alun j.

good luck in that BIG tide

What a STAR !!! Full marks ..... and many thanks to Rob ... who not only had a 'spare' axle, that was almost the right size ! ...but who also did the lion's share of bolting it on as we rebuilt my trailer....with his [far better than mine] tools. RESULT ! ...and now I can still get out whilst waiting for my new one ...if weather allows !! I think a few bass will be coming his way soon ! Alun.

Thanks for the offer...but it seems they have to be fabricated...bespoke,,,,, so it'll be a couple of weeks ! Arrrggghhhh !!!!!

No...I can't...I need to get new axle ordered asap ! Got a hex bit this morning ......and the last part came off [relatively] easily. Now........how long for a new axle ??

The heads are Allen key 8mm......so I'll have to get one of those tomorrow....to try and [finally free those axle bolts. What a palavar !!

I seem to be on the right lines....but am taking it slowly !....putting in a lot of chocs. The U bolt hangers are loosening easier than expected and I can see that that heavy mid section will drop. It's taking a lot of the weight of the boat on the keel rollers...so will put extra support in as I lower it. Just hope this leads me to the elusive axle bolt heads. Not at all like Meccano Stu.....which I always found to be on the flimsy side !!

on closer examination......I don't think it's in the box section....but in a sub section part of the trailer that consists of two cross members that carry keel rollers and is hung on the box section side arms with U hangers; it incorporates the mudguard frame and covers the axle bolts.! What a pain...I'll have to support the boat and drop this section if it comes apart ! Alun.

Do these help?

Hi....I wonder if anyone can offer any help?? Coming home last Sunday, I heard a squeaking noise from trailer.....at home [short distance thankfully], I notice trailer leaning to one sde and the tyre had been rubbing on plastic mudguard. A look at the suspensionshowed the rubber torsion system not working on one side ! Now this is an unbraked trailer and the suspension is a galvanised cross member axle with the wheel hubs connected to it and filled with rubber. Some enquiries on Mon told me I need a new axle unit, Orkney were helpful and put me on to their supplier at Mersea Trailers who can supply the part. Problems start in attempting to remove the axle...held to the side arms of the trailer with two 19mm bolts either side. At first they were all seized solid....but some repeated sprays with Plus Gas type spray and a bit of heat on one got them moving. Wheels off, trailer chocked and I start to remove the nuts....first one comes off easily...next comes half way then the bolt spins! ....and the othe two just turn the bolts !!! My problem is that the heads of the bolts seem to be insde the trailer frame so I can't get at them !! I'm now completely stuck!! Any help appreciated. Alun.

Well done Rob !........that's determination for you !

Ditto.....on Gastro ! Alun

1 Court Jester - Neal plus crew TBA 2. Albatross - Graham & John 3. Hilda Maud - Chris & Martin (non-member) 4. Gastronaught - Alun J & Rob 5. Lady jane - Andy & Dave ( non member)

1 Court Jester - Neal plus crew TBA 2. Albatross - Graham & John 3. Hilda Maud - Chris & Martin (non-member) 4. Gastronaught - Alun J plus crew tba

I'm away too.....but not fishing! Alun

Keep [wings] in the fridge for 2 or 3 days......too fresh and it can be a bit tough....much older and it gets the 'nappy' smell as trimethyl amine breaks down releasing ammonia ! Don't bother wrestling with trying to skin it.......cut wings into manageable pieces and drop into a hot court coubillon with some lemon juice or vinegar and simmer for about 10 mins . Lift out and the skin will slide off the cooked [poached] fish....keep warm whilst you make a beurre noir sauce....simple !! .....heat butter in a pan until it froths, bubbles and goes brown [dark brown]...and red wine vinegar, chopped parsley and capers and pour over the fish ! You'll want to do it again...it's a classic !!

If this sells.........I also have a very similar one...plus a small 2 hp 4 stroke Honda that pops on the transom...remove mast, sails and rudder ..and sailing dinghy turns into little fishing boat [for calm days]. That's how Gastronaught got started ! I kept when my girls were small [but they weren't keen sailors !]....then it was good for beach bbqs etc..but now in the way and rarely used !!

done!

use a smaller one to 'run' to /from ...with ice and catch....that one's too big for a trolley !!

that size cooler needs to live on the boat !!

Firewood ??

Black bream ...with a big eye !! Def not Pandora

I asked Mak at AA...and he says it's good ...and other stuff too. He has had his biggest turbo this sort of time. ...and there's a few wrecks on the trip back too.

I think Charlie has won [or come second ] a few times with congers !!

Didn't they do well ? !!

Tony....that's a ray !! Ray comp later !!