Recent content by Minchsailor

I have had little problem with Norway, at least as far North as the Loftoten Islands - thr Barents Sea was off limits. Faeroes - pretty hefty premium. Iceland - 3rd party only. My broker said that as Iceland has very poor infrastructure for yacht repair even quite minor damage might result...

If beating on a smallish boat (or even a largish one), always try yo go with the tide. If it gets too uncomfortable there is no dishonour in turning back - at least that way you will have a downhill sail!!.

I can't think of a good reason for NOT buying a Bowman 40!.

Lochmaddy 'marina' is hardly usable, even in the best of times.

I had leaky chainplates on my Rustler. Dug out all the failing multiples gunge tried by the previous owner. Used old fashioned black bitumastic gutter sealant, which is non-setting and sticks like the proverbial s***t. Cheap as chips, and problem solved.

No. As @dunedin says. you have no idea of when it was last serviced, and what is under the water. Very unwise. If you do, should not leave the boat unattended in case the owner returns. But if you cruise the area, and get to know the locals I have found that I have often been invited to use...

That may be so for you South Coast guys, but for those of us who are but more far flung, it is not quite that simple. However the saga deepens. Today visited my local (to home) Flogas depot - Hailsham, E Sussex. Managed to swap a tatty empty 3.9Kg propane bottle, bought off Friday-Ad for 20...

I have a wooden rudder on grp boat (Rustler 36). If the wood is OK, just paint with underwater primer, undercoat and af. I suggest that coating with anything 'waterproof' is just leading to trouble, as you risk getting water entrapment. With the right wood, seawater does not normally lead to...

I am fed up with being held hostage to Calor. They seem to be exhibiting appalling corporate behaviour. Just do not want to do business with them. Switching to Flogas, although it will doubtless inconvenience me.

Useful to know. Armadale used to do fuel from a tender for their charter boats. I've refuelled there a couple of times over the years, but as that operation closed down a couple of years ago the tender has gone. Not surprised by Lochinver as I have never managed to get their pumps working at...

East of Skye - All (?) of the pumps are operated by Highland Council and intended mainly for the fishing fleet. They are self service if you have an account and a key fob, otherwise working hours M-F when staffed generally. I don't think there are any pumps with pontoon access. Kyle of...

About a week, I would say. But,if you can, take longer and admire the scenery.

Those 'marinas' are often little more than pontoons, with indifferent shelter and facilties; certain by south coast standards. They would give my Hamble friends the heeby jeebies.......

A Nic 32 has about 3 tonnes of lead in the keel, at that price it is little more than the scrap value of the lead. You get the rest of the boat for 'free'.

The pictures show a tidy interior. Keel looks as if it would benefit from some DIY, and TLC for the rest. For £10k+ you will be getting a decent cruising boat. I'd be tempted if I didn't already have a boat.......