyard staff were qualified “Banksmen” (Groundsman, Rigger, Slinger, Dogman) which would make them competent to give instructions to the crane operator.  Eventually the crane was moved slightly closer to Waiouru and the running gear on the jib was re-rigged for a heavier load.  Then the jib, chains and slings were positioned over Waiouru.

Darren positions the chains directly above Waiouru’s centreline

Slings and chains now in position
Both the crane operator and Darren remained uncomfortable about attempting the lift. <more mobile calls>.  Darren wisely decided he didn’t want to authorise the lift and phoned Andy who was at home.  Andy decided to come and supervise the lift.
By the time Andy arrived it was after 6.00PM and the sun had set.

As the crane operator took the strain an alert buzzer started sounding in the cab <heart-stopping>.  Waiouru was lowered and the slings adjusted to evenly balance her.  She was then very slowly and carefully lifted before the operator bought the boom in.

She was then turned 90­° before the boom was slowly moved clockwise.

90° turn

Swinging around to the canal stern first

She was then slowly lowered into the water and checked for trim.

Waiouru has a list (lean) to the starboard side.  This is the only side of the boat that has ballast.  Once it was confirmed she was going to float Andy and Mark pulled her backwards clear of the crane slings and moored her.
Whilst Andy, Darren and Mark went to do the second lift (next boat into the paint shed slot) I dived down the bow thruster locker and engine bay to check for leaks (she is currently dry). 
Meanwhile poor Jan was half frozen and still trying to slow down her heart rate after the night lift with a lighter than usual crane. 
Sorry Snorre….. There was no opportunity to open that bottle of champagne you, Trine, Viggo & Isabel so kindly gave us for the big day back here on the 17th of August.  We will open it tomorrow and drink to your health!   We will also take some photos!
It’s going to be interesting trying to sleep in the cross-over bed tonight with such a significant list.  We may both wake-up in the morning at the foot of the bed!
The one good thing was Jan’s decision to start cooking dinner in the slow cooker this morning.  After the nervous launch, excitement and cold, it was great to immediately go on board and be able to eat a hot casserole.
This wasn’t how we anticipated launch day would happen and would rather have avoided the additional stress of the 60t crane and night launch.  But Waiouru is finally in the water!!!!!

Covers off!

Compared with yesterday the temperature this morning was quite mild.  However a breeze came up after lunch which made me realise the trees were dropping leaves.  The green foliage has changed to brown and gold.
Darren started removing the tent tie-down ropes and steel pegs around 9.00AM and by 10.00 enough of the staff had been coerced to move the three tent sections and pack them away ready for the next boat.
Somehow this seemed to excite Nick.

Some natural light on the stern has revealed the red panels and sign-writing look very good.

After assisting with the removal of the tent my next task was to fit the chrome vents to the bow water and diesel tanks.  Without the breather pipes to the tanks we would possibility (probably for the water tank) suffer an airlock.

Then Andy supplied a headlamp and horn which I fitted after lunch.

We didn’t provide any headlamp and horn details in the contract specifications and have therefore accepted what we have been given.  However we will probably change the devices at a later date (when our finances are in better shape).  Once they were fitted I checked they actually worked. <tick!>
Darren requested a photo of Waiouru at night showing the cratch and navigation lights.

Late this afternoon we were informed the crane would arrive after lunch tomorrow to move Waiouru into the cut.  Another milestone!

Almost there with the central heating

We woke to find the temperature was 1°C with frost in the shadows and mist over the canal.  Then we noticed the small amount of condensation on the front door vents and the Houdini frames <eek>!  Time to find the dehumidifier.  Actually it was a very small amount of condensation.

Rising just after dawn enabled me to head off early for the usual Sunday morning walk.  Only 12 miles but an interesting mix of nature reserve and woodland.  A small deer was standing in a glade and obviously heard me coming as it’s head was up and looking in my general direction.  The walk took me through a number of the small local villages and I noticed parents were taking their children to the local sports fields. 

Meanwhile Nick had made a start on the central heating.  He finished the installation of the small radiator under the workstation

and then went on to make and fit the pipe radiator for the rear cabin wardrobe.

Whilst he was doing that Jan stripped the bedding and removed the mattress sections from our bed.  This gave Nick access underneath the bed for the pipe radiators he planned to make.

There will be two pipe radiators in the large cavity at the head of the bed.  One will be horizontal to the floor (as above) and the second will be vertically mounted on the wall.  Another radiator has been fitted in the void between the drawers.

Whilst Nick was soldering the joints in the copper piping, I made a template and used it to drill a matrix of 10mm holes in the internal partitions under the bed.

These holes will allow the warm air to circulate before escaping through either the chrome vents in the side of the bed or up into the mattress.

The large void at the head of the bed will be used for the long term storage of our summer or winter clothing.  Hopefully the warm air will prevent them going mouldy.

One of the bedhead radiators

Pipe radiator between the drawers

Nick was unable to complete the central heating today but is hoping he can finish tomorrow. 

The forecast is for more low temperatures tonight so it will be interesting to see how much condensation there is in Waiouru tomorrow morning.  The tent is scheduled to be removed off Waiouru tomorrow which means we should be able to test the Refleks diesel stove tomorrow night.