Glsssbead

New battery tech headlines always sound great - but seems as if this one is still a long ways off... "Now for the bad news: this technology is still a decade or so away. The demonstration battery produced by the scientists still needs pure oxygen in order to charge – not something many of us have a ready supply of – and there's still the risk of the battery exploding due to the dendrites (spindly lithium metal fibres) created during the charging process. Eventually, these issues will be dealt with, but it's going to take a lot of research and experimentation first." http://www.sciencealer

Good thing you only tried this coming back from the race - attaching the pole to the stanchion base is not allowed under the racing rules.

Here's the press release and full report. The report is a quite interesting read: thttp://www.volvooceanrace.com/en/presszone/en/2618_Vestas-Wind-grounding-report-Why-And-what-next.html http://www.volvooceanrace.com/static/assets/content_v2/media/files/m36616_team-vestas-wind-inquiry-report-released-on-9-march-2015.pdf I'm posting this on a new "general" thread as opposed to the existing older VOR/Vestas thread, since I'm thinking this has broader interest, but am fine if it gets moved to the existing thread.

Uh-oh - my thread has been hijacked as an advert for celox.....and, no, Celox is a classic Logan mullet boat that recently joined rainbow warrior up at the Cavalli's... I do keep several packages of celox around the house, in the car and on the boat, and luckily have not had to use yet....only a matter of time.....

Does anyone know what's happening with the mullet boat that sank at the Cavalli's a week ago? (See earlier "lucky bugger" topic for background)

I wrapped my 9m yacht myself about 6 months ago after watching some youtube videos, and am pleased with the results + can't beat the price. I bought my wrap from Vvivid in Canada on eBay for NZ$500 including shipping. Amazing technology! http://www.ebay.com/itm/VViViD-White-Gl ... 4e&vxp=mtr

If one of the reasons for using carbon is to save weight, then I'm not sure why one would add the weight of a coating? I have 25 year old carbon sheet countertops and they still look great - no scratches. Certainly glad they were never coated.

Really? that would be cool!

Thanks everyone. After looking at python and aqua drives, I don't think it is either of these. Consistent with Idleboat and Island Time's takes, seems like two standard CV joints welded together. Seems to work well as I don't have much vibration, and I don't see any signs of wear, so back together it goes. I did figure out how to correctly reassemble - there is only one way that it properly rotates

I took my drive shaft coupling apart today to inspect, and am now not sure how it goes back together.... Can someone identify the name of this type of coupling and/or who makes these based on the attached photo? The coupling consists of two sets of six ball bearings which ride in slots between two outer rings and cones, and held in place by a retaining sleeves. The attached photo shows one set of bearings, not fully pressed in place, and the second inner cone without the bearings or outer sleeve. It all gets sealed together by a rubber boot. I'm sure there is a name for this typ

I just updated lights on my "previously compliant" boat. Had to de-rig the boat to take the pulpit off to weld tabs and route wiring. Seemed crazy at first, but realize that there will be a lot of us still out there after dark that night, and no moon so it will be quite dark so think the inspectors are right on this one.....

Thanks all for the feedback. Please note the following in respect to various points raised: The batteries I referenced are lithium iron phosphate (LiFePo4), which from everything I read, are very safe. I'm not aware of any substantive basis for fire scare stories with respect to this type of battery, however unfortunately this seems to be a common misperception being perpetuated. Note that lead-acid batteries are not without risk - see http://www.yachtingmonthly.com/plus/530 ... o-avoid-it The SmartBatteries are more expensive than the LiFePo4 batteries sold by AA Solar, but I also do

I've got an 80's racer/cruiser with an 80's regulator and not so old, but tired house battery and alternator, and am thinking about swapping out to lithium as follows: Replace my existing start and 100 amp house batteries with two 50-amp smart batteries - see http://www.lithiumion-batteries.com/pro ... n-battery/ Lithium regulator from http://www.markgrasser.com/regulator.htm Dual charge monitor - http://www.victronenergy.com/battery-mo ... 0bmv-602s/ Keep the alternator for now, but watch it closely in case the lithiums overload it - hopefully the new regulator will manage thi

I recently went with a new application of prop speed based on the following: 1. With my small prop, professionally applied propspeed was cheaper than what I could have done myself using propgold, even considering there might have been enough left over for a second application, and I avoid the risk of stuffing up the application. 2. My boat had previously had propspeed that has worked extremely well - I probably could have gone another year without doing anything. I also considered trying to make my own, but found very little info on the net on doing this successfully, and figure th

Also, my understanding is that before the start gun, there is no proper course for the leeward boat to sail so it is free to luff-up the windward boat up until the start. What I don't understand about this rule, was in the America's cup, I thought we saw the leeward boat keep attacking long after the start, which wouldn't be allowed based on my understanding - obviously I am missing something here though, so maybe someone can explain? Thanks