Neil

It took a while to work it out but finally, I know what fittings these are. These are Dux Pro-Fit Quicktite fittings and are "Export only, not available in NZ": http://www.dux.co.nz/product-category/hot-and-cold/pro-fit-qicktite/ However, a message to their FB page and a quickly returned phone call from Ross at Dux and a bag of all the bits I need are on their way to me. An impressively friendly and helpful response from Dux for probably the smallest cash sale they'll do this week (or even this year)

Thanks for the help all. I spoke to Kevin at Reef-rite and he was very helpful. Sent him the pics so he could see the problem and exactly which track it is and he's sending me some correct sized monel rivets. He also said to check the clearance up top once the sail is back on to make sure I'm not pulling the track apart with halyard tension. Fingers crossed should be a simple-ish fix, I hope.

Anyone know where I can get fittings like the ones in the attached pics? These are freshwater pipes and used throughout the boat but many of the joints have splits in them (age, over tightening?). These don't seem to be off the shelf fittings at the big chandleries so wonder where best to go?

Over the weekend I noticed a problem with our furler in that the track has parted from the top of the section that swings out to allow sail changes (see pic). It looks like a simple rivet failure and thus a simple fix. However a few questions: 1) Is it a simple rivet job? If so are ordinary pop rivets suitable? I'm mostly thinking in terms of potential corrosion issues. 2) Why did it pull out like this? I noticed that once I eased halyard tension that it slid back into the correct position under gravity. So is there another issue? Is the luff of the sail too long and once I add halyar

Update. Wheels and John B were on the money. I removed the tank and cleaned it, plenty of crap in there which must have been causing a restriction in the flow and then downstream causing the problems with air getting in the system. New inspection hatches added so I will be able to see and sort any further problems without removing the tank. I'm going to be super tuned in to any changes in the engine sound for a while but -touch wood - she hasn't missed a beat since we did this. Now for the next set of issues to sort

Looking at the picture it might have hit at a tight angle taking off the side of the companionway, slid along the cockpit collecting the mainsheet and traveller then exited over the transom... maybe?

Into the sun and spray - Crew.org.nz Christmas Rum Race 2017

Amazing what turns up floating around on the ocean https://video.volvooceanrace.com/news/vnr-alert-turn-the-tide-on-plastic-sail-past-ghost-boat-abandoned-months-ago-following-dramatic-resc/s/604b0e9c-54d5-4cfc-90a5-208827932cc7 Dogs and ladies leave her in questionable circumstances then months later she nearly gets run down by the VOR. The Pacific is a big ocean, what are the chances of that?

Thanks for the replies. This group has some great knowledge out there and I've got some more avenues to investigate now I had an hour to spare this morning so went to the boat to check the breather on the tank. I managed to get the breather pipe off the tank easily enough and gave it a blow and suck. It did seem a little restricted at first but after a couple of puffs it did take air in and out pretty easily. I may have imagined it but it's possible I did dislodge something partially blocking the pipe. It would take more time and effort than I had to spare this morning to investigate furt

Thanks. No obvious signs of diesel (other than when a squirt it everywhere when bleeding). No idea when the pump was last serviced. Pump around about the same level as the top of the tank so diesel is definitely having to be pumped uphill. Is the lift pump itself a possible source of the air? Is there any simple way I can test the pump itself?

Thanks, I'll check that out. Should be simple check to make sure that's ok (or not)

Over the Christmas period, I've been having a few problems with our Volvo-Penta 2003T (43hp turbo) with air in the fuel lines. It's a bit of a long story and I'd thought I'd got it fixed twice, but no. I think my question here is am I missing something? Is there some other reason for this problem? Anyway here's the timeline: May 2017 – November 2017: No issues with engine including during engine test/check during pre-purchase checks November 2017: Serviced - filters and oil changed. December 2017: Used for two weekends away no issues (including one long motor) January 6th 2018: Mot

Didn't realise using my auto to slowly drive me head to wind for the couple of mins it talks to whip up the main when I'm solo was against the rules in the Waitemata! Better me doing that than random wanderings without it...

Makes sense. Hence the need to indicate you are racing with a division flag and to be under the control of an organising affiliated yacht club, presumably?

Dumb (or maybe not so dumb) question. How does the 5kts within 50mts of a boat work within a racing fleet? Unless you're in very small or slow boats you'll often be doing more than 5knots a lot closer than 50meters from your competitors. Are we breaking the rules or somehow "opting out" of this one? It's often occurred to me and I don't know the answer.

Hi southernman, I've PM'd you the details and costs of our new bimini.

We used Canopy and Squab in Westhaven for our new bimini. Quality work and well worth the cost. Welcome to have a look if you want although we are out at Westpark (no available 14m berths at Westhaven, yet).

On our boat, if the engine is run for an extended period not only do you get hot water from the hot tap but also for a short time out of the cold tap too. I've been putting this down to some sort of backflow from the hot water tank into the feeding cold water pipes due to pressure or expansion. The previous boat didn't have the luxury of hot water so have not been sure if this normal. Should I be worried that the hot water tank is not venting pressure elsewhere?

Not sailing but my lad (with some help from me) did dress the boat for New Year's Day

The Placido cockpit cam: A great reach down the harbour, a bit conservative starting under reefed main but was glad we had it in by Rough Rock. I might not have seen the gust coming at 0.59 but I didn't spill my beer . The mainsheet decided to jam approaching rough rock leading to our less than elegant "shake the rig" gybe going around the mark and we had a few sub-optimal tacks but the boat seemed to relish the conditions once we got set up right. I had intended to take down the bimini but never quite got around to it but at least I know it stays together in a breeze. My daughter

Bloody Wilsons - total c*nts. If they refuse your appeal just do it again. I think they just refuse it the first time and only read what you've got to say once you've shown you are not going to give up. Took me two attempts earlier this year to get a ticket waived.

Owner and crew....

A couple of times a week I find myself driving to St Heliers along Tamaki Drive and as usual, find myself looking out to sea and wondering why I'm in the car and not out on the water. Anyway, for some time (months) I've noticed a large ketch (although both masts are the same size so probably not technically a ketch) sitting at anchor off St Helliers beach. I don't think there is a mooring out there and I'm not sure I'd want to be anchored there in one of our big NE-ers but it does seem to be there every time I pass that way. Does anyone know the story? Is someone living at anchor off the e

Farr 1220 plus an old rigid dinghy upside down outside slowly becoming part of the garden, a falling apart old 2.6m RIB I'm not sure what to do with sitting in the carport where my car should be and a 2.6m rollup in good condition - the one we use. Only a boat and an eclectic collection of tenders in different states of disrepair. Mmmm, reading you guys I think I need to expand the fleet somewhat to keep up.

Thanks guys. Sounds like I have options.