Someone to watch over you
One of my colleagues at the National Coastwatch Institution has brought to my notice an error in your recent article about radio checks [‘Taking a Bearing’, MBY Aug 2017].
Whilst most of us would agree that Solent Coastguard often have more pressing issues on their hands than the need to answer dozens of calls from well-meaning yachtsmen requesting radio checks, it would have given more credence to your story if you had used an appropriate photograph.
The picture you actually used showed a volunteer watchkeeper with the National Coastwatch Institution on duty at one of our many lookout stations around England and Wales.
As it happens, National Coastwatch have recently been awarded their own exclusive Marine VHF Radio Frequency – Channel 65 – so yachtsmen can now obtain up-to-the-minute reports of local weather conditions and other vital information from nearby NCI stations by radio.
In addition, boat owners and skippers are also being actively encouraged by HM Coastguard to call their local National Coastwatch Station on Channel 65 for a radio check instead of calling the Coastguard. This not only allows the
Hg2016 asks Has anyone done a petrol to diesel conversion on a 7.5/ 8m sportscruiser before? Is it a tough job if at all possible?
CX54WEK says It will probably be cheaper and less hassle to sell the petrol boat and buy a diesel variant.
Hg2016 says That wasn’t the question. I realise that it would be cheaper, I just wanted to know if anybody has successfully attempted it.
Elessar says Yes – more difficult than you can imagine. If you like a project then it’s fun. If you want to save money, forget it. If you do do it, make sure your donor engine and drive comes with absolutely everything you need. Brackets or bits of exhaust rack up many thousands very easily.
Pete7 says Not sure if diesel conversion is worth it, but given the low running costs of big modern outboards, they may be a better choice.
Andromeda9866 says I did the same a few years ago on a Fairline Holiday. I took out a V8 petrol and replaced it with a KAD32. It made a very nice boat but money wise, it near enough broke me. Bluetooth says I did it about ten years ago on a Fairline Sprint. It cost about £4k for a secondhand Yamaha engine, £2k for transom alteration, £4k for an engineer and materials etc. Whilst my conversion was good to use for five years, it was not worth it on reflection as I lost it all on resale, although sale was very easy. The petrol engine was pretty shot when bought; the boat was cheap though, so the plan made sense. My advice – buy a working diesel boat.