Blackwater to myself?

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nathanlee

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I went out for a sail today, and was surprised, given the sun was out, to find the river void of boats. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

I crossed over the Blackwater from West Mersea because of these power problems, so thought being in a marina would be helpful (especially in these winds!). I motored out of the creek because the wind was right on the nose, gusting to 35knots. It was entertaining to say the least. Even on full chat, the 5hp Suzuki could drive the boat into the wind and tide fast enough to give steerage to overcome the wind, so every now and then she'd turn beam on to the waves until she got up some speed, then I could bring her back round. I got soaked.

As soon as I was clear of the mud, I unfurled the genoa to about 50 percent, then killed the engine and had a lovely sail down to Bradwell. We surfed a few waves.

So anyway, here I am at Bradwell and I just walked up to the bar for a pint ( closed) and bumped into CPD.

Thankfully I've now got the battery on charge via the shorepower, so I've only just ben able to fire up the laptop again and seen the messages and offers from yesterday. Thank you everybody!

Looks like I'm going to be here until Friday/Saturday. I'm not going out in this wind... although the slightly not sane side of me had a massive grin as we smashed across the river this morning /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
 
might be the cheapest solution to his charging problems. It can be retro fitted to the Suzuki in less than an hour, costs about 35 quid from a dealer iirc.
 
I never got enought juice out of my honda unless flat out to charge the battery. The solution was to mastic a 15w solar panel to the coach roof (about £105) and wire it via a regulator to the battery. I now have enough juice to charge battery during the week. I only have instruments drawing on the battery as I use a handheld VHF when I'm sailing. Might be worth a thought, at 6amp you will need to do a lot of motoring to put any decent charge into your battery.

Sorry didn't see the earlier posts on this, you allready have a panel. I stilll reckon sorting your panel will be the best bet
 
Bit off topic, I know, but I always carry a fully-charged jump start with me so I always have emergency power if I need it. You can get them for about £25.00 from maplins.

You can use them to start an engine and they have a 12v outlet so you can charge hand helds without using the boat's batteries. They also have a built in compressor which is useful for inflating fenders or for putting a bit more air in the tyres if you get back to the car and they look a bit sorry for themselves.
 
For a beer at Bradwell ( and for meals), the Green Man knocks the marina bar into a cocked hat - and is reliably open when you expect it to be - only 100 yards east of Marina.
 
On my Anderson 22 I have a 30W solar panel. Worked fine for weekending & always charged up when I returned to the boat. But last August had an unexpected 2 weeks on her, and found the solar panel - under grey skies charging at 0.5 amps at midday - wasn't contributing enough. I think a combination of small Rutland wind charger, a charging coil on the outboard, and taking a Halfords battery charger for any stays in a marina, is the solution. I only have one strip light in the boat, but due to discharged batteries (have two 85 amp hours) wasn't using the chartplotter/autohelm etc, and sparingly using the nav lights.

IanC
 
[ QUOTE ]
Bumping into CPD - just one pint was it? Er probably not /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I'll say hi if you're still there on Friday pm. Where have they stuck you?

[/ QUOTE ]

haha. No, he kept them coming. I was quite pissed by the time I left the bar if I'm honest.

I'm on B pontoon, just near CPD's pink boat. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

He took me into Maldon today where I got a new battery (for the price of a hatch I sold). I've now got 170ah, well, once I've fitted it all tomorrow anyway.

I also got a knock on the coach roof this afternoon. Lenseman turned up with a car full of electronic kit and a couple of new mosfets he'd order from RS components after getting a schematic for the charge controller. He set to work, and it seems to be working now.

I have to be honest folks, I have never in my life encountered such a fantastic group of people, and I can't find the words to show just how much I appreciate everybody's help and generosity, but I do. You're making this baptism of fire possible. The advice and help I've had won't be forgotten.

Oh, CPD is down here on Friday too, so saturday could see a hangover I believe /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
Oh gawd, now you've met David and Alan the rest of us are going to have something to live up to, or is it down to ? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Keep your eye in here Nathan, check out FullCircles post and it might be worth stopping by the ECF before scuttle /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
PM sent
 
[ QUOTE ]

Oh, CPD is down here on Friday too, so saturday could see a hangover I believe /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

[/ QUOTE ]Spot the Geordie.... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

So glad that the East Coast is living up to its reputation.... and delighted that you are getting things sorted...

PS.... every time I bump into Alan I end up with a hangover too.... top bloke!
 
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