Mrwooley

Hi Jewgaffer, I'm going to send them a letter claiming I'm "visually impared" and that it's dificult for me to get to an office. It would be a scream if they send it to me. Regards, Barry.

Blacky. PM me. I may have one you could have. Barry.

G'Day all, About 25 years ago, my mate and I, alone with his girl friend, were motoring back to ATB boat ramp in his 14' tinny. He had only just purchased his first boat and was not very experienced. As we approached the ramp ( top of the tide ) his girl friend asked if she could be of assistance. He said yes, and instructed her to step off the bow and hold the boat from hitting the concrete ramp. Now, this happen so quickly that I had no time to step in, plus the fact that I was rolling about the boat laughing histerickly. Unfortunatly we were still in about 6' of water when she stepped off the bow. She must have gone straight to the bottom and back up, as I could only see her two hand holding onto the bow. By this time I had nearly wet myself at the thought of her being draged bottom first through the water. My laughter soon subsided when the boat pushed her up the ramp bum first and I saw the injuries she had. Although I got to have a perve, she was back & blue from her backside to her shoulders and very sore. I do'nt think that see was overly impressed with her first boat outing. Barry

Hi Slaka, You could do as I have done. My boat also sits outside ( too many other toys in the garage ) and I didn't want to spend a fortune on a custom boat cover. I tried all the cheap plastic tarps which only last months, due to sun damage, and then went a had a custom sized canvas tarp made. Best thing I every did. It's been on over two years now with no signs of failing. My boat is a 4.8 Freedom Sport. What I do is run a 40mm joined length of plastic conduit from the bowsprit to the tow poll. I then throw the tarp over it and tie down the sides. Because it's open at he stern, it get's good air flow under it and does not condensate. The canvas tarp cost me about $300 but should last quite a while, especially it you use tent proofing on it occasionally. Regards, Barry.

G'Day, I tend to agree with JohnV, after many years of towing boats, bikes, and bush bashers, I would only tow with a Holden or Ford ( family car or wagon ) if it was my absolute only option. While owning and running a panel shop for many years, I saw what damage can be done with the wrong towing set-ups. Like most non- chassis rail vehicles, their are not capable of towing anywhere near their maximum weight for extended periods with out extensive modifications. In most cases, you would be better off getting a chassis rail vehicle ( light or heavy 4x4 or 4 x2 ) to the job comfortably, for a long time. IMHO. Regards, Barry.

Good advice. But I also suggest that you check them at every opportunity. I recently towed my bowrider from Newcastle to Camden, only to find that my rear ratchet strap had broken, and was no longer there. All that was left was the ratchet end hook. The stiching had let go. Thankfully it was all highway driving, so it probably did'nt move arround much. Barry.

Guy's, Thanks for your responces, but I think the point my mate was trying to make refered to additional external lighting, other than the required "nav" and 'all-round white". As an example, would it be illegal to have four ( 4 ) white lights the same as in the pic in Jewgaffer's responce, mounted externaly, say two forward & two aft, both sides? His view is that it would light-up the water and boat, making it more visable to all, therefore safer. Regards, Barry.

G'day all, The other night I had a few mates over for a BBQ & beers when the subject of boat lighting came up. Someone asked what additional lighting on boats was allowed. Now I'm aware of the rules & regs regarding nav lights & all-round whites, but know nothing about the use of additional lights. Is it OK to have other lights, of what-ever colour, fitted on the boat, other than a white "working light"? His reasoning was "to be seen", as a safety issue. Any idea? I might be able to win some beers on this! Regards, Barry

MY GOD! It looks like Pearl Habour all over again. TIC

G'Day, No wonder it's free entry. If it's anything like last year, they should pay you to come in! My son and I went last year and was very disappointed. Not very many brands or accessories on show. We saw the whole thing in about 30 minutes. I suspect that their changing so high a price to the exibitors for floor space, that it's not worth tuning up. Regards, Barry.

I was going to take the boat out for a fish. I might try the harbour, I wo'nt need burley! Barry.

G'day all, Last Sunday, I spend the day with family and friends in the park on the Georges River, along with 10 thousand other people. It was a great day for a BBQ and to give the boys some wakeboarding time. While sitting there, on the bank, watching the world go by, I witnessed so many stupid and dangerous acts on the water, by so many people. Some people should not be in charge of boats or jetskis! ( or anything sharp ) There were so many overloaded boats, kids being towed on inflatables with no vests on, and jetski riders that were a danger to everyone. Some of these guys sould be committed! Thankfully, the Maritime Services guys and the water police were also out in force. They did their job well, and nabbed the majority of idiots. Two clowns on jetskis were taken away by the water police. It really showed that more training/eduction/policing is needed before letting people lose on the water. I think that the proposed changes in watercraft licencing is a good thing. Regards, Barry.

That is a great looking lizard. ( reptile lover ) I had about a big one cross our paths once, when my young son and I were walking the river path near ATB. I think my son got up the tree quicker than the lizard! Regards, Barry.

I would like to wish all our members and their families a safe and happy New Year. Regards, Barry.

Try Clarke Rubber. They had black & red ones. Not exactly the same, a bit more flexable and seals better. Very inexpensive. Barry.