Boat Bling

For some time now, the "closed" style fair leads have proved frustrating, as this means the mooring lines need to be thread through, rather than being "dropped in". One solution is to cut a slot in the existing fair lead. Another option, is to buy some purpose made fair leads. These are pure "Boat Bling"!

I was tempted during a recent visit to Honnor Marine in Rochdale to collect a replacement rudder. Both purchases could be classified as "cosmetic", the existing rudder was going rusty and required continually painting, while the fair leads looked fantastic on a new Scaffie. These new fair leads are angled and are ideal for being located on the bow, while the modified ones will be used on the stern. Time will tell if these are a success. However, they do look "nice".

The black plastic fair leads are not used for mooring but hold the anchor in place.

Owatrol Oil

This is manufactured by the same company that produces Deks Olje. It is an oil that can be used on wood but its made purpose is to protect and inhibit the spread of rust. Once dry it can be painted on top of. Seems ideal for trailer parts, centreboards, rudders and winches, which is where I used it. It dries to a glossy/varnish appearance.

Initially cleaning any loose rust with a wire brush, then two coats of the oil was applied, before a final coat of Hammerite.

https://www.owatroldirect.co.uk/product/owatrol-oil/

Norfolk Broads - a few more days

 

The railway swing bridge at Somerleyton. Call on VHF ch12 to request it to be opened, this also applies to the bridge at Reedham.

Heading north along Haddiscoe New Cut

Entering Surlingham Broad

Moored at Somerleyton

Norfolk Broads Rally

Nine boats launched at the Waveney River Centre, who were very welcoming and helpful. There are toilets, showers, as well as a shop and pub/restaurant. The slip was easy to use, but with only just enough space to reverse and line up a Coaster when launching. When we came to take the boats out it was low tide and the slip was then only just long enough, as well as being slippery.

Heading - slowly - along the River Waveney, towards Beccles. It is necessary to drop the mast at Beccles to get under the road bridge, however there are limited opportunities to raise the mast again once under the bridge.

Moored at Geldeston Lock, which is the limit of navigation. There is also a pub here serving food as well as beer.

There are two bridges at Beccles, the second one (as you head upstream) is very low at high tide and there was only just enough space for a Coaster with a lowered mast.