[gunnyman]

Ha! Haven''t tried bilge water but have tried some store bought stuff that might qualify. Make the wine in a 2 litre jar that has been used for sodas etc. Used white grape juice and filled about 2" from top. 1 cup of sugar and about 1/8th tsp of yeast. Put saran wrap over top and secure with a rubber band. This will let it breath without blowing up. Room temp for about a week.Then pop in the fridge/cooler for a few days to settle. Then it is ready to drink.
Last batch my wife said was too sweet. She likes a Zinfandel type wine. So I guess next time I will cut the sugar back a bit.
You won''t challenge Napa Valley by any means but I thought it was tolerable.
Guess you could use fruit as your friend did. I was just told aboout using juice and tried it. Sounds like he used one heck of a lot of sugar.Sugar controls the alcoholic content of the wine. A friend told me he makes his with less sugar and adds it at the end of fermentation. I am still trying different things. Willing to listen so if you have any ideas feel free.
My beer turned out better I think. But then again I am a beer drinker and only occassionaly drink wine.