Black Panther

While I don't disagree with what has already been said I think it could be made to work for a full time cruiser with the right mind set. Maybe not cost effective but possible

I did wonder who he was talking about. Do all our harbour masters come from offshore?

A vane is enormously more reliable than anything else except maybe a grunty hydraulic system. If you think otherwise you are probably deluding yourself

Wow all these words just because I dropped my toothbrush. (It's still there)

In fact feel free to use my name and address if on weekend. I'm seldom out and will almost certainly have an alibi. And will be able to report here on results.

Make sure you don't have the boat's name on the dinghy. Give a false name and address and row away laughing.

Ridiculous suggestion ????

They are very expensive

And while I am at it. If you choose a big fast inflatable don't be a dick and side tie to a dinghy dock and padlock it there rendering the space unavailable to all others. And don't drive through crowded anchorages at night at speed no lights and probably drunk. That really pisses me off.

If I was desperate to do one of those things I would make other arrangements. The rest of the time I am not limited by a bloody outboard motor. BTW the current cunning plan is a ply dinghy in the Davits and a roll up below deck.

I would move the mother ship 10 miles and row. Then have a nice feed and a drink the way back.

Like choosing a boat there is no correct answer. Only a best fit. Reasons to like inflatable s They can be stowed below deck They are light. They are buoyant. They have built in fenders. Add an aluminum bum and the first two disappear. Reasons not to like inflatable s You are utterly dependant on an out board motor. As on your life deponds on it. Outboard motor means carrying fuel. When the fuel runs out you have to go home. You have to carry tools an d spares and spend time doing maintenance. So if you had a light buoyant stable ply dinghy a rib would be at a disad

Needs a long answer and I'm typing from a phone on a bus to Lautoka. Happy to reply at length when possible

Just to show there is no correct answer. I've been living with am aluminum hulled rib for 2 months now and hate it. It will be replaced before the next trip

10 years with the kids aboard. Best thing we ever did for them. Currently in Fiji and boat kids everywhere. Just starting to think about crew for the return trip. But would much rather be heading for the Solomon Islands

I heard gh have had big increase in yard fees. Anyone confirm? New facility at Marsden cove soon. Might become a worthwhile trip

I suggested that to you some years ago and was told no way. Never going to happen. Love to see someone else ask now.

Just quickly I used mariner on my phone all the way to Fiji. Just so easy. Turned the other stuff on but barely looked at it. Around fiji mostly using navionics on the phone and the soggy paws charts below. No issues. Never expect real accuracy and use your eyeballs

Try sails are useful running downwind in the trades with twin posed out headsails. Trim it amidships for zero chafe and slow the period of roll for greater comfort.

The way to deal with that would be to know the average time to sell in any given market. If you have been on the market 2-3 times that average it is time to adjust the price.

Jeff, I hope you typed that on the way to the airport

Hey Wheels there is a floating footpath next to me at GH, so I asked him about insurance, says he only has 3rd party but that was easy to get.

No worries, He's in Matakatia, I think you are not that far away?

Bought groceries

I know a guy with a main off a big Farrier cat he needs to sell, apparently in good nick but no battens.