Adam F

It doesnt matter Harry. It depends on the setup of your boat, as you are correct in that you need to balance out the weight, so consdier where your batteries etc are. Another tip is to make sure you back the bolts with a piece of marine ply or similar, just to spread the load. FYIW, mine was mounted high up on the portside, it worked fine here. Although I have seen many 165's with them mounted low in the engine well alongside the main engine. As for 2/4 strokes, if you only want it as as back-up go for a 2 stroke, simple to maintain and cheaper. If you are going to use it (trolling etc) then a 4 stroke is the way to go. 2nd hand 2 strokes are also easier to find.

Yep, I expect Garmin to be my choice, just trying to find the gear I want at the right prices at the moment. The 2007 Garmin kit (not available in the UK till Spring) has satalite photo basemaps, which are outstading in quality - I'm just a little unsure of how well they will supported in the UK at the moment by Garmin.. http://www.garmin.com/marine2007/index.html Its a good time of year to get her though, I've got a good few weeks of fitting out etc to do before the plaice arrive What have you decided to fit on GWII?

Hmmm, I was looking at the Garmin 2210c, but have since found this was developed for the US market only, the Worldwide equivelent is the 2010 or the 2110, both more expensive!

Q: If I purchase a Garmin Plotter unit from the US, it will come with a US basemap. Does this mean it cant be used in the UK? If I pop in a UK Bluechart will the unit take the map from their and therefore work? Ta Adam

FOR SALE: Lowrance X-71 Fishfinder. Immaculate condition in box. Details here: http://www.marineelectronicshoppe.com/Lowrance/X71.htm Looking for

FOR SALE: Aux engine bracket, good condition. Will take up to 15hp. These retail at about 90 quid: http://www.mailspeedmarine.com/ProductDeta...e1-46dfbb6904f6 I'm looking for

3000 posts! Wow, Assuming it takes me a minute to write a post on average (more like 2/3 I'd have thought) that is 50 hours or just over 2 full days! ...Blimey, I must get out more...

Dont they all?!?!.... The 60hp Mariner EFI 4 Stk is a little underpowered on th 165, however the 60hp Suzi is a different beast (according to reports)... 4 stokes do use most of their fuel in the last 1/4 of the rev range, so yes running larger will be better. The figures quoted above are very similar to what BW used to run at though, its all see saws and swings. Will be interesting to see what the big BF115 runs at!

Thanks Reg, Gordon and I have discussed it in depth this morning and will tow up in one go (sharing the journey) and meet you at the accomidation. Thanks for the directions. Looking forward to it already!

Its been a good day, not only do we have a new boat, but we sold our house on the way home with 'Out of the Blue' SO! Having finally found a new boat, we're on the look out for a new house now - just hoping that it's not as hard as buying a boat. Mike - Yep, plenty of bling on the way - 10.5" colour plotter, 6" FF and new VHF. Plenty of SS goddies waiting to go on as well!

Awaiting the tow back to Bmth...

Well, at the forth time of trying, Ive actually managed to replace BW. Understandably I have been a little hush hush on this last one after the previous three failed attempts. Anyway! ' Out of the Blue ' is now safetly back home and all mine!! I've postponed the idea of a cross channel moored boat until next year, so Plan B was a Warrior 175. She's a minter, never been fished from, lived in the med most of her life and has a strapping BF115 Honda bolted to the back. She needs kitting out so plenty of shineys and bling is on its way! Just need some good weather to get her out..

Al, Check this out for a top tip, whilst it wont repair the coating it will sort it out. http://www.worldseafishing.com/forums/showthread.php?t=53847 Adam

Steve, I'm really surprised at your bad luck. I used my 165 as hard as anyone (as you know) and never had a problem, I havent even heard of anyone else having these issues.... Best of luck with the replacement. Adam

Well, we are now down to just 2, Gordon and I. Last chance, if anyone fancies - i'll be letting Reg have numbers at the weekend.

As MM, Boat #1. However, without wanting to open a can of ragworms, I still wouldnt want a 'high performance MF 695' - at least not with outboards. As you know this has been an issue in my change of boat. Outboards are great, but on trailer boats where generally fishing in inshore and boats are flexible. When you start talking cruising and offshore / long range work the diesels come into play IMO. The answer here would be a stern drive (says Adam F, not baised at all! ) I truely think the UK market has an opening in amongst the great choice for a 7m+ fast stern drive diesel which isnt a fishing boat, but more styled like the MF's. The Faeton was all I can find, so if Jeaneau decide to bang a stern drive in a 695, put me on the waiting list! Adam

The really sad thing is that things wernt so far different for me and I'm only 25!

Original! When's the due date Mike?

....dont start! ....not saying

Dave Young with a Gully Shark (?)

Mike again:

Pete Young with a fine Kob: (Pictures compressed using MS Picture editor - colours also adjusted to sharpen piccy)

I'd love to say I was their with Mike these photos....but sadly I was here with the rest of you - maybe a trip to organise for 2008? Mike with a Bronze Whaler:

Does anyone know where I can source decent HD prop bags / covers from? I have used the thin nylon flourecent ones in the past but they dirty quickly when on an engine and wear through / rip easily. I have seen the ones on a few boats that are made from the same HD material that tonneau covers are made from but cant seem to source them online any where? Ta

Update: Rich JAW Tom B Gordon M Adam F Can all of these let me know ASAP if they are still up for the trip as I need to get back to Reg ASAP. If it stays as 4 or less I am planning to drive up as it will be cheaper than flying, we will have the car for mobility and its less hastle with the tackle. If anyone else fancies it let me know. Cheers Adam