Recent content by alan54

i have a what seems to be a mis aligned extrusion on my roller furlex about ten feet up the forestay (an awkward height to get at) i am unable to hoist the roller genny and find it too difficult to investigate the problem due to its location. i feel i must release the gear from the fore deck...

where can i buy a small solid fuel heater ?

I`m looking for a back up hand held GPS that will work inside my steel boat. I want one with a compass or heading direction. Do I need to be looking at a GPS with a fluxgate compass ? and will I need an external antenna for it to work inside the boat at the chart table? I was thinking about the...

What are the current regulations regarding the best practice on wiring the engine alternator? Is it to fuse or not ! I am receiving different information and methods. Not to fuse the cable to the 3 way switch can lead to a fire to fuse can possibly prevent engine start when needed. regards alan...

I have a small oil leak from my DV20 Bukh gear box rear seals. Has anyone else had this problem ? How easy would it be for a competant DIY to replace them ? Can this be done while the boat is afloat ? Grateful for any help ! regards alan <hr width=100% size=1>

Should the engine syphon break have a valve, or can both ends meet at a `y` piece and thus drain off to the cockpit . regards alan <hr width=100% size=1>

I am hoping to buy a windlass for my 31` steel boat. To help working space on the foedeck I thought of buying a low profile horizontal windlass, with the motor under the deck. As anybody any views or experiences with these compared to the vertical windlass with the large motor on the deck. Are...

A few years ago I bought some sea cocks for my steel boat. They were Lloyds approved and I felt they were great for a steel boat in reducing galvanic corrosion. Problem is I have lost the name and telephone number of the company. I am sure they were around the Bath area and they did advertise in...

I am re-wiring my Bukh 20 engine and want to use an earth insulated system, on my steel boat. Can my starter and alternator be altered to earth insulated units or do I need new units ? regards radar <hr width=100% size=1>

there are a few snippets in various off shore passage making books. i had a 50` steel ketch for a number of years. a few rule of thumb points would be close hauled forget your mizzen, off the wind all sails come into there own. the mizzen depending on its size is a good balancing sail. use at...

i have just bought a yacht with the same engine and year, not got the engine going yet but hope it runs ok as the owner promised. i would have thought unless the engine is running very poor getting rid of it would set you back £100`s if not £1000`s you say it is not burning oil so it can`t be in...

Is it a relay or a diode splitter ? if its a relay i suggest it could be faulty, more than likely the battery is on its last legs and not holding a charge ! good luck radar <hr width=100% size=1>

i am attempting a similiar set up on my 30` steel. re-wiring the engine. the previous set up was a 3 way switch but i want a diode system which is the most reliable. as we know the diode system loses up to 0.8v so an alternator/regulator that can compensate for this loss is needed as this is...

I am re-wiring my Bukh 18hp engine with a 2 battery bank. I want to use the diode system. What is the difference between ordinary blocking diodes and a split electronic diode besides 80 quid regard. alan jackson <hr width=100% size=1>

iv`e just sold privetly and glad i did. stay well away from brokers once they get their teeth into you they want their bit of flesh. just make sure the boat has no debt on it the standard rya bill of sale form covers this. of course a survey may be needed unless you are very good at looking at...