Page 9 - Our advices

There are all forms of fender, the cylindrical, to the lens shaped, through to flat and round… Faced with this range, it is often difficult to make a choice and it is tempting, to take a selection, but the cylinders are undoubtedly the most effective.

Boat length Fender diameter Fender Number Supplementary Round fenders 4 to 6 m 10 to 12 cm 6 15 to 20 cm 6 to 8 m 15 to 20 cm 8 28 cm 8 to10 m 20 to 25 cm 8 35 cm 10 to 14 m 25 to 35 cm 10 45 cm

Thanks to their semi-rigid polyethylene foam structure these fenders neither roll nor rise. They protect a large area and do not mark the hull. Space-saving, especially when stored, they can also be used, like their cousins, for the same type of work. It is advisable to use these fenders with a protective shell because they may scratch the hull over time.
Ball or spherical defences
The spherical fender, if cumbersome, remains a good instant defence at dock, or to ward off danger. This fender is also very useful for protecting

The current trend seems to be to trim the mainsail with battens. On multihulls the mainsails have slats to make hold the horizontal width of the sail and are distributed from the masthead to the boom. This permits better sail control, especially up high and offers more power by increasing the roach. In addition the sail flutter is minimized. The only drawback is that it must be mounted on runners (bearing if possible) for effortless hoisting and lowering; an accessory which may seriously damage the budget. For racing, helmsmen prefer the standard sail, it is lighter and allows more settings. For older sailing vessels, on which the backstay is often the roach, we may also choose a partially slatted mainsail (semi-battened.)

The roller furling Genoa has become a must on the majority of recreational vessels. However, one must not count on a furled Genoa holding in a storm. This sail provided for very strong winds, must be sized with a very flat form and have a surface

Standard ISO 9650 Life raft
This international standard has been in force since 2005 and covers all rafts of recreational craft of less than 24m in length. Two types of raft are regulated by this standard: coastal ISO 9650-II and the high seas ISO-9650-1.
ISO 9650 type II rafts.
Type II rafts are adapted to coastal navigation. They are less robust than the type I but more lightweight. They are designed to inflate at a temperature of between 0 ° C and 65 ° C. The bottom of the raft is simple and of standard strength. They are designed for mild weather.
ISO 9650 type I raft
This category is divided into two classes; A and B. The class A is stronger than the class B. There are also differences in inflation temperature and the design of the bottom. The class A can be inflated between -15 ° C and 65 ° C and the bottom is doubled. The class B between 0 ° C and 65 ° C and h as a simple bottom. In both classes, the equipment may be erected rapidly and hold up for 24 hours or more, until

The regulations imposed for navigation of less than 2miles from shelter, are individual equipment (vest or jacket,) of 50 Newtons. You will not find them in our guide (except special dinghy vest.) For sailing between 2 and 6 miles, the regulations require 100 Newton models. For this zone the harness and lanyard are not obligatory. Beyond 6 miles, it will be better to replace 150 Newton foam vests, with inflatable life jackets. This is the type of equipment one purchases for themselves and which serves one well when travelling on different vessels.

All automatic vests also have a manual activation system. This may be salt tablets, which disintegrate in water, freeing the CO ² bottle’s trigger release. The models we offer have a spray protection system to prevent accidental release. The hydrostatic valve (Hammar system,) activates under water pressure. Theoretically 10cm of water is sufficient. Note, that although the hydrostatic system is attractive

 

A number of solutions are possible when one considers the GPS, the autonomy and the type of beacon.

In the satellite distress beacon range one finds the EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon,) and the PLB (Personal Locator Beacon.)

The EPIRB are the largest. They are connected to a boat and float. The personal beacons are the smallest. They do not float but function even on land.

The localisation of the beacon is assured by satellite. It is sometimes necessary to use several satellites to do this precisely (more time.) If the beacon is equipped with GPS it can send its own position to the satellite. The localisation is thus faster, more precise and may provide more help.

The autonomy is 24 to 48 hours (continuous,) according to model.

With the EPIRB type, it is also coded with the MMSI number of the boat. On the PLB there is a choice between the MMSI number and the name of the user (along with contact info of people to inform in case of problems).

The