Recent content by madtam

Shiny! But I can't be sure what she is, other than rather pretty

Cutter or solent rig works for me for long distance cruising, but a standard fractional rigged jib would probably be best for single handed tacking up a channel. I would certainly prefer tiller steering as I'm not really a wheel steered person, it just doesn't feel right to me on a sub 40 foot...

I have considered the Rivals, but suspect they are of the heavier and slower cruising type. I also have a preference for fractional rigs due to extensive dinghy sailing experience as well as the racing time with fractional rigs. Whilst I suspect that runners aren't really to be recommended if...

It's been too long since I last sailed. So am perusing the market for a new (older) boat for hopefully extended cruising. Some of this will be with a crew of 2 (relatively inexperienced second crew member) and some will certainly be singlehanded. So the current thinking is a relatively small...

Considered one myself as I have the mains grinder from Lidl which has proven itself better than a low cost (but still more expensive) branded item I had previously. In the end I couldn't justify it just to sit around with no use at the moment. But the thought had occurred that it could just be...

Actually I think it's just off the coast, on an Island

Bit of a thread resurrection (only 6 years ago !) Did you actually sell at the time ?

Anyone know how smooth the waveform needs to be to qualify for pure wave status ? I am pretty sure that producing an actual pure sine wave supply through an inverter is impossible because of the way they work. However I do know that very finely stepped wave forms are possible if you try hard...

Didn't realise it was 2 years since I posted this ! Handed in my notice earlier this week. This follows a few issues with work and isn't exactly how I wanted things to finish. I might yet consider a claim for constructive dismissal but wanting to look forwards and be positive rather than...

For what use ? Fine if it's to quickly lash down something temporarily. But would you want to rely on it to hold you in a critical situation ? I would perhaps look at something rated for climbing from a reasonable source. No "marine tax" and designed, built and tested to meet minimum standards...

From an industrial point of view. We use some thermistors (thermal sensors) in our products. We buy them pretty cheap at a couple of quid a set, and these are mass produced but reliable. For the MOD in certain applications they request a certified thermistor as it's critical kit. The prices for...

You need to stand well out before heading South when the weather is like the picture, as it's shallow off the cliffs below the Abbey and it gets a bit lumpy. The lifeboat lives inside the harbour and makes it out in those conditions. But it wouldn't be my choice !

Crudest but possibly simplest tool solution might be a couple of nails through a length of wood. Suitable sized round nails perhaps with the points files down after knocking through the wood, will engage with the holes ate either end of the slot. If it's a reasonable length of wood to give ample...

A decent 2 or better 3 legged bearing puller might get it off. It is most likely shrunk on - using heat to expand it before placing it on the shaft. The danger with a straight mechanical puller is if the gear "picks up" on the shaft - that is a small fragment of the shaft starts to roll up...

Needs more practice !