Steve S

4 blade props are better than 3 blade props for hole shot punch and mid range efficiency, but worse for top end speed. I think for us fishermen they are spot on. Also very important is getting the boat to run to maximum revs, it sounds simple enough however you need to consider loading and for boats on a mooring the fouling build up over the season. A boat pulling max revs with a clean bottom and lightly loaded with be pulling well below that at the end of the season and when loaded up, not a good thing to do, it bogs the engine and some engine get real unhappy about running overloaded. I would suggest aim to permit max revs under your max normal load and about 3 months fouling. My old MF 805 used to over rev by 350 rpm (4250) early in the season on my max normal loading of the boat (4 people, full tanks). The next year I got the prop repitched so that it still over reved by 150 rpm early season but was about on max (3900) by July and down to 3700 in Dec. Max revs for a volvo tamd41 is given as 3700 to 3900. The improvement for me was over a knot at normal cruising revs and a corresponding fuel saving.

I'm aiming to get out on Saturday if I can shake off this cold! Not sure where too though with the mid tides and at this time of year, I'd welcome suggestions. Steve

Installation The ultrasonic transducer that gives algae and other weeds a hard time needs to be fitted near the centre line (20cm) but away from the main stringers and around 10-20cm from the transom on a boat with stern drives for best effect. My tub has twin Volvo D4 engines and I spied a good location that met the criteria between them, the only snag was I could not physically get in there to prepare the surface and fit the transducer. By a happy coincidence my Daughters boyfriend came over at the weekend and he got co-opted in to help, he could fit between the engines, joy, he got the job, lucky man! Fitting the controller was straightforward, just a case of finding an empty space in the engine bay next to the solar panel controller in this case and adding an external CCB and on/off switch on the battery side of the main isolating switches. First Test Installation completed I turned it on, the green LED showed life for 5 mins or so and there should have been a red one on as well to show operation of the transducer but there wasn’t, then the green LED went out. Damn it appeared to be faulty, there was nothing for it but to call up the manufacturer. They were very helpful and said they were very reliable, faults rare etc. A new controller arrived next day. For the second trip to Tigerfish my son came with me as I knew I could not get to the transducer if required, I could touch it but that was it. Lloyd is bigger than me and has longer arms, just long enough. This time I powered up the unit with the transducer disconnected, bingo! both red and green, connect the transducer, just green, damn. Without going into too much detail the fault turned out to be the cabling supplied with the unit, it had an internal short, with a small amount of cable movement after loosening the clamps holding the outer sheaths the short disappeared and everything worked. I made another call to the manufacturer next day to explain what happened and they we very apologetic and have sent out a replacement cable, which I will have to fit, sigh. They also arranged collection of the dead control unit. Next step, see how well it works.

I’ve just taken the plunge and bought Ultrasonic Antifouling for my Botnia Targa 31. I’m guessing there must be some interest in this type of anti fouling solution and how well it works locally with the paints getting less effective by the year it seems. I bought the Ultra 10 from Ultrasonic Antifouling ltd of Poole, it’s not a cheap solution to fouling. They advised me a 1 transducer device should be enough for my boat if fitted close to the transom near the centre line. They told me it should work really well on the boat as it has a solid GRP hull ie not a sandwich construction but there would be limited protection for the legs due to the ultrasonic losses between the hull and the legs but that the most protection for them could be obtained by fitting the transducer close to the transom. My boats on a swinging mooring but I have a 200watt solar panel fitted which I calculated will have easily enough power to run the Ultra 10 except possibly in December and January. I’ll post updates on how the install went how well it works.

I've used Stainless Steve for Rod Holders and other S/S stuff, they are well made and stay looking good. He makes them to order to your requirements. I've just ordered another 4 for my new boat. BTW, it's best to call him on his mobile rather than email.

I think I may have found a problem with the new forum. The last half of the Alderney 2013 topic seems to be missing, see http://www.pbsbac.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=14248&st=60

I've not been to Alderney before, i'd love to go so please count me in I'm not sure who would be joining me on Tigerfish at this point. I'll be sleeping on the boat most probably. Steve

Maybe I've missed some announcement here, I thought you could post catch reports to members only, now that seems to have changed, why? Also what happened to the boat by boat species list I can't find it?

Great stuff Tom. I've done a far bit of trolling in hotter climes and what you rigged up sounded pretty good. If/When you get one it will be very well deserved.

Thanks for all your input. On this fill up I'm running around the 16-17 knot mark (3,500 Revs) and I'll see what she does. I checked the flat out revs again at it is 4200, so I'll speak to one of these custom prop companies and see what they can come with. I agree think they are a great little boat, I'm really happy with it and so is the wife, unlike the last one. I'm looking forward to getting it out on the rips for the cod and not being worried about the weather to much.

Thanks for all the info Guys, much appreciated, nice to know it's all working as expected. I'll certainly try running around 16-17knots and see how that goes. One further question, according to Volvo the top power is at 3,900 RPM, in the full speed sea trial the motor was turning over at 4,200 RPM (22.4knots), would that mean a different steeper cut prop could improve performance and reduce fuel? I agree with the comment about her being very seaworthy, we went through some 'interesting' seas around the Eddystone lighthouse and on the approach to Padstow and she handled it all with aplomb. We would have liked a hyperspeed mode for the wipers as it was only after the 3rd stroke we could 'sea' anything. The only thing she doesn't seem to handle too well is a big sea coming from a rear quarter side running about boat speed. She tends to want to turn beam on to the sea then, and did so once, unfortunately we were just off the Skerries at the time so heading straight with the sea was not an option due to the rocks.... Rapid work with the wheel was required. Anyhow it's just a very clear memory now!

I recently bought a Merry Fisher 805 fitted with a Volvo TAMD41A 200hp Diesel. I bought it back round the coast from Cardiff during the trip it used 24 L/Hr overall at an average speed of 12.1 Knots. This was rather more than I was expecting so I was hoping someone knows what I should get out of it and let me know I'll be grateful. Thanks