jsware@uswest.net writes: > We chose epoxy and I called the epoxy manufacturer for directions >and assurance that we were applying it right. The downside is that >the original application (after sanding) of epoxy (three coats) , >primer (one coat) and paint (two coats) was as labor intensive as a >good varnish finish. At this point I have to get on my soap-box and start saying: "Armada/Cetol". Once you are down to bare wood, coat with three (3) coats of Armada matte, sanding lightly between coats. That's it. Do not apply more coats, do not use gloss. Then once a year, after a very light sanding, coat with one (1) coat of Armada matte. That's it - finished for another year. Armada/Cetol is a wood sealer/preservative. It is NOT a varnish. It does not produce a high gloss but instead gives a satin finish that stays grippy even when wet. The product works like a semipermeable membrane - allowing the wood to breathe, but excluding actual water. I have used both Armada and Cetol on exterior teak on a number of boats (used to operate a sailboat rental business) and am quite pleased with the results and the ease of maintenance. I do not own stock in Armada or Cetol (but wished I would).... George of Scaramouche on Lake Ontario, Canada

jleslie@ieee.org writes: >George, >Did you use Armada or Cetol for teak decks or swimsteps? How do you >think >that they will hold up to the traffic? >Thanks Joel Got neither of the above. My trawler - as I've admitted before - is still canvass powered.... Only outside teak I got is grab-rails, companion way and some decorative cockpit trim. Inside, where teak abounds, I use Boiled Linseed Oil like my father and my fathers father have always used on rare woods. Outside, after having used up my first can of Cetol years ago, I now use only Armada, mostly because it's considerably cheaper. George

RBourke@aol.com writes: >I am looking for helpful techniques to install a Depth finder >sensor. For example, where is the best place for the sensor? Installed mine last summer near midship and at a place inside the hull that was close to horizontal. Bedded it in plenty of G.E. Silicone compound to avoid airbubbles between the sensor and the hull. Even though the sensor is not "looking" perfectly straight down, it seems to work quite well in depth up to 60 ft (I don't care about deeper readings). My hull is fiberglass and about 3/8 thick where I installed the sensor. Ciao - Scaramouche P.s: The sensor warned me in plenty of time last summer before I hit the rocks and took a chunk out off my keel - only I ignored its "Beep" because I was being distracted elsewhere....

captnwil@coastalnet.com writes: >It is a Nimble Boat >Wanderer 32 "Trawler" version. A friend of mine used to operate a small rental fleet of trailerable Nimbles - designed by Ted Brewer. He still dreams and talks about those boats and I personally would buy one sight unseen because of what I heard about them. In any case, Ted Brewer couldn't do anything wrong (in my book). I sail and liveaboard on a Hullmaster 27, a total Brewer design and build in Picton, Canada. If you ever talk to Brewer again, tell him that he has several livelong admirers here in Toronto. Ciao - George of Scaramouche on Lake Ontario, Canada

JE1449@aol.com writes: >As we are coming from a Pearson 35, w/ the barest of a 12 volt >"electrical" >system we (at least initially) won't be expecting a whole lot, Don't reaslly know what a NorCold is, but I got something that would fit that name very well. It is an ice box that has a thermal cooling unit which uses 5 Amps at 12 V without really cooling very well. With a 4 lb block of ice, it will keep my beer at an adequate temperature for two days in the summer. Has anyone got experience with these "thermal units" (no compressor) and is there a way to improve their efficiency???? George

Thataway@aol.com writes: >At best the piewster (?) principle (not the Norcold refrigerator) > used in these boxes will lower the >temperature about 15 to 20 degrees from the ambient. I used one as >an >auxiliary for dockside and short trips in a unit with a holding >plate in the >freezer. I would not consider using one again. >Bob Austin Yeah, that's about what that one will do for me (and I dont know how to spell that either). As I said, I use it with a block of ice on short trips and do without on long ones, or mostly do without long trips. Have thought of installing a real unit but am severly space limited (27 ft sailboat - wannabee trawler later on). Gg

One cruising friend of mine has given this advise: Go to your nearest public library. Almost anywhere there are internet facilities. Make sure you have an account with a service provider, pay for your 30 minutes or so access at the library (and the taxi to get there) and pick up your e-mail. Works for me here in Canada and was recommended by a cruiser from Florida who used it all over the Grand Circle Tour. (I forgot his name but he drives an Albin 27 - maybe he'll jump in here (and forgive me). George of Scaramouche

jgaquin@ici.net writes: >This may be old news to many, but I've just found that Cetol is >available through standard (non-Marine) paint stores at about half >the >cost. Additionally, it is available in a variety of shades (avoiding >the orange cast, I suppose), and two different levels of top coat, >depending on desired wear and abrasion resistance. Does anyone have >experience with this side of things? I've never seen it mentioned in >any of the Cetol threads online, but the fellow at my local paint >store (not a chain) insists that the undercoat, at least, is the same >formulation as the marine version, and I believe that's where the UV >protection is. Am I correct here? Have heard that same comment from my local paint store, but haven't tried the product. Armada, the Canadian equivalent to Cetol is so inexpensive and has proved itself so well on my boat, has no orange tint and is easy to apply; therefore why bother experimenting? George, using Armada since 1995

EBHanna@worldnet.att.net writes: >and only a little about computers (and, of those, only Macs). >So be gentle with me That alone makes you a good friend of many of us -welcome! George, a dedicated MacHead.... P.s: I don't use any computer for navigation. I get much more of a kick by taking bearings with manual instruments, then rolling out the paper charts and marking them up with parallel rulers and a sharp pencil. Occasionally though, I cheat and look at my Loran C to verify that I really am where I think I am. I have a an older powerbook on the boat as a typewriter and an even older Quadra at home as a Photoshop/Quark and e-mail machine. Real primitive!

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