Stupid Questions ...

micheck · #1 (**permalink**) 08-03-2011

I am trying these questions on the new chat function - it was suggested that I try them here because there are more eyeballs here ...

1: I want to create a 4:1 tackle; I see many single blocks with becket and cam cleats and many triple blocks with backet and cam cleats - but no doubles with ... Any reason why? I have considered fiddle blocks but I am not a fan of the different sizes of sheaves - maybe an unnecessary worry.

2: How do you handle the lifeline-pushpit when you have an end boom mainsheet tackle and you are in a broad reach situation? I ask because the lifeline supports a 'round the boat' netting to keep me and my furry companions less wet.

3: Are you able to provision a boat with staples at the beginning of your trip and not run afoul of local agricultural inspectors destroying your provisions because the provisions did not say 'canned in Australia' ... or how do you handle provisioning?

Others may feel free to jump in with their 'stupid questions' OR maybe some answers!

micheck · #2 (**permalink**) 08-03-2011

Another question - I am considering either an Echo Charger or a Yamdima Battery Combiner to keep the Starter Battery charged without using 'the Switch'. I gather one is solid state and one has a mechanical relay. Any thoughts on reliability? The battery combiner has different models for the 'through current' - as a starter , is this the max alternator current (~120 Amps)?

My current manual windlass has seen better days (before rust...); I will be replacing it - thoughts on manual vs electric (I have 300' of 1/4 HT chain and 44 lb anchor) (I also have a pressure wash spray nozzle) If manual - what ones are still available - pros/cons? If electric - which one? Should I put a windlass battery up near the windlass or use really big wires? Do I power it off of the house batteries if it does not have it's own battery?

CharlesAngus · #3 (**permalink**) 08-03-2011

Question 3. is an interesting one. I've seen border guards make someone eat an orange in front of them rather than let them take it from Canada into the United States, but never heard of a boat being hassled similarly. Any stories?

Boasun · #4 (**permalink**) 08-03-2011

Micheck on #1 you are in the wrong store... For a 4:1 tackle you do need two double blocks, one with a becket and one without. They are common and available at most marine stores. But you may have to use their catalog to order them.
Then you have the choice of wroving them either, right-angle or Parallel.

micheck · #5 (**permalink**) 08-03-2011

Boasun - the part I am used to on smaller sailboats is having a cam cleat integral to the lower double block - do you buy separate parts and 'build your own' (shudder!)

Boasun · #6 (**permalink**) 08-03-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by micheck

Boasun - the part I am used to on smaller sailboats is having a cam cleat integral to the lower double block - do you buy separate parts and 'build your own' (shudder!)

You can get them with cam cleats. So no worry there....

aeventyr60 · #7 (**permalink**) 08-03-2011

Yes you can run afoul of the differing regulations in many countries. Australia has the the srictest rules on this. They even took our "canned in australia" meat products. Most of the times we know before hand the local rules. When we sailed into New Zealand we made sure to eat all our fresh fruits and veggies. I think we ate the last of it as we were being boarded by the officials. Usually not a big deal. Anything they don't like goes into the bin.

tdw · #8 (**permalink**) 08-03-2011

What I don't understand from the OP original questions is just why anyone would want to provision a boat for the entire voyage. Certain items I can understand such as shampoos or soaps , personal hygiene things, hey maybe even coffee but food ? Nope, I don't get it.

aeventyr60 · #9 (**permalink**) 08-03-2011

we like to shop locally and eat fresh food as much as possible. However there are a few things we can't get in some places so will stock up on more of these when they are available. So TDW got a few extra cans of Wattie's baked beans onboard?

tdw · #10 (**permalink**) 08-03-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by aeventyr60

we like to shop locally and eat fresh food as much as possible. However there are a few things we can't get in some places so will stock up on more of these when they are available. So TDW got a few extra cans of Wattie's baked beans onboard?

hee hee .... well I guess that is the kind of foodstuff you might take along and of course we could never forget the vegemite, but meat ? Nah, not going to happen. It would only be done on the notion that no other country on the face of this poor benighted planet is capable of selling you decent dead animal and as we both know that is silly.