Recent content by Posse

I am about to make passage from southern Caribbean to Panama next spring, and wondering what would be considered safe distance from Venezuela and/or Columbia. Possibly visiting Los Rogues and Curacao on the way. What are your thoughts?

Finally had the arch completed, and panels installed. I went for the 4x100W option. They are 36V panels, so I opted to install them in parallel to a Victron MPPT controller. They are virtually never shadowed and seem to provide plenty of power on sunny days, although I have not tested at anchor...

Thanks for the input. I like the idea of a proper connector like that, but how to feed them from the inside? The only aperture is for the gauge, and it is quite narrow. Filler aperture is in the far end of the tank, which is fairly large (200 liters). I don't know about the sealant. It was...

Are there any better alternatives for the fuel line connections to a plastic tank than those on the photo? They tend to leak with time, and I'd like a more secure alternative. There is no access from inside the tank, so the connections must be installed from the outside.

Bendix? Is that an expression, or a technical term? :)

Thank you for all the good input. I have ordered the new starter motor from P4E. The issue with the old one is that apparently the pinion does not grip into the ring gear quickly enough, causing significant wear of the ring gear on the flywheel. The starter can probably be refurbished, but...

I need a new starter motor for my Volvo Penta D2-55. Would you have any reservations to buy a cheap aftermarket type? https://www.parts4engines.com/volvo-penta-d2-55-starter-motor/ Or rather go for an original? The aftermarket is 1/4 the price!! Reliability is definitely a priority here. I do...

Does anyone have first hand experience in using air bubbles for keeping the boat clear of ice during cold winters? I am thinking a small/cheap solution like a small air pump with a diffuser lowered under the boat. But unsure if this would have any real effect, and looking for practical...

Thanks for the input. Sounds like an easy choice not to install one, and at least not on the arch. I already have one of those football-horns, and except for the fact that it needs to be fetched from the locker, which takes a moment, it works just fine.

How important would you say it is to have a signalling horn mounted for long distance cruising? I am constructing a targa arch and wondering whether to fit a horn as well. If a handheld horn or similar works just as well, I would rather minimize the clutter on the arch.

Thank you very much for the detailed explanation and photos. Definitely some good inspiration in your installation :)

Thanks - very good information, and I do like your reasons for the installation :)

@Yngmar Thanks for the input (and photo!). How do your panels keep up with power needs? Do you have any more photos? I would very much like to see how you have constructed and attached the reinforcement profiles. And actually also how your targa arch is constructed and attached, since your boat...

I am planning my solar panel installation on the targa arch, and would like your advice. The installation is intended for Atlantic/Pacific cruising. To maximize area, I expect the panels to be mounted in the same orientation as the boat. On each side of the back stay I have just about 110 cm...

I am wondering whether to install an SSB radio or not - for Caribbean/Pacific cruising. Many argue that SSB is redundant with a satellite phone on board, but if still actively used by other sailors, it may be quite useful. Any thoughts welcome, and especially if you can share personal experience.