Recent content by duke

2.5 hp 4stroke yahama Thanks for that new response, Duke.

2.5 yamaha 4stroke outboard problem Thanks for all replies, Duke.

HI All, I haven't used this outboard for two seasons and left some fuel in the integral tank. Had problem starting so brought it to service agent. The stale petrol caused a blockage in the carburettor ( seems fuel passage is very small In this size engine). Am advised it needs a new...

thanks to all Thanks to all for replies - I had previously checked with Autoprop re suggested prop brake but my space is not sufficient for that one. Will investigate other makes of brake- otherwise a "heath robinson " improvis. Regards, Duke.

My gearbox is hydraulic and the prop is Brunton Autoprop. There is no mechanism for putting drive shaft on "Hold" or "stop" and not enought space to fit one. Looking on the bright side : does the revolving drive shaft add any charge to the batteries when the engine is off and boat under...

Tried Washing Soda but not satisfied with results. Fernox did the job! Thanks to all for replies and suggestions/advice. Duke.

I want to desc ale the brass / copper stack in my (engine) water heat exchanger. The engine book says to use "washing soda". I already have two descalers in my shed. One says it contains "sodium hydroxide 99/100% concentrated pearl". The other say it contains "sodiumcarbonate decahydrate more...

Hi, it was one of the Discovery channels, but unfortunately the series has now ended. Duke.

Hi, recently viewd on sky tv a programme on boat building (small timber boats) called "dreamboats" with Anton Fitzpatrick as boat builder. Interested to know if he's still building boats / giving courses ? Thank you, Duke.

Hi, thanks for your message. I think the problem was to do with one or two things. 1) the relay switch contacts in the drive unit needed cleaning 2) The rudder control on the control box was set too high : my boat has a steering wheel with one full turn of the wheel to port and one full turn...

Hi, thanks for your response. I agree it is a mighty beast and built like a tank. Im not comfortable with electrics - I have the installation and operating instructions etc but its all greek to me. The problem is that when the control box switch is turned on, the steering wheel turns fully...

Thanks for replies. My boat is a Rival 38 approx. 10 tons inc. water + fuel. Basically a heavy displacement sailing cruiser. Usage would be more than calm conditions but not expected to work in gale conditions. I understand that Derek Coventry has retired. Regards, Duke.

Hi, I have a Neco autopilot NM692 fitted to my boat now over 20 years old ( both!) The autopilot is not working properly and I understand there is no one doing service/repairs on these anymore. I'm thinking either replace with completely new autopilot or convert / upgrade the Neco if...

Hi, thanks to all who replied. From the various sites etc mentioned I succeeded in splicing my rope - confirm it was Dyneema. To those who might be interested it appears Dyneema construction is similar to Braid on Braid but has an extra intermediate (thin) braid between outer cover and inner...

Thanks to Oldsaltoz and Cliff for the recommended site. The rope sample shown is much different to what I have. My rope is 12mm and has a central core made up of many longitudinal strands and an outer braided sheath. (The central core can easily be pulled through the outer sheath). Maybe my...