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On racing sailboats, we had true wind speed/direction and apparent wind speed/direction.* The insturmentation consisted of an anemometer, a wind vane, knot meter, and electronic compass.* Apparent wind speed and direction was raw data from the anemometer and wind vane.* True was calculated from...

Seems to me that I read somewhere that the conversion to a higer amp alternator was accomplished by going to a higher ampacity on the diodes. Yes? No?

Double sheaves, double belt? DS

Believing firmly that one should admit ignorance before displaying it, how often should the drive plate/damper be replaced?* How often should it be inspected? Stitch in time, etc. DS

Glacier Bay is running an ad in the April issue of "Cruising World" (pp 152) offering a "super quiet Electric Propulsion system".* Since the generator is only 25 kw, I suspect that the equivalent hp is low, suitable primarily for sail boats.* It does, however, represent the trend of the...

Forkliftt, Ive made some 12 to 14 round trips to Cozumel and Isla over the past 40 years.* Some of the trips to Cozumel were so long ago that Cancun was only a sand dune.* Cozumel is my favorite in that the population is primarily Mayan.* The Mayans are (or were) intensly proud and...

It's my understanding that there are very few ports of refuge in the southern portion of Campeche.* Get the charts and look it over.* Most of us jump from the northern coast to Isla Mujeres.* If you want to see something desolate, take a look at Contoy light as you pass.* Humphrey Bogart would...

I vote for Penta and FF.* A small 120/60 box, an inverter (it can be surprisingly small), and a suitable battery bank (which should be on board anyway) beat the risk of a propane application that is definitely NOT approved and equally UNSAFE (regardless of the planning and design surrounding the...

Flemished coils are quite handsome and have a "shippy" appearance -- however -- when a line is flemished, it is fully exposed to the sun's rays and nylon is damanged by ultraviolet.* It is far better to coil the line and hang it from your boat's railing, thus limiting exposure and also...

There have been any number if suggestions that the eye of the mooring line have at least a two foot diameter -- to allow the dock hand to drop it over a piling -- and the point made by Keith that the boat should be tied to the dock, not the opposite -- is quite appropriate. While on the subject...

FF, well done!* If the reader can't understand that, there's a REAL problem. DS

Let me second the reply from Seahorse II.* Good information, well presented.* Thanks. DS

What happens if you are not registered, that is, that you have not filled out the MMSI forms and it becomes necessary to hit the panic button?* Are you ignored -- or what? DS

Calder is pretty explicit in explaining the differences in the various battery types and the disciplines required for charging. DS

I'm surprised that they had room for anything but fuel. DS

That last site, the one showing the braid over braid splice, is an instruction that is ususally reserved for dacron lines -- which are not recommended for mooring lines.* There*IS an eight strand braid in nylon that is highly thought of by some and there is a method of splicing that type of line...

I asked before (on the OTHER site) about the feasability of puting the oil from the oil change back into the fuel tank.* Can it be done -- and if so, what precautions should/must be taken?* Should it be done"?

Another advantage to using cable/chain steering, and a major one as far as I'm concerned, is that one can "center" the wheel (helm) and KNOW that the rudder is centered.* I brought a 50 footer back to New Orleans from Miami a number of years ago using hydraulic steering and the lack of knowing...

George Buehler, in his "Troller Yacht" book talks about checking for stability by the simple means of putting all your weight as far outboard of the boat in question as possible and heaving yourself aboard.* If the boat rollls, forget it.* This may be a BIT extreme, but it's still a nominal...

Even if "Seal-A-Meal" pouches are used, should silical gel pacs be included?* Or are the pacs*even necessary? DS

A pressure cooker can do wonders in a seaway.* The food cooks quickly, stays hot, and can't "get away".* There are any number of very simple meal recipes available on line. DS

I've tried several times to get 36 owners to respond to the question of what the roll characteristics are, considering the sailboat hull.* I like the economy that the hull design engenders and I like the standing head room in the engine compartment and I like some features of the later interior...

When you're working with epoxy, put a vinyl dropcloth down on your table.* The epoxy won't stick to it. DS

I've noticed that when I've read the latest posts, that when I come back, even the next day, the same posts are still listed as unread (the orange dot).* Am I doing something wrong -- or not doing something I should? Thanks, DS

This type of mounting is apparently used fairly often in RV's.* You might take a look at an RV supply site or go to one of the RV equipment stores, if there is one in your area. DS