great white

well done guys I expect that it has taken a lot of hours to sort all that out Charlie

I liked those

Sorry to hear that your back is forcing to give up the kyaking Mark I hope that is gets better and when you return to normal working hours we can tempt you out fishing on one of the Members boats have a speedy recovery Charlie

Very interesting and the first I have heard of this. Great White never had a problem with fuel economy, but a 20% boost in speed would have been nice. Although I doubt that this system wuld have worked on her [even without drawings] as she had a deep sea seal and only about 4" of shaft before the RCD coupling to the gearbox flange. I imagine that some other type orf conversion box with a flange input and duo shaft output would need a bit more room than 4", I am sure other craft do not have a lot of room around the shafts on single engine boats Charlie

Did anyone see the one last night on the sharks? What a bloody criminal shame I could not believe the sight of all those small shark fins lined up drying. Or the sight of a big shark being mutilated, so that some far eastern person could eat it and think he was upper class. I tasted it once in Hong Kong before I realised that it takes one fin to make a bowl. When I found that out I swore I would never eat it again. I agree with Gordon Ramsey its not that good anyway. For the price of the soup you could get a decent meal in another restaurant. My advice, do exactly that and boycott any restaurant that serves it. Charlie

well done Brian i hope that you can read my writting when you get a few years further on Charlie

Good point but I doubt it because elsewhere in the policy wording it does say that I can travel in the shortest route to get to my destination even if it takes me beyond the 12 mile limit and I will still be covered. Better not follow us then, we never seem to take the shortest route to the Islands but there are plenty of wrecks just off the direct route, [within a couple of miles of the line]

Happy birthday both Have a great day Charlie

Happy birthday both Have a great day Charlie

I added my name to this some time ago and after watching last nights program will continue to support it. I take my hat off to those celebrities and politicians that get behind this in the hope that somehow enough pressure can be built up, that the other politicians have to listen. I am sure I heard the minister say on last nights program that he would be at the front of any protest against discards, it would be interesting to see if he actually would. I would like to hear the AT's views on this campaign. Interesting that the trawler crews actually looked as angry about it as we are, maybe more because of the wasted earnings than wasted fish, but it seemed fairly genuine. As someone said earlier there has to be a better way than discards, which is just a criminal waste of resources. Not only are fish scarce but so is fossil fuel which the trawlers are burning as they trawl up non quota fish. Charlie

Would love the idea My tip would be spread around a few wrecks and try to only fish a couple of boats on each. Even on the drift too many boats and sounders soon spook the fish. I believe that It will be a while before the fish arrive here though. So I may have chance to sort the engine out. Charlie

I am sure all he has to do is ask Nigel. Interesting thread again guys Charlie

Gary the seal top bags I use and those in my rig wallets seem to hold them without melting. although some do not like to be left loose in the large plastic tool box I keep onboard with lures in, so they have to be bagged in there. Charlie

Terry the grip top ones are waterproof, so even in the damp salty air the rigs stay perfect for ages. Charlie

Well done Gordon on keeping your other plans on track Sad to see them go, but I am sure Mike has got himself a great fishing set up Charlie

I think this hits the problem square on the head The kits working OK, its the mental speed of the user thats sometimes slow, when instead of just using it for referance he has to use it almost exclusivly. try going into clear water, get the crew to be safety lookout then just drive looking at instruments without looking up from them. I bet your track and wash are not straight

As I said earlier a good thread with the odd tangential comment [Thanks Fred ] The other bit of kit that can help is the echo sounder, if you are running towards a beach at slow speed it may well tell you if you are where you think you are. if going down a channel zig zag slowly to stay close to the deep water in or around the centre. as it shallows alter course 90degrees towards deeper water, [if you alter course but the sounder shows it getting shallow you probably went the wrong way] it should get deeper then shallow before you repeat the process. actually this sounds easier than it is, but it works Charlie

Thanks Paul CU there Charlie

Interesting thread Thanks Going out in fog is something I have done but would rather not do again even with the modern toys and Radar. Going in a small boat without plotter and radar I think I would not go regardless of how good the fishing is. That said like everything there are times and places when you get caught by changing weather [usually not forcasted correctly] and knowing how to use the instruments to get you back, is as important as having them onboard. There is no better way than to learn how to use them and then practise with them even when you do not need them. You may not know but if you have a radar fitted you are obliged to keep it in full working order and operate it correctly. If there was an incident in poor vis with another vessel without radar, the MCA would probably hold you to blame Charlie

Hi Paul Sam's has just gone in his room and as he is saving to change his car he was going to stick with the 14" If it is available I would like to take you up on the offer Charlie

You could use Purbeck Marine Adam 07775 733772 after all their apprentice fitted your engine mate or Paul Albut at Lifeline Marine

First and foremost I am pleased to read that all are OK , although I bet it will be a while before some venture to sea again. I am sure the two Instructors are now wondering about their risk assessment on the day. Charlie

If its right that the radar arch was folded, surely non of the electronics would work. an error made many times in Weymouth no doubt, but in reasonable Vis not a huge problem. Very bad skipper error for a charter boat though, anyone carrying passengers surely has responsibility to check the boats kit is working prior to departure especially on a day of poor vis. glad all got back OK. Charlie

Nice one mate so glad to hear that you have been back out again with little Rob [ Does he fit in the cabin? he was far from little a year agao when I last saw him at the rugby club] Great fish mate and some good whiting too Charlie

Happy birthday George Have a great 16th Charlie