Hi Eric , I would not hesitate to use an Amel main furler . We have done so in both a Maramu (5 years ) and an SM (21). Close to 100,000 miles . Often abused , including furling a partly reefed main s

Hi Billy, We had the same on our SM. We resolved it by putting a loose layer of matting on top of the "carpet" finish--- rubbery/plastic, with square holes, the sort of thing you might find on the flo

Hi Pat , For what it’s worth , we have never used an anchor swivel but have two shackles in tandem between our 33kg Spade and the chain . In 21 years the anchor has always come home without a problem

I shall be very interested to read Bill's review of the Amel 50, but you can have solar on a hard top on an SM. We had this carbon fibre top made for us in Greece this winter and are delighted with th

Thanks, Nick, Good to hear that you're afloat. We have had some great sails over the past 10 days--but heavy rain and gusts to 40k coming to Poros yesterday, thankfully on a reach and we now have very

Thanks, Arno, Penetrating oil and brute force now have the spindles turning. I'll keep up that application until they are free. Ian

Hello all, Our under-used ST40 winches ( the smaller ones in the cockpit ) have sprung an unhappy surprise ( I blame Covid, not the careful skipper who keeps them well greased and covered with little

Bill, Mark, Daniela and Michael, My solar loves your solution and is now kissing cousins with the Link10. Happy days. Just two 180 W panels have reduced our genset time significantly. The Greens would

Thank you also Daniela and Michael , Finding really good solar guys in this part of the world is not the easiest but I think we’ll get there . Ian and Judy , Pen Azen

Thank you Mark and Bill , These things are sent to try those trying to launch in a hurry ! Ian and Judy , Pen Azen

Hello all, We have just escaped London for Greece and reunion with Pen Azen who has been fitted with two solar panels in our absence . The solar monitor shows good volts and amps going in to the batte

Hi Alexander, We spent three seasons in Chile, including two based in the Beagle channel. We didn't find problems with the cold or condensation. What proved useful were: The curtain in the cockpit A g

Hi Ken, Interesting to see what you have done. Do you know the weight of each battery ? Maybe in all about 1/3 of lead acid ? Have you noticed any list to port ? Ian and Judy, Pen Azen, ( to be seen a

Thanks, Craig, You're right. The guy who wants the seals said in his email that " A standard rotary oil seal with one lip will do as well " I guess he's a belt and braces guy. Ian

Thanks , Paul , I will pass that on also Ian

Thanks, Arno, I will pass that on. Ian

A good Austrian run yacht services business in Greece is having difficulty sourcing double lipped seals for two Supermaramu genoa gearboxes ( not ours ). They normally import them from an SKF agency i

Hi Craig and Mark, We were rerigged in Hyeres about 4 years ago, ACMO turn buckles and wire direct from the German manufacturers. Ian and Judy, Pen Azen, SM 302, Kilada, Greece

Thanks, John , I do have a smattering of French. How else do you speak to your boat ? Ian

Thanks , Stephen , That’s reassuring to read . I admire your white stripes . Beautifully done— any cooler to walk on bare foot ? My guy has done the first 4 repairs and sent me photos . Excellent job