Recent content by Bob_Ranft

Further bit of info. Just used a normal paint roller (as per roller for interior emulsion paint) then applied first coat. Left this to dry for about one hour, then applied second coat. Trick is to apply two thin coats, if applied too thick, does not look so good. Also, paint rollers spit, you...

Did decks of 37 ft catamaran with Sanderson Textured water-based masonry paint (light grey) ten years ago. Just starting to go now. Cheap as chips compared to commercial products. Based on same basic water based polymer as Kiwi Grip. Same or similar available from Dulux or B&Q. Needs to be the...

Buy a large plastic storage box from the likes of Wilco. Fill it with cold water and cheap Tesco washing detergent. Leave ropes for two or three days in the box - then give them a really good rinse. Been doing every sheet, halyard, mooring rope on the boat for years this way. All ropes are...

Maybe totally non related, but check the two blade fuses. Had problem with smart pilot continually dropping out of auto to standby. The two blade fuses where slack in their holders, causing intermittent contact. Bent the blades on the fuses very slightly to ensure they fitted tight into the...

Whatever you use, make sure it is a high temperature adhesive. When cabin / hull sides get hot in direct sunlight, normal contact adhesives soften and whatever they are holding up - drops off. Check the temperature spec.

Type in “are Knysna catamarans any good” on google etc. Information on 44's and 480's should come up. Best of luck. Bob

Find the rudder angle on auto pilot very useful to gauge weather helm, both in auto and when hand steering. If angle is hitting 5 degrees or over, we try to balance sails to reduce weather helm. Helps us. Bob

Pump turns over with no resistance when impeller is out and drive belt is off. So presume bearings are OK. Only 80 hours on this engine. Original belt and new spare are both Yanmar supply - Mitsubishi. There is a feeling the belts are running on the bottom not the sides of the pulleys, as...

Been having overheating problems on Yanmar 3YM30. Overall volume of water coming out of exhaust seems down, plus zero water coming out of exhaust at tick over speed. Been through system three times or more, no air leaks, no sign of any problems. Decided to change seawater pump drive belt with...

Fingers crossed, vibration much reduced after 20 minutes run. Have looked at some videos (thanks Clive) vibration no worse than a few others. Back in water in a couple of weeks, will post an update. Thanks Bob

It was suspected that the engine may have over heated, hence cylinder head check out. But result still the same.

Same in gear or out of gear. Engine is in a cat hooked up to a Sillette outdrive.

Got a Yanmar 3YM30 with just under 90 hours on the clock. Starts well, basically instantaneous, even in depth of winter, tick over is smooth, but vibration above 1200 rpm until say 1900 rpm. Above 1900 rpm engine runs smooth all the way up to 3600 rpm under load. Vibration is worse when...

Found it easy to use, but as others have stated, needs a few coats. Think I've got seven coats on the teak toe rail now. But, if there is any trace of old varnish on the teak, it does not last. Best to degrease with actone or similar. Usually wash down with white spirit at start of season and...

Been going through same problems with a Snowgoose 37 over the last two years. Because the cap shrouds, aft lowers and backstays are 7mm have been able to use the cheaper loos gauge, which just caters for the 7mm wire. Basically set them up to 10% of breaking strain. At 10% they are tighter than...