Fogg

Problem is out of date approaches being used. Hotspots of bad behaviour could be monitored remotely via webcams or even drones peak seasons. And authorities could change rules to accept video evidence of idiots in action and prosecuting those identifiable. You're thinking about mandatory registration all wrong. Think of it as a licence that can be revoked to ban idiots from driving a boat following a serious infringement. Again, tech could help with monitoring. Of course a small number would slip through (like on the roads a small number of banned drivers still drive but the cops learn abo

I had multiple failures with different Raymarine APs over the years ranging from those awful plastic circular wheel systems through to numerous circuit board failures on the head unit / display. At one point, after going through 3 head units in as many years (all replaced under warranty) the national supplier sent (at their expense) a marine sparky to my boat to inspect the setup - and could find nothing wrong. Eventually I reluctantly upgraded from the ST system to Raymarine's latest Evo system (including type 1 linear drive) mostly because I had other Raymarine kit onboard. I suspect there a

Yes. For the boat I deliberately go to the local dairy and buy the cheapest, thinnest 2-ply TP available - hopefully this reduces chances of blockage!

I've looked at this seriously a couple of times and of course the exact answer depends on NZ vs US boat market prices, exchange rates and taxes at the time but overall I've found that by the time you factor in travel (time & costs) plus contingency for unknowns dealing with any long-range purchase, the US option doesn't really become viable until you are in the NZD$500,000+ range. Of course you might get lucky - mostly via a personal contact getting to know of a great little boat going cheap that the owner wants out of fast - but you won't find deals like that browsing the interwebhypernet

Flat water boats. Not a viable option for Hauraki Gulf IMHO. http://www.macgregor26.com/BROCHURES%20FOR%20ALL%20BOATS/MACGREGOR%2026X/26X.html

I’ve had multiple problems with my Aquapro 910 since buying new about 3 yrs ago - some serious some minor. Latest annoyance is broken rowlock (wooden oars are nice but benefit is lost with plastic rowlocks which become the weakest link). I wouldn’t buy another one.

True but with freediving the only potential point of failure is your own judgement ie ignoring the warning signs that you learn your body tells you. With scuba you have the added risk of equipment failure which is largely outside your control.

I’m a sceptic of any assisted breathing techniques - after seeing some bad stuff. Hence I only trust my own lungs. Instead, do a course to learn how to hold your breathe properly and do it yourself. I used to free-dive using my own homemade techniques and could manage 8-10m on a good day in peak fitness. Then I did a course and today for example I happily got down to 20m out at the Poor Knights exploring the amazing sea life there. A couple of weeks ago I replaced my shaft anode (removed old one and installed new one) in just 4 dives under the boat. Once you build a base fitness and so

You’ll soon discover that kiwis are amazing sailors (cruising and racing) and the success of this small nation on the world stage of sailing (Americas Cup of note of course) is reflective of grass roots sailing culture. However. You will also have to make some big adjustments to some kiwi boating habits and learn to cope accordingly. On the fenders issue, one strategy I’ve used is leaving fenders on the outside of my boat when I had a novice neighbour in the berth nextdoor for a few months. I have some other bugbears but I won’t start now...

Yes that’s the boat - I remember it being for sale in S Island which was why I didn’t view it. Nice looking vessel. And they looked to be enjoying it!

Did he buy that W44 recently (and does it have green trim)? If so, I was anchored next to it (S side of Robertson island) and recognised the boat as a nice example I took close interest in buying last year. I didn’t obviously.

I thought it was THE biggest S&R in the world. Which is why we should all be doing our bit by keeping a listening watch on ch16 when we’re out there - it helps a lot.

Most insurers will take a ‘reasonable’ use to your rigging. If you buy a boat that has sailed offshore (eg just arrived in NZ) then most insurers insist you replace the rigging immediately unless it’s a newish boat. If the boat is used for NZ cruising then below 10yrs is ok, 10-15yrs gets a bit grey, then 15yrs+ any failure you are on your own. If you race then the general opinion is around 7yrs is the cut-off. When I bought a 10yr old cruiser I paid for a professional rigging inspection and kept the “All OK” email report on file. If in doubt, give your insurer (or broker) a call.

Halfway through my summer cruise around Northland coast and I’m operating in my normal mode with ch16 on from morning to night. I literally turn it in when I wake up and turn it off when I turn in. Main set in saloon with separate repeater / handset in cockpit with independent volume control (in case family sleeping below with me upstairs). It’s not at all intrusive. Today sailing from BOI to Tutukaka it was literally hours in between hearing any traffic on ch16. But when a report of a flare off Cape Brett was reported by Police it made the news on ch16. Thats all. My firm belief is that e

You can deny it but the words slipped out ‘fat cats etc’ and so the cat is out of the bag - so to speak. Another example of “you’ve got more money than me or more than you need so you should pay a fee that I don’t need to pay. And this is regardless of the fact you might need to buy a service whilst you’re here in NZ - maybe even some ropes or chains for your boat - but no let’s whack you for a rich man’s tax anyway just for being hete.”

Showing NW 5kts - more like yesterday’s news? And no foecast or tides available.

The socialists busy sharpening up their pre-AC wallet-lightening skills...

My favourite boat is always the one that I have.

Sorry, no.

Removed from my previous boat last year and it had numerous issues with the display with very many dropped digits. Not worth trying to sell and I know some of you guys here enjoy rejuvenating these displays and getting them going again! Must be able to pick up or meet me somewhere convenient like central Auckland or Westhaven or Gulf Harbour.

My transom-mounted stern light is obscured by the dinghy when it's stowed on the weaver davits. As a temporary fix is there some kind of battery-powered unit that I can clip on the rear bar of the bimini, for example? And where from?

Yup

Mercs to Cavallis with focus on avoiding Kawau, BOI and bottom end.

I’ve had that kind of experience wirh Burnsco GH plus other stores with several returns over the years - one of the benefits of their customer loyalty system (if you remember to give it to them each purchase). I’ve bought stuff in GH and had to return it / swap in BOI for example. Always ok.

Agreed. I can think of a few. Fortunately for me mostly in the dark with no witnesses rather than in front of 100s of spectators with smartphones! Obviously there's an investigation underway so no point speculating on the cause but I can tell you the guys involved (on the Riv) were very shaken up / gutted / shocked by what happened.