Recent content by MikeKopman

Try this trick we used on super yachts some times. Owner due in 15 minutes, sh*t! Where'd that scratch come from? Just draw over it carefully with a black felt tip pen. Black lines are far less obvious that white ones! Works surprisingly well, especially on dark blue hulls, at least until you...

Re: Gotcha! Yes, Spirit wasn't exactly your typical ARC entry! But then again the WCC decided to split the fleet into racing and cruising divisions some years back to accomodate boats just like her. Cruising boats still dominate the event, in fact there were only a handful of 'all out' racing...

Re: Yachting World understands sailing. Yeah, righ Hello Ken, Well spotted! I could have claimed that actually we were tight reaching under a Code 0 at the time, but actually you are right, it is a mistake. My opening paragraph is a composite description of my experience of sailing Spirit, and...

Hi All, Awkward letter from a reader. Can anyone offer some advice or share some experience? Cheers, Mike Dear YM, We are living aboard and cruising the Mediterranean covering various countries, (Greece, Malta, Italy, France, Spain) on our Venezia 42 Catamaran. We also intend to cross...

Re: Foolish Avril What's so peculiar about the GPRS card? Mike <hr width=100% size=1>

I got an enquiry about where to find parts/information. I would imagine the unit in question is on it's last legs too... not bad really... 35 odd years for a bit of electronic kit! Anyway, if you know of any parts sources please let me know. Thanks. Mike <hr width=100% size=1>

Another thing about Flexiteek It's fibrous, not laminated, so even when it wears down the appearance of the surface doesn't change. And it really does look like teak! <hr width=100% size=1>

Hi, There is a product still made that actually won an award at METS 2001. I have seen it and I was fooled even while holding the sample in my hands! Don't know about longevity, but give them a call. Flexiteek International AS Erling Skjalgsonsgate 21 0267 Oslo NORWAY Tel: +47 930 39 530 Fax...

Any one ever heard of a Mate autopilot, made by Sharp and Co. in England in the 60's? Cheers, Mike <hr width=100% size=1>

Since our letter in Any Questions in the XXX issue, we have been sent a number of other solutions. I never realised there was so much interest in this topic! Anyway, you might be interested in the following. Mike Dear YM, Re your readers question in February 2003 in connection with smelly deck...

Hi all, Has anyone ever had their boat shrink wrapped for the winter in the UK? How did it go? Who did it? What did it cost? Mike

Hey all, Anybody ever installed a reversing solenoid on their electric windlass? The motor on mine only has two contacts so there's no simple way to reverse it. Apparently there are boxes of tricks (like a single throw double pole solenoid) out there that can do the job. Dunno where to get one...

Yes, that sounds most likely. I cannot see any harm in using bags of silica gel crystals, apart from the danger of someone mistaking them for sugar or rock salt! Incidentally, what are the costs of keeping these trays, stocked with crystals, in your boat for the winter? Just wondering about the...

Hmmm, interesting, I see what you're saying. In the orginal question, which I am endeavouring to answer, the reader described 'bags with crystals' which sound like silica gel to me. What are the water traps you are referring to?

Actually the reason for my original post was that I hgad heard that just the proximity ie no physical contact necessary, of the moisture absorber was detrimental to wiring. This obv cant be the case, as the inclusion of silica gel with electronics proves.