Boat Forum / Cruising / December 2006

I found this information in a e-book called "Batteries in a Portable
World" by Buchmann.  In our ongoing watered golf cart vs. expensive
maintenance-free gauze battery discussion, there are some very revealing
facts the author points out that I'm sure the battery sales people

I am looking at Gibsea 33, built 2000-2002, as a "retirement boat".
Is there anyone with the experience of living onboard for 4-6 months
periodes who can share their experience?
And can anyone tell me why it is classed "category B" boat?

Anybody tried the Furuno FS1203EM ssb? Good, bad. ugly? Price is
competitive.
 Gordon

Is there a product equivelent to the Maptech chart books for Canadian
waters?  If so, it isn't something I can turn up quickly with Google.  I'd
like not to have a huge $500 roll of Canadian charts on board for a possible
cruise to Nova Scotia next summer and am hoping our ...

A report in Australia's "Cruising Helmsman" for Dec.
" An Australian couple will not be able to visit Australia in their own boat
during a circumnavigation without officially importing the boat - even
though the boat will not be staying in Australia.

has anyone come up with some clever ways of storing clothes?  I dont really
want to install a wardrobe in my already limited cabin space, but ill need a
bit of space somewhere for a few changes of clothes for my partner and
myself.

Several people have asked for a manual.  i have one complete with wirin
diagrams and schematic.  I'm willing to copy and provide for $25. plu
postage.
Wayn

First, I had an idea while backwashing the pool a few minutes ago.  Cleaning
out the engine raw water strainer can be a chore while underway.  Grocco has
an expensive self cleaning strainer/insinkerator but has anyone considered
putting a tee with two stops just after the ...

Greetings gentlemen,
I would like some advice from those of you who have some experience with
internet on board your vessels. I am considering placing an Inscape Data
CB54E bridge at the top of my mizzen with an OA15 db antenna. It will by

I read in google news today that the gov. is planning to resrict fuel
sales to boaters due to fears of another mass migration of Cuban
nationals.They are also planning on closing marinas and setting up road
blocks to stop trailered boats

I wonder if it's legal to have sex with one of those
horny mermaids ???

Unable to detect, plot, track, and shoot down terrorist-operated airliners
inside the United States with the most sophisticated radars and missile
systems on the planet before they crash into American buildings and kill
thousands of innocent civilians, NORAD has managed to track ...

Maine sailors share our waters with thousands of lobster traps.  I've
been careful, lucky & carry insurance, but don't want to to dive in
freezing water to cut off a wayward line.
My Pearson 323 has a fiberglass enclosed keel with about 7 feet from

I know that this has been discussed before but search results show that
the last time it came up here was a year ago and this stuff changes
pretty rapidly.
The last I used was DOS based so I haven't a clue what's out there now.

A friend and professional mariner passed this on to me.  Maybe it's old news
here, I haven't been following the issue. But, just in case anyone hasn't
heard:
MapTech's agreement with NOAA for raster charts has expired and NOAA has now