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Post by Deleted on Apr 19, 2017 15:50:56 GMT
Thanks for the replies. A couple of questions about the test, if anyone can offer an opinion? First the gas locker: It has 2 gas bottles and maybe 12 inches more room. I know that nothing else should be in the locker for the test. Question is: The bottles could move around because of the additional space. They couldn't tip over though, and there's sufficient slack in the gas hose to ensure that it wouldn't be stretched, if they moved. Pass or fail? Then a couple of questions about the batteries: First, I believe they should have a cover. Mine don't. I understand that this is to ensure the terminals aren't shorted when working with spanners etc. What form must the cover take? I was thinking of an old car mat or similar, keep it nearby, tell the examiner I removed it for his convenience, to do the test. Finally: I understand that the batteries must be restrained to the extent that they couldn't move if the boat listed to 45 degrees. My batteries (1 Starter 1 Leisure) sit within an area surrounded by metal channel around 1 inch high. Sideways movement during a 45 degree list would be prevented on one side by the hull, on the other by an upright metal post that houses the isolators. I believe that if I strap the batteries together with a ratchet strap that they couldn't move forwards, or backwards, during a 45 degree list. That's just my opinion though, based on the fact that the batteries are 8 1/2" high but 13" long, this being the length of 2 widths of batteries. Any thoughts? On the battery cover our boat failed it's first BSC exam as we bought it for not having a cover on the batteries. It was rectified by cutting a piece of quarter inch ply to fit over the top of them. It was a bit daft really because they were in a locker with a wooden top, I suppose it did prevent anything actually being laid on the battery tops which as you say if metal could short across the terminals. |
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Post by canaldweller on Apr 19, 2017 16:44:58 GMT
Thanks for the replies. A couple of questions about the test, if anyone can offer an opinion? First the gas locker: It has 2 gas bottles and maybe 12 inches more room. I know that nothing else should be in the locker for the test. Question is: The bottles could move around because of the additional space. They couldn't tip over though, and there's sufficient slack in the gas hose to ensure that it wouldn't be stretched, if they moved. Pass or fail? Then a couple of questions about the batteries: First, I believe they should have a cover. Mine don't. I understand that this is to ensure the terminals aren't shorted when working with spanners etc. What form must the cover take? I was thinking of an old car mat or similar, keep it nearby, tell the examiner I removed it for his convenience, to do the test. Finally: I understand that the batteries must be restrained to the extent that they couldn't move if the boat listed to 45 degrees. My batteries (1 Starter 1 Leisure) sit within an area surrounded by metal channel around 1 inch high. Sideways movement during a 45 degree list would be prevented on one side by the hull, on the other by an upright metal post that houses the isolators. I believe that if I strap the batteries together with a ratchet strap that they couldn't move forwards, or backwards, during a 45 degree list. That's just my opinion though, based on the fact that the batteries are 8 1/2" high but 13" long, this being the length of 2 widths of batteries. Any thoughts? Re the battery cover. I cut some rectangles of thickish rubber (your old car mat?) and cable tied them to the end of the battery cables so the rubber was laid over the terminals. Examiner was impressed. |
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Post by Gone on Apr 19, 2017 17:27:39 GMT
Thanks for the replies. A couple of questions about the test, if anyone can offer an opinion? First the gas locker: It has 2 gas bottles and maybe 12 inches more room. I know that nothing else should be in the locker for the test. Question is: The bottles could move around because of the additional space. They couldn't tip over though, and there's sufficient slack in the gas hose to ensure that it wouldn't be stretched, if they moved. Pass or fail? Then a couple of questions about the batteries: First, I believe they should have a cover. Mine don't. I understand that this is to ensure the terminals aren't shorted when working with spanners etc. What form must the cover take? I was thinking of an old car mat or similar, keep it nearby, tell the examiner I removed it for his convenience, to do the test. Finally: I understand that the batteries must be restrained to the extent that they couldn't move if the boat listed to 45 degrees. My batteries (1 Starter 1 Leisure) sit within an area surrounded by metal channel around 1 inch high. Sideways movement during a 45 degree list would be prevented on one side by the hull, on the other by an upright metal post that houses the isolators. I believe that if I strap the batteries together with a ratchet strap that they couldn't move forwards, or backwards, during a 45 degree list. That's just my opinion though, based on the fact that the batteries are 8 1/2" high but 13" long, this being the length of 2 widths of batteries. Any thoughts? Firstly gas - The check list states "The extent of any LPG cylinder movement must not cause any pulling of pipework or pulling tight of hose. Cylinders must be secured so that the possibility of cylinders damaging low‐pressure regulators, pipework or other LPG system components is minimised." Now I have not seen your locker, but if the bottles can move up to a foot I would be surprised if you passed. In my locker I put a couple of eyes bolted to the cross bulkhead and then put a ratchet strap across to 'clamp' the bottles to the bulkhead. Second - Battery covers, mine have the plastic covers over the terminals and then a wooden panel which is the floor over the space where the batteries and engine lives. This has not been a BSS concern. As to securing the batteries, mine were in a metal box the sides about a quarter the height of the batteries. This was deemed as marginal and should be improved as the batteries would rock a bit. So I got a couple of long eye bolts and bolted the eye end with an M8 bolt to both ends of the battery tray. The 2 eye bolts stand up and a wooden 'beam' spans between the two eye bolts and clamps across the battery tops. This was not commented upon on my recent test. If you use a bit of carpet or matting drapped over your batteries, it may comply with the cover requirement BUT I doubt it would comply with the requirement to have a freely ventilated battery space, so probably a fail. |
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Post by tonyqj on Apr 19, 2017 17:33:03 GMT
For the battery cover a simple lid made out of thin plywood with a 2x1 lip would do. Cut some large holes in it (not above the terminals!) for ventilation. Paint it for extra brownie points.
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Post by geo on Apr 19, 2017 18:15:42 GMT
Firstly gas - The check list states "The extent of any LPG cylinder movement must not cause any pulling of pipework or pulling tight of hose. Cylinders must be secured so that the possibility of cylinders damaging low‐pressure regulators, pipework or other LPG system components is minimised." Now I have not seen your locker, but if the bottles can move up to a foot I would be surprised if you passed. In my locker I put a couple of eyes bolted to the cross bulkhead and then put a ratchet strap across to 'clamp' the bottles to the bulkhead. Second - Battery covers, mine have the plastic covers over the terminals and then a wooden panel which is the floor over the space where the batteries and engine lives. This has not been a BSS concern. As to securing the batteries, mine were in a metal box the sides about a quarter the height of the batteries. This was deemed as marginal and should be improved as the batteries would rock a bit. So I got a couple of long eye bolts and bolted the eye end with an M8 bolt to both ends of the battery tray. The 2 eye bolts stand up and a wooden 'beam' spans between the two eye bolts and clamps across the battery tops. This was not commented upon on my recent test. If you use a bit of carpet or matting drapped over your batteries, it may comply with the cover requirement BUT I doubt it would comply with the requirement to have a freely ventilated battery space, so probably a fail. Agree. Gas cylinders need to be secured so that there can be no pull on the hoses in any direction and they must not be able to strike the regulator or any part of the low pressure side. If the regulator is open to the bottles hitting it the it should be guarded by a guard capable of stopping the bottles hitting the regulator. Batteries need to be secured so they cannot move, covered so nothing can drop on them and the cover secured so that it will not vibrate off the batteries. Also the batteries and their compartment should be well ventilated. From OP's post I would expect a fail in both areas unless things are upgraded. |
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Post by Clinton Cool on Apr 19, 2017 20:20:21 GMT
Thanks for the replies.
Re. the gas bottles: I don't really want to start drilling into the steel unless I really need to. If I drilled through the bulkhead it would cause an unsightly mess in my bedroom or if I chose the external face of the gas locker, an unsightly mess on the outside of the boat. I'm wondering whether it may be acceptable if I fashioned a timber structure that fits inside the gas locker, filling up the space, thereby preventing the bottles from moving?
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Post by quaysider on Apr 19, 2017 20:24:45 GMT
can't you get away with a strap screwed into a bit of wood sikaflexed to the metal? - I hope so as that's what I've done!
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Post by boatman on Apr 19, 2017 20:29:46 GMT
Rocco, I'm your way this Sunday, if I can help, text or phone me on 07989388 109
Nigel
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Post by Deleted on Apr 19, 2017 20:36:40 GMT
What a great offer.
Rog
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Post by tonyqj on Apr 19, 2017 20:47:35 GMT
I'm wondering whether it may be acceptable if I fashioned a timber structure that fits inside the gas locker, filling up the space, thereby preventing the bottles from moving? Yes, that would be fine. Wood can't create a spark and as long as the bottles can't bang about the BSS will be satisfied. As suggested though - a piece of wood Sikaflex'd to the steel with a strap attached might be neater? |
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Post by tonyqj on Apr 19, 2017 20:48:08 GMT
Rocco, I'm your way this Sunday, if I can help, text or phone me on 07989388 109 Nigel Yep, great offer😀 |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 19, 2017 20:50:35 GMT
Sikaflex and other polyurethane adhesive sealants are really wicked. I use PU18 cheap on ebay. It really sticks like shit to a blanket. I stuck a bit of wood to a bit of steel and later tried to remove it. It took quite a bit of effort and in the end the wood tore down the grain.
Its good stuff. I love it.
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Post by boatman on Apr 19, 2017 21:10:23 GMT
Not sure if boatman covers that area, but give him a try. Mine needs doing soon too, I need to give him a call. Boatman did ours and he was very fair, didn't nit pick and best of all passed our boat. Thank you |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 19, 2017 21:11:15 GMT
Sikaflex and other polyurethane adhesive sealants are really wicked. I use PU18 cheap on ebay. It really sticks like shit to a blanket. I stuck a bit of wood to a bit of steel and later tried to remove it. It took quite a bit of effort and in the end the wood tore down the grain. Its good stuff. I love it. A mate of mine called me the tiger seal kid when I was into nailing old cars together. I know of someone who put a new front end on an escort van with not much more than some self tappers and many tubes of tiger seal. PU sealant keeps windscreens in cars at speeds north of 140 mph, it will do for keeping gas bottles in place on a narrow boat  👍🔨 |
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Post by geo on Apr 20, 2017 11:47:29 GMT
Thanks for the replies. Re. the gas bottles: I don't really want to start drilling into the steel unless I really need to. If I drilled through the bulkhead it would cause an unsightly mess in my bedroom or if I chose the external face of the gas locker, an unsightly mess on the outside of the boat. I'm wondering whether it may be acceptable if I fashioned a timber structure that fits inside the gas locker, filling up the space, thereby preventing the bottles from moving? I suspect the regulator is mounted on a wooden batten already, if so just screw a steel protector to that so that it is between the bottles and the cylinders. Re the bottles moving, we glued a block of 25mm thick wood either side of the cylinders, screwed an eye into each block, secured a chain to one of the eyes. the chain runs through the handles of the cylinders and uses a snap hook to the second eye. The above is how my boats have been done and have passed several times. I would suggest you have a read of section 7 of the BSS check list www.boatsafetyscheme.org/media/268789/ecp-private-boats-ed3_rev2_apr2015_public_final.pdf page 41 All LPG hoses on the high‐pressure side: must consist of pre‐made hose assemblies of proprietary manufacture; and, must not exceed 1m in length; and, must be marked to BS EN 16436 Class 3; BS 3212 type 2; or equivalent. When were the hoses last replace. There does seem to be a recommendation they are replaced at least every 10 years. |
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👍🔨