Adam F

Rob, Youre a star!! That is just the ticket - I'd imagine they would be cheaper than a big Parmax etc too. Charlie - i'll order one and you'll have to see / hear what you think. Cheers

Any recommendations on a quiet in-line pump to use on a live bait tank? Doesnt need to move loads of water (350 gph) I used a little Rule on my last 2 boats, but obviosuly these are not inline. The Shurflo / Flojet / Parmax Ive seen and heard so far really annoy me when used for a livewell as they hum away, I used to forget the Rule was running. Thanks in advance!

Security? I big dog locked inside the wheelhouse..... I was going to go for 3 hinges, but decided on a pair of bigger ones instead - the door is 1 1/2" thick double laminated foam, so warping shouldnt be an issue. They are screwed in with Stainless clutch head screws, so 'should' be tamper proof to theives. A 5 lever mortice lock will provide the main lock, and I have a seperate cylinder style hi-security lever lock in addition to this. (Nice thing about these is that they are pretty un-intrusive) Finally, we will install an alarm system to the main wheelhouse and all aft hatches. You're right though - if they want to get in they will - all we can do it make it hard as possible and have plenty of deterants.

The biggest progress so far to date, as on Friday our windows arrived from the excellent Marine Window Fabrications in Essex. Great quality windows. We went for 6mm toughened smoke tinted side and rear windows to cut down glare, and clear front windows in case the boat gets a coding. Thet are a dry fit and clamp from the inside so leave a smooth finish on the outside and are really a joy to fit. Sat eve and all day Sunday and they were done!

Sorted. Duncan - I bought a pair, so will probably have 1 spare. Cheers, Adam

Anyone got a boot / bonnet hydraulic ram knocking around looking for a new owner? Suitable to lift a light(ish) engine hatch? Thanks!

How can you say that Mike?? 3rd Place went to a fish caught less than 2 miles from land, 4th place was to a fish that could have been caught on a mooring - christ, youre big bass last year was caught close in!! Buning lots of diesel doesent always been big fish - this last week for me confirmed this - more cod than ive ever caught, but not one over 10lb - not even 50%!! Every year is the same..... inshore fishing always holds its own. As for the focus being on Alderney.... half dozen boats out of 100 making the trip once or twice a year is hardly the main focus. Sorry, but your comments just aint right!!

Good luck Tom. A long trip by the sounds of it Look forward to seeing some piccies! Gjb - It's not the same boat mate. The one of FAFB is an Ultimate, by Catapult Cats. Tom's boat was built by Rob Baker at Powerglide.

Thanks for posting the results Paul. The comp was the 3rd of 4 in the BFM league - I have just sent the results. We had a total of 18 anglers book in and fish the comp, but just 7 anglers featuring in the results, the rest didnt log any fish. I also heard of and saw numerous other anglers out fishing in the good weather over the weekend - probably enough to have doubled the entry. A reasonable turnout, but it still seems some are happy to to comp fish. Anyway - one more BFM comp to go! Thanks for all who entered and fished and well done to those who got on the score board - 4 fish over 100% not bad at all! Adam

Paul, Have you got glass windows on your 165? If not - forget wipers. You'll scratch them to pieces with wipers within a few trips. Clean regularly with Rain-X, that way the screen should self clear. Adam

Well, she's been back 3 weeks now and progress has started.... slowly! It was hard to buy much kit for the boat before it arrived as we needed time to measure, agree, spec etc - that's now done and it's like xmas with all the boxes arriving daily! She's now sheeted and scaffolded in, meaning we can work in the dry even in inclement weather. Bob has been working on the electrics - The battery cables have been run, master switches in, battery boxes in, ECU control unit in. I've been tackling the other tasks. The box for the helm seat has been fabricated, a panel glassed in on the starboard helm for the throttle control and various other glassing / GRP tasks all done. Work on the S/S fabrication starts next week. Funny thing is, I'm doing more fishing now than when I had a boat!! Gallery updated here: http://www.pbsbac.co.uk/photoalbum/thumbnails.php?album=123

Thanks to all that entered - a great turnout and a well supported comp. I agree it was a surprise that no larger fish showed - but maybe we are a little later in the year for them. Comp results sent off to BFM, so keep an eye out for your name! Only two comps to go, can we can any of our members in the final! Adam

I used to do my previous Warriors by hand. Find a decent quality carnauba wax polish. Apply by hand with a stockinette cloth - damp if possible, it makes the polish work harder and go further. When it is applied and dry, buff it off with the mechanical polisher. Like many things a little and often is better and less work than once a year....

Oh Yes! I think it's great. One of the highlights of a friday eve in between the endless crap they seem to think passes for entertainment...

Nice one Al! Q - What are the best size fish to return? Personally I have a boat rule that ALL doubles go back. I return undersize and small fish (obviously) and prefer fish in the 4-7lb bracket to take - and I only take what I can eat without freezing. Other's thoughts?

A slightly controversial thought from me - but year on year for the past 4/5 years the bass fishing seems to be getting better... possibly a result of my/our knowledge getting better and bigger, faster, more capable boats and tackle - but the bass fishing to me seems to be good. Bass in supermarkets are 99% farmed = sustainable Bass in resuturants with high price tags are often 'line caught' = sustainable .....where do the beam trawlled ones go??

Martin, Anything newer than 12 months I'll happily take off you. Adam

You want fairleads then: http://www.jimmygreen.co.uk/chandlery_prod...ed_fairlead.htm Grip tape is no problem, how much and what colour?? Of just give me a call....

Rich, Do you mean fairleads? If not I have a pair of 6" T cleats here going cheap? As for self adhesive tape - we sell it at work in 4 colours for applying to steps and the like - good stuff it is. Let me know if either are of any help? Adam

Bang me down as crew. Sorry for the clash in dates - getting a bit tight this time of year...

Dom - why the hell is your left hand doing THAT!!!

Nice one chaps!! Cam looks alot greyer than the last time I saw him!!! (10 yrs + ago) It'll be 2009 before our boat is out there after them, but boy, I cant wait! To get a double so early in the season - surely a good sign??

Well the Met Office have just updated and have issued a strong wind warning for tomorrow: Inshore waters forecast 24 hour forecast: 1800 Sat 17 May 1800 Sun 18 May Wind East or northeast 3 or 4, increasing 5 or 6 for a time. Sea state Slight or moderate. Weather Thundery showers, becoming fair later. Visibility Moderate or good, occasionally poor. It is still iffy, but in the interest of making a call for all boats big and small. The competition is POSTPONED. I suggest the 1st June as the next date? Apologies for the late call - it hasnt been an easy one this weekend! Good luck if you do get out and stay safe! Adam

It's a little close to call at the moment, so Ive discussed with Paul J and I'll make a decision when the Met office update between 5 and 6pm. Adam

Hopefully not too near the edge... ' MUM - you can be soooo embrassing when I bring my mates round! '