alexh@gte.net writes: >I suspect that motor may have been capable of pushing North America >at about >4 kts. Apparently it pushed some of the "D-Day" fleet across the British Channel - probably at about 4 knots... George of Scaramouche

Nunas@pacific.net.sg writes: >Seems to me that these much talked about batterie pulsers are perhaps >just that: unfiltered raw D/C fresh out of a half-wave rectifier? Dear M & L Nunas: After reading your techie version of the pulse-circuit ("Pulsar" was an attempt at humour, but no-one seems to want to pick on me today), I retract my above statement. I thank you for the explanation - I actually understand this (used to be a mainframe computer techie). Now if the output is simply a short duration spike of about 60 volts, why not take line voltage A/C through a limiting resistor and an SCR with a very short trigger. No transformer, no coil, no MOSFET, nothing but simplicity... Think I'll work on that as a winter project maybe next year or the year after that or so. Procrastinatingly - George of Scaramouche

jim_donohue@computer.org writes: >Other than that I like your design. Jim, I hope you realize that I kept tongue firmly planted in cheek when I wrote that piece. Furthermore all the while I was staring at an already built device right in front of me: It's called a light dimmer. Only I believe it uses a TRIAC instead of an SCR. All day today we had sunshine and it was shirtsleeve weather in the marina. First really day of spring. People were cutting holes in their plastic boat covers and a pair of Mallard Ducks has decided that my boat would make a great nesting place. Mama Duck has sofar layed five eggs into a bed build out of shredded polyurethane. Anyone has any idea how long hatching time is for duck eggs? What a way to start Easter Week and Passover - think we'll have a great summer! Oh yes I checked three of my four marginal (winter-neglect) batteries after a few days of charging with the cheapest automotive battery charger (probably a transformer and a few diodes). Result: Every cell is measuring GOOD with my equally cheap hygrometer. And they are holding their charge. Perhaps there is something to that comment by my old college instructor ' to use raw, unfiltered DC for battery charging/rejuvenating. After all we are 'pulsing' in that mode, n'est ce pas? Anyway electronic projects, pulsers et al are on hold until next winter at least. There are waves and wind to play with for now!!! George of Scaramouche on Lake Ontario

michaelg@seadreamer.net writes: >I used Wood Pro from West Marine (kind of a Cetol Lite substitute) >and it >didn't hold up. In a typical fit of poor timing, I had just oiled >the teak >in January then I decided to varnish in May. I cleaned and sanded >and >after three coats of satin and one of gloss and one PNW winter, it >is >coming off. I would contact the Cetol people for advice what went wrong. We here in the Great Lakes Region have similar weather as you (I used to live in Prince Rupert and Vancouver). Many of us here in the marina use the original Cetol or its copy-cat Armada. We follow the manufacturers instructions and have no problems. I personally use it on all my outside teak (grab rails, cockpit trim). I originally painted on three coats and follow-up once a year with a light rubdown and one additional coat. It doesn't look "varnished", it looks "cetoled" and that suits me just fine. George of Scaramouche

jim_donohue@computer.org writes: >Number of people = (boat length (ft.) x boat >width (ft.)> / 15 That would put 16 people on my Hullmaster 27. In actuality two get into each other's way - unless, of course, she is very friendly... George the Hermit

davegdmn@earthlink.net writes: ... >until you get that brown plastic look ... I don't know what you guys are doing. Ever since being introduced to Cetol/Armada by a brush wielding neighbour in 1995, I have been using Armada (less stain and a bit cheaper) and have yet to see brown or plastic. My teak and some mahogany look just like lightly oiled wood, no peeling and eminently grippable even when wet (grabrails, cockpit steps etc). T'aint varnish shiny enough to see your reflection in it, so I use a plastic mirror to look at my beautiful face.... ...and starry nights make me dream... George of Scaramouche

richarda@ix.netcom.com writes: >As usual, you listees are helpful. >It appears the router is the tool of choice. >I sort of figured that, I just wanted to be sure I wasn't missing >some great alter n >ative. >I will now need to get me a router as all my power tools went I >moved on board. >Thanks much FWIW: I just purchased a router attachment for my Dremel tool for about $25 CDN. If you already have a Dremel, this might be something to try. George of Scaramouche

zeekstah@ktc.com writes: >Would whomever posted the piece earlier about the "turkey >baster-rain stick" >be kind enough to resend it to me. I deleted it by mistake. >Actually, all I >need is the website. That would be I. However I don't do "webs" but can give you the e-mail address: hyplant@therainstick.com P.s: The item is called 'The Boat and Cottage Companion' and if you are interested I can send you a JPEG of their one page flyer by separate mail - just say the word. Oh yes, I am not connected to the company except that their premises are in the same marina where I keep my boat - and I own and use the " Boat Companion" George of Scaramouche

diplodocus1@worldnet.att.net writes: >listen to the >Canadian Weather Service automated VHF weather voice. Perfectly >clear, >educated voice I don't know which Canadian weather-guessers you listen to. The one I get on Lake Ontario (CCG Cornwall) has indeed a clear educated voice, very monotonous though and it puts me to sleep within minutes. I am simply unable to concentrate on what the voice says and sometimes have to play the announcement two or three times to capture the forecast. Is it only I or are there others with that problem? George of Scaramouche

thesiegels@erols.com writes: >Old 2 HP Suzuki gave up after 17 yrs. Looking for replacement. >Anyone >familiar with Nissan OB's of this size. Any suggestions re: choice >of >Nissan, Mercury, Yamaha,etc. for powering inflatable for relatively >short trips. Light weight and easy starting is important as well as >initial cost. I have an older 2 hp Yamaha on my inflatable. When it goes, I'll probably go electric. Number of people in our marina have done so and are quite happy (cost, weight, noise, smell) - also useful for sneaking up on wildlife - feathered and others.... George of Scaramouche ...and starry nights make me dream ... vG