howardang

It's a device to allow a rudder to be more effective at angles nearer to 90 degrees. It stops rudder stall by keeping water flow over the rudder. This is acheived by fitting a rotating cylinder at the leading edge of the rudder which directs water over the rudder. The direction of rotation has to be reversed each time the rudder goes from port to starboard and because of this it is not used very much. Somethink like a Becker rudder or even a steerable Kort rudder is more popular. Cheers Howard

I saw this on another web site and thought it might be of interest http://www.wimp.com/mastbridge Howard

I will be throwing my hat in the ring for the North East when they cal for applications in March. Howard

It must be true - I think he's a qualified skipper! Howard

Maybe he means a HIN - Hull Identification Number? http://www.yachtdata.co.uk/yachtdatafiles/HIN%20Number%20identification.htm Howard

Maybe the thread has come to a natural conclusion seeing that it is not direcly related to Canals You may be right about the swotting up on sailing manuals, although I think there quite a few professional mariners or well read enthusiasts on here who are able to respond off the top of their head without the need for google Cheers Howard

The question about what is a sloop really needs redefining because there have been many sloops built that have no sails, are not barges etc. During WW1 and WW2 and indeed up to the 1960's there were many sloops built which were small warships similar to frigates and larger than corvettes which were used as convoy escorts. Howard

Great Idea - especially at locks near hire bases. Howard

You might find this simple graphic useful http://www.mmscrusaders.com/newscirocks/tides/tideanim.htm Regards Howard

Only you can decide whether the cost is justified but ask yourself this; how confident would you be if you didn't have your own survey that the boat has no material defects which might cost you big money down the line? In my view someone elses survey is out of date within a very short time - say weeks. For example, in the worst case the boat could have sunk the day after the survey, it could have major bottom deterioration/damage which would otherwise go undetected, etc. If you employ a good surveyor he may well be able to find deficiencies which could give you room to haggle about the purchase price and any reduction would help to offset the surveyors fees. I would strongly urge you to have a survey for your own peace of mind. Good luck with your purchase Howard

That's true, but it may not be a big problem. The pivot point slightly changes anyway depending on the speed of the boat and it is something we (hopefully) compensate for with out thinking too much about it. Howard

I have successfully used a core made out of old garden hose which makes a good firm core with just the right amount of give. Make a flat cheese to the correct diameter and bind tight. More cheeses of hose on top of one another to the required height with the chain inserted at the appropriate place and then tightly bind the whole lot together. Cover with a bit of canvas or woven material from, say, a garden refuse bag or one of the bags used to deliver sand or gravel from garden centres. Cheers Howard

That's because they don't calculate using displacement, they use Gross tonnage because the VAT exemtion is dependant on reaching a minimum cargo carrying capacity which is what Gross tonnage measures. No Narrow boats will be anywhere near the 15 tonne Gross tonnage level which is the minimum and even some broad beam boats can't reach that. Howard

Did you see the PLA patrol officer setting a good example with his lifejacket unfastened? Howard

I don't think there is anything hilarious about it. They're just idiots! Howard

Our boat Winthorpe is trimmed upright and slightly by the stern with paving slabs. The toilet flush has its own dedicated tank of approximately the same volume as the holding tank together with its own pump.Both tanks are located under the fixed double bed. When the holding tank is empty after a pump out the flush tank is filled and as the holding tank slowly fills in use the flush tank empties. This means that the overall weight stays the same and in the same place so that no list is developed. Howard

That's why I made the comments in post 163! Howard

The sequence also shows a bit of a lack of preparation in that not only is the cratch cover still open but I think the front doors are open as well. A heavier pitch might well have flooded the boat! Howard

The study is not quite complete but should be finished and ready for wider consultation around the end of November. It will be at that time tha a decision will be made how to proceed with any grant applications and to what extent any possible development/regeneration work will consist of. Whatever happens, it will be done sensitively and with due consideration to the unspoilt nature of the canal. For those, like me , who have an interest in the Pocklington Canal, it is great to see that the study is starting to generate an interest in this beautiful and relatively unknown waterway and I would urge people to come and see for themselves what it has to offer. It's a bit late in the season to plan a trip by boat this year , but if you are in the area please come and spend some time on the canal, and how about making it a destination for your cruise next year. Regards Howard

Being "dragged" over a weir may not be the only reason for an anchor and I was careful not to say so in my previous posting. However, it would be potentially just as serious if an out of control boat was stuck across a bridge, a weir boom or such. Apart from the potential danger to the crew the costs involved in recovery of the boat could be substantial and because the boat is not properly equipped any insurance payout will most probably be declined. Others have also mentioned the possibly of collision with other craft in the river. I really cannot understand the attitude that says "it won't happen to me because I am experienced".History is full of silly statements like that - just before the accident! It would be interesting to hear that argument being raised in an MAIB enquiry. Howard

Whether a river is tidal or not, an engine breakdown can happen and on a river with flow (even a gentle one) and with weirs it is unlikely that any judgement call or previous experience can help in that situation. Rather than stow the anchor because it is an inconvenience a few moments thought might help in finding a way that allows you to have the anchor and chain/rope ready while not obstructing the crew. Howard