Aussieraider

Very sensible "safety first" message here. Not as useful to offshore boaties but also interesting is swellnet.com.au - the surfies swell predictor. Coastalwatch.com also usefule to look at the coast on the shore. BOM does have a 60 nautical mile offshore forecast too as well as the closer inshore forecasts. Just great to have all this info but they do vary quite a bit.

Red and Flightmanager Appreciate your advice Two engines it is - and four stroke I'm doing for no reason other than I like them So to the question of Flightmanager - which brand? I have always liked Hondas

Red I guess pretty clear that two engines going to be better - as you nsaid - when you needed it you needed it - so if offshore I guess two motors or amin plus auxiliary is whats needed. I remain interested in the two versus four stroke battlle I've always been a Honda four stroke person - had lots of their gear and NEVER let down once in over 20 years But ETec seems popular and two strokes offerring more perfomance and lighter weight - and claiming equal reliability But I really dont know hence the request fo forum memebers Red - appreciate your interest

Presently looking at getting a boat to take outside off Sydney - maybe to the shelf Really would appreciate views on reliability issues around one engine or two. Separately whether four strokes are any more reliable today than two strokes? Any input much appreciated as these questions will drive boat selection and price too. Wouldn't want to be stuck out there with no way home

Penn recommend washng their gear in fresh water then a light spray of WD40 or their specialist spray after every use - sounds simple and effective to me.