A change

Time to move on from the marathon splashback episode. Except I have to answer Paul’s query regarding the power sockets being upside down.  This was (of course) deliberately done to ensure the cables were pointing upwards and away from the bench top.  The idea is to provide additional cable clearance as a safety measure.   If you believe that then you probably believe in the tooth fairy!  What really happened is I refitted them upside down in error (yes… I know… amazing that I made an error.  I can’t remember the last time).  This is because the earth pin on a NZ or Australian socket is at the bottom and I just fitted then that way through habit.  It wasn’t until Jan mentioned the sockets weren’t working that it finally dawned on me they were upside down. Of course so were the switches.  Consequentially we were turning the appliances OFF to use them!  All fixed now.

The cratch and pram covers have been cleaned using the “fabsil” we purchased at Midland Chandlers in Braunston.  For some unknown reason I actually read the instructions before attempting the use the fabsil.  Well that’s not true either!  Jan read the instructions on the container and then ensured I followed them.  Neither cover looks much different, but I’m hoping it had some effect upon the waterproofing of the material.  The underside also needs a good scrub however that will have to wait until we can purchase a suitable cleaner.

Last boat task for the day was to mask up the rear doors and repaint the interior of the door frame.  There were initial signs of rust.  I think the longest part of the entire task was masking up the area.

Meanwhile Jan has been knitting and baking.  She made a mistake erred in her judgement with the knitting about 100 rows back and; being a perfectionist; has angrily pulled it apart to correct the fault.  I confess that I couldn’t even see the flaw until Jan pointed it out!  We have a batch of scones for dinner.  The cream has been flogged whipped and the homemade blackberry jam set to one side.   Not the usual scone recipe involving lemonade (no sugar or butter); something else she has dreamed up!  There’s also a date loaf for my lunch. 

It must have smelt very good because a large black labrador stuck her nose through the side hatch and despite the best efforts of the owner on the end of the leash then managed to get her two front feet through the hatch and onto the granite bench top!

Not long after lunch Indigo Dream went past with Sue at the tiller.  Sue mentioned to Jan that she reads the blog.  Only occasionally if she is sensible!  I’m not sure where she and Richard were heading. Perhaps a walk along the towpath this evening might be in order.

We were just sitting down to knitting and blog post writing when a small voice was heard outside the open side hatch on the towpath side.

Child    “Mummy what are those doors for?”

Mother  “To get out of the boat if it’s in a lock!”

Not when you’re our size lady!

Day 5 - It’s done!

I applied the masking tape to the timber surrounding the glass and changed the Sikaflex in the caulking gun for waterproof silicone.  Then the glass splashback edges and joins were carefully sealed.  The excess silicone was removed using the same method employed for the Sikaflex.  Finally, all the tape was removed.

I’ve been saving the oak plugs that need to go into the screw holes in the timber mounting blocks.

The plugs have been glued into place and are awaiting the removal of the excess timber using the chisel I purchased from Homebase, Tamworth.

A couple of coats of varnish and the last part of the task was to fit the chrome power socket bezels.

Jan thinks the glass on each side of the galley is a different colour.  But it’s just the sunlight (I hope)

Glass splashback–Day 4

Today I masked up the granite bench top and managed to seal the bottom edges of the remaining four pieces of glass.

Port side masked ready for the Sikaflex

Sikaflex applied and smoothed off before removing the tape above and below the adhesive.  The same was done on the starboard side.

I will be quite relieved once the Sikaflex has set.  It will mean for the first time we have a waterproof seal between the granite tops and the cabin walls.  Tomorrow I will repair the masking tape and apply the silicone sealer to the vertical joins and the tops of the glass.

Glass splashback – Day 3

We needed to make a decision whether to fit the 5th piece of glass.  Do we leave the bulkhead timber (top right arrow in the photo below) or fit the glass.

The bulkhead has one of the galley light switches on it and it didn’t align with the hole in the glass.  We made the decision to fit the glass which then involved moving the switch.

The only tool I had capable of doing anything in this situation was the drill and so I mangled a larger hole.  It doesn’t really matter because the glass covers this side and on the other is the oven cavity.  The glass was then masked up and glued in place.

I then refitted the light switch.

The other piece of glass which fits under the side hatch proved to be more of a problem.  It didn’t fit and I needed to remove 2mm off the end of the oak moulding.

This would be a relatively simple task if I could run it through a powered drop saw; or even if I had a chisel.  The only thing I could do was sand it back and it took a significant amount of time and elbow grease.  But finally the last piece fitted.  It was then a matter of masking up the glass and securing it in place with the Sikaflex.

So that’s all the glass fitted.

Starboard side

I now need to mask up the timber and granite bench top to finish the sealing of the edges.

Maybe tomorrow……. Maybe!

Glass Splashback–Day 2

The Sikaflex had gone off (set) on the two large pieces of glass Jan and I had fitted yesterday.  I then discovered the small piece of rectangular glass that will fit under the port side hatch actually wont.  It’s a nats nagger too long <grrrrrr>.  I can either chisel a sliver of timber off the end of the timber moulding or sand the end of the moulding removing a millimetre.  As I don’t have a chisel it will obviously be the harder sanding option!

The external edges of the three remaining pieces of glass were then masked.  I must state that we are not that impressed with the quality of the adhesion of the pale blue paint on the rear of the glass.  I was informed the glass was painted and then fired for a second time to toughen the glass.  I expected this process to bond the paint to the glass but this hasn’t happened.  Fortunately this wont be an issue once the glass is glued in place because the paint is on the reverse and will be protected. 

The second piece of glass for the starboard side was then turned over and Sikaflex applied to the reverse.

The glass was then carefully pressed into position.  The next step was to run a length of masking tape along the granite bench top below the long piece of glass fitted yesterday.

This now marks the edges of the gap underneath the piece of glass.  It is going to be filled with black Sikaflex to provide a strong, flexible and waterproof bond. 

I used the caulking gun to apply a thick bead of Sikaflex and then used my index finger to smooth the Sikaflex removing any surplus adhesive.  Dipping my finger in white spirits made it easier to create a smooth surface on the adhesive.  If I hadn’t done this the Sikaflex would have “dragged”.  You need plenty of rags during this step because it’s very easy to contaminate yourself with adhesive.

Once satisfied with the finished surface the masking tape was carefully peeled away leaving a clear, sharp edge.

Tomorrow I’ll seal the bottom edge of the piece of glass we fitted today.

Jan hasn’t decided whether she wants the piece of glass splashback fitted to the oven bulkhead (top red arrow in the following photo).  I also need to fit the glass under the side hatch (bottom right arrow)

Obviously I also need to seal the vertical joints and the tops of all the glass panels. The Sikaflex sealing of the bottom edges between the granite and the glass also needs to be completed.  There’s at least 3 days work left to do!

Starting on the glass splashback

Well the job was never going to do itself.  After 60 years I’ve learned to take things slowly when completing a new, difficult and expensive task.  The glass is definitely expensive and as I’ve never previously installed a splashback I was determined to take my time.  The fact that there isn’t much room inside the cabin also makes the job interesting.

The first step was to remove the 240V power outlets and their timber surrounds.  The latter had been both glued and screwed so I needed to use a piece of 4x2 and the club hammer to break the glue seal with the wall. Jan then cleaned any surplus glue and timber off the back of the mounting blocks using my Leatherman.  The next step was to check the delivered glass actually fits the galley.  Jan and I positioned each piece in turn noting where the gaps were required for the sealer.

In order to ensure there is room between the bottom edge of the glass and the bench top I have purchased some 4mm thick pine which I cut into short lengths to act as packing.  This will enable me to add a bead of Sikaflex after the glass has been secured.

The glass was then placed on two footstools and I marked the outer edges with paper tape.  I thought it would be easier to do it at this stage rather than attempt to apply the tape after the panel was in place.

There will be corresponding masking tape on the wall after the glass has been secured.  Then I’ll be able to apply the silicone sealer between the two sets of tape.  hopefully this will avoid getting silicone sealer and Sikaflex everywhere.  I don’t want my index finger glued to my nose!

Once the tape was applied the panel was turned over.  The Sikaflex was the applied in a series of vertical and horizontal 3-4mm beads using a caulking gun.  I deliberately avoided placing a bead of adhesive anywhere near the edges of the panel as I knew we’d have to get our fingers into those areas in order to position the panel.  As it was we managed to get Sikaflex onto the power sockets, cables and our fingers when positioning the first panel.  We needed to pause and clean the glue off ourselves as had already started re-contaminating our fingers and the panel.

Eventually we had the panel in position and I re-fitted the power sockets whilst Jan held the panel.  The power socket surrounds then held the panel in place.

The power sockets were then refitted to the timber mounting blocks.  Once the Sikaflex has set I will remove the mounting blocks and smear the reverse side with silicone sealer before re-fitting them.  This will minimize the potential for any water to get behind the mounting blocks potentially causing the timber to swell and split.

Fitting the main panel on the starboard side went better than we had expected so we moved on and fitted the main panel on the port side using the same method.

The is another piece of glass that fits under the side hatch and butts against the large panel.  I had requested this be one panel but the manufacturer told me they couldn’t make the panel as a single piece because the long thin portion might break during the firing process when the toughen the glass.  As a consequence we will have a join between the two pieces.

More to follow tomorrow…….

Birmingham and a meeting

There was an email this morning from Diane (nb Ferndale) suggesting a meeting for lunch at the “Slug and Lettuce” which we happily accepted.  Then it was a walk into town for essential supplies before the chuggers (paid on commission collectors for charities) could get into position.  There’s a small Tesco in the CBD where we purchased the few essential items before walking down the into the Bullring shopping centre.  The major chain stores don’t interest us but down the steps at the back is the market area.  Which we discovered is closed on a Monday! <drat>

We walked back up into the CBD stopping in the Bullring where Jan bought a new pair of sunglasses followed by a stop at a Costa Coffee outlet for liquid refreshments.

As we walked back up the main shopping precinct Jan pointed out my clothing shop.

Nothing in my size of of interest.  They didn’t appear to stock boaters apparel!

Just as we reached Waiouru I noticed the following plaque.

231 years have passed if my mental arithmetic is correct.  Makes you want to go back and have another look at the flight.

We cleaned ourselves up and wandered off for our luncheon engagement at the Slug & Lettuce arriving fashionably late.  Actually I hate being late and it was the slow data transfer on the computer external hard disk drive that delayed us.

We had an enjoyable lunch in convivial company with Ray and Diane exchanging cruising plans and other boatie information.  It appears we both have plans of staying out on the cut this coming winter.  Should be interesting!

We’re also grateful to Diane for the lunch invitation at the Slug & Lettuce where the meals are half price on Monday’s.

I’m not sure how we were able to have lunch in the Slug & Lettuce, yet the sign stated it was a chinese restaurant?

Everyone enjoyed my joke…..

Particularly Jan, who after ordering a half of cider received a pint by mistake, and wasn’t charged for it!

Odd Jobs

A quiet day doing a few odd jobs.  I think I might have found a location for the external 12V power socket.  It needs to be on the cabin stern bulkhead and preferably close to the nearest power source inside the boat.  The problem is the port stern cabin door which will bang against the outlet socket housing.  My solution was to make a temporary fix using duct tape which then enabled me to move the socket around until I could find a suitable location.

The above location clears the door problem but creates another.  The mounting block is screwed to the bulkhead using a machine screw either side of the housing and there isn’t sufficient room to fit a drill into this area to drill and thread the required holes.  However I’ve come up with another idea for fixing the mounting to the bulkhead.  I’ll use some of the Sikaflex we bought to fit the glass splashback.  But rather than rush into the job I’m going to think about it for a few more days.

The boater moored behind us knocked on the side hatch around 10.00am to warn us he was about to start his engine and that it was both noisy and produced large amounts of smoke.  We thought that was very considerate of him and promptly closed up the back of the boat.

Just before lunch I walked into Birmingham city centre to buy some bread from the Tesco Metro.  It didn’t open until noon which left some spare time to wander around.  I think this building is part of the “Bullring” shopping centre.  Interesting looking cladding and shape.

Back at the boat and a change of plans.  The bread would be eaten for dinner and we’d have a Sunday roast at one of the local pubs.  In the end we decided on the Malthouse.  Jan opted for the traditional roast beef whilst I chose the steak and ale pie.  The meal was nothing spectacular.

Waiouru had been making a ticking sound coming up the Farmers Bridge Flight yesterday which usually means there is something around the propeller.  Back down the weed hatch where I found a collection of thorns and light branches together in the remains of a black plastic bag all bound together with fishing line.  It took the bread knife to clear the shaft.  No….. I didn’t use Jan’s galley bread knife!

Mid afternoon and there was a second knock at the side hatch.  We looked out to see Diane (nb Ferndale) at the lock.  We knew they were in the area but were expecting to see them tomorrow.  Ray’s head eventually appeared as Ferndale rose in the top lock.  During a brief conversation Diane mentioned we probably would have seen them yesterday on the 48 Hour moorings at Lister Street Bridge except we were looking for a phantom mooring in the opposite direction.

Then Jan realised we hadn’t taken a photo and a scramble followed to find a camera.  In our haste I only managed to take three photos and two were blurred.  However I did manage one photo of Ray’s back as Ferndale exited the lock.

Tentative plans to catch up tomorrow!

Where’s the water?

A slightly later start to the day leaving the Star City moorings around 8.30am.  Our neighbours still had their curtains drawn and there was no twitching so I guess we made a quiet departure.  With the pointy end facing Salford Junction it was a much easier passage.  I managed the turn without having to reverse or use the bow thruster so I must be improving.  The numerous chunks out of the concrete lip on the opposite bank indicates other boaters haven’t had the same success.

We stopped for water at Cuckoo Wharf and were pleased we hadn’t attempted to moor there last night as all the moorings were taken up by CRT or contractor working boats.

There was no one around so we took the opportunity to wash Waiouru’s starboard side.  Can someone explain what this sign at the wharf is attempting to convey.

My interpretation is:

• Top.  14 Day mooring except for the water point which is 30 mins max
• Middle.  Permit holders only to the right.
• Bottom.  CRT working boat mooring but can be used for 24 hrs if vacant.

So where are the 14 day moorings?

There are 11 locks on the Aston Flight. It proved very hard to exit our second lock (lock 10).  Waiouru just managed to leave the lock but was then aground.  That’s when Jan identified the water in the pound was very low.

Fortunately Jan had stayed on the bank intending to walk to the next lock.  She disappeared into the distance whilst I frantically looked at the map.  It was a long pound and if the next pound was the same she might have to run water down the entire flight.

I managed to get Waiouru off the bottom by using the bow thruster and then giving the engine a “bit of wellie” before dropping back to idle and creep up the pound bouncing of the bricks and other obstructions on the bottom.  Meanwhile Jan released three locks full of water down.  This was just sufficient enough to creep into lock 9.  From this point onwards the pounds appeared to be OK. However after that fright it was a very slow trip up the flight.

We passed this complex which had a set of mock lock gates installed as part of a small waterfall.

Locks 8 to 1 are reasonably close together.

We were rather fortunate that nearly all the locks were in our favour (empty) and we didn’t see a single boat until we reached the top lock where there were two boats about to go down.  After warning them about the low pound we headed towards the Farmer Flight.  Thirteen locks we hadn’t planned on doing today. 

It must have been our lucky day because there was a very friendly volunteer lock keeper at lock 12 who helped us all the way up to the top.  He even found us a 14 Day mooring at Cambrian Wharf.

Waiouru moored on the left

Jan was standing at the side hatch when she noticed this caring father watch his son stand on the cast iron handrail of the bridge over the empty top lock.

Then he walked out onto the top beam of the gate to take a photo.  What can we say!

Star City and the Solo Boater

Both of us woke up early and we were cruising by 7.30am quietly slipping away from the overnight mooring at the Dog & Doublet.  Hopefully we didn’t disturb our neighbours.

There was mist on the water from the view out the side hatch as we sat down for a cold breakfast.

A boater had passed us going in the opposite direction just on dusk last night and it proved to be our day as some of the locks were in our favour.

First lock of the day

Curdworth Lock 6 was very familiar.  As we approached in in 2009 a vehicle appeared and the BW worker went forward and set all the locks for us.  Very helpful!

Go girl!

I noticed a couple of the Curdworth locks had recesses in the side walls with a horizontal steel bar.  Why are they there?

I remember Curdworth Tunnel from our previous trips but couldn’t place it.  What I remembered was the gap between the mouth of the tunnel and the bridge.  Last time we passed this way there were two boats moored in the gap.  Today the section was empty.

Looking back through the bridge hole to the mouth of the tunnel.

As we approached Minworth Middle Lock we could see a boat had arrived above the lock.  To our surprise a member of the crew turned the lock against us and proceeded to fill it.  Oh well, we’re not in a hurry.  The edge below the lock was very shallow and it took some effort to enable Jan to disembark (getting nautical here).  When Jan reached the lock she found a solo boater in the lock with the lower paddles raised.  When he observed Jan approaching he left the bottom gate without a word and climbed back on his boat.  Obviously he expected Jan to work the lock for him!  I’d have turned around and walked away, but Jan just opened the gate and closed the paddles.  He didn’t say a word to her as he left and just stuck his nose in the air ignoring me as he passed. 

Dear steerer of nb Hummingbird….. we know why you’re solo…. who would want to be with you!

We almost thought we’d discovered new toilet facilities on the off-side near Wood Lane Bridge

Could these be “long drops”?  No!  It’s a Highways Maintenance Lorry.  Slightly further on is the factory situated over the canal.  This is something we both remembered.

But why build a factory above a canal?

A good place to wait for the rain to pass but too dark for painting the boat.  Further on is Salford Junction.  Also referred to as “Spaghetti Junction”.  The reason why can be explained by the following map screen dump.

There are four levels of transport here.  The canal junction at the bottom and three road grade interchanges above.  You feel like you’re in the bowels of the earth passing underneath all that concrete.

Paul (nb Waterways Routes) had suggested that rather than attempting to moor at Cuckoo Wharf on the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal we reverse down the Grand Union and moor at Star City.  It’s the furthest we’ve ever reversed Waiouru!  I thought Star City might be a casino but Jan looked it up on the internet and it an indoor amusement park.  Sometimes known as “Stab City” <gulp>.

It took us almost six hours to reach Star City, which is longer than we’d normally cruise in a day.  However it means tomorrow will be a much shorter cruise.

The afternoon was spent on maintenance.  I did a more permanent repair on the horn switch wiring and then replaced a spade connector on the headlight switch.  When doing both tasks I realised the decklight wasn’t working.  Another faulty joint!  I should point out this is a small bit of the wiring that I didn’t do when Waiouru was built.  We shouldn’t have any further problems with this wiring.  Back in the boat Jan was done on her hands and knees worshiping my feet sweeping the carpet with a hearth brush.  It’s been a hot day… Must be beer o’clock!