Plans
In my last post (Deck repair question) I was writing about the inadequacies of our chainplate and particularly of the backing plate that have caused the only cracks in our deck. I shared it on the Rival Association's private FaceBook group and got some really helpful responses. It
Plans
We have some slight cracking around one chainplate (although "chainplate" doesn't feel the right description for what is essentially an eye bolt). When you look at the backing plate the reason for the crack is obvious. Two stacked backing plates and one has moved. I'
Appliances
With the our commitment to Zero fossil fuel sailing we have been having to review and update our initial Solar plan. Designing our Solar Arch has been part of that. The traditional "passive" approach to solar is not going to work for us. By that I mean the
Electric
We have been trying to work out a design for a solar arch for a very very long time. Designs have come and gone multiple times. When I wrote our Solar Plan back in September, I said "I haven’t quite given up on putting panels off the back
Electric
I'm really pleased with where we have reached today. I took the plunge and started the other panels for the motor frame. Both the front and back panels are made up of 2x 3mm panels as I couldn't find 6mm sheet stainless steel. Turns out that
Environmental
One of the most visible conflicts when aiming for Sustainability in almost any area, is between it and Speed. The obvious starting place is speed in terms of moving fast, where the sustainability cost is clear and huge. Speed never comes free. All forms of transport require significantly more energy
Electric
So we have the main components for the reduction gears for our electric motor. Note that in the picture the items are laid out on their side, in reality the electric motor will be above the reduction box shaft. On the left is a sheet of paper representing the electric
Plans
So tonight is another wet and windy night. Currently forecast says gusts of upto 45mph which is almost the top of a Beaufort force 8 gale. A bit warmer than a few nights ago with a minimum of 5°C. We are snug inside with our wallpaper panel heaters on,
Environmental
So despite Storm Dennis we have arrived at Vida for a few days work during Jane's half term holiday. The electricity cards had run out after 16 days but clearly the heating has done a great job. Last visit we discovered the leaks from the old dorade ventilation
Electric
Among sailors, diesel engines have become so ubiquitous that few seem to be able to imagine any alternative. Yet, of course, that hasn't always been the case. However, during my lifetime we have seen them steadily increasing in power and boats becoming more dependent on them, not just
Plans
While we absolutely love our aft cabin there are a few things we have realised could be improved. * Access into the heads compartment is very very tight when the double bed is made (and we keep it made because we only use it as our bed). * It is a high
