Some of the hinges on our boat need greasing. As I can't lift the hinge on one or two covers I'm looking at getting a grease gun but I have no idea whats best. I was thiking something like this perhaps Hilka Pro-Craft Manual Grease Gun 500cc - Screwfix or is there a better option?   Advice as always much appreciated. TIA Paul ..read more

Thinking of adding 230v immersion element to our vertical calorifier for use when on shore power. Have fitted a few on shore but never to a calorifier before. What’s the chances the big blanking plug will come out easily or are they prone to corrosion and Im likely to just damage the calorifier? Any advice would be appreciated. Cheers ..read more

Hi, does the chine under the uxter plate on this photo appear to be worn down or was it most likely only narrow originally? It's currently 7.5mm wide including the weld. I wouldn't expect a lot of wear in this area as it should be well protected by the overhanging stern deck ..read more

Hi, I'm trying to find out if it's possible to fill pitting on the bottom of a baseplate with weld? I know it's possible on the side plate but not sure about the baseplate. Thanks ..read more

What's the best way to cosmetically fix a cracked and chipped tile?   I managed to break it after removing the wooden trim (now back in) trying to chip off grout from the edge of the tile that was originally between the oak trim and tiles. It's an awkward shape so I'd rather not have to cut it again. It's fairly solid in there even though it's broken. I'm going to fill the gap between the trim & tiles with white sealant this time. The grout was meant to be flexible but it's not flexible enough for big gaps.   To repair the cracks in the tile enamel I was thinking of mixing a bit ..read more

Seems that leaking things is all the rage with recent topics. Have to say though that I've got a coolant leak that has me puzzled. It is obviously leaking from somewhere since there is a pool of antifreeze in the bilge under the engine, but I'm damned if I can find where the leak is. It seems to leak at it's worst when the engine has stopped and is cooling down, when running it barely leaks at all (at the moment). Over the winter period the header tank completely drained so when I re-filled it there was an air lock in the system which seems to have caused the engine to overheat a bit on the re ..read more

Hullo,   Hopefully just a quick fix, but wanted to double check as I know little about engines   Our fuel filter is leaking - there's diesel around the rim of it that reappears when wiped clean, and the engine bay smells more of diesel than usual. Also noting that it's a bit slower to start. Pic below.   Not too sure why this is happening - we had a full service of the engine a few months ago as we've just started CCing, and the filter was replaced as part of that. Is it a case of just getting another new filter? Or is there a seal or an o-ring kind of thing that needs replacing ..read more

There are three comprehensive articles  in Practical Boat Owner this month no.704 June 2024   “Affordable lithium -ion battery system”   “Considerations for installing lithium -ion”   ”Lithium-ion battery myths busted”   also    “A blood test for your engine” (engine oil analysis)   also    “Evolution of electric winches” ( for yachts!)   £4.99 W H Smiths ..read more

Hi. Thought I'd check if my plan to reinstall radiators on our narrowboat seems sensible. Thinking of 4 radiators, removing thermostatic valves that are on them at present and replacing with lockshield valves at each end. Running 22mm plastic pipe between rads with 15mm tails into lockshields. Filling radiators with mix of water and anti freeze via weird little plastic tank in engine room and bleeding radiators until they're all full. Sound sensible? Appreciate any thoughts that may help Regards Ste ..read more

Hi all, first posting on here so please excuse any naivety.    I'm new to the narrowboat world and have recently become a continuous cruiser, living aboard my 50ft boat, Peregra.   My house battery bank consists of 3 x 110Ah, maintenance free, lead acid batteries. These are charged by a 100 amp alternator, backed up by 2 solar panels totalling 600 Watts peak performance.   Right now I'm not using much electricity but looking forward to the winter, my requirements will increase and I'm contemplating the addition of a 200 Ah lithium battery and additional solar to cover this ..read more