Vlog 182: The Music of Sound
I had a friend’s birthday party in Kent to attend so once again needed to put the boat somewhere secure while I left it for a few days. With the next marina on my route being at Alvecote this seemed like the obvious solution, and from there I’d get a taxi and train to go and pick up my campervan before driving down south.
Upon my return, I continued journeying along the Coventry canal, now heading west, stopping a few hundred yards short of Fazeley Junction, having gone through the two locks at Glascote.
Start point: https://goo.gl/maps/hHze3GzrhMBPN6qs8
Alvecote marina: https://goo.gl/maps/RSjpftq8A4kSKtUy8
End point: https://goo.gl/maps/e7NQ4E9NasGdJV9eA
David I’m curious . . . If you had to do it over again regarding your Solar Panels, would you elect to go with the thin stick on, walk on type? I think in your case, you would be able to gain area square footage as you could stretch them to the full width of the roof and likely add even a third panel. Also, I’m thinking the extra area you would gain,would likely make up for the inability to tilt these panels more directly into the sun. Any thoughts on this?
No, I wouldn’t. Solar panels don’t like being hot so those stuck on a metal roof are not as efficient as those with some airflow under them. I also have doubts about the longevity of stick on type which you can supposedly walk on, over time, regardless of what the vendors say. I have grit in my shoes and that’s going to dig into the panel coating. Plus I have heard reports that they fail after a few years and then because you stuck them to the metal, they’re a bugger to get off. I’d stick with high efficiency conventional panels.
A very detailed and well thought out reply David. Thank You ! I too agree, these panels look a bit flimsy, and I question their longevity under foot as well as the heat issue you mentioned. The bracket mounted panels you have would be a snap to change out ;)
Your cheeky commentary. experienced based insights and insert your own soundtrack or bask in the joy of the noises of the moment in nature way of posting makes for a bit top notch telly in my book. Cheers!
Thank you very much! :-)
Tidal Thames was testy . . . but fun, and a lifetime memory.
Just enjoyed your Vlog 182. Our very first narrowboat adventure back in 2005 began and ended at Alvecote, a one week charter aboard a Canaltime 45 footer named Wicked William. We checked in on the towpath side where, apparently, you checked in at the marina. Another wonderful memory.
Cheers !
What brand of Wash do you use to clean your Prop? A little Navy humor there.
Do you use Flight Line to moor your boat?
I don’t know what “flight line” is!
I just never tire of seeing the beautiful gardens and back yards of the homes along the Canal. The wife and I just rented a boat for four days in Wales the last week of August and will be crossing the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, largely due to watching your videos David. Thanks again for this one ;)