plaicemat

I've recently changed the engine on my Warrior and also gone for a Suzuki DF70, couldn't be more pleased. Very quiet and so much more economical than my old 2 stroke.

Great fun and just as I imagined it to be. On the to get list. As a matter of interest, how did you fit it securely to the line?

I've been thinking of having a go on mine Thursday if the weather is really good, it would be good to have company.

The very best of days to you, Trev.

Fantastic day Peter, thanks for the invite and the good company. It's great when a plan comes together which it did in spades today.

I assume you are using tinned cables. I replaced all wiring on Stingray last year for tinned.

A man is walking along a beach when he comes across a lamp partially buried in the sand. He picks up the lamp and gives it a rub. As if by magic, a genie appears and grants him one wish. The man thinks for a moment then says " I want to live forever " Sorry said the genie " I'm not allowed to grant eternal life." The man thinks for a moment then says " OK then, I want to die after a Labour Government balances the budget and eliminates the debt." The Genie shouted " You Crafty Little Bastard."

What I used to use but the received wisdom in the trade suggests this brings it's own problems when salt is added to the formula. I'm looking for the 'premium' solution which is permanent. But thanks for your input, always appreciated. Upon further consideration, I guess the permanent solution would be to do what I have done with the rest of the electrical installation on the boat, change to tinned wire.

'Had a slight problem starting at one stage but I think I have identified this as bad contacts in the dual charging selector switch, probably a build up of verdigris. Anyone know the best cure?' Above is a quote from Trip Planning entry 'Tomorrow'. Still working on getting rid of the problem but the long term cure seems to be bonding with a marine grade silicone rubber sealant, thus preventing the ingress of those pesky salty airs. The recommended one in the States is Boatlife Marine Silicone Rubber but this doesn't seem to be available in the UK. I would have thought Sikaflex would have done the same thing but, laughingly, Sika (UK) are unable to tell me if it is suitable for electrical installations. Any thoughts on the eradication of verdigris and future sealing?

Despite the auguries of the harbingers (well placed, of course), we had a fabulous day afloat. Bright sunshine but with a slightly chill wind which livened up a bit with the change of the tide and not particularly uncomfortable sea conditions. We saw Tom Smith and 'Gaffa' doing their best to reduce the plaice population and, like us, failing miserably; we had four and I think they had a couple each. Tried around the corner at Ballard for a bream, unsuccessfully, and then just took a cruise across to Bournemouth and back to Poole to put some hours on the brilliant new engine. A very slow day as revs were limited due the breaking in regime, another 6 hours and I can let rip. Had a slight problem starting at one stage but I think I have identified this as bad contacts in the dual charging selector switch, probably a build up of verdigris. Anyone know the best cure? The new Raymarine Dragonfly unit seems to give a very good 'picture' of the bottom, if nothing else, making it easier to translate what one is seeing. Only one more job to do, my helm seat broke at the swivel due to corrosion, time to treat myself to some new, more confortable seats. Now looking forward to a foray to Weymouth and the arrival of the bream.

Thanks for that, Mal. I have checked after recent comments, according to the met office, tomorrow looks quite clear but obviously that can change in an instant. Going from Poole so I always have the harbour as a safe haven. Martin, may call in on the way home. I will give you kettle boiling warning.

Tomorrow is going to be brilliant, I'm going fishing! First time since last September (it's been a long winter) with a chance to try the new engine and start running it in, also try out the Raymarine Dragonfly unit. Anyone else out?

Have a great day Jim but, remember your waistline. (I nearly said the last bit with a straight face).

I have been recommended to a glass fibre expert by our revered vice chairman who trades in Hamworthy. He is reputedly very helpful and I feel sure he would give you the benefit of his advice if you dragged your boat down there before you start cutting things about. I'm sure the name will appear shortly.

Graham, does it have dsc output? Good point Rob. And do we still get a discount with Force Four Chandlers?

O/k, anybody got one of these and what do people think of them. To me it seems the ideal package to replace my Lowrance unit which I am struggling to see on the move; the Raymarine has a bigger screen.

Hi Steve, I'm just down the road from you near Burford so if you want any info, give me a call, pm on way.

Well, if anyone can fit me in, I'd be obliged, I don't take up much space.

Just wondering, is anyone thinking of going later in May, etc, as the topic seems to have dried up.

You. could try a shoot through hull transducer instead thus removing the problem.

You're getting closer, Martin. Happy birthday Terry & Dilys.

No escape from real tea.

Alan, I have a stainless bracket on the transom (starboard side of the engine) and this takes a short shaft. I also have the 'Z' step port side of the engine. Neither conflict with the turning of the engine. I have always used a piece of wood to support the engine when towing but was advised I wouldn't need it with the new Suzuki although I probably still will.

Apart from Sundays, I guess your job is a bit like us old gits who go fishing when we like, God and weather willing. You're welcome on Stingray when I'm down.

Me too, now all I need is a weather window to use them.