ETTY

Some just put it on the stern (transom) area if space permits...i.e. cruisers, boats with inboards etc

Hey, I agree with many of pelicans comments except, not all twin outboard setup's have their own independent fuel tank/system and therefore if a contamination would occur it would effect both motors. Twin motor options are somewhat more expensive than a similar rated single motor. Servicing would also be much more expensive as in affect your are servicing two engines instead of one. Personally I would prefer a twin motor set up. Hope this helps ETTY

Any alkanol be it methanol or ethanol will attract water. But if you add these, you'll still have to get rid of them by the use of a fuel filter otherwise you are just going to put both the water and alkanol through your engine.

Hmmm that does look interesting...does anyone know whether you need to have a VHF radio equipped boat to get the qualification? I would be keen on getting it for the future! Cheers Et

That looks hot and probably goes even hotter!!!!!

dat, There are some many endless options and opinions on boats for every application under the sun. In terms of material, fibreglass will generally give you the smoothest ride but more maintenance and care is needed to keep it in tip top shape. Aluminium has come along way with some hull design able to perform as well as their fibreglass equivalents. Aluminium is quite hardy and durable, lighter and generally cheaper than fibreglass. I have little info on poly boats but I know of many members who own them and they could not speaker higher of them. Some things I have noticed are; fibreglass boats are generally nicer fitted out than aluminium boats but their higher cost would obviously influence this. Some aluminium boats you could look into are Quintrex, Stacer etc. Some fibreglass boats could include Haines Hunter, Savage? etc. Some poly boats could include Polycraft etc. Do some research using some sites such as www.boatpoint.com.au or the Trading Post to find out some prices on your desired length etc. Look in the Sponsors Section of the site to see Huey's boats of the week to see some quality boats that may suit you. Where will you be operating the boat (i.e. inshore, offshore, bit of both)? How many people do you want to carry? Are you keen to stay overnight? Do you need shelter from the elements? Do you want to ski, cruise as well as fish? Boats are generally expensive and you don't get a lot for your dollar so be prepared to reacess your needs to suit your budget!!!! BOAT= Bring on another thousand! Elliot

Water Police and NSW Maritime can now deregister boats on the spot for breaches of the law including navigation lights.....(from http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/06/04/2264759.htm) This is pretty intense (but very good)....if you have a boat on a mooring and it gets deregistered say goodbye to your mooring!!!!

492 needed now!!!!

Hey guys, Just wondering how much Marina diesel and petrol are in your area at the moment. Need a general idea to do some calculations on. Many thanks, Elliot

Hi, I think most outboard issues arise from the lack of use rather than too much usage. I would say as long as general maintenance is performed you could probably double the hours before a service is needed. Car engines can do tens of thousands of kilometers before requiring a workshop visit so I don't see the logic for an outboard that is used frequently to be subject to frequent servicing. I believe frequent usage with less servicing is better for an outboard than an infrequently used serviced engine. Engines are designed to be used, not to sit around and rust away! Good on ya for getting out amongst it often!!! Just my 2 cents Elliot

Yes what you have posted is correct as per the link you provided - this is very interesting because under the PWC section it says "A special licence is required to ride a PWC regardles of what speed it is driven". You do have to hold a PWC license to operate a PWC regardless of the speed in NSW....... I wonder if Maritime know of their mistake!!!!!

An outboard is just like any engine mechanically, therefore premium fuel will do the same to it as in your car. Improved fuel economy, less pre ignition, burn cleaner etc.

All the topics so far sound very interesting but regardless it would be great if the workshop could be videod or recorded and posted online so those who can't make it can learn a thing or two? The topic on collecting bait and motor maintenance sound fantastic! Elliot

To any boaters who use the Port Hacking especially at night, the Special Mark located between Cabbage Tree Point and Gunnamatta Point is now exhibiting it's applicable flashing sequence. This is after a long period of non night operation. Just a heads up to anyone who hasn't been out for a while as I know an unfamiliar light thrown in at night even adds to the confusion of night navigation! Hope this helps Elliot

Wow what a comprehensive report and well done with your successes! As a Port Hacking fisho your tips and spots you listed are most appreciated! Hope I can share some success from your info soon!