On Tue, 15 Apr 2008 05:34:03 -0400, "Roger Long"
wrote:

I epoxied a solid copper ring around the through hull for my transducer when
I set the flush fitting a bit too deep. I figgured that would be that cat's
pajamas but it slimes up and the long slime threads jamb the paddle wheel
just about as fast as bare fiberglass would. No barnacles grow on the ring
but the grow briskly on the bare plastic paddle wheel 1/16 inch away from
the copper.

If I had coppered the whole boat, I would expect to need to scrub it every
month even up here in Maine where fouling is light. I now paint the copper
ring just like the rest of the bottom.

I'll let you in on a secret. Take the damned speed log transmitter
out, plug the hole and use the GPS. No more barnacles on the paddle
wheel. You do need some penlight batteries but that is easier then
jumping over the side in September to scrape the paddle wheel, or
having to pull the damned thing and sea water squirting all over the
electrics.

Heck, I used to sail from Muscungus bay up to S.W. Harbor with a
compass and one chart. Just head north out of Muscongus bay till you
can't see any land out the port side and turn left. Keep going 'till
you see one of those little white boats and just drift on by and
holler "Where am I?". You may get told, "You're out in a boat", but
most of the time they'll tell you where you are. :-)


Bruce-in-Bangkok
(correct email address for reply)