[So which camera?]

Hi

After some research I have narrowed the search. Well I had until I came across a Sony A57. I was impressed by the fast focusing and image stabilisation built into the body rather than the lens - for on the boat shots I guess both these features will be helpful, not to mention the ability to use cheaper non VR lenses.

Any opinions?

Wayne

[The old girl has gone.]

Hi Paul

Bridgid Mary was always a familar sight as we passed out of the adventure gate.

Best of luck with the new boat.

best regards

Wayne

PS - dont forget..if you need crew

[So which camera?]

Thanks Alan

I didnt even consider that they might fit - great idea

[So which camera?]

Hi all

I am getting a bit fed up with pictures of our little adventures from the iphone so I thought I might like to get back into SLR photography. Years ago I used (still have!) a Canon AE-1 program and enjoyed a spot of photography so I think I can remember some of the basics. Looking around on ebay there seems to be such a bewildering selection that I though I would ask opinions.

I know the first thing that is going to be asked is what is your budget? - And that is the first thing I dont know - I am more interested to know what I NEED to spend in order to get something Mid range with suitable lenses.

I guess for the boating side I will need a bit of an all-rounder - something that is ok for action shots as well as landscapes etc.

What advice can you guys offer?

thanks

Wayne

[Florida Charter]

Look like it was a fantastic trip guys - love to do that one day. And you had Broads blue water too

[3mph limit at BA moorings?]

I will stand up and say that I have a lot of respect for Mark both as a skipper and a considerate person. Obviously I was not there but find it hard to believe that he intentionally caused wash of such a nature to cause distress

WAYNE

[3mph limit at BA moorings?]

Under colregs you should have given way Ian - being still attached by his rope he was obviously restricted in his ability to manoeuvre

Oops sorry we seem to have hijacked the thread ... Now about this wash..

[3mph limit at BA moorings?]

... A saily backed out of his berth in front of us:

They do that Ian - but we all get along

[3mph limit at BA moorings?]

There already is a wash height restriction

Wayne

[3mph limit at BA moorings?]

... one thing i've notice is when a large number of gin palaces goes past to oulton broad to fast the combination of waves makes it worse (many of wich have 2011 tax stickers). unfortunatly the ba only warn about speeding to keep harmony

Hi Gary

Gin palaces...?? tar brush etc?? - You may be surprised to learn that most of us are not Hooray Henry's, but just ordinary people who work hard. In my experience of cruising with various groups most of us DO try and consider other river users - and that includes Anglers and Sailies!

It is also my experience that even some of the small day boats make MORE wash than the "GIN PALACES" when they push tide.

I dont see the relevance of the "tax sticker" to this particular debate.

There is of course no excuse for idoicy, from whatever group of river users - and I am all sure we can all cite examples, but like it or not we do all have to rub along together.

I guess you are a "tax" payer in which case you will have recieved a copy of the broads newsletter which indicates that the BA DO indeed fine people for speeding. http://www.broads-authority.gov.uk/broa ... b_2012.pdf

I sympatise with the OP and consider his suggestion to be reasonable but for the reasons stated in replys agree that it would unworkable in fast tides where steerage needs to be maintained.

[Darn South]

You really did pick the right week

[Brooms of Brundall]

And dont forget they have a small chandlery / provisions store around the back - the Broom Cupboard - pick up an ice cream or some of the spares they are selling off at a bargain!

Baz and I are both filling up this week - that may help them a little

["The blind leading the blind" - Dejavu]

That takes me back Dave - in fact I met her indoors on the CB!

[Walton Backwaters]

Thanks Perry

Very useful as the Backwaters is one of our favorite places and we hope to be visiting soon. Be interested as to what "significantly " means

Look forward to David's mapping before we attempt it

regards

Wayne

[Oulton Broad Meet, Sat 21st April 2012]

Great weekend - as always.

Nice to meet some new people too!

Many thanks to John for organising -(sorry John did not get chance to say good bye - but it was the usual "3-2-1 go" type departure)

all

Wayne, Tracy and Maggot

[Easter Weekend and a first dip in the salt]

You certainly had big grins on your faces as we passed each other at the bridge - I am sure more excitement than relief!

rgds

Wayne

[Watto and Spooky]

Hi all

I have been doing a few jobs this weekend and needed to remove a panel that looked as if it had not been off since the boat was built. On the underside in chalk was a (hopefully tongue in cheek) message obviously by one of the workers - it read "P*ss off Watto - love Spooky XXX"

I wonder who Watto and Spooky are ?

But what a great find - we were most amused.

Wayne

[Holiday Plans]

Still planning on Holland

[THE JOYS OF WINTER BOATING]

Nice to see you out on the river Trevor - seems we are always going in oppostire directions lol

[Walton Backwaters]

Hope that does get (sensitivly) dregged - a great spot to visit. Going in between the can and the beach was a little worrying though!

[VHF]

Thanks David

Thinking on I might be a little too clumsy for a mic that is not attached to anything . As you say it makes sense to interface the existing kit so its probably the raymarine 240E. Have seen some on ebay from time to time but they seem to make not that much short of a new one.

Wayne

[VHF]

Thanks (I think ) David

I have a new Standard Horizion GX-300E with MMSI never input. However it is quite a bulky unit and I want to tidy my helm hence the thought to go modular. I like the idea of the wireless but cannot find anything. I have RM Nav gear so I guess it makes sense to go with the 240E after all.

regards

Wayne

[VHF]

Hi

I am looking at changing my VHF for a modular system - either the Raymarine 240E or the Garmin 300i . Has anybody any experiance with either of these?

Wayne

[Red Diesel - UK Only]

Thanks Luke

Holland it is then - sod Poirot!

The HMRC guy was saying that Tax laws are "local" laws which is why they can continue with the 60/40 rule. As I see it the difficulty comes on a practical basis - I accept the local laws, taxation and for that matter culture of a country I visit. However you cant just swap from red to white just like that. The Dutch seem to have, for now at least recognised that and adopted a sensible approach to the matter.

Wayne

[Red Diesel - UK Only]

Based on the fact I guess Marinas wont be too keen to change as the red is still ok for U.K waters the interesting bit is how are we going to change from red to white in the north sea and flush the tanks.

I spoke to HMRC who suggest that when we fill up in the uk we split the duty paid to cover the amount we will have in our tanks on arrival at the foreign waters at the full rate. The issue then remains that the laws of the foreign country apply in their waters and we could still be fined for having red in the tanks although duty has been paid. They suggested we contact (in our case) the Dutch customs direct to find out how they would hand this situation which I will do and post their reply just as soon as I found out why my telephone system wont let me make international calls!

rgds

Wayne