peahead

I'm also off to Vanuatu Port Villa in late April for 1 week, any chance of sending some info my way as well? Thanks in advance

Hi.. yes each unit has there own database and the money you pay for the service goes to the unit as fundraising. The information collected is then passed to a central database for regional bases to use, ie..sydney (Terry Hills), Port Stephens, Jervis base etc.. This will be changing soon to a smart phone based app where you can subscribe and login and logoff via the app itself. We will be able to geo locate you via your phone if there are issues . We are currently completing some custom changes to ensure it collects the correct information when users start using it. Hopefully it will be ready before next summer. We still will have manned radio basis for those without smart phones/devices and will also roll the current individual unit boaters information to one system. Good point is all information will be in one spot, bad point is the units will loose the money that is raised from the service. Hope this helps Jimmy.

And yes towing at 35-40kph is crazy generally not rule of thumb, maybe the owner was wanting to get home in a hurry as he hadn't told the missus he was going fishing! Jimmy

Hi guys. I am with marine rescue and we use several different approaches to towing. The general rule of thumb is the long and short tow, this is where we tow a vessel from its bow to our stern and its generally used for long distance. The lashing of two vessels side by side comes into use when the towed vessel for what ever reason cannot be steered by the master and finesse is required either navigate a tight water way (generally a Pan Pan will be called on 16 to let the boating public in the area know we are navigating with difficulty) or the weather makes it too difficult place a vessel alongside a wharf, dock or mooring. We sometimes in calm conditions try different types of tow methods for our own training in the event of needing to use it in inclement weather. As a member of Marine Rescue its great to help out the boating public but we do struggle with funding as we are all volunteers and we raise money to keep our boats on the water. The govt does give us some funding but to be honest its nothing compared to what our true costs are. We essentially buy our boats, buy fuel, service the boats, and buy any equipment as directed by head office but we have to come up with the cash. Anyway, next time you see us on the water give us a wave hello and if we end up helping you out a couple of dollars helps us with fuel or parts for the vessels. Jimmy.

Hey fishos, I bought a Sydney Only kayak and I am really happy with my decision. The kayak is stable well setup for an entry level model. I have fished out of it a few times and found the paddling and managing a rod at the same time a bit tricky but as I didnt want to spend the dollars on a peddle powered model I knew I would have to manage this. The yak is light enough for me to lift onto the roof of my hilux without too much struggle. Overall I am really pleased with it, the kids love it and I even got my mum who is 70 odd to go for a paddle on her own so definatley stable on the water but also it slips nice and easy through the water. Any questions let me know otherwise for an entry level model I can't fault it. Cheers...Jimmy.

Hi lads I am headed to Port Douglas around September for a week with the wife and 2 kids. I was hoping the fishraider community could help me with recommending any good charter operators. My mrs loves mud crabs so any recommended operator would be appreciated. I believe there are drive yourself flat bottom boats out of Mirage marina, are these any good and any spots to visit from a hire boat or land based? Appreciate all the help available Jimmy....

Hi Dezmo Yes the conversion is correct. I use this website to help me convert lat and longs. http://www.cosports.com/index.php/tool/tools/latlong Hope this helps with future conversions. Cheers Jim.

Thanks boys, will give the splitter a go, if that doesnt work as good as I hope, then it's probably a new VHF for the boat. Cheers Jimmy

Hi Raiders Looking for some help here, I have a flybridge and want to install a second VHF radio upstairs to save me the effort of running up and down when wanting to use the radio as the radio is located in the lower cabin. Is there a way I connect a second radio to the current aerial and still be able to receive and transmit from both radios? I probably won't have the need to transmit on both radios at the same time. Is there a splitter or some kind of connector I can use? Cheers Peahead

One final point to add is to run your ground cable (Black -)either directly back to the battery or to a central earth block (connection), don't ground it directly to the hull or any metal fittings. If you have an alloy boat it will cause electrolisis and can damage your hull. That switch panel you have already has fuse block on each switch connected to the positive (red) cable, they are the red square looking thing, you can pop the top of it to expose the fuse. Apart from that all the other advice is great and on the mark. Hope this helps. Peahead

G'day mate, Where did you get your hardtop from? I am looking to put one on my boat but havn't done any fiberglassing so I am hesitant in making my own. Cheers Jimmy

Hi Raiders, I am of to Narooma for the long weekend next month and would like to see if I can get lucky and pick up a tuna while there. I have had a look on the web but was wondering if anyone had already taken a charter out either in Narooma or Bermi previously they would like to recommend. PM me if you would like incase we can't publicise their details. Appreciate the help. Peahead (aka Jimmy)

Hi 'David (AKA fisherdad)' My flybridge actually came with the setup you are looking for. Maybe my setup can help you design one for yours. I have attached 2 pictures of how it is attached hopefully you can make it out. The one with the tape measure (which is the top view) is because I am extending the bow sprit over the anchor locker as I have a new anchor winch which needs to be installed over the hatch to allow the chain to drop directly in the anchor well and it also needs to be raised about 10mm. Hope this helps. Jimmy (peahead)

Hi Davoo, Thanks for the insight on your project. That hardtop looks almost what I would like to have on my boat. I'm currently in the US but will be back in the next couple of weeks and wil begin work on the hardtop. I might take you up on the offer for a chat. Looking at your hardtop has now convinced me to give it a go Appreciate the feedback Jimmy.