AlorMaria@aol.com writes: > My question is the same as someone earlier. Will it damage the >isenglass? The stuff we use up here "Plexus" (made in California) seems to be very similar to Rainex. Wonder if it is the same? It specifically lists that it is good for Isenglass (clear vinyl). George of Scaramouche, Lake Ontario, Canada

jdmw@ncws.com writes: >I can turn the key to the off position and the >engine continues to run. I can use the kill button to stop the >engine from >either key position. So the question is this- Will it hurt anything >to run >the engine with the key in the off position? On my boat the key also controls the exciter field for the alternator. So, if I run the diesel with the switch in "off", I don't charge the batteries. And that is not a good situation - you may wish to check this out on your boat. George of Scaramouche1

prkoch@att.net writes: >What should be >done differently to winterize for leaving in the water >as opposed to hauling. If your temperature drops below freezing, drain engine (fog cylinders) and fill with antifreeze. Same with head. Drain water tank and pump nontoxic antifreeze through lines (some people use vodka) and leave some in the tank. Through-hulls below waterlevel should be freeze protected with a 40 to 60 watt lightbulb very close to it. Put a 100 watt bulb under or close to engine (I have my lightbulbs on a thermostat which comes on at about 40 F). Buy "rural" (130V) lightbulbs, they last forever. Visit boat frequently during winter. George of Scaramouche1 in Lake Ontario, Canada who stays in the water (with bubblers) every winter (7th year now). P.s: I have seen a few boats sunk because of frost-cracked throughhulls that were not lightbulb protected. What happens is that the throughhull freezes and cracks in a sharp coldsnap then during an early springthaw the frost melts and lake/river happily bubbles into the boat. Not a good situation...

bhall@bcpl.net writes: >There is no safe way without building special brackets/guards and >clamps to safely secure open light bulbs. Brian: I never talked about OPEN light bulbs. I made the assumption that any intelligent boater would (like I and my neighbours do) use steel troublelight cages to support their lightbulbs and thusly prevent them ever coming in direct contact with flammable material. In six winters in the same marina with about 300 boats of which about 50 are liveaboards. I have seen only one fire and that was from a Diesel heater exhaust which was pointed directly at the dock. The dock was slightly scorched, the boat untouched. However, I have seen several boats go down because of cracked throughhulls/gatevalves and other ice damage. George of Scaramouche1, Frenchman's Bay, Lake Ontario

klemmons@airmail.net writes: >I would recommend that if you >use one of these, find some of those light bulbs that have a teflon >coating on the outside so they don't shatter if dropped That makes perfectly good sense. Didn't know there was such a thing will start looking for it. Thanks for the info George of Scaramouche, who has seven (7) below water throughhulls...

jalexander127@home.com writes: >These bulbs are marketed usually labled "Rough Duty" bulbs and are >sold at >many hardware and automotive supply shops. They are constructed so >as not >to "shatter " if dropped, much like safety glass. Thanks Jim. I used to buy these before I found the "Country Service" which are rated at 130V and will practically never burn out. Since I only use bulbs in steel-cages and have never seen one break in six winters, I give the longevity preference over the "Rough Service" type which are rated at 120V. George of Scaramouche P.s: "Country Service" are readily available from Home Depot - at least in Canada.

>Dick Schroder asked: > >>If you had to chose the perfect live aboard boat dog, what breed or >combo of >>breeds would be your first choice? Hedonics, a Canadian Mail Order House 1-800-387-5533 offers Spike, an electronic watch dog for about $140.- Cdn (plus shipping and taxes). Has a built-in 360 degrees motion sensor, and barks and snarls like a real watch dog. I have never seen one, but it sounds interesting. Has any listee any experience with such a device? No connection with device or supplier (my guard animal meeows) George of Scaramouche1 on Lake Ontario, Canada

Mrmoo5@aol.com writes: >The perfect boat dog is a cat. Doesn't need to be walked, doesn't >bark, and >is smart enough to use a litter box. D'accore! Also kees the mice population down and some cats even learn to swim. Gg

Billpatton@aol.com writes: >One of our family members is recuperating from surgery and we need >to install >a bidet on board for cruising in the Mediterranean. Our ancestors in Europe used a large bowl and a pitcher with warm water for many long years before we had running (and heated) water and flush-toilets. Perhaps your family member could get by that way for duration of the cruise? George of Scaramouche1, whose ancestors were Hugenots (France), where the bidet was first invented.

The god who gave us personal computers was very wise when she insisted to have at least one DELETE button on every keyboard. Even my ancient Macintosh has one! George G.