Recent content by John Willis

Regarding the current position with regards to sailing UK to Spain. The rules governing this are explained, for example, on the site below. It refers to the need to complete the 'Health Control Form' or 'FCS'. Am I right in believing it is of no use for a yachtsman as it requires a valid...

Hi, I have a Shurflo 0814, 12v 2 outlet 30 psi 5 amp pump. The boat is 1997 and I suspect the pump is original? An Internet search suggests they are not made anymore so probably not worth replacing. Any thoughts welcome

So that's why. :) Great thanks both. I'll experiment

That's a sound idea - I was thinking of that, but surely the weight of the heavy kettle would achieve the same or does the weight need to be lower?

I am pretty good at ideas, but not particularly good at their execution . My latest great idea was to replace a worn out cooker with oven (the latter I never used), with a 2 burner hob and grill to allow storage beneath. So far so good. However, it won't swing properly although the gimbal...

I will be happy to update on longer term ownership in due course. I am running 10 micron in the filters - I believe Racor provide 30, 10 and 2 - and the engine filter is 2. One question I have is whether the process of polishing is in itself good for the fuel in that it is moving it along...

As the guy who started this thread, I'll jump back in to thank everyone for their comments. Engine trials (about 30 hours now) with my Yanmar 3JH40CR are proving extremely satisfactory and I am quite relaxed about having this engine in my boat. In order to ensure the fuel is as clean as...

OK here comes a grenade into the pond of engine opinion. I sail solo sometimes long distances (e.g. Guernsey to Vigo return) in my 1997 34' 8 ton yacht. I have just had a Yanmar 3JH 40 CR (Common Rail) fitted to replace the old engine. Anyone else done likewise or is considering doing so?

I cannot safely reach my boom end, so I keep my boom preventer lines permanently installed, connected to a soft shackle at the boom end. The line returns to blocks on the forward legs of the pushpit and back to cleats near the winches. It works for me and also is great at keeping the boom...

You will receive masses of advice I am sure, so good, some not so. I owned a Westerly Discus (basically the same as a 33) for many years and also a Sadler 290 (NOT a 29). Both were great boats and served me very well in different ways. You are right, the choice is vast and you have picked 2...

Hello Laminar Flow, lovely monika! I have Marchaj's book (well thumbed) and totally take your point about cruising being something to enjoy in comfort and indeed about size and accelerations. My curiosity however leads me to Chae 73's comment about hearing from someone who has made extended...

I agree with Ingwe and Tern VI, whatever the ratio (Comfort Factor, AVS, Capsize Factor etc etc). But I would love to know what the designers of these modern hull forms consider makes one an ocean goer and another not, assuming equal skipper and safety equipment. Whatever, I guess a Pogo 30...

I have the privilege of being the custodian of a Frances 34 Pilothouse. The maths of AVS, Capsize Formula, Comfort Factor etc suit her conventional shape perfectly and she gets straight 'As' in every subject, and I happily set sail on long trips knowing her results. Now I am thinking of...

You might also look at a Victoria 34 - I have a Frances 34 Pilothouse, which is a V34 with a pilothouse. V34s come up for sale occasionally and within your budget I expect

It is an individual challenge done in one's own way. Some boats like mine were bigger, bringing perhaps more comfort but of course heavier to handle too. For me the key asset was my windvane a Hydrovane. The radar with its guard zone alarm was essential for rest and sleep (none until beyond...