[Recommendations for stainless steel fabricators]

We are keen to have a Bimini this summer. Although I have seen kits available online the kits don’t look very robust. I’m keen to mount a couple of rigid solar panels on the top of the Bimini as well.  

Any recommendations for stainless steel fabricators ?  We are berthed at Half Moon Bay marina, Auckland.

[Recommendations for getting gas checked]

On 17/04/2024 at 9:44 AM, K4309 said:

I have recently investigated this myself.

Two out of three gas fitters (recommended by various people for marine work) do not know or understand the gas standards NZS 5601 part 2.

For an installation like yours with a single appliance, you are allowed to use flexible hose to NZS 1869 Class C, which for the layman is standard BBQ hose, costs $12/m at Burnsco and costs the gas fitters $4/m.

Two of the gas fitters claimed for that single appliance install I needed copper hose with flexible stainless steel at each end. The additional cost was several thousand dollars. Additionally they were stating I needed 2 gas sniffers interlinked to a solenoid shut off valve. The standards (and the other gas fitter) says I don't.

More concerningly, one of said gas fitters said I don't need automatic flame out on all elements of the stove. The standard is very explicit on this, it does. I've already spent $2k replacing my perfectly good 38 year old stove with a modern, flimsy one to meet this requirement. Even when I quired this, and stated I have a copy of the standard in front of me, and quoted the clauses, they continued to provide incorrect information.

Be aware that if you stove doesn't have automatic flame out on all elements, you either need to replace it, or perhaps not get a gas certificate unless your insurance co explicitly asks for it. (or you don't mind blowing $2 or $3k on an new stove for compliance purposes)

As an aside, the Insurance Co says they don't like copper hose cause it corrodes, while 2 gas fitters are telling me I must have copper hose (I think the expensive stuff is rubber annealed now to get around this issue).

Anyway, I highly recommend Graeme at Marine and Domestic Gas. He is based in Howick, but also travels regularly to Gulf Harbour.

Gas Specialists | Auckland | Domestic & Marine | Installation & Repairs (marinedomesticgas.co.nz)

Job done.  Thank you all for your comments and recomendations.

[Recommendations for getting gas checked]

It's been a while since we had our gas installation checked. It's a very simple arrangement with a gas bottle with regulator mounted on the aft deck, and a small gas stove in the galley.  Any recommendations for someone to check this?  We are berthed in Half Moon Bay.

[DIY Wind vane tiller]

There are details of a self steering system on the H28 Association website that may be helpful

https://h28.org.nz/2018/07/14/self-steering/

[Advice on new cruising mainsail - what to consider?]

We are thinking about replacing our very old and saggy baggy mainsail for our H28.  I would like to get a modern loose foot, fully battened sail, maybe just  two reefing points  Our sailing is mainly in the Hauraki Gulf with a little bit of coastal.  

What are the key things I should consider when comparing different quotes from the sailmakers?

Do I need to remove the track from the boom as it won't be used?

 

[Rigger Recomendations]

Hi

The insurance company has asked for a rigging report as part of the annual renewal of our boat insurance.  I'm looking for a rigger who can perform this work reasonably quickly.  Our yacht is moored at the Half Moon Bay Marina in Auckland

Does anyone have any recomendations?

Thanks