Capitaine Sam

I think it's time to replace these manky through-hulls and valves!!

Be sure to check your steering chain from time to time!
Our chain broke in some fairly heavy winds and seas and the backup method of steering (before the emergency tiller) is the autopilot. I'd ordered a new chain as we'd only been able to make a repair, but with our pilot playing up it was time to install the new chain!!

I'm surveying an older boat tomorrow so I'm swatting up on the causes of engine smoke... This is an informative article :-)

Diesel Engine Smoke: Blue, Black, or White? - boats.com Any excess smoke from a modern marine diesel is a sign of a problem, and the color of the smoke helps indicate the nature of the problem.