The lead instructor in my CG Aux flotilla used to sub-title the basic Boating Skills and Safety course "101 ways to die on the water and how to avoid them." :-) Peggie > Some auto halon systems have an > engine shut down feature. We had this on our Grand Banks.

Four Die Hards would not fit.

When you die you can't take your money with you but maybe you can take your cruising memories so I say go for it. So many islands, so little time..... Indiscipline - 1985 Wellcraft 35 Californian http://www.starrstuff.com/jim/indy.html <<")))>><<

There are more ways to die at sea than in a perfect storm. From an industry under pressure in New England, to a tale of arrogance and greed in the Bering Sea, to the tragic loss of seven young men from one community in the Irish Sea, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC takes an inside look at the world of commercial fishing.

The cockpit scuppers were fabricated from copper tubing and brass plates, bolted in place using brazing rod threaded with a hand die. The nuts were 3/8" rod sliced thinly and trhn drilled and tapped. We filed two flats on opposite sides to enable a wrench to get a crip on the round nuts as we tightened the assembly.

Tap and Die set. Used to chase rusty threads before re-assembly. Otherwise you do not get correct torque and possibly not a tight fit. The hardened dies easily cut through rusty scale, etc. The taps also cleans out the blind holes in cast iron engine blocks etc.

But it was a similar situation and the Captain did die and the boat, about 50' (I forget the name) was completely flipped over, bow over stern, going up the face of the wave and was destroyed and reduced to kindling as it washed up on the Corps of Engineers stone breakwater.

I asked for a vote on whether he should live or die. The results of the vote are a tossup, where I could cast the deciding vote. So, much for taking the matter out of my hands.

I use a die grinder--in fact they are so cheap, that I use two--one with a carbide round bit for the small blister grind out. The second with the 3 M 2" 36 grit discs in the chuck, for medium size. The large ones I use an air powered 4 to 4 1/2" grinder.

> Now, all you plastic boaters can move on--this question is for us die hard > "woodie" owners. are preparing to recaulk seams & paint the > bottom. Would like to have info on seam compounds. the desire is for the seam compound to remain flexible & remain in > good seal with the planks in the winter & not require extensive swell time > in the spring.