Recent content by Paul_on_a_Nic

Has anyone ever heard of a GRP vessel sinking due to loss of structural integrity caused by osmosis? Is osmosis a genuine problem or just a gift to the lower life forms inhabiting the marine industry. A friend has had a rather negative survey, I say it's b****cks, what say you? <hr width=100%...

Dehumidifiers are A GOOD IDEA. Second only to a heater. I live aboard and would not be without one in the winter. Unless you're interested in fungus etc etc.

I have nearly finished a Pup, Quite straightforward if you take your time esp when plotting the panels. I glassed the outside and ended up using a surprisingly large amount of epoxy. I dont intend finishing mine so if you want to save time / money its up for grabs, cheap.

I am contemplating sailing to the Canaries to charter my 34' Nicholson. Day trips or whale watching perhaps. Or maybe tie up with a sailing school, or do mile building etc. Does anyone have any useful input re what is likely to work there, who to contact and what obstacles I might face. I...

I had to replace my forestay for coding purposes. Existing Rotostay was very elderly although still reasonably ok. After much ringing around I went to Rotomarine for a brand new Rotostay. Excellent price and it was ready to collect at 7.30 next morning! Nice people, no b...S.. what more can I say.

I have a Kubota 34 HP engine and PRM box plus all the bits to marinise except manifold. All new, ridiculously cheap as I want to go to sunnier climes.

Re: Sikaflex. Does not work on acrylic Sikaflex does not work on acrylic (Perspex) I have used a silicone type sealant by Dow Corning, 781 I think. Get it from builders merchants for a fraction of the price of Sikaflex. It even sealed my chainplates which is more than Sika. ever did.

Try a book called Gougeon Brothers on Boatbuilding. They are the West Epoxy people. There is a section on epoxy ply diesel tanks. You will not get better information. Re stainless tanks, a locally fabricated tank in 316 cracked, filling a Hillyards bilges with diesel. The 'engineers' concerned...

I own a nic, 33'9" LOA, called Forerunner II, long keel. Built in 1967. Supposedly moulded from a Nic 36 mould. She has a transom hung rudder, no aft overhang. Apparently optimised for the RORC rule of the day she has a Petter 16 HP diesel which intrudes into the saloon, this appears to have...

Re: And put the bloody hose pipe back when you finish I sopped using the pontoon hose when I saw someone put the end into their blackwater tank to flush it out!