mbird

Ah, but we all know the beauty is in the eye of the beer-holder....

Thanks David, the voice of reason as always! I'm probably overthinking things at this stage anyway, so I'll just have to see what transpires once I've established which route we are taking with new plotters & radar.

Hmmm, that's then brought up another point with the autopilot. It is quite and old Autohelm ST5000 system, which doesn't have a course computer, just a fluxgate, a rudder position transducer and a head unit connected to a hydraulic pump. I think all it can do is receive GPS location and route data from the plotter. It's a very basic system, but should it still interface with new kit do you think?

Fantastic! Looks like a Sealine SC35!

Just found quite a good explanation here http://www.actisense.com/Downloads/TechTalk/NMEA%200183/The%20NMEA%200183%20Information%20Sheet.pdf

Thanks James, any info is helpful!

Thanks David. I knew my understanding was fairly simplistic. I had assumed that a device could listen to several different types of information through just one in port, and the sentences were used to seperate out the various types of info. The new kit I am thinking of installing does have the latest Raymarine Seatalk ports, and NMEA2000, as well as 2 NMEA0183 ports, but only one of these is an "out" port. I am guessing the autopilot would use the 0183 network for track data, but also the DSC VHF would need to as well for position data. Am I correct in thinking that both the listeners could be connected to this single talking port? My head hurts already!

As an NMEA novice, I wondered if you experts could clarify something for me..... All I have ever done with regard NMEA in the past is to connect my DSC VHF to my plotter for position polling. With the new boat, I am intending to revamp the nav equipment, as there is only a plotter/radar up on the flybridge and a 20 year old Autohelm Navcentre at the lower helm. There are depth/log repeaters up on the flybridge, and also autopilot control via a ST7001 controller upstairs and and ST5000 controller downstairs. I know that NMEA0183 is the way the older equipment communicates, and I think I understand that this is done by the various instruments transmitting "sentences". If I've got this right, the "sentence" is actually a three character identification followed by a value. So, for example, a depth display would transmit the sentence for depth followed by the actual depth value. I assume therefore that the receiving equipment must listen out for the sentences that it can receive and ignore the rest? Does this therefore mean that the sentences are being sent continuously from the originating instrument, whether anything is listening to is or not? I know this may all sound a bit basic, but I'm just trying to understand how the protocol works before I start ripping out wires

That's the ironic thing though Neil, there are thousands of moorings in Brundall, just none of them public! Hire craft are best off trying one of the hire yards I suspect, and even though Maffetts are non hire federation, I'm sure you could get into one of them even if it means paying for it.

I don't think they allow hire craft in though John. Brundall is a bit limited for moorings. You've either got Coldham Hall, Brundall Gardens, mudweight in Surlingham broad, or go upstream a bit further to Surlingham ferry or the public moorings opposite there. I think that's about it if you can't get into any of the hire yards.

How can you tell how big it is? It's dark!!

That could also be a Barn owl. They don't hoot or twit-twoo like other owls, but make a piercing scream noise.

No idea at the moment. Could be a design issue, or a temporary stability issue if they had a lot of wet concrete around. I'm sure it'll be thouroughly investigated. I can imagine there are PI insurance companies everywhere looking into it......

Just heard through the grapevine that a steel structure came down yesterday in Ilford. It was fabricated by one of my clients near Norwich, and drawn by a chap I know that does the same work as I do for them. Thankfully no one was hurt, as it collapsed just a few minutes after everyone finished for the day! http://www.london24.com/news/ilford_city_gates_building_collapse_search_for_casualties_continuing_1_1193958

Seems a lot of money for a 1990 boat. My 1994 Sealine 310 is around the same price with later twin 200hp Volvo AD41's in it, and you wouldn't have to transport it from Holland!!

Hmm, maybe this should be in the tech sections, but just had a look at the Sterling Power galvanic isolators and notice they come with different amp ratings. As my shore power is the standard 16A, I assume there is little to be gained from buying the 30A isolator?

Thanks David. I do not have one at the moment, but I can see an investment being made......

Just showing my ignorance here, is fitting a galvanic isolator as simple as connecting it inline to the shore-power earth cable?

Sorry, but from my experience the welfare system is pants for those that truly need it. When I was made redundant in 2008 I signed on at the Job Centre only to be told that I was entitled to the grand total of £68 per week Job Seeker Allowance. Out of that I was expected to be able to pay all my bills, my mortgage and feed my family. I decided very quickly to try to become self-employed but to add insult to injury, I had to declare as soon as I worked over 16 hours per week (even if it was voluntary and unpaid) which meant I went for two months without a single penny of income. Bearing in mind the redundancy money I received was the absolute minumum permitted by law, it was a very dark time indeed. How people manage to survive on benefit is beyond me!

I agree it is a horrible sight to see litter in the river, and in no way to be condoned. However, it is a city centre river, so it's almost to be expected I would say due to the inherent lazyness of the human species.

That's a new one on me. I'll have to look out for it!

Per engine!!!!

Bizarre, but cute!

I'd be more worried about the ear defenders, safety glasses and gas mask you'd have to wear at the helm, but I still want a go!!!

No issue with towing or bbq'ing really, but the camping bit could give you an issue. I have seen people camping at BA moorings before (mainly sailers from open cockpit yachts and half-deckers) so it is done, but whether it's actually allowed or not is another matter. Bear in mind that the majority of the river bank is private land and you can see there could be some issues. I know the chap at Wayford Bridge who hires canoes (Banks Boats) used to hire canoes for long weekend type camping trips and has negotiated with local landowners permission to camp, so it may be worth contacting him to see if he can give you any suggestions.