For people in my neck of the woods, there is a firm here in Toronto who does a superb job (I've been told) on compasses and other gear. Makes only sense for Canadians as otherwise you'd run into double customs problems. If anyone interested, here is the address: Alpha Instruments 416.736.4267 37-4801 Keele St., Toronto, Ont, Canada

docmoss@tampabay.rr.com writes: >getting to d_____d decrepit to pull the sails or run the wenches any >more Yeah, it's hard to run those wenches from a wheelchair.... Sorry, couldn't resist - I know it's only a typo, but a cute one. George of Scaramouche in/on solid Lake Ontario

almiller@n-jcenter.com writes: >I am shopping for a 12 vdc windlass. I have been looking at 3 models: I believe Practical Sailor did such an evaluation some time ago - if not, why not?

arider@bellsouth.net writes: >After a bad experience with a tractor years ago, I don't use >starting fluid. Yeah I know about missing eyebrows. I have used WD40 successfully and cigarettes on engines equipped for that (SABB). Then again I constantly get this message from my friends on the net: "Go South Young Man!"

rwhb@email.msn.com writes: >I'm currently thinking in terms of the Pocket Mail worldwide >service (custserv@pocket.com)which seems very reasonable at 9.95 per >month no contract needed, and the new Audiovox unit which works with >both digital and analog cell phones and of course any pay phones for >reasonably fast up and downloads. I've been using PocketMail for quite a few months now with very good results. However the Sharp TM-20 I am using does NOT work well with cell phones (I have both analogue and digital). So I am very interested to hear about this Audiovox unit. Please update the list with your findings. TIA - George of Scaramouche in Lake Ontario, Canada

rwhb@email.msn.com writes: >I have emailed them for more info., but meanwhile go to >https://shop.pocket.com/ Thanks, but I don't do WWW stuff. Have to go to public library for that and will only do so if important enough to pay the taxi fare. My connection is e-mail and e-mail only. Ciao - George

Arild.Jensen@xantrex.com writes: >Have you considerd getting one of the old style analog cell phones. >I'm >referring to the built in types. When I left Ontario, two different >people >gave me their old units for free. These big mothers put out more >power - >hence better range - and can only work in analog mode. I've heard that advice before and perhaps I should follow up on it. Thanks and if anyone reading this wants to give me their "bag" phone (for a price- I'm not known to be cheap) - please contact me. I would post any successful results. George of Scaramouche on Lake Ontario, Canada.

A few years ago I owned a 20 ft British built Hurley. She had twin bilge keels and was a joy to drive with or without sails. Stability PLUS!!! George of Scaramouche on Lake Ontario, Canada, sailing a not so stable Hullmaster27

blewis@oz.net writes: >I went to a RV store to get some light bulbs for the boat. They >jokingly >told me that if they are for a boat, they will double the price! FWIW: When I buy lightbulbs, the screw-in type 110 volt variety, I go to a store where they sell rural bulbs. They are rated at 130 volts, give a little less light but last seemingly forever. Oh yes, one of those is hanging near everyone of my through-halls to prevent freeze-up. Probably the cheapest insurance you can buy... George of Scaramouche still bubbling in Lake Ontario, Canada.

THOY@tele-connect.com writes: >>however the diesel smell that I thought just >>needed to "air out" is not only lingering - but permeating >everything Ah, the glorious odor of Diesel. Love it or leave it. To me it's just great!