Recent content by peter gibbs

If you face boistrous weqather or fancy an easy shakedown trip in your vessel, you should consider using the canals Amsterdam to Scheveningen, the so-called mastup route. It's well described in the CA almanac. If winds are SW and you are moving down the Dutch coast you will encounter demanding...

The EPIRB signals anywhere and brings immediate rescue. Personal beacons are much more limited.. I have e danbuoy - potentially useful, but in reality.... Radar reflector - cylinder type. Essential. Good transom ladder with 2+ steps under water when lowered. You won't get anyone on board from...

In your region.you need a proper 4 man inflatable- has stability and protection from the elements. Costs new about £800 from SIBS viewing last week. Hiring £300 or so pa. To be controversial. I wouldn't rush into this before all your safety needs are fully considered - can £800 be better spent...

Sounds like you were not present when new shrouds were fitted, so could not check exact bearing to bearing lengths. A small reduction in the new shrouds would have been desirable but not essential. Normal stretch factor over several seasons is remarkably little. On your rig 20mm would be...

The diaphragm has a reinforced core and is very resistant to deterioration over time. Caution normally requires replacement 7-10 years but failure is virtually unknown. Removal of gearbox, splitting and reassembling is a day's work. Dont be quoted more, that's the standard. Bav access design...

Easy 2 hour run to Oostende, Cadzand nice new marina on the border, a little exposed but good facilities. Navigation wise, it's good water direct from Breskens running with the tide shoreside of the shipping channel which is well marked. At Zeebrugge water shallows somewhat. Approach carefully...

Correct. Corrosion will need working at to loosen the fittings. No direct heat..But the perspex is pretty tough so some flexing to loosen the frame should assist.

Go for a structural survey and keep it basic for your purpose. A full survey with pages of contents / inventory will double the charge of course.

Definitely a significant contact, keel apparently taking most impact judging from.boat motion on contact. Slow leaking keel bolt? It could have been so much worse. Good luck and thanks for sharing.

Trip to S coast from Harwich cancelled until jetstream moves N again. Don't fancy being bottled in marina with bored family whilst nature sorts herself out.

Deck replacement for what I guess is a 20 yr old model? Likely other issues will consume your kitty first, just wait and see. I have to "attend" to my teak deck every year with various tricks to keep it presentable and glued down. Same for you if you buy this boat, but if areas are seriously...

What's the condition of the face plate? If deeply scored work off the ridges with wetted emery paper. Improves water circulation. There should also be a paper gaskit between plate and body, vaselined in place. A small rubber button sits in the centre to further contain water circulation...

Water disappears routinely from this system in older engines. And varyingly ,- sometimes more, or less. Not via the oil system, so via the cooling circulation..So I experience. But setting off the temp warning - not good. Yes you can start dismantling further, or, try a Radweld type product in...

From Chrbg you need to leave 1 hr before the W going tide and hammer across the bay. You'll make Ouisterham and spend a nice evening there, berthed before or inside the lock: Day 2 make for Fecamp, another nice overnight; Dieppe is an easy day 3 - v good choice of grub, but facilities rather...