Back From the Boatshow

We had a very enjoyable time at the boatshow yesterday though we do have a lighter pocket as well. We had always intended to spend a bit of money but after looking at the various AIS options, we did plump for buying the Simrad AI50. This is a self contained transponder. It is a class B unit but has a small screen with a basic world map to display on and allows you to get the information on ships in your vicinity. In an ideal world I would like to be able to overlay this information onto the radar. This is not, unfortunately, possible with our set up as our radar is deemed too old to be able to be upgraded to accept AIS input. Eventually, we did a bit o humming and hahing and decided to take the plung, thus making the day of the sales woman on the Simrad stand.

On other stands, we did quite a lot of talking to different people about things like different anchors (Rocna vs. Delta), supplies of multiplait anchor line, satellite phones, liferafts, new engines and holding tanks. Some of the information was very useful. The satellite phone guy was very interesting. I have, so far been in favour of renting a phone but he was adamant that the best bet would be to buy one and then sell it on once we had done with it. I have a suspicion that, in this case we might well hang onto it. They are however pretty expensive though, starting at £1100.

The liferaft thing was also interesting as it is not clear from the AZAB and ISAF rules whether the ISO9650 certification is adequate but the word from the people at the show was that this is the case so may make the case for buying a liferaft more of an option.

Of course, we also verified that the Guiness was still up to scratch though it was a bit of a shock to see the Guinness stand selling other stuff like Kronenbourg!

Anyway, onwards and upwards. The grit blast guy will be down next Friday and we will spend the weekend working out how to get our new electronic toy installed and also where to site the arial that AIS needs. We can also make a start on more mundane stuff like sanding the toerail and generally cleaning and polishing her.

And so the saga goes on!