Hydrometer in Burnham ?

[dennyjc]

We've just sailed into Burnham with flattened house batteries (three Rolls 85AH).
They went flat after three hours sailing - after a full charge.
Baden, the supplier, wants me to check the SG of every cell with a hydrometer.
But, hydrometers are like the proverbial hens' teeth.
None of the garages, shops, chandleries has one. They all remember them and how their dad/granddad used them.
Does anyone in this group have a hydrometer (in Burnham on Crouch) that they could lend out for an hour?

Thanks

 

[Boz]

Should be able to get one in Halfords - http://reviews.halfords.com/4028/926774/reviews.htm

Nearest is in Chelmsford I think?

 

[pks1702]

Sorry to hear that.

A train trip perhaps unless the workshop can help you out with one.

Wilco's - https://www.wilcodirect.co.uk/product/trailers-and-towing-accessories/battery-hydrometer


115 Butt Road

• Colchester
• Essex
• CO3 3DL
• United Kingdom
• Tel: 01206 764474

Opening Hours

• Monday: 08:30 - 17:30
• Tuesday: 08:30 - 17:30
• Wednesday: 08:30 - 17:30
• Thursday: 08:30 - 17:30
• Friday: 08:30 - 17:30
• Saturday: 08:30 - 17:30
• Sunday: 10:00 - 13:00

 

[sailorman]

Amazon prime delivery ?????

 

[PaulRainbow]

Ask the workshop if they have one, if not ask them who they deal with for tools and stuff. Wilco's normally do trade deliveries, perhaps they'd drop one off to the workshop.

 

[TimfromMersea]

There's a car spares shop in Burnham High St - Raven Auto Spares I think. Have you tried there?

 

[tillergirl]

Can't believe it; I have just broken mine in my shed! Yesterday!

 

[Hadenough]

And I've just remembered that I left mine in its secret, safe little hidyhole on the old boat I sold in January. Sod it.

 

[DanTribe]

I have one and will be in Burnham tomorrow PM if not too late.
btw Ravens closed some years ago.

 

[dennyjc]

I have one and will be in Burnham tomorrow PM if not too late.
btw Ravens closed some years ago.

Excellent. Yes please.
Running Free is moored in berth E42.
Let me know a rough time and I'll make sure I'm here with coffee and biscuits.
Or will come find you.
Thanks


Thanks for all the other suggestions.
I had exhausted Burnham and had started considering a delivery to the harbour.

 

[pks1702]

What a great offer DanTribe - pleasing that folks on the ECF will look to help out a fellow 'boater' in need ��

 

[DanTribe]

Excellent. Yes please.
Running Free is moored in berth E42.
Let me know a rough time and I'll make sure I'm here with coffee and biscuits.
Or will come find you.
Thanks


Thanks for all the other suggestions.
I had exhausted Burnham and had started considering a delivery to the harbour.

Private message sent.

 

[dennyjc]

I have one and will be in Burnham tomorrow PM if not too late.
btw Ravens closed some years ago.

Well thanks Dan.
It's gentlemen like you that make the ECF (and the East coast) such a nice place
The ancient hydrometer did the trick.
And showed my batteries are only charging to 10-25% capacity.
The plot thickens....

 

[dennyjc]

Well thanks Dan.
It's gentlemen like you that make the ECF (and the East coast) such a nice place
The ancient hydrometer did the trick.
And showed my batteries are only charging to 10-25% capacity.
The plot thickens....

And to conclude the story........

After trying a new charger, I was able to get Specific gravities up to the level of a full charge for all cells.
BUT
Voltage would drop off very quickly once under even a slight load.
SO
I sent the batteries back to Barden.

Barden tested the batteries and declared all three faulty.
Rolls batteries are guaranteed for 5 years - the first two with a money back !
and so Barden gave me my money back.

I now have a single 230 Ah Varta
Solving the issue of balancing 3 batteries
Creating an issue of how to move a 56Kg battery around