SHETLAND OWNERS ASSOCIATION

Hi all,

Since we bought our Shetland 640 this year we have not ventured out more than about 8 miles from our mooring at Wyre Piddle on the Worcestershire Avon. Next week we're going on a six day cruise down to Tewkesbury, up the Severn past Worcester and then up to Droitwich for the official opening of the Barge canal, before completing the return journey. Annoyingly even though the Droitwich Barge Canal is a widebeam canal British Waterways have put a width restriction of 2.18m on the canal from the last bridge before the main basin in Vines Park so my wide beam boat (about 2.59m) cannot go all the way (to where the party is) . (I've measured the canal under the bridge and I believe it is well wide enough for us to pass through with care).

The reason for my post is to ask you all for your advice when venturing out on a first "big" trip. I have a 85amp/hrs battery and a 15hp mariner that charges at 6amp/hrs. I also have a 2.4w solar panel. Is this enough to run a small 12v cool box and evening cabin lights? Can you recommend any piece of kit that it would be desireable to take with me on my journey "just in case"?

All of your advice and debate will be much appreciated.

thanks

Billy

HI
I have changed my boat which has 15hp mariner the charge rate is 0-10 amp. At 1500 to 2000 rpm gives a charge between 4-5 amps. My electric fridge used 4 amps this is plugged into a battery saver (switches off appliances at 11.0 volt approx. Useful items phone charger to call for assistance when engine brakes down (as mine did last week end). Restocking of water, wine, food and petrol often requires some planning. Lights in cabin /shore lantern B and Q have some rechargeable lantern under 20 quid this is remote control handy when walking back to the boat at night .
Hope this helps
Pete

hi billy,

Normally I'm also 1 to 2 weeks away with my shetland (535), and I always take a toolbox with me, I have two batteries one for the engine and navigation lights and one for the other stuff (fridge, radio, and all those luxury) I have two batteries so that when there is one empty, this happens rarely, I still have a backup and can get home.

regards,

Thom

Well. We did it.

Despite all the doubts and doubters, at 3.10pm on Saturday my wife and I sailed into an extremely packed Vines Park in Droitwich and made it to the party as the only widebeam cruiser. We were informed on the day that we had made history as the first widebeam cruiser to sail all the way up to Vines Park from the River Severn in 80 years. I am just trying to get this officially confirmed though before opening the champagne.

We battled duck weed, an overflowing lock, dodged numerous narrow boats in tight conditions and passed under the centre of two footbridges with three (yes 3!) inches to spare. The organisers (who were excellent) were happy for us to have a go at passing under the bridge with the width restriction and we made it through without any problems. The only casualty so far has been a snapped flagpole when my wife had a fight with a tree.

So far we have completed 66.5 miles of the trip with 15.5 to go. We've got the mother-in-law tomorrow!

The Droitwich Canals Trust have done an excellent job and the canal is a great addition to the inland waterways of the midlands.

I've tried to upload a photo onto the thread with our boat in bunting in Vines Park.

Regards

Billy



Shetland 640 - Jessica Marie - Worcestershire Avon