Delays

The Citizenship approval is taking longer than expected, so not moving on just yet. But using the time for repairs and improvements.

Over the past few weeks, I have replaced one of the wheelhouse windows, started cleaning up and painting the engine bay, fitted a brand new oven, and had fuel tanks cleaned/polished.

New Wheelhouse Window

These windows are double glazed, and this one had built up condensation inside, so was replaced. It is the one you look through while driving, so needs to be in good nick.

Engine Bay

This boat has a lovely engine bay – you can stand up in it, on either side of main engine.

Port side of engine bay – before and after!

New Oven

So the old oven worked OK. It was a gas oven. Unfortunately the thermocouple on the grill needed replacing – again!

To find a suitable replacement was a nightmare. Original was a New World, which they dont make anymore. A colleague had replaced his with a Belling, which, after being scammed, turns out they dont make them either anymore. (Managed to get my money back via the bank, fortunately)

Finally bought and installed this one, at around GBP 700!!!

Pics show old one removed, wiring and electrics sorted, and new one installed. Interesting – the new one has gas oven but the grill is electric!

Fuel Polishing

This is something I had never heard of. Canal boats generally dont move about a lot, so any sediment etc in the fuel tank stays at the bottom. If however you are on a river where there is much more movement, any sediment could be stirred up, enter into the fuel system and cause engine failure, which is not what you want in a river or estuary.

Also, I have recently been having strange fuel issues, which I suspected were caused by dirt in the fuel. So I got someone in to do this fuel polishing.

Very interesting. Amazed at how much dirt there was in the tanks.

Excellent operation – First, they cut a hole in the top of the tank. Then pump the fuel out, through a filter into a drum. Use a vacuum suction to suck all the stuff out the bottom of the tank. Put the clean fuel back in the tank. Then a final flush – circulate the fuel once more through the filter, to take out any remaining bits.

Hopefully this will solve my problem!

Will find out tomorrow – we head down to Semington Drydock to have hull cleaned and blacked.

Next post will be our trip there. Much the same as last time – except now I have a drone, so can take some different aspect photos or videos.

Bon Voyage!