TUTORDAN

Hey guys, That's pretty Technical talk for we 'string-flingers'. How does this sound for a plan for a simple sailor: Charge my laptop battery through 240V A/C system then use it on battery (I get about 90 mins)? Would this not get around any sine wave or voltage fluctuation problems? TUTORDAN

Yes they are both great links - somed etails are a bit 'techo' for me but I do like someone's quote about how Mr Diesel designed his engine to run on non-fossil fuel. I would really like to be able to say that I am trying to contribute to the green cause by trying the mix described. Has anyone done this in a canal boat engine and with what results? Regards.

Hello, All you practising lawyers (or any well-experienced boaters as well). Subject to survey, I am planning to buy a 55ft narrowboat from her original owner of 9 years - in July this year. We have been talking and negotiation the timing/contents/moorings and more for some time and, having met, we get on pretty well. In my research into the process of buying a boat I came across www.LawDepot.co.uk which site provides a very comprehensive Bill of Sale. It appears that it can be used for the sale of boats. It would seem to me (as a non-lawyer) to be a prudent move to use such a form to ensure that the boat does become legally mine. My question is: 1. Although I do not suspect that the present owner is anything but fair and above board, is this 'the norm' and is this the right form to use? I look forward to your comments. Many thanks in advance.

Hope you don't mind if I ask a 'numptie' question about IT at sea! To have £10 for broadband from T Mobile, what do you have to pay monthly 'all up' for the whole TMobile deal? We're not at sea yet but will be by the end of this year I am currently using BT Internet at home. Would I have to leave this ISP to achieve what you have achieved? Sorry to be such a thicky! Cheers, TUTURDAN

Hello David, You might guess from my handle that I am a tutor - and yes - an RYA Instructor and Examiner for Motor Cruising (trumpet is now stowed away). I have had a lot to do with RYA Instructors (in open water) over the last 12 years since I qualified and I must say that the majority of them are good at their job. However, there is little national support for these skills and the pay rates are (like most recreational sectors) pretty poor. This does little to enthuse Instructors but the ones whom I have met and worked with have a great esprit de corps and always give of their best. The RYA does its best to police their levels of competence but cannot cope with the numbers out there. It's hard (and probably wrong) to compare such recreational activities with professional pursuits (my own was 30 years with the Royal Navy) but I think I can now see it from both sides. If allowed to give it, my advice to those who want to do a helmsmans course would be to base your choice of RYA Training Centre on its reputation. Bad news travels far faster than good so this should help you decide which ones not to go to. And that's why this forum is such an excellent vehicle! PS When I get my boat - in mid-07- I intend to take my Inland Waterways Instructor's assessment - not that I will start a (nother) business but it would be good to see for myself how the IW RYA Instructors operate. Keep in touch. TUTORDAN

I have a lot of experience of maritime GPS. The short answer to your question is.............if you or your erstwhile crew think you need GPS in the canals .......you most certainly have a problem with you navigation skills! I know it is useful at sea (and in rivers) and that it can help drivers who can't plan their routes but if you think that you are in any danger of vaulting over the canal bank in your boat - then it's time to invest. Please let me now how you get on?