Recent content by PhillM

If you can reach the outboard from the cockpit you dont need conckpit controls. Remember you will only want to manoover using the engine in and out of marinas/berths. After that find a way to keep it centred and use the tiller (or tiller pilot) until you are clear and able to put the sails up.

Ive cruised both in a small boat. I would argue that the Solent is harder to single hand in a small boat due to the volume of traffic. Yes, you have to watch the weather and work the tides, but down West you don't have to juggle hundreds of others from keel boats to massive motorboats leaving...

A few observaions on your requirements. As others have said, at the price you want to pay, an inboard is going to be problematic. Replacement is easily twice the cost of that sort of boat. I did a replacement in an old wooden boat, and its amazing how quickly costs can esscolate. Second...

Which maina?

One day I may try and dry out on it, bilge keels have their advantages!

Does make the point that having a shore contact who knows what you are up to might be important. I must admit that sailing in the solent, and even down the coast to the West Country, I have not been in the habit of telling anyone where and when I expect to be. Might need to reflect on that and...

I did love my old wooden boat Paean, but that was partially because I spent years (and fortunes) restoring her and partly because she was a present from my late wife. The bond was too stong and eventually I needed to let her go, otherwise I would be stuck in the past forever. So I downsized from...

Ive also had a chat with Tom. Looking at what is needed to convert mine that was originally built for one boat to work on another. And pottentially offset. I am delighted with the response. I will be looking at this next winter (wan out of time this one) but I am sure that given a steady stream...

I wondered if I would like racing, either as crew or skipper. Turned out I didnt really. I mean it had fun moments, but overall I much preffer cruising my little boat under my own direction. I think a few others have said about not wanting a competitive hobby. I think its a case of each to their...

6 week split up aver he summer. Solent to West Country and back via Cherburg and ports east France.

I guess it could then tow one across Biscay, this saving fuel on those long windless days. Or away from any Lee shore should the weather turn foul 😂

There is a Facebook group offering the chance to adopt your own … my thinking here is that if I sponsor one it could return the favour by asking its mates not to eat my rudder. https://fb.watch/paw8fwIDuZ/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Sleep in pants and tee. On a boat like mine you pack light!

And that’s why there are so many single handed sailors on this forum. Next you’ll be offering to stand as Home Secretary!

I think you need to start at the other end, how much are you likely to use in each sailing period and how do you ideally want to put it back. That will determine the total battery size needed. For example in my case of at sea (and with an outboard no engine charging, I would use half of my...