Alan the lifeboat heads north LEG 1: Benfleet to Lowestoft. Expedition Lifeboat Conversion Ep86 [4K]
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- Опубліковано 23 чер 2023
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EPISODE 86
The first leg from Alan's move up the UK coast towards the Arctic. Benfleet in Essex to Lowestoft in Suffolk, via Walton-on-the-Nae, Southward and Sizewell B.
Model: NME A/S (Husnes, Norway) 7.5m TELB
Engine: Bukh DV48 turbo diesel
Feel free to ask any questions in the comments!
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![A gift for Alansøn the Avon Hypalon inflatable boat. Expedition Lifeboat Conversion Ep87 [4K]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/XpqG239ASW8/mqdefault.jpg)
![A gift for Alansøn the Avon Hypalon inflatable boat. Expedition Lifeboat Conversion Ep87 [4K]](/img/tr.png)
![Alan the lifeboat heads north LEG 3: Grimsby (Humber) aiming for Newcastle via Scarborough.Ep93 [4K]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/MHsWmEKt27c/mqdefault.jpg)
man so glad to see alan finally sailing
Me too
I used to repair VHF/UHF radios years ago. What I did for a quick diagnosis was check all the connections first. If they're good, check the main power at the head unit when transmitting(there might be voltage but no current under load). If all of that is good then put an inline watt meter(preferably on that that does tx power and refectance like and analog BIRD meter) on the coax as close to the head unit as possible. That will determine if it is the head unit or antenna
Cheers. I'll run these checks.
Update on this as soon as possible alex please. I consider this a primary failure and needs to be fixed and hardened before being under way again.
@@AlexHibbertOriginals Absent proper RF test equipment - if you have the appropriate connectors/adapters you can rule out a problem with the head unit by connecting the antenna lead to your handheld radio. If the problem seems to be with the antenna installation I would suspect the connectors on either end of the coax.
@@spraiskithat’s a great idea
Your follow-up comment was pinged as spam for some reason. Yes, a pro came and did a test, and sorted a dodgy connection.
It's so great to finally see Alan doing what he wanted. It must be nice for you too, seeing Alan without all the tools lying about. Safe journeys!
Neater for sure
I'm so glad Alan is on the move. Can't wait to see what adventures wait before you all. Be safe. 👍🙂
make sure you have extra rations Just in-case there is an issue ..
Soups and stews are best for sea rations and dry goods !
and away to get water.. have a spare.
Cheers
Cheers
As soon as i got home from work i saw Alan moored up and recognised him instantly, i think he maybe the first lifeboat conversion we have ever had here.
The port staff are super friendly as are the marina staff, we who live here still call the marina Haven, Beacon is not well used yet.
I hope your stay when ever you are here is pleasent!
Cheers
Genuinely yet very pleasantly surprised to see a Maryland crab onboard Alan!
I am abslotuly amazed I can see Alan move on the water again!!!!!
You're not alone
Hello from Melbourne Australia 🦘🐍. Enjoy your shows.😁
Lowestoft yacht club is very friendly towards visitors, ive had the pleasure of staying a couple of times. Good luck with the wash! It's a long ol'slog but when wsee donna nook's buoyage you'll know Humber VTS is near
Cheers
This series reminds me very much of the Binky saga. Just 7 or so years shorter in coming towards fruition :D Keep going sir, you have us riveted !
Fair winds, its great to see another arctic lifeboat on the move, maybe all 3 boats should meet up in Tromso or similar and swap tales when you return.
Love the flypaper taped to the railing just behind the captain's starboard shoulder!
Amazing stuff. Go Alan!!!
So glad to see you on the way!
Double-check all your co-ax connections from the VHF to the antenna.
Looks good for a sleeping hammock 🤠
Amazing stuff Alex, Alan and crew.
Very best wishes, weather and blessings for the journey!!
Enjoying the heck out of the content 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Cheers
Great video, thanks.
Love it ❤
Congratulations !!! So many hours have gone into this and I'm certain we have seen a small percentage of the work that you have put in. Your diligence is clearly paying off.
Cheers
Good sailing and clear weather.
Good to see the advice from an experienced sailor
i'm so excited to see Alan finally sailing forth!! ^^
Safe travels, lad!!
Congratulations on your perseverance in making it this far!
Cheers
Brilliant , so good to see you on your way , and all your hard work and dedication paying off . Also the teething troubles that have come to light on this journey , hope you can sort them out .
Great job - hope the VHF can be sorted out soon :)
Well done that man!!! You did alright too Alex
Well done Sir !
Very kind
Great!
Hey mate when we lived aboard a yacht the vhf Antanae would be too high I think when transmitting or too much power no one could hear me close either and I used the handheld too . We lived aboard three years around Australia and I could never solve it
well done
Sooooo good to see Alan back in my recommended list! I was just thin,ing the other day I hadnt seen an update for a while! Woohoo!
I've missed so much! Ill haveto go back through an catch up.
Welcome back
So this just popped up in my feed and I'm totally loving it. Subscribed. Go Alan Go!
Cheers!
I've been following since the start. This is a fantastic first journey for Alan. Congratulations.
Cheers
Rewatching Alan and your comment on keeping the hatches lashed it dawned on me that you have no fancy work on the railings. Now out to sea, I propose you begin to add some functional nautical cordage.
Good video, well done on completing the first leg. Hope the VHF and oil situation can easily be fixed. ;)
Cheers
I've just binge watched most of the vids from first buying the lifeboat, fitting it out, to where we are now. Strangely very addictive so have liked and subscribed!!
Wow that's a seriously long binge. Cheers.
Great to see Alan now in his natural environment, however sad he has left South Benfleet. Stay safe Alex.
It was a fond memory we'll have of old SB.
The true maiden expedition is in its prologue!! How exciting!!!
Alan is finally going let him spread his wings free at last!! 😂😂👍👍👍. I never thought this day would come. But in all seriousness wishing the best and safest in your travels can’t wait for future episodes. Oh by the way I have plenty of ideas but I don’t think you would like any of them 😂👍. Always a nuisance lol your content is always top notch always leaving me with a smile.
Cheers. Makes the effort worth it.
ALAN!!!!!!!!
You could do with some swing out arms to damp down Alan’s rocking and to add some flopper stoppers on ropes at the end to control the rocking at anchor.
Yes I've just been alerted to flipper stoppers. Intrigued.
Intro looks very cool.
God speed with you
Well done Alanlex
A hybrid - what horror
Radio-wise, you may have a bad (high impedance) connection somewhere between your VHF radio and your antenna. If you can talk to a powerful shore station but not to other nearby boats that could be it, as it will worsen both your receive and transmit performance (but the powerful shore station will be dumping enough power into your antenna that the loss of performance won't be noticeable).
Bad connections like that can be caused by bad soldering or (more likely in this environment) by cables getting crushed, pulled or twisted after installation. I'm no maritime radio expert, but that's what I'd be looking for in my little amateur radio setup if I saw the symptoms you report. Check your cable runs, and if you can find a friendly local radio geek, see if they can test your antenna and feedline for you.
I agree, also check your SWR on that aerial, if possible use a spare piece of cable as a ground plane, this can also help.
Thanks. I'll take all the helpful posts and collate a diagnostic plan.
Hope you’ve got a spare anchor. Very important. Just a cheap sand anchor or something as a backup
I am Lowestoft based, I can suggest KM Electronics just round the corner from you, if you get stuck with the VHF issue, we dont call him clever kev for nothing. Advice is free. Had a look at Alan as I walked past yesterday, looks like a fun boat.
Thanks Neil - I will
I wish you the best of luck sadly I now nothing about radios other then Wilkie talkies with friends. Can’t wait for more updates.
Dick Smith, you legend!
Good to see you mobile. You will sort out the kinks.
Heading there now for three days of kink sorting!
So weird seeing alan in lowe, used to work in the yard opposite on the tall ship! And have stayed in Haven!
15:52 Either a bad microphone (or physically blocked mic-hole(s)) or modern radios have a circuit that attempts to protect the final transmitting circuit from damage by reducing the power if you key up without the proper load applied at the antenna terminal. You should check the SWR of the antenna because if it is far enough out of tune it will cause that protection circuitry to activate. An antenna that is out of tune will still receive fine but it will not allow the radio to transmit at full power or if there is no protection circuit a radio antenna far enough out of tune won't transmit very far (or the antenna just isn't connected correctly) (reseat microphone, reseat antenna connection, check SWR of antenna with an swr meter (very cheap meter, easy to tune antenna). Best regards...
The only thing I would add is it could be the power amplifier has fried itself from a bad connection to an antennae. This would have to be resolved by a radio technician or a manufacturer authorised repair person.
Go Alan GO!
He's gone!
Awesome intro
A little different for sure
Welcome to suffolk Alan! (Alanson and Alex too)
Thanks
Rule number 1 when on a passage - eat and sleep when you can.
I’m not sure how I will adapt to videos which don’t feature usage of the grinder. I’ve come to rely on it quite a bit.
It seems Alan is doing swell so far, looking forward to the rest of it getting kitted out & ready for the voyage.
Yes, there's not even one aboard.
Great.
Cheers
Such a nice video. Love to know was your fuel consumption as you expected.
Love the doors on the boat and the extra handles I have noted and I am installing in my boat
Possibility a bad ground on your antenna, I believe I had the same issue a long time ago. Enjoy be safe😊
Thanks
nice
I had you subed on my other channel. great to see another lifeboat spread there wings, we will soon, enjoy......... quite jell actually lol have fun
Cheers!
When using radio hand-held, keep the antenna as vertical as possible. It won't completely solve the problem, but will reduce it significantly.
The Darkness! ;)
How interesting. Had you ventured a bit further up, Alan would have felt right at home amongst his older relatives at the PETANS training platform. I spent many an hour teaching offshore personnel about TEMPSCs and their vagaries before retiring. Now subscribed to see what happens next.
Cheers. Yes, we saw that facility on the other bank. Interesting.
It's happening!
It is!
Great work mr Hibbert(son)😁. Any chance you wil turn on the Ais so we can see you on the map?
On the third try, I think I now have the right connectors! Bear with me...
Beautiful project and inspiring, can you please tell if the " famous" place for lifeboats is still functioning and if yes how can new arrivals can be seen ?
I went to school for this, so let me give you the quick explanation so you can fix it with your skill level: your VHF antenna has a bad connection to it or the electronics for the high and low power amplification levels is burned out. Check you coax connections for coming loose or the coax cable for being damaged by a kink and the ground of your radio's power supply to the rest of the boat as per what the manual says it should be. Examine the antenna for signs of damage from weather or even biological activity (yes, a bunch of bird poop can ruin your impedance, as can ice).
What you are describing is indicative of low signal power in and out. Since it happened after you were underway, something changed. Most likely, it is a loose connections or the cable got pinched or kinked, letting noise in or changing the properties of the coax. The power connections of your radio and the power supply to the radio being loose can also cause issues, so check those as well. The last problem would be part of the amplification circuitry becoming damaged in the radio due to power issues, like the DC power having surges in it. Bad DC power is harder to diagnose without specialty equipment, but most electronics will have the power supply give up before the silicon, so the fact that you are still receiving means you are probably looking at the other problems.
Thanks. I'll follow those, and if I come up short, get a pro in.
A half door hatch would be cool, a storm door
Radio is wizardy. Make sure your antenna cable is not coiled or running parallel to cables from something producing electrical noise (inverter, chargers etc). All that foil is going to reflect radio signals (and interference) and depending on the orientation could be focusing noise from something else on to your fixed vhf. If you can procure such a thing as an old AM radio (maybe even a detuned FM) you can go round an sniff out any sources of noise.
Most likely it's an antenna or cable problem. Especially if you had to terminate the cable manually you might have a stray strand of wire where it shouldn't be.
Wonderful video. Especially loved the Shout-out at 6:39 😊. Radio issues are tricky. I'm trying to think of something concise and actionable to tell you but am coming up short. It seems like there's an issue between your radio and antenna, but, that's not very useful. My initial suggestion would be to get a SWR meter that can operate on VHF frequencies (cheaper ones only work on CB radio frequencies). This will tell you how much power is making it out of your antenna versus reflected back at your radio, and can help troubleshoot cable / antenna problems. Be prepared to have to run new cable.
But I know just enough to be dangerous with radios.
Cheers Paul. VHF is alien to me and I may end up outsourcing wisdom to a visiting technician if easy fixes don't work.
@@AlexHibbertOriginals Give a shout to the local Ham radio group. Should get you in touch with people with fancy gear and technical knowledge. Maybe even a non-commercial attitude. Should be possible to coax someone (pun intended) down to Alan to check your antenna installation, I'd imagine.
It's wonderful to finally see Alan stretching his leg's, could you send me details of your low wattage ac unit you went for please
that thin oil film in the engine compartment is very likely blow-by and a certain amount is normal. there may be a little hose running from the valve cover to the inlet side of the turbo to collect that mist but there can be other ways that mist is escaping the engine, like a weeping seal somewhere or a loose fitting oil fill cap. the easy fix if that isn't the issue is to simply remove that air duct from the turbo that allows air directly from the cabin to the engine, it's unnecessary and will allow that oil mist to escape into the rest of the boat over time due to the engine compartment being at a fraction higher pressure than the outside of it due to engine blow-by. removing that duct will bring that pressure to same as outside or a fraction lower.
You're pretty much on the money there. Diagnosis is currently a slight front seal leak.
Ground planes are a big subject that I won't go into too much detail on but basically a vertical antenna will interact with the ground plane in ways that can greatly improve transmission and reception. Because Alan is primarily made of fiberglass, you will not have a "ground plane" that one would have on a steel vessel. If no other issues are found, there are some simple ways to improve your ground plane, such as running multiple wires out from the base of the antenna, they would attach to ground (outside shield of coax). Longer = better, but roughly the length of the antenna should be adequate. Would love to see your antenna setup in more detail, apologies if I've missed the episode where it was installed.
He stated he wasn't using a ground plane antenna when installed the antenna. He would never have had a good test when he was doing the radio check when he left home port if he had. It would have been at less than 5% power if that was the case and he wouldn't even hear the other boats unless they were very close. Something else is going on. Probably a loose connection in the coax or damage to it. Maybe the antenna got damaged.
Thanks both. I'll merge all the helpful posts and come up with a diagnostic plan.
Well done - SA Steve benfleet dauntless
Cheers
The handheld you used (standard horizon) are very good. Standard horizon, Yaesu, summer camp and another I can’t remember are built by the same people. Your fixed radio on an FRP boat may require a better ground for effective radiated power. Most say the water does this but it’s an incorrect assumption. If you know an old ham radio operator they’d thrive sorting that out but pick an old user rather than someone who just past the new test. Another great video. Good luck and regards to Alan.
The units seem solid and easy to use, yes.
What VHF kit do you have onboard?
Good work, awesome to see it going!
Standard Horizon 1850GPS and handheld. Stainless whip antenna.
👍👍👍👍👍
Best wishes for you, the crew and Alan!
When is your planned arrival in Longyearbyen?
Very tentatively end of the summer, but the delays so far make me question the wisdom of rushing to make up the schedule.
@@AlexHibbertOriginals The preggers shown in the videos looks pretty promising. If you get there by December at the latest there'll be a pint waiting for you ✌️
Other than checking the SWR do not be tempted to use the radio until the problem has been identified and rectified. If the SWR is high then instead of the radio frequency power being radiated by the aerial a large amount could be reflected back to the output transistors in your radio and fry them. Do you know a friendly radio ham who could check the radio for you in the first instance? Good luck with it an please let us know what the issue is.
Good advice, guarantee there's a ham club nearby & they'd jump at the chance to help! K0ATV
VHF issue
Some have high power and low power setting. Make sure you’re on high power.
Also, if you cut the length of the coaxial cable from your VHF antenna to the radio to a different length then it’s no longer tuned. This could be an issue. They are tuned to exact lengths. Or alternatively you might not have a big enough antenna for your VHF radio. Especially since I don’t see a big whip.
Marine communications systems (and most systems, honestly) should be viewed like firemaking methods in the bush, 1 is none, 2 is 1 and 3 is 2, etc. Redundancy makes the mission work, even more so when the mission is surviving an unkind enviroment (the ocean). Regarding the actual troubles, line of sight could have been the issue more than power ratings. Depending on how tall the antenna between receiving and sending radios and the curvature of the earth between you can sometimes not communicate with smaller vessels within what feels like short distances but pickup bigger vessels or stations over greater ones, all due to antenna height (mostly). Lots of other factors too, but that's what we chalked it up to in the navy. As for the handheld working, PFM 😅 (pure effin magic)
You might pass Harry Dwyer on your way up the coast.
It's very satisfying to see Alan on the sea! At 12:34 I spy a crab under the clock that looks like it's from Maryland. What's the explanation?
A keen fan of Alan made a contribution in return for display of said Crustacea!
Alan is a marvelous spaceship.
You have never shown how You sleep. is it a hammock?
_INTREPID_ !
Have you considered some sort of seatbelt or strapping down the person at the helm for rough weather. We had that when I was in the navy, to kept the person steering from being tossed around.
Yeah the old ones were mildewy and rather spartan. New MoD ones ordered.
Have you consider adding partial drop boards for your side hatches? BestRoy
I could think about it, but installing wouldn't be simple given the current config.
Ref role on anchor you need a ‘Flopper Stopper’. It’s one option in the armoury. You add one each side. Can be made out of ply triangles about 20” each side, but remember to add weights cos wood floats.
Ref VHF the waves come from the middle of the antenna (not the top) so you need it as long as possible. I think it’s too short for a non-sail boat.
Intriguing little things. Thanks
Concerning the diesel oil smudge on Allen’s orange. The USA coast guard paints their cutters mostly white, where the smoke exhausts the craft’s side they paint a black horizontal tear drop shape so the exhaust smudge goes on the black paint not the white.
Next expedition, where Allen gets smudged this trip, that area can be repainted black both to hide the smudge and as a nice color contrast.
Yes indeed, I anticipated a light mark, but if I'd known the extent, I'd have done that. Luckily, black paint is available!
For the VHF radio did you do a SWR match to see if the output is 1:1 or close to it.
✌😎✌
Really exciting. Where do you sleep, I wonder?
At the moment just on comfortable inflatable mats towards the stern.
Re radio check the connection at the Ariel
I'm sorry if I'm late with this question, but is there any potential issue with ships mistaking you as "people in distress" since you're in a lifeboat? I'm not a seafaring man, myself.
I've not had the problem yet. Converted lifeboats aren't common, but people know they exist.
Engine on before anchor up I hope.
Indeed
Do you ever plan on using Alan as a place to bed down for the night. I noticed there were no berths or hammocks strung from the deck thwarts. Cool vessel all the same.
I sleep onboard regularly actually - inflatables in the stern at present. Soon, the platform on the starboard side should be secure and able to be safely bolted in place to use.
As to the attempts too sleep whilst the boat rolls; might I suggest a canvas sling, otherwise known as a hammock?
I've tried hammocks, and they destroy my back. Just not suited to me.
@@AlexHibbertOriginals might be teaching you to suck eggs but did you try lying at an angle in a hammock? Lying straight makes your body banana but at an angle it flattens the lay. Also longer hammocks are better and there's a type called a bridge hammock that has a very flat lie.