Boat Forum / Cruising / October 2007

I recently moved my boat from New Zealand (cold water) to Tonga (very
warm water) and I am now experiencing very low oil pressure at
operating temperature at idle.  The engine is a Volvo Penta AD31B and
I am not sure of the hours on the engine.  As the engine has seperate

Based on the below info, only ULSD diesel fuel is available in the U.S.
since June this year. While it is not yet mandated for marine use - it is
evidently the only diesel fuel we can purchase in marinas.
Is this correct?

I'm helping my dear old Dad with his Gand Banks 42'.  When he bought it a
couple seasons back, it came equiped with an autopilot that looks like it
hasn't been used in some time & is probably cira 1979 like the boat.  It is
not serviceable.

After posting here that I have nothing good to say about Raymarine from my
autopilot experience, it's only fair to post that I now do have something
good to say.
I got a call from the tech today and the unit is being shipped back under

I received this email today from the American Sailing Association regarding
changes to it's policy to insure instructors.
-Ray
Dear ASA Instructor,

Who says you can't have a good time cruising late in a Maine fall?
I took off sort of on the spur of the moment when unexpectedly sudden
acceptance of an idea I proposed cleared up half of Thursday and Friday.
Had a very pleasant sail up to Boothbay Harbor.  The high point was ...

BlankBoat yard operator put on a for sale sign on the bow area oif my boat.  On removal of the duct tape that secured the sign, there is a gummy ,gray residue over a few inches in length. What is the proper liquid or compound to remove this adhesive residue without damaging the ...

Larry or anybody,
As you may have read elsewhere, I need to add limit switches to my ST1000
Tiller Pilot to keep it from self-destructing.  I can't use the limit switch
circuits I'm used to from aircraft flaps and similar mechanisms because

Removing Black Streak marks
for years I had trouble removing these black streak marks on the freeboard
of my sailboats.
The only thing that work was to use a mild compound and wax after.

You don't need them unless you're the typical fat sweat hog one
sees these days cruising around in their floating condos. Eating,
sweating, complaining how they can't sleep (is it any wonder they
can't breathe when horizontal - too much fat on their necks and in

For the last couple of months, my sailing club has been trying to get
me to buy a new 35' cruising boat to lease back to them.  As a result,
I've researched sailboat purchasing, operating expenses, taxes,
financing and depreciation.  After reviewing their offer as well as

I am heading to La Paz Mex to sail the Sea of Cortez for a week in February.
I have been there before but just did the recomended touristy things.  Can
anyone give me some inside information as to anchorages, side trips, dingy
excursions, snorkling locations etc..  I am also ...

Have any of you re-fitted with a split backstay tensioner?  Can you share details about how you
installed/reinforced the attachments through the deck?

Speaking of safety equip my Viking RescYou 6 man offshore just
arrived.
Since liferafts require special handling and ground transport Fedex
might seem the best way to ship if you look at cost....and they claim

Ok, how's about a bridal from the bow to the stern with a riding block
that will allow you to adjust the angle from bow to stern.  Use two
50% para drouges in series, spaced on a 10X's your boat length line
with a mid line sinker and chain sinker leader..??