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Sail Rock

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Everything posted by Sail Rock

  1. I have the previous Spinlock model. It’s a great jacket. Very comfortable
  2. This is a problem that I have been pondering for some time. A further two cents worth: 1st cent: breaking up and disposing boats involves handling and processing hazardous materials i.e. antifoul coatings and GRP particulates, so consider all the health and safety overheads. (I can already hear the moaning about “health and safety gone mad”). And as someone mentioned this stuff has to be carted to Hampton Downs which is very expensive. 2nd cent: dumping GRP and composite hulls at sea is NOT an option! Like any other plastics, GRP will break down into progressively smaller particles con
  3. So, I did some surfing on the web and sourced a trim tab type wind vane system manufactured in the US at https://www.scanmarinternational.com/auto-helm They are the same outfit that supplies Monitor self steering systems which I gather are pretty good. Has anyone had experience using this Auto-Helm product??
  4. I’ve sourced various Yanmar parts from UK in recent years -heaps cheaper than here, even allowing for P&P.
  5. I have sailed both coasts, only one time each, but agree with PeteG - best route depends on the current forecast. In any case allow several extra days for the whole trip in order to delay departure, put into Gisborne/Napier/Mangonui, heave to, or whatever it takes to catch favourable winds or ride out snotty weather.
  6. Fantastic feedback guys! My current set up is a Raymarine tiller pilot plus a spare. This has been adequate for coastal sailing but my ambition is to sail offshore. Already have a solar panel but would need to increase house battery bank capacity to run the tiller pilot 24/7. That would add more weight so I am not concerned about added weight of a wind vane steering alternative. The tiller pilot has simple pinned connections that I suspect could fall out in a violent sea. I chatted to a skipper on another boat a few years ago on the way up to Fiji who blew out 3 tiller pilots by the time h
  7. Thanks for the tips guys. SM - yes, some photos would be helpful if not too much trouble for you to upload.
  8. I am considering fitting a wind vane self steering unit to my boat (Chico 30) that has a transom hung rudder. It would need to be installed off centre so as to be clear of the rudder and I am wondering how well the proprietary systems like Hydrovane operate off centre when the boat is heeling. Also interested in whatever tips/opinions/advice people might have on the various systems available, e.g. Hydrovane, Monitor, Fleming, etc. Alternatively does anyone out there have a rudder trim tab type of system that I could take a look at?
  9. Had nylon carpet on cabin sole for years. One long piece sewn together and held down with dome snap fasteners. Lift it up at end of season, hose it down, dry it and it is good to go again. Much more pleasant to walk on in bare feet than damp, salty floor boards. Also less slippery when underway.
  10. Sail Rock

    Toilet hose

    I re-plumbed the head and holding tank in my boat last winter. Also repositioned the head (a 1990's Jabsco) and refurbished it plus the holding tank and discharge pump (Whale hand pump). There was extensive calcification within the holding tank and discharge pump which I removed by soaking them in a solution of Barnacle Buster. The plumbing was a combination of fixed PVC and flexible sanitary hose. The fixed PVC pipes were coked up with a 5mm thick annulus of calcite and the pipes themselves had become brittle with age (they were fitted when the boat was built in 1978 so 39 years service w
  11. Excellent post BP, thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience
  12. I am looking to buy a satellite tracking / texting device. Any opinions out there on the pros and cons of the various products?? So far I have researched: Garmin inReach Explorer+ Satellite Communicator, $730 Iridium Go (from Predict Wind), US$1150 The latter seems to provide more functionality. Whaddya reckon?
  13. I have an old one from a Chico 30. It is white though, not the "regulation" orange. Hasn't been used for decades. PM me if you're interested.
  14. In answer to BP's original question, you can hire a liferaft from Transport and Marine which is located in Glendene, contact Jason 021 645 185, email: jason@transportandmarine.co.nz I hired one from him last year. Fortunately I didn't need to use it!
  15. I have just refurbished an old Jabsco manual head (pre-1997). It has been reliable for 20+ years. Spare parts for this (and Whale waste pumps) are way cheaper ordered on line from UK. Use Barnacle Buster to remove calcite from head, pumps, pipework and holding tank. (Vinegar or other weak acid might do just as well). 'Flexible' PVC waste pipe can be made temporarily more flexible by soaking in boiling water for a minute or so - makes it easier to fit in tight spaces, onto connecting elbows, etc. Head now looks and works just like new - happy pooping!
  16. Hi Jay. Any chance you could provide a picture of the special purpose clasp fitting that you mentioned? I am looking for a similar solution for my companionway hatch. SR
  17. Hi Jay. Any chance you could provide a picture of the special purpose clasp fitting that you mentioned? I am looking for a similar solution for my companionway hatch. SR
  18. You'll be living the dream. I'm envious!
  19. Cj The solar panels shown in several of the photos you provided are just supported on single unbraced poles. I doubt they would survive in high winds or seas. For offshore, I would think fixing to the deck or a robust stainless steel frame would be required. That might make a sun tracking set up a bit more complicated.
  20. A couple of summers ago I saw a traditional gaff rigger about 25foot long anchored in Whangaruru. The couple on board told me they had sailed it up from Whangarei. Keeping it simple, but I think you would need a lot a time and patience when the wind drops.
  21. I recently replaced interior and exterior lamps with LEDs. The Hella products (tricolour/ anchor light and one interior Euro lamp) were expensive but worth it. Rest of the interior lamps were replaced with cheapies from Burnsco, all of which do the job adequately except the reading lights that generate RF which interferes with the FM radio. You get what you pay for!
  22. My painter is polypropylene which floats thereby reducing risk of prop fouling.
  23. Awesome. Thanks for the tips and pics guys.
  24. I'm considering a wee sail from AKL to White Island this Easter. I know there is nowhere suitable to anchor overnight there so will probably just stooge around for a few hours, try a bit of fishing and possibly anchor in the lee of the island for a bit of a rest before returning home (if the sulphur fumes aren't too bad). would be interested to hear from anyone who has been there.
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