Fogg

Problem: Have inherited an Achilles dinghy with no pump. And of course a slow puncture. As an aside I have a Red paddleboard with pump and hose. Ideal solution: Buy / make up a hose that I could attach to my Red pump at one end and the Achilles valve the other (see both pics). Alternative solution: Buy entirely new pump with hose that would fit Achilles. Any suggestions on achieving either solution - currently based at GH but could drive around a bit if I could ID place that sells this stuff?

The main tank (200L) was empty but is now full of NZ diesel plus a shock dose (1L) of Diesel Doctor. The reserve tank has been empty for about a year I believe. Hence I’m thinking of pouring in 10-20L, pumping back out then refilling (200L) plus another shock dose (ideally was hoping to use same brand of Diesel Doctor).

For 30 years I used nothing except a policy of keeping the tank as full as possible and was fine until about 3yrs ago when a routine engine service showed signs of bug in the first fuel filter after the tank. It was the start of summer season and I feared the worst and started imagining ripping out our built-in tank as a summer project instead of cruising with the family... but my local mechanic advised me to give the tank a shock dose of Diesel Doctor (an entire 1L into my 130L tank) then fill up and check filter again after 10hrs running time. Result = no sign of bug. Thereafter I used

Anyone know if different brands of diesel treatments can be mixed? Reason being I’ve put my regular brand in my main tank (Diesel Doctor which I’ve been using for years) but the only local supplier at GH I know is closed for a couple more weeks. And I want to treat my 2nd / reserve tank which transfers into the main tank. But only options are different brands to Diesel Doctor. Any hazards here with mixing?

Looks in good shape. Wonder if it’s floating unassisted or an array of fire-pumps keeping it up?

I don’t think I need to worry about extra blocks to give me more purchase - I’m planning to run it to one of the sheet winches which is a huge electric thing (I think ~2000W) so pulling power shouldn’t be an issue (in theory)!

Thanks guys this is great advice (I think)! Sometime over the next few days I’ll try this and report back on how well it turns out.

How about that??!! What a star! Fantastic thanks. Let me ponder that and work up a plan with either the existing or some new blocks...

Is there a simple way to convert 2 separate lifting lines into a single longer line (can’t get my head around how to re-thread the blocks to achieve this)? Thinking that if I can do this then lead the single line to one of the sheet winches for an easier lift.

There has been a spate of fires on yachts and launches over the last few months and not just older boats. Not sure what’s behind this but very sobering and worth re-checking: 1. Fire-fighting equipment onboard 2. Family fire-drill 3. At-anchor vs underway fire plan

I’ve inherited a small 4-stroke O/B - think it’s 7hp Suzuki. It has spent at least a month not just on its side but tipped closer to vertical. It hasn’t leaked any fluids and it’s not upright again. Is it usable? What checks or servicing required?

After months of planning Fogg finally arrived in Auckland on Saturday afternoon. I motored her up to GH (through the AC spectator fleet obviously not ideal) and she was looking a bit travel-worn after weeks of waiting on commercial ports and then buried in the hold of a cargo ship. But after 3 intensive days on the hardstand she’s starting to come together just in time for Christmas. Now, what’s the weather going to be doing....?

Thanks for the comprehensive write-up. I’ll digest it more fully over the break!

Yes I think dredgers are a lazy relic of the past and should be banned. Go diving or go shopping. Personally I don’t want the hassle of scuba diving so I free-dive for them when I can - which serves the dual purpose of keeping most scallops safe and me fit.

Fiji is def not a place to be on a boat tonight. Wonder how the cruising community is faring...

One of my favourite Youtube sailing channels is a crew dealing with the same adversity facing most Covid-cruisers plus a whole lot more. And in response they've developed a new crew motto of: "It's not ideal but we'll make it work!" It's a mantra that I've used myself over the last few months to help make peace with the multitude of frustrations around us all right now - and to try to preserve my own sanity in the process!

Depends on size: 10-12m easy. 12-15m harder. 15-18m very hard. 18m+ easier again

Looks better each day

Sent to CBD offices (map + weasely words) Auckland Transport City Centre informer No.2 4 December 2020 with map.pdf

We should run a sweepstake on who’s going to win the Christmas Day battle - the big friendly high in the south corner or the two nasty little lows in the north corner.

Thanks but apparently he’s more looking for a pressurised kero stove rather than an alcohol stove. Thanks anyway! More likely this:

Cool that’s v interesting. Can you PM your contact details (mobile & email) and I’ll connect with my man in Malaysia. I’ll help with logistics if you guys agree on a deal. If IT is watching - don’t worry we won’t forget the crew.org fee for any sale!

A growing number of S Pac weather-watchers are saying conditions are ripe for an ‘interesting’ summer ahead. Great news if you’re a surfer dude but could make family cruising a bit sporty this season. Meanwhile, the complex system brewing north of Fiji looks more sinister each day...

Hah thanks! I think that might be a bit too rustic. He’s hoping for similar to this:

In case not noticed in Classifieds / Wanted - on behalf of friend (my former delivery skipper living aboard in Malaysia) trying to help him locate: 1. Navik s/s gear (whole system) 2. Optimus 155 marine kero stove Any pointers appreciated thanks!