Maverick Martin

Well done all. Hopefully what you learnt will help you enjoy your own boats more Martin

How could we refuse when you asked so nicely......done Martin

Greg will be good to see you down here and we will be available for buddying up but not crewing The fishy season approaches and I'm chomping at the bit to get out there See you soon Martin

John did you put them in the tool kit or the first aid box Martin

So its our first comp of the year on Sunday with plaice being the order of the day. Dean Tony and I are off down to the shambles to see if we can find a large spotty. Probably less chance of numerous fish there but then it's not about quantity. Theres also the chance of other flats coming up from that way ever hopeful we'll give it our best shot . Where are you hoping to get yours? Martin

Duncan I do sincerely hope you are correct re the weather. Awol has had all her works completed except that she is getting her replacement (long story) C120W screen this week so should be ready for action by the week end. Weather permitting a shake down trip to the shambles this week end then a trip to east cowes next week end then over we go to Alderney. BRING IT ON Martin

and you don't think they are planning on a shot at the smoothies 'while they are there' Charlie? Rumbled

Hi Mark and a big welcome to the club See you at the AGM Martin

Serenity and AWOL will be taking a leisurely cruise with an overnight stop from Poole to East Cowes on 16th April return late sunday afternoon. Its a lovely venue with superb grub in the marina bar. East Cowes itself is a lovely town with lots of yachty/boaty shops so suits the ladies well. Are any other boats interested? if so note your interest here. Martin

Well who's fishing the plaice comp? Small boat big boat kayaks! Book in here: Martin & Dean on "AWOL"

John If you were anchoring overnight/sleeping on the boat to be sure of your anchor holding you would probably be looking at a scope of 5:1 For our use fishing when you are awake and hopefully alert a scope of 3:1 is the general norm. As long as you have sufficient chain and an adequate anchor the 3:1 ratio will hold in all but the most extreme conditions. I would suggest that your rope/chain length is a little on the short side even for fishing inshore in this area. Inshore I would say 100 metres of rope plus chain would be better. Most of us that go a little further offshore carry a full coil (220 metres) of rope plus chain. Hope that helps Martin

Good to see you still going strong at 104 Does Fred still come on here? Martin

Dom could you PM me your telephone number? or call me on 07771 748486 Martin

Adam have a very happy 30th birthday....you won't see that one again Martin

A verry happy birthday Tony, hope you have a very wineful day Martin

Adam Short answer is doubtful I guess the prices you saw at lymo were ex duty so will be considerably more for the likes of us Last fill up I had at Corrals was over

Guard Lights Seems very good value for money

Neal so sorry to hear this I really feel for you. Load up a picture of the boat so we can all be aware of what to look out for Martin

A s**t Neal that is bad news Hope the barstewards are nailed Martin

Don't dismiss the Mercury/Mariner Optimax they are also good engines. I had one from new for 7 years and it never missed a beat. To be truthful though most modern engines will give good service. If buying second hand get as new as you can afford and more importantly than that ask to see the service records. Service records are not only useful in helping you decide whether to buy but will also when its time to move on help you sell. Do get a marine engineer or at least someone knowledgeable to look at the engine and test the compression. If new to boating and spending lots of money consider a marine surveyor to look at the boat, he may save you a fortune and in some cases get you money off for faults found As when buying anything its a case of buyer beware cause if you don't it can hurt Oh have fun looking and welcome to the club Martin

I was thinking the same Mike Well done lofty Martin

Firstly a warm welcome to our clubs forum. Sound advice from Rob. Try and get a ride out on several types of boat until you find the one that suits you. Martin

Adam I like that, where did you get it from? Martin

Dave I think you need to get a chart The training bank starts about 1/2 a mile past the chain ferry on the right hand side of the swash channel and runs for about a mile or so. Don't try and cross over it as you may well loose something from your engine It runs from Studland beach and is marked at the end with a large red post affair. Martin

Adam Could you send to me please Martin