Mike Fox

Frisky was due out to be lifted ashore at 10.30, so I arrived about 8.45 to scrub one final time, and get it sorted smoothly, and in good time. I fired up the engine, which I serviced last weekend, and it was very hesitant to start. I kept it running steady as I remembered it hadn't run much when I did the filter change. The engine stopped after 15-20 minutes, and I couldn't re-start it. Investigations showed the secondary fuel filter next to the engine had run dry - and hadn't refilled. Good job I wasn't at sea! I tried and tried but couldn't get it to fill, and was worried the lift pump had failed. By 10 o'clock, I asked the marina office for a tow. That took time, and was a soul-destroying experience, almost as if Frisky was sulking for me selling. The crane was late, and because of my problems I was queue jumped I popped to see a local marine engineer who told me it probably had nothing to do with the lift pump (impressive blister on thumb was for nothing ), and it was almost certainly a dodgy seal on the PRIMARY filter, letting air into the fuel system, and sold me new filters and seals. I tried fitting a new one in the rain, but it just went from bad to worse, and I couldn't get it to fill, so there's another air leak there somewhere. In the end, I gave up, chilled to the bone. Will try again when I'm despairing less. So - moral of story: If you change your own filters, run the engine for some time while attached to a pontoon before trusting it! Also, a filter can hold more fuel than you think, and you might have to keep "annoying the neighbours" for a while longer than you first think. Hope this personal experience saves someone from a nasty incident. Mike

Lovely start to the year!

I'm also going to be in the market for a new multi-function device in April for the cockpit where there is no protection. Am looking for waterproof, 7" display, buttons in preference to touch screen, split screen options good sonar capabilities, AIS overlay, and the capability of interfacing with radar (if I ever replace the current 2001 Raymarine unit). Just to add complexity, ideally I'd like good "home waters" charts installed as standard, with extensive "base" charts, and the ability to upgrade charts as needed at low cost. Anyone with experience of similar? Mike

Easier to keep clean than the real stuff Looks very smart though! Mike

I was fishing with Neal a couple of years ago, and something took a cod bait that proved to be unstoppable even with the Avet SX lever drag ALL the way up, and using 30lb braid. Dogfish Dave did an excellent job of taking the mick, till he hooked said beastie as well, and even with 50lb gear, he was spooled rather quickly. The Beast of the Bay needs something a little chunkier methinks, but generally I'd agree, they're cracking reels. Mike

St. Pete has the advantage of pontoons in the outer harbour, allowing both walk ashore access and exit without tidal restrictions. Also, plenty of choice of eateries. A third option if in the area is Dielette, due East of the Schole, and below the Race. Free berthing for MDL boats for a couple of nights, all tide access to the outer marina, fuel 24*7 with a card, and superb unlimited moules frites for about 11 Euros. Mike

You'll never catch mackerel trolling at that speed!

Think I've got one around 1,000 square feet you can borrow, for down-wind work.... Mike

Well done for getting back safely. A major milestone completed, and it all gets easier from here. Enjoy!!! Mike

I'd like to know more about this incident. Mechanical failure? Ran out of fuel? Lack of skills to match his lack of safety awareness? Definitely a candidate for a free RNLI Advice Aboard session. You can see why the RNLI offers the service, and it's a good idea to think "prevention being better than cure". Mike

Good luck all those that take part. Have been unwell for the last week, and while I had hoped to be better and take part, I'm not quite, and it wouldn't be wise to fish today. Best of luck all! Mike

I heard some plan to be there before dark today Jim. You might want to leave about now... Mike

Hope you have a great one Neal! Mike

Looking smart Graham !!!!

Well done all who took part, especially those who caught!!! Regretfully, I was unable to participate this year. Mike

See here: http://www.poolelifeboats.org.uk/2015/11/18/6589/ Mike

I must admit to being impressed at how you plan to move manfully forwards in the face of such adversity. Enjoy! Mike

Ignore the flappy raggy comments Duncan (you'll get worse!), hope you have a great time here in the UK, or on your gorgeous yacht overseas. Mike

You should be able to find many reviews online Graham. Everything I heard suggest the new generation Manson and Rocna anchors have really good holding, but at a price. Deltas are worth a look too. I wouldn't disregard the much cheaper Bruce clones for fishing, which when properly tripped do the business, and are less expensive if you make a habit of anchoring among rocks. The old Fisherman's anchor still has a place on many long distance cruising boats, if anchoring in rocky or weedy locations. The new generation anchors are actually difficult to stow sometimes, and difficult to man-handle over bow-rollers without chipping gelcoat. A lot depends on your stem-head fitting. Check shank length, and how you'd carry it and secure it when under way at speed, as well. Also, check tables of anchor weight for boat size carefully, and if in doubt, go a size up, unless you like slowed drifting Finally, whatever anchor you fit, ensure it's firmly shackled on, the shackle pin is "moused", you have ample chain to allow for seabed chafe, and use of an Alderney Ring (i.e. chain weighs more than your anchor), you always allow a minimum of 3:1 scope for the depth, and where you secure the "bitter end" of the rope in your locker, you have the ability to cut it quickly in an emergency. If you go for one of the new generation anchors, be aware that the harder you pull, the deeper they bury, if you have the right scope. The easiest way to break them out of mud/sand is to shorten scope to close to 1:1, then reverse them out the way they went in and you were lying at anchor, using the weight of the boat to do the work. No anchor will hold with a minimal scope, and it should come out relatively easily. Failing that, make friends with a diver Mike

Brilliant Chris, sounds a fun day to me! Mike

Alas, will not be able to make the comp after all. Am 36 hours into my first winter lurgy, and am not fit. Good luck all who fish. Wonder if any cod will appear on Ray baits? Mike

Dark side for some, enlightened for others

Congratulations Duncan!!! I hope you find the combination of nautical skills needed to make the best of it! Not sure the fishing is the same down on the French Med Coast. Will be VERY interested to see what works down there, and what doesn't. If nothing else, you should be able to provide us all with pictures of exotic species we can only dream of here as the frosts set in. Mike

1. Court Jester Neal, Stuie plus crew 2. Sweet Pea Mal + Trevor 3. Alfresco Charlie Will + TBC 4. Frisky Fox - Mike and Carol

Well done all who got out and caught - especially Jacob who seems to be on a roll! Carol and I checked forecasts, watched the local trees in dead calm went down, ready for the 9.30 Bridge, and saw the flags at Cobb's horizontal. Spent 10 minutes aboard, and decided to give it a miss. Got home, and it was calm again. I hate Easterlies.