Tinker Tinkeress in the Med

It was just over a year ago that I first used my Tinkeress in the Mediterranean little did I know at the time that I was going to be living in the same area a year later.

On the beach ready to go

I had only used the dinghy with an outboard to go around a bit in Fareham Creek. It was a sheltered area with strong tides and I did not go to far. I decided to go further out to sea as I am confident enough in the dinghy to do so.

Its a different world to the Solent

I took her about 4nm along the coast and it was a lot of fun and the views of the coast line were stunning. I did put a wet suit on as the sea is not as warm in the winter.

Strong winter sun

I tried a bit of fishing with a hand line but, did not catch anything not even sea weed. I would like to bring an anchor next time and try a bit of rod fishing. But, unfortunately all my anchors are still in the UK.

Amazing coast line

I found the little 2hp outboard was ok just a tad slow in the sea. I would like to try a larger outboard and according to the sales material she will take up to a 4hp outboard. I would also like to see how she performs with a British Seagull Outboard.

Calm seas

A short clip of me motoring around need to sort the date out on my gopro

Sevylor Tahiti Kayak

I brought a Sevylor Tahiti 2 + 1 kayak a couple of years ago. But, only used it a few times on the canal and once on Fareham Creek. It was ideal on the canal and easy to lift out to go past the locks. It was good on the Creek but, tides needed to be taken into account especially at springs.

Ready to be inflated 

I brought the Kayak down to Southern Spain on my boot rack on my Mazda Eunos so they are very easy to transport even in the smallest of cars. They are ideal Kayaks for taking on holidays or when storing a traditional kayak are not possible.

All ready to go

Yesterday the weather was really nice and rather than taking my other toy out I decided to take the Kayak out. It took me about five minutes to inflate and I was ready to go. The kayak performed very well and was a pleasure to paddle. I just need to sort the seat out a bit better for more comfort.

Going along the Coast

Heading out in calm seas

I did not go to far partly due to the seat and the paddle I had was not that good as I had lost one of the screws for it.

The beach I launched from

Fareham - Newtown Creek - Fareham

It was a very calm day

It was another very hot day and I decided that I was going to spend the night on the hook in New Town Creek. New Town Creek is on the Isle of Wight and is a National Nature Reserve it is a very peaceful place to visit and one of my favourite places in the Solent. For anchoring it is well protected and has good holding I would highly recommend it to anyone.

On the hook

Wind was almost non existent F1/2 at times I decided to raise the main to catch what little wind I could. It was unusually quite for the Solent that was until I entered New Town Creek. It was like a water park people swimming, playing on water toys. The place was packed with Sailing boats small and large, ribs, motorboats jet skies I had never seen New Town Creek as full before.

Exploring the Creek

I decided to take the tender to explore a bit I could only land on the beach due low water. I decided to go for a swim as it was very hot. It was very refreshing to take a dip. Later on I deiced to to land and have a look round. It was like going back in time very peaceful and just the odd tourist.

A perfect place to park

I went back and had my dinner and a drink as the day turned to dusk the day sailors and ribs, power boats departed it was a different world. Just two other yachts on the hook. I watched the sunset and shortly after went to my bunk ready for an early start.

Such a peaceful evening 

Time for bed

The next day I arose shortly before sunrise. It was a struggle to raise the anchor and it was covered in mud. The day was calm and sadly I had to motor sail back.

A flat sea

Always something to see while entering Portsmouth

Fareham - Folly In -Osbourne Bay - Fareham

The weather was very warm and the plan was to do some more work on Tallula but, the cabin was very warm and we decided to go for a sail instead.

 A reward for all the hard work

I noticed a big difference in how she performed and with full sails and the engine on tick over I easily exceeded the 5 knot speed limit in Portsmouth harbour. The difference from last time was profound. We decided to treat our self's after all the hard work to a glass of Prosecco. In years of sailing I have never touched a drop of alcohol while at sea but, on this occasion I decided  that a glass of Prosecco would be ok.

The Folly Inn moorings

The sail over was really nice not much wind force 3 at most but, with the clean hull and anti foul it was plenty. I was lucky to be able to get a walk ashore pontoon at the Folly Inn.

We had a lovely meal and a few drinks and yes they still dance on the tables.

The next day I decided to set of early to have breakfast on the hook I also decided to go for a swim the water was extremely cold and the moment I was fully in the sea I experienced cold water shock I could hardly move. I was pleased that I had a line to hold onto. I think I will put on a wet suit next time.

An early start

On the way back their was little to no wind so I motored back and the engine was running very well after the recent oil change.

Too cold for me

Heading back into Portsmouth

The Heads

While Tallula was out of the water I decided that I was going to sort the heads out. A smelly dirty job that I was not looking forward to. I found that the heads would flush the waste out. But, the ball valve for the inlet was completely seized. Well the handle had corroded completely. Luckily they were closed and not open.

The valve was completely seized 

Old and new one

The plan was simple simply remove the old valve and fit a new one. Well that was what my intention was but, one thing lead to another and the small job just got bigger.

I unscrewed the jubilee clip and pulled, twisted, tugged but, the hose would not budge. I decided to cut it of with a Stanley knife but that did not go though it. I decided to go in with the heavy stuff the hack saw and it worked.

I then tried to remove the valve but, that too would not budge. I decided to spray some WD40 on it and had a coffee.

The new valve 

I drank my coffee and went back to it and got it of. I was really pleased with myself and decided that that despite the horrible smell I would also change the old hoses. The inlet one was not too bad but, the outlet one smelt bad and my hands had become covered in dark coloured grime. I did not really want to think to profoundly about what it may or may not be. So I decided to have a shower.

Goodbye smelly one

While I was removing the hoses the chipboard shelf broke upon further investigation the heads were on a piece of rotten chipboard.

I refitted the new valve using PDF tape and was pleaded with what I had done.

I took these home along with the toilet. I used the old one that the toilet was stood on and made a new one with plywood that I stained and covered in expoxy.

New toilet stand

My girlfriend agreed to hover the area after I had given it a good clean. She then painted the whole area for me with Dulex wet and dry. The smell was finally gone and it all looked nice and clean

I cut a new stand and shelf as the old ones had become rotten. I refitted the toilet with the new hoses. The one had a slight kink in it so I will need to shorten it slightly.

Not a nice look

I decided to apply some self adhesive tiles so the area could easily be cleaned and wiped down without having to worry about the paint work. The difference was amazing and it was well worth all the extra effort I now have heads that I am pleased with.

Much better with fresh paint

Finally 

Time for a lift out

Last time I went out Tallula was struggling to reach hull speed let alone maintain it. In fact since I brought her she did seem a bit slow and I have no idea when she was last anti-fouled but, I suspect it was years ago.

The moment she was lifted out of the water it was clear that a scrub and anti-foul was overdue.

Out she comes 

As you can see she is really bad

The first thing I did was to give her a good jet wash to get of as much as I could. The yard turns the electric of after 17:00 due to noise complaints and it was already 16:00. After jet washing only one anode was still visable well what was left of it. I really did regret not bringing a change of cloths as I was covered in mud and barnicles. Next time I will bring spare cloths and wear protective eye wear as my eyes were hit several times from flying debris.

 I was shocked how bad she was below the waterline.

Getting the worst done before scraping

After the jet wash

It was nice to see that Tallula's hull was in good condition and the prop still sounded like a bell when I hit it with a key. I still had lots to do.

Osbourne Bay

Saturday 5th May 2018

I was going to sail to Newtown Creek but, as I had to wait for high water in the afternoon and the warm weather I decided to sail to Osbourne Bay instead.

Osbourne Bay is close to Cowes on the Isle of Wight but, is a completely different world. I would highly recommend it to anyone who sails in the Solent.

The sail over was mostly motor sailing to my surprise their was not that many boats on the water I assume they had already arrived.

Such a peacefull sail over

On the sail over I only saw a few other yachts out which is very unsual for the Solent on As bank holiday weekend. I tried a bit of fishing but, the did not catch anything.

Apprough to Osbourne Bay

As I got closer I decided where I was going to drop the hook. I went to the spot and put the engine in neautral and put the anchor down and then reversed a bit. Took a bearing then another bearing I was happy the anchor was holding. So I opended a beer and watched the sunset.

Solent Sunset

I had not set an anchor alarm so checked though out the night to check despite getting up for the checks I slept very deeply and awoke a 05:00 in the morning to drink a coffee to the sun rise.

I really do like seeing the sun rise in the morning

Calm seas

I have a long list of things that I need to do but, fully intend to sail when I get the chance. 

 

RYA PWC Course

RYA Personal Watercraft Proficiency Course (Jet Ski)

I have always wanted to have a go on a jet ski despite seeing many idiots using them in an unsafe manor. So I decided to book myself onto the RYA PWC Course it is just a day course and at just £149 for the course very good value.

The following is from the RYA website:

Personal watercraft can be single seater machines or take two or three people. They are fast and exciting, but need to be handled with care.

Whether you just want to have a go on holiday or buy your own machine, our Personal Watercraft course will teach you how to get the best from it. Our course is designed for first time and experienced riders alike. Increasingly our certificate is required for launching in UK harbours, but is also needed if you use your PWC abroad.

All new PWs are sold with vouchers towards the cost of this course and, once passed, you are issued a certificate of proficiency.

Most courses take place over one day and can be taken on a centre's craft or your own.

The course started in the classroom with the usual stuff. What to wear on a jet ski and what safety equipment to take. It then touched briefly on rules of the road and bouys and charts. If you have done anything on the water before it will be very easy. The course was tault in a very relaxed manor.

I really did enjoy the course it was a good excuse just to have a play on a jet ski and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to have a go on one. 

RYA One Day Shorebased Courses (Yachting)

The RYA one day courses are ideal courses to do if you want to build your experience or in some cases needed to progress on the RYA training ladder.

The RYA Short Range Certificate

It is the minimum qualfication required by law to control the operation of VHF and VHF Digital Selective Calling (DSC) it covers both fixed and handheld radios.

Course topics include:

The basics of radio operation
The correct frequences (channels) to be used
Distress, emergency and medical assitance procedures
Making ship to shore communication
Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
Global Martime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
Emergency Position Indicating Beacons (EPIRB)
Search and Rescrue (SART)

My course was conducted in a relaxed classroom enviroment and was quite enjoyable it took about 8 hours with a lunch break. A short written exam and practical exam is conducted at the end of the course. Everyone passed. The material in the course is easy to follow. I would highly recomend the course to all skippers as well as crew members who often go to see.

Course cost: £49 upwards plus RYA exam fee £60

While many sailors do operate a radio with out a licence it is illegal to do so. Knowing how to correctly use the radio equipment fould also help to save lives so it is well worth doing the course.

RYA First Aid

I would recomend this course to anyone not just Skippers and Crew. If doing the course could save or prevent one death it woukd have been worth doing.

The RYA course covers all the usual first aid subjects, but from a boating perspective. It is aimed at anyone who goes afloat, whether on inland waters, rivers, estuaries or on cross channel passages.

It is an enjoyable course with both theoretical and practical elements. Fortunately I have not used any of the skills that I learned in the course. But, when I fell of my tender I was fully aware what was happening to me and knew that I only had so much time to get out of the water before I lost dexterity.

Costs from £49

RYA  Diesel Engine Course

I would recommend this course to anyone who owns a boat with a diesel engine.

Course Topics include:

The principles of diesel engine operation
The systems and parts of the engine
Fault finding
Rectification of common problems
Bleeding the fuel system
Changing the impeller
Routine maintenance
Winter lay up procedures.

I have used the skills that I learnt in the course a number of times and it was nice to get hands on experience with a marine diesel engine.

Course costs from £49

RYA Sea Survival

A one day course for anyone going to sea, providing an understanding of how to use the safety equipment on board your boat.

Course Topics Include:

Liferafts and the equipment they contain
Survival techniques
The design of lifejackets
Medical aspects of sea survival
Search and recue techniques

Course cost from £99

RYA Offshore Personal Survival

Training for recreational and racing skippers and crews who encounter rough weather and problems at sea.

Course Topics Include:

The one day sea survival course
One day of training in seamanship and emergencies, including heavy weather seamanship, weather forecasting, fire fighting and man overboard recovery.

Course cost from £99

RYA Radar Course

A one day course giving an understanding of radar as an aid to navigation and collision avoidance.

Course Topics Include:

How the radar set works
Target definition
Radar reflectors
Types of radar display
Radar plotting
The use of radar in navigation and collision avoidance

Course cost from £99

Tinker Tinkeress

I have wanted to get a Tinker Tramp or Tinker Traveller with the sailing rig for quite a long time. I do not even know that Tinker Inflatables even made a catamaran version of them.

I saw an auction on ebay for a new unused Tinker Tinkeress with a new and unused Mariner outboard. I searched online but, was not able to find anything about the dinghy. I decided to bid up to an amount that I would be able to sell the outboard for. I won the item and picked up the item in Doncaster.

When I brought the dinghy home I set her up and inspected everything and everything was how one would expect. The seller informed me that the boat was brought with the outboard at the EarlsCourt Boat show and had only been set up three times and had never been used.

The following is from the Tinker Inflatables promotional material that come with the dinghy along with Issue No. 11 of the official magazine of the Tinker Class Owners Association.

"The latest design from the drawing board of F. Benyon - Tinker is not only a unique design, subject to a new patent, but the Tinkeresss is the most economic boat in the range. The boat can be assembled in less than a couple of minutes and inflated and ready to launch in another four to five minutes. The Tinkeress will provide a very stable platform for fishermen. The wooden side decks will provide a useful working surface and protect the tubes from sharp knives and hooks. The Tinkeress is a delight to row. The twin tubes providing excellent directional control. She is light and easy. Motoring with a 4HP outboard engine she is fast, very fast, and will carry up to four people. The Tinkeress has a buoyancy of 1425Ibs. (646kgs), she therefore makes an excellent load carrier for use by divers as well as yachtsmen."

I have no idea if the patent went though or how many had been made.

I will be taking her out and will provide an update if you own or have any information on the Tinkeress please contact me.





I took her down to slip by my mooring for a test run. As it was very windy I decided to row and motor around. I had got her out of the car and set up in under 5 minutes. I was pleasantly pleased by the ease of launching in such a shallow water with out the need to get any more than my feet wet.


Under oars against the wind and tide was a bit tricky bug, that may have been down to my technique. Although she was easy to row I would not want to row far in her.


I then started the Mariner 2 stroke 2hp that was also new and come with the boat. Wow she was quick very quick exceeding hull speed with ease. She was also very stable but, I did get a bit wet when motoring into the wind.

I decided to take the Tinker Tinkeress on holiday with me down to Manilva in Southern Spain. Some 1600 miles away. I made a bag for the rigging and mast to go into. I was also able to get my other gear in the bag. Due to the lack of space in my car I had no other option but, to put everything on the roof rack. I secured it with two ratchets and a long rope for added security. It was very windy driving down to Dover and the ferry was delayed by two hours due to strong winds.

I drove from Calais to a small village called Chenay where we stopped for the before driving to Burgos in Spain for the last pit stop before driving down to the Costa Del Sol. I had no issues with the dinghy and gear on the roof rack. On my first day in Manilva I had a failed attempt at a beach launch due to the amount of surf.

 All set up and ready to go

It was not until the third day that I was successful in launching her. It was a bit tricky getting into the dinghy in waist high water. Then I had another challenge getting away from the beach. I rowed hard to get away and into deeper water. The center board is 0.7 meters. I sailed across wind in light winds and she was a pleasure to sail.

Beach Launching 

I found tacking a bit tricky in the light winds and sailing close to the wind was near impossible. This was the first time that I had sailed in a catamaran. I did find her very stable in the waves but, rowing into the wind was quite hard. 

Sorting out the rudder

Sailing in the Med

A beach launch was ok for a short sail in light winds I was out for about two hours and really did enjoy myself. I do wish I had brought the outboard as I would have felt more comfortable sailing further away from the shore and along the coast. I was very pleased with my new inflatable an will be keeping her. I do need to get to know her better and in stronger winds.