Richter-Pooh@rocketmail.com writes: >I'm not against the Robertsons, just wanted to help >avoid the potential problem of not having the right >tool. If I didn't have 100 lbs of SST Phillips heads >aboard, I might be tempted to switch. Mark, now that you are half converted we'll remove your picture from the post-office posters at the border crossings. Furthermore expect a giftwrap present with a red and green Robertson driver next time you cross the 49th..... Ciao - George

docmoss@tampabay.rr.com writes: >I have not found SS robertson either. Anyone else have this problem >and >know a cure. >docmoss Dear Docmoss: Someday I'll find out your real name. Meanwhile, with tongue firmly planted in cheek, let me recommend your state beomes Canada's eleventh province.... Robertson screws along with that other Candian invention: the paintroller and that little known chemical"Insulin" all come automatically with Canadian citizenship. I really have to find my asbestos suit now, eh, what? George of Scaramouche

j.morson@worldnet.att.net writes: > To remove glue and other material from screwheads I use a >dremel with a small engraving bit Ah yes, the DREMEL. Don't leave the bunker without it!! Actually I have a small blade screwdriver(in the trade at Honeywell we called it a "diddler") that is just about exactly the width of a red Robertson. With that and a gentle blow from a ball peen hammer, the contents of the screwhead flies right out. May be I got lucky, but it works for me.

elnav@uniserve.com writes: >While I don't recommend everyone play around with several liters of >sulphuric acid in open containers; it can be done with care. I always do it in the living room over a white wool carpet. You can see the effect of drops of H2SO4 almost immediately - and so can the admiral BGN

> rgano@mantech-pc.com muses: >The current plan is to take the guts of one of these carry-around >ice chests >(you know, the ones with the little metal plates for keeping food >cool) and >stick that in there as a means of holding ice a bit longer that would >otherwise be the case. Rich: I have one of these units in my ice box (came with the boat). It is physically larger than the ones in the Coolatron (that's what we call solid state refrigeration around here) and draws 5 amps at 12 V when running (which is all the time in the summer). Without it, a block of ice lasts one day - with the unit running continuously, the same block of ice will last about two days. Used without ice, the unit will keep my beer lukecold (that is a little better than lukewarm but not much). I thought about putting a second one of these units in my ice box but haven't found a supplier. What I am trying to say is: These units are woefully inadequate and power-hogs to boot. A few years ago I investigated the insulation in my ice box and - like you - found cheap white styrofoam. I added one inch of blue polyurethane all around which helped considerably albeit cost me some storage space. This year I might add another inch of blue polyurethane inside the box plus a layer of the aluminum covered foil pack insulation. The problem with solid state or Peltier effect refrigeration is that it can at best create a difference of 20 degrees from the ambient air. So, if the temperature inside your cabin is 50 degrees F, your cooler will pull down to near freezing. If on the other hand the air is 80, your beer will be as I said "lukecold". :-) George of Scaramouche, Lake Ontario, Canada, who keeps most of his beer drinkable by hanging it overboard in a net or on ropes. (Those waters are cccold :-)

A few days ago someone talked about a chemical they add to their batteries to cure sulfation and it works for them. Dummy me did not write down the name of the product. Could someone less forgetful than I please resend the info? TIA - George of Scaramouche

HallquistS@immunex.com writes: >A U.S. citizen does need to hold a Restricted Radiotelephone >Operator's >Permit (RROP) )to transmit legally on VHF frequencies in Canada >from a >vessel. See http://www.ncf.ca/boating/us.html. > >An RROP costs $50. I know because I just received mine. It >basically is a >wallet-sized piece of paper that has your name on it. No test is >required, >just an application indicating your name and address I find that disconcerting. A Canadian needs a similar licence -ROC. But you need to take a course and pass an examination. The idea is - I am told - to educate the operator in clear and conscise use of language and especially emergency procedures, correct use of calling channel etc, and avoid the "Breaker - breaker, got your ears on good buddy" type conversations from the highway CBs. George of Scaramouche on Lake Ontario, Canada

jim_donohue@computer.org writes: > What Industry Canada says - speaking of >Canadian recreational boats is: I know all of this but what I am trying to get into everybody's head is that there are two issues: The one of the station license, issued to a boat, not a person - adequately covered by your comments. But and a big BUT: There is the issue of the operators competence certificate. It is called a ROC (restricted operators certificate) it is a separate paper, issued to a person, not to a boat and that is required in both countries. How many more times do I have to say TWO, two, 2, 2, 2, 2, eh? George of Scaramouche on Lake Ontario

Please pass this on to Harold Hough - tks, George Geist runninmatt@mindspring.com writes: >Thanks, George! I also just received mine from Hy-Plant 2 days ago. > Mine >is called the "RainStick." I'm very pleased with it. This is the >first >time the little "hole" where my bilge pump sits has been completely >dry -- >and it was so easy with the RainStick. > >One word of caution: I also bought the little "Spout Adapter Kit" >which >reduces the end to a little hose. It makes it much easier to get >into tight >spaces or pick up the last little bit of water. Unfortunately, it >doesn't >seal well onto the end of the RainStick. When I was purging the >water from >the RainStick into the bay, the adapter came off and sunk >immediately. I'm >going to order a new one and clamp it on with a hose clamp. > >BTW, I ordered it from their website: www.therainstick.com >(No affiliation, of course.) > >Matt Behrens >Prince of Tides

runninmatt@mindspring.com writes: >Does this smell with Espars bother anyone else? Only everyone near them who have to inhale their exhaust fumes....