Were our preparations adequate?..

At this stage I think it would be prudent and perhaps helpful if I reviewed the Measures we took, and I would like to take each of the items in turn and make some comment.:-

1. Having a second battery on board was found to be a great comfort. In so far as we always felt that in cases of emergency ( low battery) we always had a potential "back-up". This was particularly comforting at those times when we found that there was no mains electricity at the moorings, although this didn't happen very often.
2. It really proved its value in keeping the fridge working throughout the whole of the journey from England to Spain. The Fridge we found to be an essential item on board since whilst the romantics describe the pleasures of visiting the local "patisserie to collect the early morning fresh bread. It was more important to ensure that the perishable items like meat, bacon, butter and fresh greens were kept in good condition. We took with us a good supply of "Tesco's" non fat milk, tins of mixed vegetables, tinned meats, oxo cubes and loads of our own jam and honey Which together with occasional visits to local stores kept us going all the way to "Port Leucate"
3. I am quite sure that the installation of the battery isolation switch was a good move even though I felt that it was an expensive item. We still retained the original starter isolation switch. We religiously switched over at the end of every day's journey. And switched to "shore Power" where it was available. This was where the Battery Charger that I had fitted took over the job of the alternator. The charger was one that is frequently seen advertised having 3 led's to indicate the state of the charge. The instructions clearly state not to cut or lengthen the charger leads. I did and the led's were always suspect.
4. I am very much a belt and bracer man and never having done the journey before I felt it was in our own best interests to carry a small generator. It was a small Suzuki @ £299 and proved very reliable. We only had to use it on two occasions. Once when we miss calculated and had to spend the weekend in the sticks and the other when we were once again stopped over night and I wanted to watch the telly without interfering with the battery integrity. In our travels we've seen several boats using generators. I suspect that they must have been using normal 230volt equipment on board such as air conditioning, heating and lighting.
5. We are frequently told of the importance of having adequate anchors on board and having read of the strong currents that we were to experience when we entered the Rhone I purchased a heavy "Fisherman's anchor to complement the very heavy SL plough. We carried it lashed to the forward rails. We never had reason to use it. Even so I now carry it on my latest boat together with four more anchors.
6. The shower unit was of use on a couple of occasions but since we didn't have a hot water system on the boat its use was limited. However our latest boat which we purchased in Holland does have a water heating system both 230 volt. and engine assisted, and the interior shower has been of enormous benefit both during our journey from Holland to the Med and our subsequent travels on the Costa's of Spain (more about that later)
7. The canopy was a must on the "Invader" since we needed to extend the accommodation to allow for guests (crew). It was lovely to sit in the cockpit in the evenings with the sides rolled up. Though it was essential at times to ensure that the covers were well and truly secured down, and the whole place saturated with mosquito repellent. On arrival in warmer climes the canopy proved an absolutely essential piece of equipment, in order to escape the sun.
8. We used the pegs on several occasions for mooring up, BUT we did find them most useful on a couple of occasions to help hold the boat close to the bank whilst a paniche motored past us on the way out of a lock. The suction they create is quite something to be wary of. I was grounded out twice, by a passing paniche, with our new boat which weighs 13 tons.
9. we were fortunate that we never had to use the axe in emergency. however it was useful for driving in the "pegs". I would say that it still remains as a readily available tool. Especially since we were witness to a 40ft. cruiser hanging up in a descending lock with the skeg all ready showing above water. Quick thinking by the person on board avoided damage by quickly cutting the offending warp with the ever trusty bread knife. I always kept my diving knife hanging in the wheel house doorway). we also had the miss fortune to become hung up on a stern warp, also in a descending lock, but a very loud "ARRETTEZ ARRETTEZ" from me and a very loud TWANG the poly/alka rope parted at a well worn place, so that no damage was done.
10. Your ropes will become very worn, so I would suggest that your oldest ropes be brought into service for the duration.
11. Don't listen to the family!!. Find as many "MINI" tyres as you can and cover your gunwales stem to stern. By all means cover them with plastic or pretty material. and secure them well .You wont be sorry.
12. The planks we also found to be a boon, and a darned sight cheaper than any custom built fenders. In fact in our more recent passage we used two planks each side on the outside of the fenders with the two most forward sloping from water level up to the stem. Their value will become apparent after several locks.
13. We purchased our books in Calais and European chart at the London boat show. But more of this later
14.Band aids, Mosquito repellent, and balm, TCP. a pair of surgical forceps and scissors were the most used items. I had no need to do any stitching this time.
15. Courtesy flags are a must

MORE TO FOLLOW to include our impressions of the marinas and Puerto's we visited on the way down to Benalmadena where we are berthed at the moment

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