Lovely example of an old Massey Ferguson tractor down at the Donkey sanctuary, would be just the thing for launching and recovery as is common on the Normandy coast, but probably too nicecondition to run into the sea and expose to that nasty salt water.
Monday 18 March 2024
Massey Ferguson
Friday 15 March 2024
Trailer trials
Following the sale of the Wanderer I found myself with one combi type (piggy back) road trailer and three boats.
The road base came with the Cornish Cormorant and although old is actually in good condition. So what I needed were two launching trolleys for the other two boats and which fit securely on the road base, so I can keep all the boats on a dedicated a trolley and move whichever one with the road base as necessary - tall order.
Unable to buy anything suitable, I set too with some steel section, angle grinder (with cutting disk - hacksaw is far to slow). After watching some Youtube videos I bought one of the flux core MIG welders which after a bit of practice was quite easy to use and get good results - Welding tip buy an Auto Darkening welding helmet.
Eldest son also brought down his more powerful gas shielded MIG which was good for the heavy components like the axles, plus it was a really good father and son time and a good excuse to go down the pub afterwards..
Above collecting the two new trolleys from our local galvanizers. All up probably not much more than four days work in total. All that's left to do is fit the new wheels and buffers and I'll be ready for the new season.
Monday 11 March 2024
James auto cycle
Nice example of a James auto cycle. Auto cycles were typically motorised bicycle attachments generally 50cc to 100cc sold in the immediate post war austerity years sold by many UK manufacturers including James, Sun, New Hudson etc.
Many had pre war origins and engines, the James possibly one of the better makes with their Comet and Excelsior Consort models were good for maybe 40mph.
In the early 1950s import restrictions began to be lifted and the market was overwhelmed by well designed better built continental mopeds mainly from Germany…. notably the 50 cc NSU quickly which had gears and was as fast as the older 98cc auto cycles. At the same time the Vespa and Lambrettas arrived and very quickly all of those funny little British bikes were consigned to history
Hampshire council continue to keep cycles off the pavement, but not inflation has caused them to add higher fines to the old cast sign.
Friday 8 March 2024
Glide Boat
Had an interesting chat with the owner of this Glide Boat down on the slipway at Swanwick. From a distance I thought it was a LiteBoat which is a similar French bot built I believe with carbon fiber
By contracts Glide Boats are made of roto-moulded plastic, like many kayaks and sailing dinghies. It's robust and strong and while heavier than carbon at 22Kg the Glide Solo is not exactly heavy and should slip along very nicely.
Detail at the stern is a drop down, or flip up skeg, which gives good directional stability.
The other benefit arising from the construction is cost, the owner kindly shared that we paid well under £2,000 for the whole set up including oars and trolley, pretty good way to start the new year's fitness regime and looks like a lot of fun.
If you wanted to try one, Rowing Adventures over at Lymington do try out sessions.
Monday 4 March 2024
Weston SC
We joined Weston Sailing Club in 2023, but life events got in the way and sadly we only managed to sail a very few times at the start of the season.
The club's situation north of Netley, located in the wooded shores of Southampton Water is lovely and both the dinghy park and car park are spacious.
With the prevailing winds the club is a lee shore so a quick launch and recovery are necessary in such conditions.
Someone joked that the cannon adjacent the race office was to repel non members 😂 but in fact the club is really friendly and welcoming.
Friday 1 March 2024
After the rain
Driving through the New Forest the rain was lashing down and the wind howling, I had to slow down to drive safely. A few miles further as I approached Keyhaven things couldn't have been more different.
Flat calm, not a breath of wind nor hint of rain, typical of a passing squall.
Sadly it didn't last long, within another 30 minutes or so the rain resumed although thank fully with less intensity.
Monday 26 February 2024
South Downs chalk stream Idyll
Couple of photos from last summer along one of Hampshire's chalk streams, the water is crystal clear, filtered by the chalk hills.
Nearby there are watercress beds, cress being one of the traditional local summer crops.
I could probably put up with water in the basement to live there, but not sure about the thatch, nice to look at someone else's house with that. Like teak decks, an expensive repair waiting to happen.