Coddy

Hi Terry Not sure what boat you now have but have a word with Alan aka Fisheagle as he fitted a windlass to his boat and my son made up the s/steel channel/roller he can tell you who he used. Dave

Starting your boat after lockdown Many of us are planning to use our boats this Spring, but we are prevented from getting to them even to shut them down properly in some cases. You may be worried that the prolonged idleness has harmed the engine, or you could cause harm by starting it without any further checks. Here is what to do to minimise any engine damage when starting for the first time after lockdown. I won’t go into detail on the usual daily pre-start checks, obviously you would do these anyway: Check engine oil level Check gear oil level and colour (milky means water has got in) Check engine coolant level Check power steering reservoir if fitted. Check belt tensions Turn battery switches on Open seacocks Check bilge for unusual levels of water or signs of engine fluid leaking Check raw water strainer for debris Pay particular attention to the raw water filter if fitted, because if your boat is in the water unused for a long period, marine creatures can climb into the filter and start living there. The following are additional checks. Check for debris in the water or around your propeller Check your fuel filler cap and seal – was it on tight and could water have entered? If so check for water in the tank and fuel filter. Check the fuel filter bowl for water. If an outboard or outdrive leg has been left in the water, raise the leg and scrub weeds off the water inlet area. If you have a raw water strainer above the waterline, take the cap off and fill it with water so the feed to the impeller is primed. Refiot the cap securely Prime your fuel pump by pumping the lift pump about 20 times on a diesel engine, or squeeze the fuel line primer bulb on an outboard. Turn the engine over without starting it. On a diesel engine you can do this by holding the Stop button or the decompression lever down while you crank the engine. This operates the oil pump and puts some oil in the bearings before loading them with a running engine. Now you are ready to start the engine. Again, there are some standard checks you would always do after the engine starts: Oil pressure and charging warning lights and buzzer stop after a few seconds Ammeter/voltmeter show the alternator is charging – 13.5 to 14.5 volts Raise the speed to 1200rpm in neutral. This helps the impeller draw water in. Now for some extra checks. Is cooling water circulating? On an outboard you can see a water tell-tale jet. With a raw water strainer fitted you can see the water flow. On an enclosed system like an outdrive, feel the impeller housing – it should feel distinctly colder than the surrounding engine as water flows through. The same with the exhaust elbow. If it is difficult to reach you can use an infrared thermometer. Turn the steering lock to lock both directions to ensure it is free. Ensure the boat is tied up securely with extra spring lines to secure bollards. Put the engine in gear at idle speed. This adds load, and gets the gearbox and propeller moving in their bearings and seals. Put the engine in gear in reverse at idle speed. Check for unusual noises or vibration Run the engine in gear for 30 minutes or at idle for 45 minutes to bring it up to working temperature. Check that there is no overheating Check for leaks Check battery condition – no bulging, heat or sulphurous smell If no problems are evident and you are allowed out, you can proceed. If you discover any problems, at least you are still at your berth and not drifting down the harbour. If you are not allowed out, you need to shut the boat down as if you may be leaving it for some time. Fill tanks if possible Seacocks shut Battery switches off Fuel filler cap tight Doors, windows and hatches shut Vents open, if fitted Covers secure Fenders secure Mooring warps secure and not chafed Take all lifejackets home and check them over for in date firing heads etc. Lock doors Remove perishable food and rubbish so you don’t attract rats Remember to take your phone home! Let’s hope we are allowed out soon and can get back to enjoying our boating. The guidelines above are useful for starting your engine or running up your engine for any prolonged period without use, whatever the reason. Anglers are used to having a boat tied up for weeks on end due to bad weather – this now gives us a good excuse to spend time on your boats even if you can’t go fishing!

Death Trap, please do not paint all IFCA's with the same brush as Cornwall. I am the secretary of the Poole & District Sea Anglers Association which represents the majority of angling clubs in Poole, Bournemouth & Christchurch both shore and boat anglers. We have very good contacts within Southern IFCA and whilst I would agree that in the past they have not been helpful towards recreational anglers this has recently changed, so much so that we now have very experienced anglers sitting on various committees both in RSA's and charter boat skippers who are making a difference. PBSBAC has a representative who attends some of these meetings and I am sure he represents both the club and other anglers in the best way he can. I agree Southern IFCA are not perfect (lol) but by having constructive discussions with SIFCA we are becoming a force to deal with but like always it needs anglers to support and put pressure on those people to make them understand RSA's can not be ignored, unfortunately nationally, many anglers can not be bothered to support or take action when asked, you just got to look at the numbers of Sea anglers who are in the AT! I will get off my box now Dave

My sympathy's go out to the families of those who are missing, however commercial fishermen can have a FREE lifejacket if they apply. The lifejackets are made for fishermen who are working all the time so they are made to be as comfortable and with easy movement/access when wearing them. If nothing else they will bring a body to the surface which allows families to have closure, otherwise the 7 year rule will normally kick in which could bring financial hardship to those at home.

Just to warn everyone, the marine police have been asking mariners out on their boats, where they have come from, home location and where they launched. It seems that travelling a distance to get to your boat or towing it a distance is not allowed under the current restrictions and you might be fined! The question is how far is unreasonable distance?????? Seems there was an incident in the harbour today, 5/11/20 regarding a anglers boat which broke down having launched from baiter I don't know all the details but the marine police were involved. All seems a minefield. AT's response is family member or in your bubble or skipper and one other person allowed on the boat providing you keep social distance apart.

For those who like to see charts and make plans for their next trip you use a free chart viewer here It seems to be fairly up to date showing the marine conservation areas plus a few fishing marks when you zoom in far enough click here https://webapp.navionics.com/?lang=en#boating@9&key=gnetHn}uJ Hope it helps some people

Happy Birthday Allan I am sure Ann treated you to something nice 🤣🤣

I have a Danforth 5kg anchor if anyone is interested - £10 SOLD Dave

If anyone want the details about the road closure around Poole key here is the link https://www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/Council-and-Democratic/Consultation-And-Research/Consultations/Poole-Quay-Experimental-Traffic-Regulation-Order.aspx It also has details on how you can send in your comments Dave

I think the biggest problem is to get the anchor to hang in the right position as it is being lifted. When Allan had an extended roller fitted on his Merry Fisher, he tried a number of different ideas to see if we could get it in the correct position to stow on the roller. In the end I found it easier to winch it up until the anchor was clear of the water and then manual pull the last bit in by hand, this way I could keep the anchor clear of the hull to prevent damage if it start to swing about in the swell and if needs be lift the anchor shaft onto the roller. It has been awhile since I have been out with Allan so he might have come up with a better method. Not exactly what you wanted to hear I suspect.

Sorry forget it Having a senior moment and found it ………….. finger trouble

I was checking my Amazon Smile account and noticed I had chosen HOW but in the USA! I have since found the Amazon Smile UK website but HOW are not registered on their listing Is it me or have others found the UK HOW list on Amazon Smile? If so where? Dave

Not if you stroke it on the nose

Thanks peeps

A Briggs & Stratton 148cc 4-stroke petrol lawn mower in VGC Now no longer used as we have moved to a house with a very small lawn Easy starting, adjustable cutting height, large clippings collection bag Can be pushed or lift the lever and it drives the rear wheels Handles can be folded for storage or carriage 7 Cutting Heights (30-75mm) 50Ltr Grass Collector 410cm cutting width NOW SOLD

The RNLI have just published a new book called "Surviving the storms" Details about the book and how to order online are here https://rnli.org/support-us/become-a-volunteer/volunteer-zone/volunteer-news/surviving-the-storms-new-book-showcases-rnli-rescues I thought might like to have a read instead of using electronic means Dave

Happy Birthday Frank

If I manage to restore it, it was due to be a road going track car as there are so many bits missing, there is not even a windscreen! Needs new floor pan, footwell and I suspect sills as most MG's or come to that most BMC cars were rust buckets although not as bad a Vauxhall use to be, those old enough to recall the box shape viva must be so rare these days as they rusted away in less than 5 years! Just wish my welder was as enthusiastic as me. 🤠🤠🤠

Hi Gaz, Welcome aboard I am Dave from the RNLI message on facebook page, drop me a PM (private message) when the lock down is relaxed if you fancy a meet up and chat Dave

Funny you should mention that Rob 🤔🤔🤔 Been looking but having an MGB GT waiting to be restored on the drive, might upset "she who must be obeyed" if something else turned up! 🤑🤑🤑

Well it will soon be Friday which is a Bank Holiday, only a 4 day week this week (what day is it now?) Weather looks good Friday & Saturday but pants Sunday ……………………………………………… what to do? Just been told to finish decorating the hall What a way to spend a bank holiday, I think I could come up with some better ideas what say you lot????? Back to the grind on Monday,

Hi Terry They are normally a 36v 10amp battery, if Jerry does not have the original charger you may need a special charger depending on what type of batteries are in the pack, get the wrong one and it could literally go up in smoke and flames!

If you fit a second battery this info might be useful, its a bit old now but still works See attached file Installing a Second Battery on your Boat.pdf

Hi guys Thanks for the good wishes Had steak, cake and wine, no beer today (hope that's ok Jim) Happy Birthday Charlie - only the best start the month off right 🍷

I think this would apply if years had passed, my race car can and has sat all winter and now half a race season in not moving with no ill effects, it also uses road tyres. Just make sure pressures are kept up.