Adam F

Steve, I wouldn't worry too much about bait. If its a cold spring and the mackerel are scare early on, it can be worth taking half a dozen to get started, but launce and mack can usually be found easily enough throughout the day. Other baits aren't usually worth bothering with. Lure and artificials for the wrecks and reef pollock are worth stocking up on. Ice? I think there is a sticky topic on here somewhere but the guys either use greenslades or Simon in Southborne.

Right, getting somewhere. Had a good chat with Coastalrides - who supplied the engine orginally. My D3 should max out at 4000rpm - it doesnt so, I'm over propped as I can only get 3600... so thats good news. He has also got a 2nd hand 4 blader that isnt much money - Ive bought it and going to give that a bash - if it works and I want to upgrade to a SS one he will take this one back in exchange, or if it doesnt work out, he'll take it back for a 20% restocking charge - sounds fair to me. Fingers crossed with a 2" reduction in pitch and an extra blade I should get more revs, a better hole shot and a better cruise. I'll know tomorrow as it will be here in the morning!

Rain-x awesome stuff! Is it a glass or plastic screen Peter?

It's hard to see without seeing them. However on both Alfresco and Jv we had tight space to mount them between the roof and window but they went in ok, and they are commercial spec so designed to work continuously in poor weather. http://www.vetus-shop.com/vetus-wiper-motor-12v-package-25mm-spindle-p-2463.html

I did the same mate. I was ranting around the living room too! As you say, he wasn't the best spokesperson was he. I appreciate commercial pressures and I know it's easily for us who go and catch a few sustainable table fish to be holier than thou... Most people can't do this and need to buy fish... And with the recent upsurge in TV chefs its En vogue.... But just because 'that's the way it's always been' it doesn't make it right. Hanging used to be the 'way it's always been' and than doesn't happen anymore. I've dived both Lyme bay and the Lulworth banks extensively and I can tell you he is talking utter bo$$ocks... These areas are not sand and stone they are small reefs, ledges and banks covered in hard and soft coral and invertebrates. The areas that have been scallop dredged need to be seen to be beloved. They are like deserts with oasis around them. NOTHING is left... Nothing at all.

Stop it Charlie....! Ah.. The Nannels Pollock! Can't wait!

'Not enough evidence on the 100+ rejected zones' No.... What you really mean is that commercial pressure was greater in these areas as opposed to enough evidence.

Welcome David.

Can you explain the problem in a bit more detail? However I'd imagine curved screens are always going to be tricky. What motors are fitted? I've got Vetus Pantographs and they have been faultless in 5 years. If you replace I'd recommend these.

Can't you get one of the universal props ie. Solus and then the hub adaptor kit. Mercury (barrus) also do one.

I hope not Charlie! I hate that it's my holiday highlight of the year (don't tell Rach!) yet we never really know if its a goer until a week or so before! It's agony!

Nice worktop... I wonder where Neil got that from!?

OK thanks nige. The one I'm getting is a 14.24x19 so I'll how how that goes first. Have you got a 4 blader on Wishin II?

And from the last trip I did in 2011 - a bit windier this one!

A video to whet the appetite! Nothing better to do on a cold, windy March afternoon! What cracking weather we had back in June 09:

I think I've found an Ali 4 blader in the size I need, for not too much money. I'm tempted to buy that and see how I get on. If it goes well ill consider flogging it on and upgrading to a new SS one.

Wow - I am confused! My current prop is 14.25x21" Prop Sol advised to go down a size in pitch to 19" and then up in diameter to 15" Ive just spoken to Steel Developments: http://www.steeldevelopments.net/125-300-hp-propellers-approx-13-to-16-diameter-with-4-3-4-gearcase-1/4-blade-stainless-steel-hr4-e-series.html They advised that if I am getting the right revs currently to stick with what I have - and they advised a 14.25x19. Thier prop option is half the price of the one Prop Sol offered too. They will re-pitch the prop for £30 if it is wrong. From what Ive read from trawling the web this morning I'm convinced that 4 blades is the way to go, it's just which one and how much to pay....

Hi martin, The prop you have is what we reckon would work for me - I dont think the fitting is the same though. If it was a Mercruiser prop they do a hub kit - but not for the Powertech props. The Volvo is 19 spline.

About £150-£200 in the US... It's the postage to the Uk which kills it. If you are going that could be an option?

Went to Prop Sol today to order the prop up, but he wasn't confident of the improvement I'd see? He said he was 80% sure but spending £600 on a prop that I couldn't change or return was too much of a risk. Martin, shame yours wouldn't fit my leg as he recommended a 15.25x18 for me.

6 weeks to go!

Doesnt look like this trip is going to happen :-( nice weather window today and tomorrow and then is closes in again for another spell of wet and windy weather. That is also my last free weekend before Alderney :-( as Ive a busy few weeks coming up. Adam

And he was fishing alone? But like Dave says, looks like his floatation suit saved his life.

I'll put a couple back for you Martin!

That is true, get the weather right and were good to go. I've got 1 crew and space for one more.