Side hatch window
I can't remember whether this was mentioned in the journey report, but we lost our removable perspex side hatch window on the Napton Flight on our return from the Blue Lias. I remembered a graunching noise in the lock which must have been the window falling down the side of the lock, but it was only later when I noticed the window missing that I realised the significance of the noise. Anyway, obviously I have to replace it. Sourcing the plastic was not a problem as there is a specialist local shop dealing in the stuff where they will cut to size. Here was mistake one - getting the measurements right, or more to the point the right measurement. The window is inserted into the door recess from the outside and held there by two brass bolts, one each side in the centre of the vertical dimension and locating into slots cut in the wooden door frame. The bolts were standard "Screwfix" ones, so no problem there but how to fix them in the right place? Obviously this could only be done in situ and would need two people. Pat came to help. We took the boat out and up Widewater Lock and moored on the right hand side on the BW workboat moorings so that the hatch could easily be reached from the bank. Then we discovered that the window was too tall by about 1 mm. Fortunately I had a tenon saw with me and was able to cut 3 mm off to give a bit of leeway. The door recess is about 18mm wide. Then with Pat holding the perspex in place I offered up the bolts from inside and shot them to keep them in place, drilled tapped and screwed them in place with bass machine screws. Then, to make a perfect job took the window to the table, removed the bolts and refitted them using a tiny drop of Araldite. Then offered up the window again but it would not fit. Had I put the bolts in backwards? No idea! On closer examination, the sides were a very snug fit in the frame and were being held off on one side by a fillet of sealant, (or weld). Nothing for it but to bring the assembly back home and shave a strip off the side with the bandsaw.
Other Jobs
The engine bay deck cover drainage channel had blocked off with dog fur and small leaves. After the heavy rain there was a lot of water in the engine bilge. There is no drainage down here as it is potentially oil contaminated, so the wet-vac is needed and the waste disposed of elsewhere.
Batteries were checked and need water. From experience this takes several litres so a return visit is needed with appropriate supplies.
I have finally capitulated and bought a flat screen TV for the boat. This needs mounting on a bracket on the side wall which because of the tumblehome requires a wedge shaped base made to fix it on so that it stands out horizontally. This was measured up.
Future work
One of bungees on the rear tanneau cover has pulled out. This needs refitting.
I am still working on the design and cable routing for the permanent Marine Band Radio aerial and mast lighting. We will need this for our trip down the River Severn to Avonmouth and Bristol.
I have some LED lights I would like to install on a door operated switch for the central cupboard so that there is lighting at a low level.
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