Bob F

Ah, well, there you go then.

The Shetland Isles is a little out of our area, Harry. We do have trailering events outside the area, but the Shetland Isles is not one of them. I'm afriad you will be doing a bit of pioneering for us. Looking forward to your report on your return. cheers BF ps - I do remember an article in one of the fishing mags about fishing in the Shetlands but cannot find the damn thing now.

Nice review Harry. My views too. Although I have managed to do some cosmetic damage to the hull after the boat was swept up to the top of a slip and left high and dry. Had to haul her back onto the trailer from the concrete slip. Hurt her bum a bit, but all tickitee boo now.

Welcome aboard Harry. BF

Yeh, I know what you mean. Just read a post which says the Raymarine E series is the only plotter that can handle it anyway.

Mad Mike, Are you fishing for Garmin 198C's in the States?? BF

...and some more. Raymarine E series is Platinum compatible, but will require a software update when the new charts become available. Raymarine and Navionics worked closely on the development of the charts. The E series has a graphics co processor, which makes the features of the Platinum charts work (3-D bathymetric and some other features). C Series is intended to be more of an entry level product and compete with the Lowrance, Garmin and C-Map based plotters (Standard Horizon, Interphase, Si-Tex). [so probably is not Platinum compatible] E Series is upgraded with heavier construction (Aluminum chassis) and networked features, as well as video input and output capabilities. While C and E series look almost identical, and operate with the same keystrokes, they are very different units internally. They even use different software. So is it good stuff? yeah, the screen is pretty good, although the E series is a little unforgiving when viewed from an angle (surprisingly the C series wasn't). [from this post it sounds like a plotter will need plenty of computing power to take advantage of the Platinum features, so many of the existing plotters that use Navionics Gold may not be able to use Platinum]

Just found this... February 17, 2005 Navionics

Rumour is that Navionics will be bringing out their "Platinum" plotter chart software this Summer. It supposed to be similar to C-Maps Max software but with a few extra goodies. Not sure which plotters will be compatible with it. BF

Welcome Glenn. The mackerel are here in force at the moment. You can catch them virtually anywhere. Go out of the Swash Channel turn left and then look for 40ft plus of water and drift for a while. If you dont catch anything try going to slightly deeper water. Most catches are near the surface, but drop the feathers to the bottom and then wind up until you hit the depth where the shoals are, then concentrate on this depth. BF

01258 453719

Exactly Jack. I initially purchased the cheaper poly type (small times called pot rope) and wish I hadnt wasted my money. It does not coil well and easily tangles. Having said that, if you are new to boating and anchoring, the cheaper rope might be a better option because you are quite likely to loose your first rope and anchor until you know what you are doing, in which case, you will not have lost too much money. BF

I notice with the DSC VHF radios you can input Group MMSI numbers, as well as Individual MMSI numbers. Does that mean we could get a Group MMSI number for PBSBAC? This would be great for a number of uses: 1 - When you go out to sea you can poll the PBSBAC Group MMSI to see who is out there. All PBSBAC boats with DSC would then automatically reply. This is better than calling by voice and only getting one or two replies. 2 - Any communications that we'd like to keep to the club boats can be transmitted without others hearing. 3 - You can share your position with other PBSBAC boats...a good safety feature. etc, etc. BF

I'm just about getting over that queezy feeling. The old one finally gave up and would not transmit, so she'll be consigned to the recycle bin. BF

Inside Park just outside Blandford have storage for boats and caravans, and a small camp site. I store my caravan there. About 15 miles from Poole. BF

Fascinated by the anchor rope chat. Edwards cheaper... Ropeseller cheaper... Ropeseller dearer etc Feet and metres has been a confusing issue, as has price/diameter! Also nylon vs other materials. Two tests for inferior ropes (polypropylene/polyethylene), one of which you will already know: 1) Inferior ropes float, nylon rope doesn't, although it could then be polyester, good but not as stretchy. 2) The second test is little known: When a strong heat source (perhaps windproof lighter) is applied to nylon it melts yellowy brown, NOT black. Outside of a chemical laboratory it's the best test of buying the real thing. Dodgy sellers would not be happy with a shop doorstep burn test, and a refusal could be a little test in itself! If it's polyprop or PE it could even catch fire and burn vigorously with black smoke. What fun. Misuse of the word 'nylon' is very common. Edwards prices are very keen, service is quick, all sizes including 12mm are always in stock, and he offers none of the inferior alternatives to nylon. They are very cheap and worth their cost. BF

Mike, you're a blast!! Kam, Ballan's have many different markings and colours, depending on their location and mood. BF

Hi Brian, Any chance of bringing your OziExplorer GPS charting software to one of the club meeting to demo it? BF

I bought the Icom 421 from Green Regis today.

Nice report Charlie. Good to hear a report from the Rips for a change. BF

Ballan Wrasse. No other wrasse grow that big in our waters. BF

Good question, Dan. Don't know this one. At the back of my outboard manual there is a circuit diagram showing all the electrics. Do you have the same in your manual. If the relay is show it might help to pinpoint the location by tracing back the wires from known points. BF

Over the past couple of weeks I've been exchanging emails with a guy called Barry Edwards who deals in various types of ropes. A couple of our members have purchased rope from Barry, via eBay, and have been very happy with their purchases. Most of our club needs seem to center around anchor rope, so Barry has been kind enough to offer this discounted pricing to PBSBAC. The type most suited to our anchor needs is the 3 strand white nylon. It's coils very nicely, unlike the cheap potting rope which I've bought previously. Barry will sell to our club on this basis, or to individual members if they quote 'Poole Bay'. He does similar with a diving club in the North East. I have a sample of the 14mm 3 core, which I will bring along to the next meeting. 12mm is optimum for boats around the 5m size, and 100m is adequate for 95% of our anchoring needs in Poole Bay. On the occassions where slighlty more is needed, just splice in your old rope. If two of you club together and buy the 200m coil and then cut it in half you will get a better deal. All prices inc VAT 3 Strand White Nylon 10mm 100 metres (330 feet) -

Martin, If I don't get my boat insurance sorted out in time I may be open to the offer. But if anyone else asks please give them first choise. BF

Charlie, sounds great. As soon as I can get some of this work off my back I will give you a call. Kam, yes, bloody marvelous isn't it?!! Two of the things I've been looking to buy are in this months BFM comps. The Lowrance combo and the 7200. Knowing my luck I'll go out and buy them and them win the comp!!! Second thoughts...those sort of things don't happen to me. BF