Proper Keyboard for iPhone?

I’m always on the lookout for a good deal – something cheap;  as good as or better than the pukka job. That seldom works and I never learn from my mistakes.

I did a bit of research on the Internet looking for cheap mini Bluetooth enabled keyboards suitable for the iPhone 3Gs and came up with two: a Logitech Tablet keyboard and a Cerulian keyboard. The latter was about the same price as the former, and it was immediately available at my local Maplin store. Being more compact than the Logitech and about the same size as the keyboard of my tiny EEE PC, I decided to go for it.

I moved like a double flash of lightning!!

Back at home my frustrations began. Getting the Bluetooth devices connected was a total failure. I followed the simple instructions, but no matter how many times I tried linking the phone and the keyboard, I was unsuccessful. I turned off all Wi-Fis hoping that would help, and I know for a fact that the iPhone’s Bluetooth was working, because it picked up a signal from my digital house phone. Loads of advice on related Internet forums could not provide a solution.

After all my efforts, I’m resigned to returning the Cerulian keyboard; hopefully get my money back and buy a Logitech keyboard. My nearest PC World with one in stock is at Thurrock, a fair way to go ……………. more petrol, more hassle, and perhaps no success.

Is all this worth doing to make blogging from my boat easier? I’m beginning to have my doubts.

I should bear in mind that ‘small is beautiful’, and the principle of KISS. 

Links

KISS Principle

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KISS_principle

Small is Beautiful

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Small_Is_Beautiful

Testing the Technology

This afternoon I thought I would further test the technology by uploading to my Blog through 3G in the open at Hullbridge. Right now I am sitting on a bench overlooking the River Crouch. Directly before me the water is ebbing. A Leisure 23 has settled on the mud. Other yachts remain afloat. There is 80 percent cloud cover. Now and again the sun breaks through, bringing light to the scene.

Further along the River, by Hullbridge Yacht Club I came across 'Finda', a miniature Hastings beach boat. (See photos)

Experimenting with my iPhone

Today I am further investigating how my iPhone can be used as a means of doing my Blog at Blogger. I am hoping I can copy items from the 'Notes' facility and paste them to Blogger.

I have discovered that Logitech markets a Bluetooth keyboard compatible with an iPhone 3Gs. The keyboard will make it easier for doing longer and more detailed articles than when using the iPhone's virtual keyboard.

By the looks of it, the experiment of copying and pasting from the 'Notes' facility has been successful.

Jerrycans for ‘Sandpiper’

What are the options for storing petrol aboard my West Wight Potter? The same question could be asked of the owner of any small boat powered by an outboard motor. If the vessel is a dinghy for transporting a crew from shore to yacht, and vice versa, perhaps the outboard’s integral tank will suffice. In which case, no petrol need be stowed on the yacht. When on a cruise, however, the prudent skipper will ensure he has an adequate supply of petrol onboard for the dinghy’s outboard; he will make sure it is properly and securely stowed.

Bought at the Esso station

Single part nozzle

It is not good to put a jerrycan containing petrol in direct sunshine; in fact, there will be a warning on any good quality jerrycan specifically made for storing petrol, not to do so. Ideally it should be stowed in a well-ventilated, cool compartment.

Transferring petrol from a jerrycan to an outboard’s tank can be a bit tricky. Care must be taken not to spill the volatile liquid, particularly into the water, because the release of toxins from it will affect creatures that depend upon pollution-free water for their lives. A spillage of petroleum in the bilge of a boat could be hazardous for her crew, as a build-up of fumes could accidentally be ignited - one spark, and within seconds, the vessel could be a fireball.

Bought at Halfords

Two part nozzle

Now and again one hears of boats that have been engulfed in flames because of a fuel spillage. To minimize the chances of this happening, precautions need to be taken. The most likely time for a spillage is when refuelling the engine. A large funnel can help prevent an accidental spillage when refuelling. I always tie my funnel to the boat to prevent it from going over the side. Before topping up the tank I double-check to make sure that the spout has been securely screwed into place.

Some jerrycans are better designed than others, and because of this they are less of a problem when it comes to attaching the spout. I bought a cheap can at my local Esso filling station and I subsequently discovered that unless I take great care to ensure that the spout is well and truly screwed into place, it will leak.

Because the capacity of the fuel tank of my Honda 2 HP outboard is one litre, on average I have to replenish the fuel every 50 to 55 minutes. One full 5 litre can will hold enough petrol to power the boat for a maximum of 4 ½ hours; thus at 3 knots the potential distance travelled over the ground could be 13.5 nautical miles - depending on the direction and strength of the wind, similarly with the water. Two jerrycans will take me 27 miles, more than enough for a crossing of the English Channel at the narrowest part – not that I intend doing so. The less I turn on the motor, the better it will be, not only for my pocket and the environment, but for my peace, and peace of mind.

To answer my opening question, I only have one place for stowing petrol – that’s if I wish to avoid direct sunshine, although there has not been much of it lately, I shall have to keep it in the stern locker.

Paddle for ‘Sandpiper’

When I launched ‘Sandpiper’ at Burnham Yacht Harbour I resorted to moving her away from the slipway with an improvised paddle. I made it from a broomstick and a piece of plywood left over from building my Paradox.

I have ditched the homemade one and replaced it with a Lahna paddle, which I shall stow on the port side deck where it will not snag the jib sheet. There it will be secured with a small cord passing through a fairlead into a jam cleat so as to be ready for instant use. The disadvantage of keeping the paddle there is that it will make walking along the deck rather tricky.

Link

Lahna Paddles

http://www.lahnakoski.fi/english/index.html

Radar Reflector for ‘Sandpiper’

‘Sandpiper’ at 14’ LOA is only a tiny boat. The likelihood of her being visible on a radar screen is minimal; nor will she be easily seen from the bridge of a ship by the duty watch officer. Her hull is blue and the top of her mainsail is blue; her cabin top is white. Therefore, she should be well camouflaged, which would be an advantage if she were on a ‘stealth’ mission, but a distinct disadvantage if she’s anywhere near a shipping lane. To make her more visible on radar I shall hoist a small tubular reflector that I occasionally used on ‘Ladybird’.

There are several types of radar reflectors, but I believe there are none more suitable for a small boat than the one I have. It has minmal windage, is light, and according to the manufacturer (Plastimo) it is effective. The dimensions are 58 centimetres by 5 centimetres, offering 2 square metres of reflective area! Probably the best place for deploying the reflector will be high up, attached to one of the shrouds.

On a couple of my previous yachts I have used the old-fashioned, aluminium octahedral reflector. This type when folded flat, takes up very little space, but when assembled it is too large for a small yacht. Windage for this type is high, and chafe on the sails is another problem.

Ecomax cylindrical reflectors are more efficient, because they have a large reflective area for their size; however, they are heavy - even the smallest weighs 1.4 kilograms, and I certainly do not want a 47.8 centimetre by 19.7 centimetre object near the top of the mast. At £116.94 from my local chandlery, the smallest Ecomax, inclusive of mounting brackets, is way too expensive.

Links

The Radar Reflector Site

http://www.theradarreflectorsite.org/ 

My Old Mistress, ‘Ladybird’

http://bills-log.blogspot.co.uk/2011/12/my-old-mistress-ladybird.html

Car Tyre Pressure for Trailer-Boating

How many of us refer to the Owner’s Guide? When I bought my Ford Mondeo I casually read a few pages and I assumed I knew all about the car. I had it serviced regularly once a year, and it has only once let me down - not entirely, but the engine would continue revving when I took my foot off the accelerator! My local Ford garage eventually found a way of curing the problem – one they had never come across before – something to do with the electronics managing the fuel injection system.

I have owned the car for twelve years, during which time I have used it to tow four trailer-sailers. There has never been a moment when I felt the vehicle was not up to the job, even when encountering the hills and valleys of Devon and Cornwall.

Retrieving my Paradox on a steeply inclined, weed-covered slipway at Emsworth Yacht Harbour was the trickiest situation. To avoid putting the car on the weed, I had to attach the trailer to the tow bar with a rope, but there wasn’t enough room at the top of the slipway for the car to move far enough forward to bring the trailer, complete with boat to the top of the incline. This meant that I had to tie a second rope to the trailer and make it fast to a bollard, so that I could release the first rope. Having done that, I reversed the car to a point above the weed line and reattached the first rope before taking up the load. Then I removed the second rope.  Finally I was able to tow the boat onto the level at the top of the slipway.

My Mondeo Owner’s Guide states that the nose weight on the tow ball must be no more than 75 kilograms - that’s 165 lbs, or 11.8 stone.  I have never had anything near that weight on the tow ball. I have found that 40 to 45 lbs is quite enough to keep the nose down – besides, the ball is locked into the socket by a safety latch. If perchance the trailer parts from the tow ball it is secured to the car by a wire strop.

The Owner’s Guide gives no information regarding tyre pressures when towing a caravan or a trailer-sailer. A Mondeo with more than three people in it requires the rear tyres to be inflated to a pressure of 41 lbs per square inch and the front tyres to be at 31 lbs per square inch. Before towing a boat I have always inflated the tyres to the pressure stipulated for a load of more than three persons.

‘Sandpiper’s’ Engine

An inboard engine on such a small boat would be out of the question. The only alternative is an outboard motor powered by petroleum or electricity. Weight is a consideration, because a heavy outboard would adversely affect the trim of the boat. Fuel for the outboard is another heavy item requiring safe and secure stowage. Placing a volatile fuel such as petrol in the main cabin would be foolish. Storing fuel in the aft locker has its risks, but there the dangers are reduced. If fuel is spilt, at least it is contained, but one would have to take care not to ignite the fumes accidentally. Disposal or dispersal of the spilt fuel would not be easy.

An electric outboard has its attractions:  this type of engine is quiet, environmentally friendly and it is lighter than a comparable petroleum outboard. A battery for powering the engine could be stowed low amidships. I know that is the not the best place for efficiency, because a long connection lead results in a loss of power. The most off-putting thing about electric engines is their inability to run for long periods unless they have multiple batteries supplying their energy needs. For raw power, a petroleum outboard invariably outperforms an electric outboard.

I do not like petroleum outboards, but I chose to have one in preference to an electric engine, mainly because they can run for longer periods if several jerrycans of petroleum are safely stowed aboard the boat. She will have a greater range than with an electric motor that depends upon one or two 12 volt batteries.

My four-stroke outboard has the advantage of not requiring oil to be added to the petrol; that in turn makes for a more eco-friendly machine.  Small outboards such as ‘Sandpiper’s’ Honda 2 HP four-stroke engine are economical, because they consume little fuel. These modern outboards are quieter and lighter than their predecessors.

My 1997, Honda BF 2 outboard has a rated power of 1.5 kilowatts, and weighs only 12.5 kilos.

Solar Charger for 'Sandpiper' – Part 3

Here are four photos that illustrate how the solar panel slots into a retaining frame. The wire between the panel and the battery passes through a hole in the hatch which is just large enough for the junction plugs.

I have not decided whether to permanently fix the panel within the frame or to place it there only when sailing. Steve quite rightly comments that I can charge the battery from the mains when the boat is at home.

Solar Charger for ‘Sandpiper’ – Part 2

A close examination of the wire between the solar panel and the crocodile clips revealed that it was damaged. Yesterday I didn’t notice two places where the protective coating had been breached. The copper wire had become so hot that the filaments fused together. Consequently, the wire was weakened, and I would not like to trust it for long-term use.

Having explained the situation to the Ebay seller, he said he would send me a replacement panel. Meanwhile I have made a mahogany frame for attaching the new panel to ‘Sandpiper’s’ sliding hatch.

When away cruising I shall be more self-sufficient by having an independent means of topping up the battery. I am hoping the 10 watt panel will be adequate for the task. Obviously I must take care not to overuse the Autohelm.

Solar Charger for ‘Sandpiper’

I recently came across what appeared to be an exceptional deal on Ebay for a 10 watt solar panel with a diode to prevent reverse charging. Measuring 310 millimetres by 368 millimetres the panel will fit on top of ‘Sandpiper’s’ sliding hatch. Needless to say, at only £25.95, including delivery, I thought it was a bargain. I parted with my money and the panel arrived this morning.

Instead of testing the device right away, I cut the lawns while the sun shone. After lunch I unpacked the parcel, checked the contents and connected the crocodile clips to ‘Sandpiper’s’ battery. Almost immediately, I knew something was wrong, because the connector lead rapidly heated. Swiftly I disconnected the clips to prevent a serious incident happening. I had correctly attached the clips to the appropriate battery terminals – red to positive, and black to negative.  What was wrong? I had my suspicion that the manufacturer incorrectly wired the junction box.

I contacted the seller and asked his advice. He suggested that I should reconnect the clips, but attach the negative to the positive terminal and visa versa. On doing so I checked the connection lead; thankfully it remained cool. I found there was no discernable difference in the voltage of the battery when the solar panel was connected to the battery. I independently tested the output of the solar panel by using my voltmeter. I felt confident that the charger was doing its work.

Over the next day or so I shall measure the battery’s voltage to ascertain if the solar panel is OK. Currently the voltmeter indicates a satisfactory 12 volts. Four days ago, after I charged the battery by a mains charger, the voltmeter registered 12.5 volts. Somehow the battery has lost half a volt. 

Note

The Ebay seller subsequently sent me an email to say that if things don’t work out, he will send me another solar charger.  

Small Things for ‘Sandpiper’

Frayed Leech

Leech after Sealing

Attention to detail can make the difference between success and failure. A chain will break at the weakest link; therefore it is important to examine every link before relying on the chain. Are all the links robust enough to take the load expected of them?

The time has come for such an examination of ‘Sandpiper’. If I am to take her cruising I must be able to rely on her. What are her weakest points? Starting with the sails, the least satisfactory aspect is their tiredness, due to age, but they should be good enough for perhaps two seasons. The mainsail where it rubs on the shrouds is rather thin, and when the sun shines on that part of the sail tiny holes become visible. When I reshaped the jib I cut the leech with a pair of scissors that left the edge frayed in places. To strengthen the edge I melted the polyester by searing it with a very hot soldering iron, and to prevent the sail from tearing at the seams I bound them with extra sailcloth where they meet the leech.

New Socket

I was never happy with the support socket for the Autohelm. I made it from a piece of brass tubing that did not snugly fit the support rod. Consequently unwanted play lessened the efficiency of the Autohelm. Today, I bought and fitted a genuine replacement socket. Not only will the Autohelm be more efficient, but it will also be more secure.

Cleat for the Topping Lift

The boat did not have a topping lift when I bought her; therefore I added a new one for raising and lowering the boom. To reduce windage I eliminated the downhaul part of the topping lift, and I added a small cleat to a point near the aft end of the boom for attaching the tail of the topping lift.

These small adjustments, along with others I shall make, will in part reduce the chances of things going badly wrong.

Trying to Blog by iPhone

This is my first attempt at posting an entry to my Blog by iPhone. When I was testing 'Sandpiper' On the River Crouch I could not gain access to Blogger because a new, more advanced system recently introduced with extra features was not compatible with my very basic mini EEEPC.

If I can post up-to-date entries from my iPhone I shall be very pleased. When I am cruising the boat they will take the form of notes giving basic facts of where I am, what I am doing, and what I plan to do. My family and friends will be able to follow my progress, and any reader who cares to log on.

No doubt there will be limits as to what I can publish via the iPhone. For a starter the virtual keyboard is so small that I can only type with my index finger, unlike a full size keyboard when I can touch-type using all my fingers and thumbs.

I shall have a go at uploading a photo. Being able to illustrate the Blog with photos via my iPhone will be a great asset.

Minor Adjustments to ‘Sandpiper’

While testing ‘Sandpiper’ on the water, a few shortcomings became evident, not with the boat or her performance, but with her gear. An important item that required attention was her outboard bracket. I could only attach the bracket to the transom at a particular spot. It is held there by four bolts: the upper two pass through the transom above the deck and the lower two below the deck.  When the bracket is fully down with the outboard attached, the propeller is too low in the water; therefore I have devised a simple wire strop system for supporting the bracket at the correct height.

Testing 'Sandpiper' - Part 3

Thursday, 28^th June 2012

I had every intention of spending another day on the water with ‘Sandpiper’, but the early forecast indicated there would be rain for much of the morning and the possibility of a thunderstorm in the afternoon. With that unpromising prospect I decided to put the boat on her trailer and head for home.

Moored at Pontoon

Early high water was at 0715. I had three-quarters of an hour before the ebb was due to commence. I skipped breakfast, fired up the engine and cast off from the pontoon. Two minutes later the prop fouled the line for raising the rudder, causing the engine to stop. With my makeshift paddle I took her to a nearby pontoon. The only way I could unsnarl the line was by cutting it free. I tied the ends together and proceeded to the slipway.

Unlike when launching the boat, I was able to keep the wheel bearings out of the water, because the winch was powerful enough to haul ‘Sandpiper’ onto her trailer. However, the operation was not trouble free, as the winch rope jammed against the side of the drum causing it to be almost severed.

From there on, everything went according to the book. I took my time; then I had breakfast before setting off for home. There was no rain in the morning, nor was there a thunderstorm in the afternoon - so much for the weather forecast!

Conclusion

‘Sandpiper’ requires only a few minor modifications before she will be ready for a short cruise. All I want is a satisfactory forecast for a spell of fine sunny weather.

Testing ‘Sandpiper’ - Part 2

Wednesday, 27^th June, 2012

It is surprising how quickly one gets into the routine of living aboard. When I woke this morning I felt quite at home, almost as if aboard ‘Faith’, my 12’ 10” Paradox. ‘Sandpiper’ is not as cramped, but she has less useable space because of her intrusive centreplate and her large cockpit. I can’t stretch out my legs as easily. To do it, I have to sit on the port bunk while facing towards the stern with my legs resting on the bunk top.

After breakfast I tried the Honda 2 HP outboard, and I was surprised that it fired into action at the first pull. The propeller was a little lower in the water than I wanted. To improve matters I made a rope strop to keep it at the correct depth. I also raised and lowered the centreplate to test it and to discover if, as a result, water came through the centreplate box where the support bolt is located. To my relief, none did.

Jim's Macwester

Yesterday I bumped into an old sailing friend, Jim McAvoy, who I knew when I was a member of the Up River Yacht in the early 1970s. He was at Burnham Yacht Harbour with his Macwester yacht ’Cestra’. We both planned to sail to the River Roach, setting out about 1030, and from there Jim would return to his mooring at Hullbridge. Low water was at 1222, after which time he would have the flood tide with him. I had no definite plan for the afternoon, but I would anchor for lunch within the entrance of the River Roach.

New Jetty

Beyond Rice and Cole, on the opposite side of the River Crouch there is a new jetty for offloading spoil from the Cross Rail Project. This joint enterprise has the backing of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. The spoil is being used to make a large wetland reserve for birds where they can feed and nest.

On my way to the River Roach I tried various manoeuvres with ‘Sandpiper’ to test her sailing performance. She hove-to nicely, sailed fairly close to the wind, and she was as happy running as she was on the reach. Her weather helm was not excessive and it could almost be eliminated on the reach by half raising the centreplate. By comparison with ‘Faith’ I found she was more tender, but like the former she hardened up when heeling at about 15 degrees.

I anchored a cable or so beyond the Branklet Spit Buoy that marks the entrance of the River Roach. There I had lunch. The sky turned grey, and the weather was very humid. A low-flying, EasyJet passenger plane noisily passed overhead on its descent for Southend Airport. Recently the runway was extended to accommodate larger planes.

After lunch I had a snooze. On waking, and with renewed energy, I broke out the anchor. Not a lot of mud came up with the anchor; therefore cleaning the foredeck was quickly done by sloshing three buckets of seawater over it.

The 'Crow' Buoy and the entrance to the River Roach beyond.

I had a spanking good sail up and down the first stretch of the River Roach before returning to the River Crouch. From there I brought ’Sandpiper’ onto the wind and tacked towards the moorings at Rice and Cole. At about 1500 clouds darkened and drizzle started to fall. I was able to make it into the Yacht Harbour before more persistent drizzle set in. I slotted the lower washboard into place, closed the hatch and made a cup of tea. To replace energy expended while sailing, and as a comfort snack, I ate a delicious portion of Herman the German cake my wife gave me for such an occasion.

Herman the German Cake

Before preparing my evening meal I walked to the Co-op to buy the ingredients: potatoes, broccoli and corned beef.

Testing ‘Sandpiper’ - Part 1

Tuesday, 26^th June, 2012

High water at Burnham Yacht Harbour was at 1743. I took an hour to make ’Sandpiper’ ready and to launch her. Disappointingly I could not persuade her to slide off her trailer without the wheel bearings getting wet. Had she not been fully loaded with cruising gear, including the outboard motor, I think it would have been possible to manhandle her off her trailer.

The wind was blowing directly onto the slipway which helped by keeping the boat nudged against the mud to one side. That meant I did not have to pull her onto the slipway while I took the road trailer to the car park. I moved the boat to her berth with a makeshift paddle that I knocked up before leaving home.

I was relieved to find that not a single drop of water entered through the centreplate box where the bolt that supports the centreplate passes through. I am hoping that will be the same when I drop the plate and start sailing.

I should have a fairly peaceful night in the Yacht Harbour. Tomorrow, I am planning to test the outboard and go for a sail. Depending on the strength and direction of the wind, I’ll decide where to sail, but it is my intention to return to the Yacht harbour for the night.

So far things look positive. Sandpiper is loaded correctly, and with the amount of gear I have aboard she is exactly on her marked waterline.

Note

This is the first of a three-part account; each one was written on the day in question.

Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren

Weather dominates the life of a sailor. Yesterday my daughter was one of a crew delivering a yacht from Brightlingsea to Pin Mill. I would not have fancied taking her place, because the wind was hovering around a Force 7 blowing against the flood running down the Wallet. She described the conditions as very lively, and their trip was not without incident – a smack boat capsized and the yacht being delivered sustained a damaged bowsprit. For sure, the conditions were too rough for a little sailboat like ‘Sandpiper’, and I was glad I was not sailing her at the time.

Today, the wind moderated, and maybe ‘Sandpiper’ could have coped on the sheltered River Crouch. Instead of being tempted to launch her there and give her a go, I stayed at home to be with my grandchildren and great grandchildren. They spent the day with my wife and me so that their parents could have a break. The tiny tots were a lively bunch – all boys and noisy too, but they played well together. They had plenty of toys to fire their imagination and bags of space for running around. Hide-and-seek was the most popular game, followed by football, a close second.

Together we had a great day, and I delighted in seeing them so happy, healthy and ‘normal’. We all came out of it unscathed. The children fell asleep the moment their heads touched their pillows.

Tomorrow will be another adventure for both young and old.