Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[pigtin]

Remember me telling on Aug14 How the Horse Mackerel (Scad) I caught could have won me 'fish of the month' well... I've just found out it would have taken the all-time record at the club for this species and resulted in a cash prize and large bottle of whisky.
(maybe even a knighthood )

Don.
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Due to the onset of my mid eighties I'm no longer sprightly and rarely seen in my Austin special. I have written a book though. https://amzn.eu/d/7rwRRqL

[pigtin]

Stardate 23/8/2008. Ninth voyage of the ‘Sea Breezes’ to boldly go etc’ etc’…
There were conflicting weather reports but Cap’n Don (surprisingly) plumped for the right one and we set sail at 3pm with the wind decreasing, as forecasted.
The slipway was relatively clear of pestilential jet skiers: the rather worrying amount of weed having frightened them off. Our recently serviced engine started immediately and we purred towards the harbour mouth, opening the throttle as we hit the open sea. After a few hundred yards we had to stop and remove the auxiliary motor from the new, cunningly contrived, transom mounting… Cap’n Don had got it wrong and the angle of the boat was causing it to drag in the water.
We dropped anchor about two miles off Bishopstone and started to fish; although the weed was troublesome we caught Codling, Bass and a few Eels before it became too bad. When we had dropped anchor we little knew it was the last we would ever see of it: it may have been snagged but I suspect several hundredweight of weed to be the reason. The sun had started to set so I sent the crew up the sharp end with a sharp knife; weeping a little, as the expensive anchor, chain and several yards of rope were consigned to the deep.
On my return to Chateau Pigtin last night, I used my last reserves of energy to clean and gut the Cod and Bass.
This morning I still have three Eels glaring balefully at me from a bucket, as they await my attention.
_________________
Due to the onset of my mid eighties I'm no longer sprightly and rarely seen in my Austin special. I have written a book though. https://amzn.eu/d/7rwRRqL

[peter scott]

I can see a satellite positioning and vectored thrust system getting discussed shortly.

Peter

[Penman]

Hi
When you get your new anchor fasten another rope at the business end, there should be an eye for this near the business end/hinge if you are using a Danforth or Plough type, then if you get a snag you should be able to pull it out by hauling on that rope instead of the one from the top of the arm.

[pigtin]

You're right Penman. The Danforth I was using had this originally but I thought I could do without it, in view of the seabed in this area being mostly sand. It was almost certainly a huge buildup of weed caused the problem and having a trip rope probably wouldn't have saved it this time.
I might go back to the rig I used in the 70s: with a Admiralty pattern (fishermans anchor) tied at the nose with a 'break link' on the shaft ring.

Don.
_________________
Due to the onset of my mid eighties I'm no longer sprightly and rarely seen in my Austin special. I have written a book though. https://amzn.eu/d/7rwRRqL

[Rick]

Any more nautical outings in the good ship Sea Breezes Don?

RJ
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[pigtin]

Hi Rick,
Sadly, the good ship Sea Breezes remains in dry dock: EU legislation, fish quotas, the price of fuel etc’ could all have made their contributions… but didn’t.
Truth be told: I’ve got a bad back and need to get a little fitter, and find a younger fitter boat buddy to accompany me, before I can rule the estuary again.
Just finished a course of physio’ and the results seem promising.


Don.
_________________
Due to the onset of my mid eighties I'm no longer sprightly and rarely seen in my Austin special. I have written a book though. https://amzn.eu/d/7rwRRqL

[TTotal]

Sounds a hoot ! Let me know if you need any nautical advice - 30 odd years of being in the UK marine undustry with boat builders and the press.

Here is the sort of boat that I would expect on here...






Taken 2007 at the Beale Park Boat Show, just superb!

Cheers
John
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[pigtin]

Hi TTotal,

Love those old mahogany boats. Having been brought up on the Arthur Ransomes 'Swallows and Amazons" stories I can imagine summers days on the Windermere, or even the Thames at Henley.
_________________
Due to the onset of my mid eighties I'm no longer sprightly and rarely seen in my Austin special. I have written a book though. https://amzn.eu/d/7rwRRqL

[TTotal]

Aye, but just think of the up keep every year new varnish...
All that rubbing for hours!


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[pigtin]

Brown shrimp are massing off Hampton beach and the memsahib has gone off xmas shopping with the modern. Sounds like a job for 'Grievous' the Sprite.
With the hood down I could transport the net without dismantling it but...
the best laid plans etc' An onshore wind had sprung up and the little b*****s had pushed off to deeper water.


_________________
Due to the onset of my mid eighties I'm no longer sprightly and rarely seen in my Austin special. I have written a book though. https://amzn.eu/d/7rwRRqL

[pigtin]

Well, this is the time of year when I have to look hard and long at my boating activities (if any) in the coming year. I was faced with the prospect of buying a small modern auxiliary outboard, to replace the ancient Seagull. Though charming; gives me little confidence in getting back to port should the main engine fail, and the weather gets rough.
I have decided to fit a sturdy new transom bracket and use the old 9.8hp Mercury I already have. The extra weight at the back of the boat tips the balance of the trailer, so I also have to move the axle back six inches.
My second big worry is starting the main engine: The memsahib insists that that pulling the starter rope will give me a heart attack, and I must confess I don’t enjoy it either. Last night I took the plunge and ordered a starter motor, solenoid and rectifier on ebay. I know damn all about outboard motors and everyone has been telling me that upgrading an outboard to electric start costs so much, it’s cheaper to buy another motor with the starter already fitted, but my 1986 Mercury 18XD has only done a few hours work and is ‘as new’.
I am told that: in addition the £200 already spent; there are lots more expensive parts needed. I can't work out what else there is I couldn’t make myself?
I will have the parts by the end of the week and post the project stage by stage.
It’s a little off the usual run of topics but, if no one objects, I will try to call on the expertise of other forum members to help me out if I get stuck.

Cap’n Don.
_________________
Due to the onset of my mid eighties I'm no longer sprightly and rarely seen in my Austin special. I have written a book though. https://amzn.eu/d/7rwRRqL

[Rick]

ahoy there, sounds good! your nautical narratives always entertain

R
_________________
Rick - Admin
Home:https://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk
Videos:https://www.youtube.com/user/oldclassiccarRJ/videos
OCC & classic car merchandise (Austin, Ford ++):
https://www.redbubble.com/people/OldClassicCar/shop

[peter scott]

[pigtin]

Thanks Peter: another oversight, I shall have to look on ebay again.
Balancing the weight is no problem, I'm sitting the memsahib up the front
_________________
Due to the onset of my mid eighties I'm no longer sprightly and rarely seen in my Austin special. I have written a book though. https://amzn.eu/d/7rwRRqL