Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 1, 2016 10:13:19 GMT
Out of curisity, would it be possible to fit a second hand inboard diesel engine into your narrow boat? I know it might seem an expensive option but over time you'd save money on fuel and you'd have the capacity to charge the domestic batteries up without buying a generator.The other advantage is that you won't need to store petrol on the boat.
I'm assuming that the narrow boat was originally built to have an inboard engine.
|
|
|
Post by JohnV on Dec 1, 2016 10:20:30 GMT
Float testing was something we did regularly in the Merchant Navy to any reluctant bit of kit
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 1, 2016 16:15:33 GMT
|
|
|
Post by smileypete on Dec 1, 2016 17:04:07 GMT
Agree with others about the importance of storing and using both petrol and genny safely, to mitigate fire and explosion risk from petrol vapour, and also CO poisoning risk from generator exhaust fumes. This would involve storing the petrol can and genny in a secure locker that meets BSS requirements for LPG, then running and refueling the genny off the boat ie on the towpath. Worth having a couple of CO monitors inside too in case some exhaust fumes get blown in somehow. When running the genny off the boat, a long chain and genny within sight at all times may be essential as gennies can 'go walkies' (ie get stolen) very quickly and easily! I've seen a couple of liveaboards with a strong bracket hung on the stern which holds the genny out above the water but it's still a bit risky as the wind can blow fumes inside. What sort of budget do you have for a genny and charger £300, £400, £1k? And how new are the existing batts? If they're now in poor condition they may need replacing ideally, as knackered batts won't take much charge, and what they do take will go in very slowly! Storage issues aside, would have thought £400 would buy a reasonable budget 1kW genny and 30A charger, with £140 to £200 for a couple of leisure batts if the batts need replacing. Some form of battery monitoring is handy, £125-£150 for a 'Smartgauge' and handheld 'clamp' ammeter/multimeter, there are budget options but involve learning the dark arts of volts and amps!
|
|
|
Post by serena on Dec 1, 2016 17:27:28 GMT
Hello again, I'm overwhelmed with the practical and useful advice. This is my student daughters boat who is new to boat life. The batteries are 2 months old, new when boat purchased. It's only 20ft, storage is an issue, installing an engine is not an option. I think charger and genny is a must. She has over used leccy due to being a novice but now realised the perils. The solar seems fine but just not enough In winter. Re safety, re genny and petrol storage wouldn't a gas generator negate the storage problem?she has two gas cylinders in the gas locker. Are they an option?? Thinking young woman and safety?? Thank you all so much. I'm worried, esp In this cold weather.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 1, 2016 17:38:54 GMT
20ft ?
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 1, 2016 17:42:54 GMT
Its OK I know about living on tiny boats been there got the wooly jumper etc but 20ft really is very small. Is it a Springer Water bug? sea Otter?
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 1, 2016 17:49:50 GMT
If you do put a 'suitcase' generator on it please also invest in a Carbon Monoxide detector with digital display as these things can be dangerous.
For some reason I smell a rat.
CO monitors are also good for boat heating systems. A small boat without mains electric will either have a coal fire (a bit awkward) or a diesel heater. Or a very uncomfortable occupant. Maybe gas but that would come under "uncomfortable" both of these (coal and diesel) are liable to cause Carbon Monoxide issues
|
|
|
Post by serena on Dec 1, 2016 17:53:09 GMT
Magnetman, its a bug, it has co2monitor and a wood burner.
|
|
|
Post by serena on Dec 1, 2016 17:54:56 GMT
Would a gas generator be an idea??
|
|
|
Post by geo on Dec 1, 2016 17:57:17 GMT
Hello again, I'm overwhelmed with the practical and useful advice. This is my student daughters boat who is new to boat life. The batteries are 2 months old, new when boat purchased. It's only 20ft, storage is an issue, installing an engine is not an option. I think charger and genny is a must. She has over used leccy due to being a novice but now realised the perils. The solar seems fine but just not enough In winter. Re safety, re genny and petrol storage wouldn't a gas generator negate the storage problem?she has two gas cylinders in the gas locker. Are they an option?? Thinking young woman and safety?? Thank you all so much. I'm worried, esp In this cold weather. Hello mother of daughter. Any engine will produce carbon monoxide unfortunately whether diesel or gas. I am assuming gas cooking and gas heating, which both can produce carbon monoxide so a carbon monoxide detector/alarm on board a boat that small is an absolute must. It is a killer. There are deaths every year of people who did not have an alarm. ETA thinking young woman and safety?? In this cold weather. .. I would say time for a berth in a marine for this plucky young lady
|
|
|
Post by serena on Dec 1, 2016 18:00:46 GMT
I said she has a co2 monitor, and a wood burning stove for heat, not gas only gas for cooking
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 1, 2016 18:02:51 GMT
Would a gas generator be an idea?? I've not tried a LPG generator myself but I have heard they are a bit awkward to start. Not sure if there is much difference in CO output (someone will know this ) If for example a Honda EU20i was comfortable to use on a daily basis on LPG then it could well be a good option. I don't know if the EU series of Honda generators will be available after article 50. ?
|
|
|
Post by geo on Dec 1, 2016 18:03:32 GMT
I said she has a co2 monitor, and a wood burning stove for heat, not gas only gas for cooking Thank you Serena. We do get upset about it because we see and read about deaths every year caused by CO and it does not need to happen.
|
|
|
Post by tonyqj on Dec 1, 2016 18:04:27 GMT
Presumably the boat already has some kind of safe storage for petrol for the outboard? Or is it just a separate tank that she fills at the garage?
|
|