| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| shadieb |
Posted - 01 Aug 2012 : 23:56:49
Hi,
Me and the missus decided we wanted a boat and have just taken our first steps.
We bought a Norman Conquest 20 with a 7.5hp Honda 4 stroke outboard and BSC until 2016. We were also able to take over the mooring at Goole Boathouse, and we have it insured with CraftInsure. We have paid for the Canals and Rivers licence and have a yellow sheet in the window. Now we just need to find time to use it.
The outside is in pretty decent condition considering its age. The inside needs a bit of tidying and the battery definitely wants replacing. We need to source some longer cables to the outboard as they are taking up seating space at the moment LOL. I am thinking of replacing the oven and just generally making the boat more suitable for us.
The only problem we have is we are total beginners and don't know where to begin?? It has a small plasticlike temporary toilet in the cupboard, is there anything better we can get that doesn't break the bank?
Any body any suggestions on what to do first?
Heres a piccie of the boat, she is called Cee Jay.
Thank you and hope to see you on the water some time. |
| 15 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| mikeb |
Posted - 20 Aug 2012 : 23:31:12
It can't be that bad if it starts and idles. Could well be as simple as a blocked jet in the carb. |
| shadieb |
Posted - 20 Aug 2012 : 22:30:31
df One of the first things I checked. I'm not great with engines but was the first thing I thought of.
newcommer It does start and run and will tickover forever, but dies as soon as throttle is applied.
Thanks. |
| shadieb |
Posted - 20 Aug 2012 : 22:27:08
adi-n-chez, thanks again for the info you provided, very helpful. The engine is probably repairable with the right knowledge. It does tick over lovely, just cuts out as soon as it is given any throttle.
We have decided to try and get it fixed cheaply to make it sellable and still buy a slightly bigger boat for future use.
Just got to find something suitable and somehow arrange a swap over with our current boat. A difficult task when we have nowhere to put it while it is repaired/sold LOL.
Better to laugh about it then cry :)
Thanks again for all the help and input. |
| newcommer |
Posted - 20 Aug 2012 : 08:41:39
Hi shadied
As on old fool. my quick and dirty method to test a none starting engine remove and clean plugs inject a small amount of petrol into the cylinder head via the spark plug holes refit cleaned plugs and try again if it starts and runs for few seconds then it is petrol fault if not then ignition .
Hope this helps
Pete
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| df |
Posted - 20 Aug 2012 : 07:48:02
Did you open the vent screw on the fuel tank? Sounds very much like the problem with the motor, if no air can get into the tank no fuel will come out.
As a new boater you are bound to zig-zag along the first few times till you get used to the handling, we've all done it, and titanic style ramming moorings are standard for first timers too, keep going and it will get better.
NBAS--The communal colostomy bag of the boating community.
Visit leomagill.co.uk |
| adi-n-chez |
Posted - 19 Aug 2012 : 21:21:47
quote:
Originally posted by shadieb
Thanks Trevork,
I for some reason had it in my head they would be short or standard.
Would 4 HP be enough to use the boat and make it sellable?
Also, would I be better off sticking with 4 stroke or would 2 stroke suffice?
I noticed when searching that they don't all have reverse and it says to turn them around to get reverse. Is there any way of telling as a lot of people don't seem to mention this in their ads.
Thank you.
A 4HP motor will push the boat along the canal but not a good idea for any river use!! (Not the best for the cut either IMHO)
Generally the smaller auxiliary outboards <6HP maybe wont have reverse & will be a spin round to stop affair - Ok on a dinghy but no good on a Conquest.
How terminal is the old Honda ? It may be repairable.
On the new boat front - Do you find the Conquest usable to yr requirements (Or too small maybe.....) Cheaper to buy a new motor or good s/h one than a new boat if it meets yr needs.
At Goole I would really want a 15HP motor or at the minimum a 9.9 Yam High thrust.
Adi
Sewer Tubes ? I'd rather have a D**ncr*ft (Only Kidding) |
| shadieb |
Posted - 19 Aug 2012 : 13:02:22
Thanks Trevork,
I for some reason had it in my head they would be short or standard.
Would 4 HP be enough to use the boat and make it sellable?
Also, would I be better off sticking with 4 stroke or would 2 stroke suffice?
I noticed when searching that they don't all have reverse and it says to turn them around to get reverse. Is there any way of telling as a lot of people don't seem to mention this in their ads.
Thank you. |
| trevork |
Posted - 19 Aug 2012 : 10:37:54
Easy answer, all Normans need long shaft motors! |
| shadieb |
Posted - 18 Aug 2012 : 23:42:36
Thanks again for all the info, and stories. We have had the motor looked at and it seems to be terminal :( We are still planning on changing the boat but have decided to see if we can source a cheap replacement motor to get the boat mobile again. That way we can still enjoy it while we get another boat.
Could somebody please tell me wether I need to get a short or long shaft motor for the Conquest? Would it be okay with a 4hp to keep costs down, or should I try and get something bigger? Do I need a certain type of outboard, or would any fit?
Sorry about all the questions, still learning and trying to take everything in.
Thanks again, you have all been a massive help. |
| john-m |
Posted - 09 Aug 2012 : 19:16:37
That sounds like a fairly normal first trip to me. Don't think I've ever not broken down or had something go wrong on a new boat or first trip after winter |
| adi-n-chez |
Posted - 09 Aug 2012 : 17:33:50
quote:
Originally posted by shadieb
Thank you all for the replies and helpful info.
We have decided to still buy another boat in the near future, as we have some spare funds available, around £6K which should get us a nice boat.
If you want another Norman - Seriously consider 'Haddocks Revenge' (See other post) This would be an excellent choice if its still in similar condition to when Dave sold her. I suspect you will get it cheaper than the 5k asking price as I believe its hardly been used by its current owners.
Adi
Sewer Tubes ? I'd rather have a D**ncr*ft (Only Kidding) |
| Knighty |
Posted - 09 Aug 2012 : 12:10:53
quote:
Originally posted by dave.c
One lock keeper said the other day "smaller the boat, bigger the fun". Couldnt agree more.
www.normanboats.co.uk/Daves%20Quo%20Vadis%202.htm
So true, the pub where i moor has a rather grand house next door and he owns a rather large flybridge Birchwood, think it's a TS35, was talking to him a while back and he told me his first boat was a Norman 20 and he had the best boating days of his life on it. Then he bought the boat he has now and has been a constant pain, he said he has only had one good day out where something hasn't broke and cost a fortune. Well he did buy a boat with a draft over 3ft and i catch bottom sometimes in my 20.
He now has it for sale with a broker on the Thames to buy something something he can enjoy more after it cost him around £70K, two new large Merc engines at £14k a few months back after letting the frost kill the old ones and a complete refit. Just dropped his price from £45k to £29k !! one hell of a loss in a few years. |
| Clive Steele |
Posted - 09 Aug 2012 : 10:19:16
I remember driving up to our boat for about our third trip out and saying to my wife it will be nice to one day come here and not be bloody terrified. ....Still waiting.
Clive Steele |
| dave.c |
Posted - 08 Aug 2012 : 18:54:21
First trip disasters seem to be quite common. After buying our Norman 20 we went on a maiden voyage. Not far but took forever.
Setting off from our mooring in scours lane we were all over the place. Got to the first lock and tried to restart the engine, nothing happened. Soon realised I had knocked the power switch. That was an easy fix.
First attempt at mooring outside the 'packed' Swan pub in Pangbourne but misjudged the approach smashing into the railings and bouncing back into the river and the engine cutting out again. Quite a scene for everyone watching. After a quick pint, held our heads heigh and quickly got out of there.
Got as far at Mapledhurum lock and filled up with a bit of fuel. Went in the lock and when the gates opened to let us out the engine wouldn't start. People on the Barge behind started shouting at us and didnt care we couldn't start the engine. Some kind passing walkers pulled us out and I quickly found the problem. After refuelling I had tightened the air valve starving the outboard of petrol. Once opened she started again. Gave the walkers a quick hoot on the horn and a friendly wave.
Got back to our mooring thinking it would always be like this. Like others say you learn from your mistakes and now enjoy every moment. Still have the odd engine cut out in locks but have learnt to control it and apply the right amount of reves to keep it ticking over.
One lock keeper said the other day "smaller the boat, bigger the fun". Couldnt agree more.
www.normanboats.co.uk/Daves%20Quo%20Vadis%202.htm |
| shadieb |
Posted - 08 Aug 2012 : 17:00:15
Thank you all for the replies and helpful info.
Ken, I have just read your tale, and I'm sorry to say it made me chuckle a bit, and realise how fortunate we may have been. Had we been in your situation I don't think I could have managed to do what you did, especially when the motor went in canal.
My main lesson learned for the future is to have some emergency food on board, and some mooring pegs, and maybe an electric emergency outboard or some oars. Geeez these things are expensive LOL
We have decided to still buy another boat in the near future, as we have some spare funds available, around £6K which should get us a nice boat. In the meantime we have decided to also have a go at getting the old girl fixed. Have the outboard cleaned out and checked over, the steering replaced, and the gear/throttle cables replaced with ones the correct size. This way we can still enjoy her and look for the right boat, rather than buying a compromise right now.
We are going to ask at the marine see if there is someone there who will do the necessary repairs (hopefully not too expensive) as we don't really have the time ourselves.
Fingers crossed we will be back behind the wheel in a couple of weeks?
Thanks again for everything, you guys are awesome.
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