Adam F

Very clever!!

...Couldnt be better! Force 1's all weekend! We are slap bang in the middle of a big high at the moment, sunny, no wind - perfect! Better break out the sun lotion! Off on a corporate sailing event tomorrow - one of the rare occasions I am going to sea and praying for some wind! I need to see what all the fuss is about re. these boats with no engines!

Tis a very good point! and now I'm well confused! Many of you swear that 2 batts are a must, and have very valid arguments Others see no need, and would rather not risk damaging the system. My main reason for wanting to fit the 2nd is as a back-up. The battery that is fitted at present has held its charge very well to date and I have had no problems at all. The previous owner has very neatly fitted a Solar charger into the Tonneau canopy. I plug this in whenever Im not using the boat, so it gets at least a weeks charge each time. 2 Questions: 1.) How will I know weather I have a 1/2 watt or a 5 watt unit? 2.) What position should I have the batt isolator on when charging via the solar panel? - I usually have it in 'OFF' I think the approach I will take is to fit a 12v Gauge. I will then monitor the batteries condition and make a decision from there.

No - only babies really - 4lb the biggest. James has had them to 12 though (club record)

sorry, try this: http://www.nautequipe.co.uk/ Go to stainless deck fittings for more details.

www.nautiquipe.co.uk They do them for

Just checked my fish book, and I think it was in fact a Corkwing. Black spot just on the tail lobe. Ill post the picture 2moro.

Yep, cracking session - especially for an after work! 8 species in total - however I managed to sneak the crown of biggest bream - practising for Sun! - James just couldnt get near me!!! He did manage a Gold Sinney Wrasse though - 1st Ive ever seen. only 3oz though and was dead when he put it back - I reckon he caught it in a rockpool in Alderney and bought it home in his pocket! All from our secret 'Undisclosed South Coast Mark'

The batteries wont cost

I already have the switch fitted to the boat - it just runs the one batt at the moment though. Where do I wire the meter though? If I have 2 batts, I need to monitor both of them?

I know this has been covered loads in the past - but I being lazy, and just have 2 quick questions. 1.) I have a isolation switch fitted already, so if I fit a 2nd Batt - do I just run the +ve and -ve from the batt to the switch?? 2.) How do I fit a Volt Meter to my boat, and how easy is to do? - Where do I get one? Thanks Adam

The club has already run a VHF course last year - it was very popular from memory. I couldnt make it though. If anyone is interested - let me know, as I need to do it. BTW: East Dorset Council learning leaflet thingy came through the post this morning. I had a little browse, and noticed that I can book to do my VHF licence through here and it only costs

I did a 'buy it now' option on Ebay. (fixed price - no bidding) and Paid

Newboy - where did you do it, and how much? I havent done one yet - really must. Kicking myself for not doing the club one! Adam

Wow! - clicked your link and in under 2 mins I had bought a set! Was pretty pleased with Martins ones on the Alderney trip. They dont really give you a choice like when using spring balances - just 1 figure. Adam

Correct - Just not enough hours in the week! Well May 22/23 offers small tides - hw - 1.8m and lw - 1.2m may 29/30th hw1.8m lw 1m How does this sound?

Okay - the week after then - give the tides a chance to calm down?

So: Blue Warrior Splash Out Maverick Loyal Royal I think that should do it...unless anyone else wants to join the party? That is 8 fishing. Now all we need is the weather. Shall we pencil June 5/6th in the diary? Anyone know what the tides are for then?

No, not yet. I'm pretty sure you cant copy - everyone would do it otherwise, and Garmin wouldnt sell any charts!! I will get one next week -

Look on your charts. From how martin and Pete Jnr described it, about 26 miles SE of Poole (SE/SW??) It is an area of very rough ground, as rough as any wreck, and littered with Pollock now, and Cod in a few weeks. Crusing at 15-18knts it will take around 1.5 hours, stopping for a few mackeral on the way to break up the trip. First week in June??

Thank you Dr. electronics!!! How bloody simple! - yet correct now I think about it. So basically as soon as I move they will all read correctly? Also shows a very good reason for having a fixed compass onboard. Adam

Mark - I will polish the spoon up for Thurs!

Aint got a clue. The fixed compass is giving a firm reading and isnt influenced by any magnetic disturbance. The GPS is mental - I suspect simulation mode, but havent read the manual to check - although the other functions SPD, TRK etc all worked in Weymouth whoch sugests its not simulating??? The Plotter as is out, but about 50/60 degs. I have checked and it is running mag. north???? Bloody electronics! All I want to do is go fishing!

One of the last items I need for BW for the safety check is a horn. On Tara we had a S/S one mounted on the cuddy, powered by the battery. It was well loud and great in the fog. What do you guys have? I dont want a handheld, as they run out of gas, can be tempremental. I wnat a fixed unit, but dont really want to mount it on the bridge - trying to keep clutter to a minium, and dont want to run another set of wires! what do I do?

Charlie - what one is it, and roughly how much?? Im trying to convince myself that I dont really need one!