19/9/2023 0 Comments Tuesday 19th SeptemberI wasn't happy about how big'n'ugly the new locker would be when I tried out a cardboard prototype then had a flash of inspiration. Trentcraft fitted with outboard motors didn't have a rear deck like Seren, just a well deck and transom for the outboard. BUT they also had space in the well for gas bottles. Seren has a well deck under the rear deck so why not cut a hole in it and lower the gas into the space, then make a smaller, neater locker to fit on top? More details later.
0 Comments
14/9/2023 0 Comments Thursday 14th SeptCalor Gas have decided to stop supplying 3.9Kg propane (and 4.5Kg Butane) cylinders as used on Seren and plenty of other small boats, caravans and motor-homes. Fitting a larger cylinder and new, larger gas locker to accommodate it isn't really an option on a small boat so I've decided to switch to 5Kg Patio Gas. The cylinder is only slightly larger but won't fit in the existing locker, and suitable lockers are not available ready made so I'll have to make one. The smallest Patio Gas cylinder is 314mm high excluding the carrying handles and 306mm in diameter. For comparison the older style are 340 x 240mm. So I need a locker that is about 70mm wider higher, which would be annoying as I also use it as a step. There are some advantages; the larger capacity is useful and the new regulator ‘snaps on’ without needing a spanner and has a simple, clearly labelled on-off valve rather than the screw valve on the older cylinders. Finally, it has a contents gauge making it easier to plan when to change the cylinder rather than having it run out half way through cooking dinner. I've designed a new locker to be made of aluminum. It's only got two sides and a lid because it will be fitted tight into the corner and drain via a hole in the deck into the self-draining well deck beneath the visible decking. Below is the development of the sides. The top will be 4.5mm aluminium chequerplate. The metal is ordered. Need to get a move on as I'm hoping to move Seren away from the Gt Ouse and need the gas sorted before the trip. I'll take photos as I make it and write it up for Canal Boat, hopefully that'll cover the costs.
1/9/2023 0 Comments Friday September 1stHaving drifted into retirement when we moved down here in 2016 I seem to have drifted into work again. Writing for Canal Boat magazine. One piece out now, next one in November issue (probably out next month) and another just submitted. Plus a commission for a piece about Calor's discontinuing their small gas cylinders and how to make and fit a slightly bigger locker for a 5Kg Patio Gas cylinder. Should help pay for the next bit of refit work on Seren!
|
AuthorPhil, owner, captain, chief engineer, electrician, carpenter, cook and comms manager of Seren Archives
April 2024
Categories |