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The thing is that Steve has a Mark I with a huge area beneath the cockpit grating which in the Mark II has been taken up by the redundant engine locker which also serves to make the cockpit self bailing. Steve doesn't have to worry about that as he has a cabin boy to bail for him.

I find that the answer is with my wetline to either get the air out and stow below or let the air half out and strap it forward of the mast or just tow it behind. The latter may take half a know off the speed but if you are cruising that may not matter too much.

Malta warm but windy today as the boat is still in the boatyard - reduced to varnishing by the pool.

Paul

Thanks; as I do not have a very large battery at present and normally only sail in good visibilty I think I will stick to the idle reflector. Will keep you suggestion in mind though if I try a longer voyage.

The great thing is that with weather helm you don't have to buy an expensive autopilot - you can just fix the tiller and let the boat steer herself. I find that when it gets too much she is telling me to take a reef in; more often than not this results in less weather helm, a happier crew and little or no drop in speed.

Paul Musgrove

I agree about the choice of fittings. Thought about moving the cleats but their position is governed by the placing of the winch which would also have to be moved. Boat now in Malta and I am in the UK so cannot go and take a quick look!

Will e-mail Select Yachts and see what they have to say about it.
Paul

Have just had a failure of the block attached to the deck for the main halyards to pass through and back to the clam cleats by the cockpit. The failure, on a boat that is only 6 years old, is a design fault because the block is not in alignment with the lie of the halyard along the deck.

Has anyone else had this problem and how have they ensured that the replacement block does not also fail in the next six years?

Thanks,

Paul Musgrove

Roger,

Please could you also send the pics to me at soa@shrimperowners.org as I would like to put your experience in the tips section.

Thanks,

Paul Musgrove

I am going to take Blue Moon out to Malta for a couple of seasons. An awning or other means of providing shade will be essential but I hate re-inventing wheels so has anyone ever had one or seen one (awning on a Shimper)?

Will keep you posted as to the success or otherwise of this venture via the website. I will only be able to sail her there during the school holidays so if anyone else could make use of a Shrimper in Malta please get in touch via soa@shrimperowners.org.

Paul Musgrove

Hi John

Glad to hear you are still shrimpering in Port Fairy. Hope you manage to deal with the noise problem. Strangely, with a 3 bladed propeller, leaving the engine in gear may actually increase the boat speed whereas logic would suggest the opposite. I would personally double check that your stern bearing has not got excessive clearance and that your propeller blades are not damaged. Give our regards to your daughter, dont forget you are always welcome in Cornwall. 25th Anniversary of the Shrimper being held here this year.
Best regards, Jane and John