Recent content by SteveG

Do you have an in-line water filter e.g. Whale Aquasource in the feed? They can present a significant resistance to water flow. I tried the cheaper Pozzani equivalent that claims to be a direct replacement. Not so. The return spring on my galley foot pump is not strong enough to overcome to...

If you have an Ambassador scissor action cutter, check the positioning of the fixed blade on the P bracket. If it is spaced too far outwards from the P bracket (adjustable with the 3 grubscrews and lock nuts), it can fould on the caphead bolts holding the rotating parts together. Took me a while...

If all other suggestions fail, beware that the striker block is not too close to the cutlass bearing mount/P bracket. It is adjusted with the 3 allen head grub screws and the mounting bolts. Too close and it can foul the socket head screws clamping the rotor to the shaft. You would end up with...

You have to adjust them once the mainsail is set up with mast bend, kicker etc, so I don't deploy them until after hoisting the sail anyway. Other than the uphaul to the crosstrees, I always tie mine back to the mast and stow them along the boom under the sailcover when moored. No problem!

Suffered from similar problem once. Turned out to be a splash of antifouling on the inside edge of the paddlewheel hull fitting. Turning by hand moved the paddlewheel slightly, either sideways or on the worn bearing. A quick rub with scraper and wet or dry fixed it. I carry a spare paddlewheel...

Minerva could be right about the magnet, I have had that too. Had similar issue following anti-fouling my hull one year. The antifouling had crept up inside the paddle wheel mounting tube and was fouling in the impeller. If the magnet is there, try spinning the impeller after withdrawing it...

Hi Luke. I built an Express Pirate from a kit in 1980. I don't recall what was at the masthead, as it was such a long time ago. However, my crew and I had no difficulty raising or lowering the mast by hand. If you attach the jib halliard to the stemhead before removing the forestay one person...

Try cutting two slots in a piece of plastic/ali/ply a couple of inches apart that will take two spare slugs. Slide the first up the track, followed by a rolled up piece of rag that fits the groove comfortably, soaked in white spirit, and then the second slug. Attach your main halliard to the...

I have had a now 28 year old Feeling 920 valued at £25000 for the last 14 years and never been asked for a survey either. Your insurance seems high though. Although only normally afloat for 8 months p.a. I pay £202 for insurance that covers coastal waters plus the English Channel, Brest to...

Take care. Used them after storm damage myself some years ago. Insurance surveyor who recommended them turned out to be a relation. Odd coincidence here? Job not completed on time. original self draining toe rail not used, despite still being available. New toe rail screws not cut to length so...

I have had to replace my worn out cutlass bearing every year for many years. The wear is not caused by misalignment or bent shaft, but appears to be due to a rough deposit on the shaft that can be scraped off, but it also dissolves in limescale remover. I have the usual stainless shaft, bronze...