The end of an era

 And so it is the end of an era. 

Arwen has been collected and is heading to new home waters. Pulled off the steep driveway for the last time yesterday; tarpaulins taken off her for the last time, this morning. I have packed her cockpit with oars, yards, boom, mainsail and mizzen mast/sail for the last time.  Waved her off, such a strange feeling. The driveway looks vast and empty. Something is missing from the street/housescape. 

But, Arwen is going to a good home where there is a five year old who wants to be the next 'Moana', apparently! And a Daddy who knows how to sail properly and how to restore a wooden boat to its former glory. Sounds perfect! 

An eighteen year era. 

I built a boat and then learned to sail a laser and wayfarer. I relearned how to sail a standing lug yawl Welsford 'navigator', although in fairness, I think we can all agree - I had a 'unique, uninformed, unorthodox' sailing style! I learned basic sea navigation and surprisingly gained RYA dinghy sailing and Day Skipper qualifications. 

I kept this blog for over sixteen years, charting our adventures together. Hundreds of thousands of page views. A YouTube channel vlogger for fifteen years with a few thousand subscribers and some very dodgy videography; some 'dubious' articles in various sailing publications and internet 'sailing sites'. A detailed logbook of all our voyages undertaken both short and long. A scrapbook full of annotated photographs of other navigators; and of course, photos of Arwen's construction in a garage barely wider than her beam. 

So many adventures together, so much water under the hull. Arwen has been a major part of my life since 2007. I built her with no previous woodworking or boat building experiences to draw on; saved on several occasions by my Dad and Father-in-law, both skilled engineers. The argument with my Dad over a 2mm gap between transom and top plank. His insistence that there wasn't a gap drawn on the plans and so the plank should be recut; my argument that God invented epoxy for such 'gap filling' eventualities. A tense thirty minute stand-off - amicably resolved over a cuppa! Memories!

How the family laughed the night they realised I hadn't come up from the garage below because I had inadvertently glued my T shirt and stomach to the the boat whilst using fast setting epoxy and applying human pressure to hold a springy gunwale in place. Don't ask! Truly a painful experience for body and ego! They still talk about it at any chance, eighteen years on!  Day sails with family and friends aboard; spins around my beautiful, beloved, stunning Plymouth Sound. The 'annual day sail' with my wonderful wife. She felt she had to show 'willing' once a year! 

Countless nights sleeping aboard, looking up at the clear star studded skies. Small campfires on secluded, inaccessible river beaches to the musical soundscape of a hissing Trangia stove and Radio 4 on a windup radio. Anchored in the little creeks amongst extensive reedbeds with only the wildfowl and marsh birds for company. Caught out on falling tides, stranded on mud and sand banks in the middle of tidal rivers when I miscalculated the edge of the deeper water channels or had lost my bamboo depth pole. Rowing through the wraith like river mists on cold early mornings up the little tributaries as the sun peeked above the horizon, when there was no wind and just the ripples from jumping mackerel. 

The time I jumped out of Arwen on Cellars beach thinking it was only 3' deep, only to disappear below the surface because I'd jumped into a 'hole in the beach' dug by an overzealous dad earlier that day! My 'Vicar of Dibley' puddle moment. Or subjected to THAT thirty minute lecture, tied up alongside the pontoon at Salcombe. About how I was clearly an idiot because I didn't know what boat I was sailing. It was obviously a drascombe and my 70 year old 'berator' knew her boats, had owned several drascombes and clearly knew one when she saw one!  All in front of a large crowd of tourists. My only relief coming from her husband who whispered as he sidled by "At least you don't live with her - always loved a Welsford boat. Well done Sir, stunning craft". 

Almost losing the outboard whilst motoring under the Tamar bridge; the outboard mount I'd built suddenly breaking for no reason at all. Thank heavens I'd tied the engine onto a bracket inside the coaming!  Terrifying! 

All the times people have come to admire Arwen. "What boat is she? What a lovely design? Where do you sail her? You built her? You sleep onboard - amazing?" The times when cruising inshore between Dartmouth and Falmouth, a yacht has slid alongside to enquire "Are you lost? Do you need help? Its really not safe for you to be out here!"

So many wildlife experiences. The scary encounter on 'Canadian Goose' beach when I ran out of water and encountered the wrath of goose sentries.  Chased around a boat by geese! Bonkers! Otters and ospreys in the upper reaches of the Tamar, porpoise and minke whales gliding alongside Arwen's hull in the outer sound; serenity and a humbling experience all in one. Nothing prepared me for the full on assault and exhilaration of the berserk feeding frenzy of Blue Atlantic Tuna shoals all around Arwen. Diving gannets, curious seals, tired bumblebees and butterflies calling in for a rest stop on her decks. Jellyfish the size of dustbins drifting by. The oddity that are sunfish going with the tidal flow off Rame Head. The garfish that once jumped out of the water and into her cockpit; not sure who was more surprised, me or it! The sheer enormity of a basking shark cruising beneath Arwen's keel. The sparrow who joined me for a daysail and uninvited, ate my cheese and marmite sandwiches. Instantly forgiven, for having such exquisite culinary tastes.

I won't miss the bouts of seasickness. The only dinghy cruiser who clears a breakwater and is instantly seasick. Embarrassing, so embarrassing. 

All the wonderful and highly valued conversations and friendships made over the internet with fellow Welsford enthusiasts, 'navigator' owners and fellow dinghy cruisers worldwide. Their advice, banter, enthusiasm and deep experiences willingly shared with me. So deeply appreciated. 

And none of it would have taken place without the continued patience and endless positive encouragement of John Welsford himself. How many times over the years must the poor man have inwardly cringed watching me 'butcher' his extraordinary design - both in its building and sailing! The man is a true legend, a good generous friend. 

So, its time to draw things to a close. Have I become a better sailor? No! Have I become more knowledgeable about sailing, navigation and small sailing boats? Of course not! Its me - in one ear - out the other. There is a reason my family nicknamed me '10-second Steve'. Hopeless memory! 

But, have I had fun? Always! 

Thank you for following this blog. Thank you for subscribing to the YouTube channel, even if it was just for laughs and insights on how NOT to sail - and there were loads of those weren't there! Thank you for all your advice, tips, enthusiasm, encouragement. For answering the dimmest and most basic of questions. For not making me feel more stupid than I was already feeling. 

For eighteen years I have been a dinghy cruising imposter but I hope that somewhere I encouraged a few of you to build your own boat, or to get out there and just try it. 

The voyages of Steve and Arwen have come to an end. Arwen's adventures on the coastal seas, however, will continue. Arwen, there is a young 'Moana of Motunui' and her Dad, who 'have crossed a horizon to find you'. 'They are voyagers with a whole new ocean to explore'. You will be in safe, loving hands. (Watch the film, hear the words 😁)

Fair winds to you all, stay safe, and thank you for sharing your time to come on our voyages with us. We have valued your friendships.  It has been a blast. 

Steve and Arwen

PS - there will be one more post on this blog in a few weeks - tips on how to sell or buy a small sailing boat! 😄 After that, the blog will remain as a reference source for anyone wanting to sail Plymouth Sound and the Tamar waters. I may dip back in occasionally if I have anything worth posting about small traditional sailing boats. 

Getting a trailer service done with S and L trailers of Plymouth

As part of the selling 'Arwen' process, I had a trailer service done. There wasn't any particular need to do so as the trailer is only three years old and I have looked after it really well. I have always rinsed it down and flushed it out after every retrieval, never put the trailer in the water until the hubs have cooled and I always greased around the back of the oil seal before every launch. The grease in the bearings was always topped up after every trip. 

But, for reassurance for myself and for potential buyers, I decided a service would be a good idea. 

And so to S and L Trailers of Plymouth. Laura and Seth.  Now regular blog readers will know that I have a policy of very rarely promoting any product or service. So when I do, its because I have used it extensively or it has been something I have found exceptional. 

Exceptional. That's the word I want to use when talking now about Laura and Seth. 

Exceptional! What an amazing team. From the moment they arrived, nothing was too much trouble. And, most importantly, they REALLY know trailers whether it be horse boxes or boat trailers. Laura had a previous life as a boat rigger and she is clearly a very experienced sailor on a variety of sail boats from very old to very modern. In one fell swoop her experienced eye had taken in Arwen's lines and curves. She was very taken with a welsford 'navigator'. 

Photo credit: Laura Church 

In the short time we chatted about boats and sailing stories, Seth had walked around Arwen, got a feel for the trailer and already started to jack her up.  Off came the first wheel. I held my breath! The bearings got a thorough inspection. Old grease was removed, everything cleaned. Intense, focused scrutiny of the bearings, the casings, the seals, the axle stub. Seth's critical eye missed nothing. Bearings were rotated, moved about - nothing out of line; no metal flakes; no wear or pitting anywhere. Clean bill of health. Axle inspected. Thorough tyre and rim inspection down to date checks on the tyres. Everything regreased and assembled. Wheel back on and rotated back and forth. Severe shaking wheel wobble testing. No movement, no rumbling and just the perpetual motion of a happy spinning wheel. 

Phew!

And repeat with wheel two but this time I paid attention. Seth patiently talked me through how the bearings worked; how they were constructed and what to look for. It is unlikely I will own another boat trailer now for a few years but when I next do, I will know what to look for. I know a good educator when I meet one. 

Will I grease my own bearings? Nope! Seth made it all look easy and I'm sure I could do it but here's the thing. Its when something goes wrong; a bearing doesnt go back properly or something isn't quite right. Then I have no experience, no problem solving previous experiences to draw on. Whereas Seth clearly does.

 From the outset it was clear Seth knew exactly what he was doing. Extraordinary professionalism and attention to detail. Exacting standards. Nowhere more on display than when he levelled up the rollers beneath Arwen's hull. They weren't quite level with each other. A centimetre out of alignment. Out came the tape measure, precise adjustments step by step until Arwen sat absolutely perfect on her trailer once more. Eye for detail. Precision. Professionalism. 

Teamwork; while Seth is sorting wheels, Laura is competing a detailed checklist on her ipad. Examining U bolts, nuts, bolts, frames, winch post, winch, jockey wheel. All critically inspected. Quick discussions with each other. Trailer parts shaken, pushed, tapped. Notes made. 

Seth and Laura arrive with all the equipment and spare parts. Clear routines. Quick, efficient, friendly and personable. Its tremendous customer service. Almost two hours past so quickly. I cannot remember the last time I so thoroughly enjoyed an afternoon. I learned heaps about trailers. We swapped sailing and teaching stories. Later that evening I received a few photos of my trailer service, an invoice and a detailed inspection checklist/report about my trailer service. 

I rarely do this, so believe me when I say, if you own a boat trailer around Devon and Cornwall and you want a thorough, professional trailer service done, I RECOMMEND WITHOUT RESERVATION Laura and Seth    S and L trailers.  As I have said, an exceptional example of customer friendly, supportive, professionalism at its very best. 

And another rarity on this site - providing the contact details of a company I have used in the past - 

S and L trailers, https://sandltrailers.co.uk/  Contact them on 07359 580689 

And a PS - I wasn't paid to do this review in anyway shape or form. You knew that anyway but its worth reiterating! 

My trailer originally came from Admirals Trailers up at Honiton. They took one of their standard trailers shown below and customised it for Arwen's rather curvaceous bottom! 

This is the basic trailer I got but it as been adapted with extra 'raised' keel rollers, the rear part of the central spine cut off to give a hull overhang

You can find out more about the new trailer by searching 'admirals trailers' in the search box opposite. Or use this link https://arwensmeanderings.blogspot.com/search?q=boat+trailer

I  promised Mag, the boss, the guv'nor, that I would look after this new trailer, like my life depended on it. So, without further ado – here is my check list for trailer maintenance! All common sense but easily forgotten in the excitement of getting out on the water or sailing new destinations. I know, it sounds ‘nerdy’ but hey it’s a list that works for me and I hope it is of use to others too!

Before each trip out

I have a routine – it takes a few minutes and it covers brakes and bearings, electrical components, hitch coupler, tyres and safety chains.

1.      Test tyre pressures and visual check for wear and tear concerns

2.      Put spare trailer tyre in the car boot

3.      Check wheel bearing protector caps secure; check tightness of lug nuts

4.      The safety breakaway chain coupling is intact

5.      Lighting board/lights work correctly; lighting board connector pins - clean and dry

6.      Hitch coupling works correctly

7.      All wobble and keel rollers are securely pinned, not crushed or collapsed and are functioning correctly

8.      No loose bolts holding trailer components together

9.      No severe rust areas or stress fractures evident on frame

10.  Boat trailer toolkit put in car boot with wheel chocks and car jack

11.  Test winch strap bow eye hook functions correctly; bow eye is secure; boat winch ratchet working correctly

12.  Mudguard checked for splits, looseness and rusting/loose bolts and nuts

13.  Jockey wheel check

14.  After hitching up to car and before leaving – a final walk around check of boat security, correct storing of items etc. A ‘BIG’ visual check.

After each boat retrieval

1.      Rinse the trailer at slip way - particular attention to wheels, rims, hubs and any internal frame areas that are open/exposed and all rollers on the trailer

2.      Back home, the following day after wheel hubs have cooled, top off grease levels in hubs

Although not relating to my trailer as it is unbraked, I guess that those with bigger or braked trailers would also

1.      Ensure trailer brakes are clean

2.      Have brake shoes/pads inspected annually

3.      

One every month or two, as per ‘blood signed’ contractual promise,  I check

1.      Tyres for wear and aging; check air pressures

2.      Lubricate the trailer hitch coupling unit

3.      Check the lighting board that light units are tight and not leaking; that wires are not pulled out or frayed

4.      WD40 the lighting board connector 

5.      Top up the hub bearings with grease via a grease gun

6.      Clean the rim and check the tyre seal against it; check wheel nut torque

7.      Grease all keel and wobble roller pins and spindles

8.      Top up waterproof grease on winch mechanism if needed

9.      Test the jockey wheel and if necessary WD40 spray or grease moving parts

10.  Structural integrity assessment of the frame and drawbar; a check on all U bolts – tightness, rust etc.

11.  Look at the winch strap to see if it is fraying anywhere; grease the actual winch mechanism

12.  Check trailer ratchet straps for condition and that they are still securing boat to trailer correctly

13.  Check the mudguard attachment bolts

 

So, let’s go into a little more detail on each of these checks.

Trailer tyres and wheels

Tyre pressures – low pressure can cause delamination, blow outs, worn tyres etc. I inflate to max rating on the tyre wall. Arwen sits on a steeply sloping drive and the wheels are chocked by concrete blocks, so periodically I will take the trailer off the drive to move the wheel position. The spare lives in the garage but I check it as part of the trailer tyre routine. As with our motorhome, I look at wear and tear on the tyres every few months. I’m not so concerned about tread depth as scratches and nicks on sidewalls or evidence of uneven wear across the full tyre tread width; or bulging –  some of which might indicate a bearing issue, an out of alignment axle stub etc. Over winter I’m conscious that in colder weather air pressure in tyres may lessen! And now contentiously I’m sure – when do you replace tyres? On our motorhome – every six years even if they still have tread and are in good condition. I will be doing the same with this trailer.

Wheel bearings

Ugh! Still have nightmares about ‘trailer disaster day’! Arwen’s trailer wheels have hub caps with a tiny pinprick hole in the top. I pump in waterproof grease via the nipple until a tiny stringy bit comes out of the hole. Them bearings are then well greased – its packed in! Perhaps it is time to invest in the spring-loaded proper wheel bearing protectors. Whichever arrangement you have – make sure you grease them regularly. I grease the nipples every time just before I submerge the trailer. I also run some grease around the back of the hubs as well. It seems to be working!

I have promised to disassemble the hubs every other year, clean them and repack them with grease. Its on the contract, signed with my blood!

By the way, how do you know your bearings might be on the way out? You see grease seeping out on the wheel hub exterior; unexplained grinding/squeaking noises when you rotate the wheels; the wheels don’t spin freely when you have jacked the trailer up.

Safety trailer chain coupling

No rust, no fractures, no worn links. Simple! A visual check that it is still securely attached and not showing any drag or rust damage.

Trailer lighting board

Check your lights every time you hook up! Its simple! Ensure your towing connection sits correctly in its little cup when storing the trailer. Better still buy a little green protective cap for it. Ensure the connectors on both socket and pins are clean. None of the wires are pulling out of the little rubber grommets on the board; nor are they showing signs of fraying/chafing. WD40 the lighting board connector. I don’t have trailer wire tubes on my trailer – the long cable runs along the boat side deck and then down over the bow to the car socket. So, if your arrangement is like mine – check that the cable is tied securely and wont drop down onto the road; and that it has sufficient slack in it so you can go around sharp corners without socket and pin separating!

Hitch coupling

It’s still in good condition? It fits properly? All the parts move correctly and cleanly? I grease the moving/locking parts but I don’t grease the friction plate/collar that surrounds the tow ball. Now I know that some people do. I’m jury out on this one because I just don’t know enough about this.  If it wont lock correctly or it appears dented by the way – play safe - replace it!

Keel and wobble rollers (Or bunks if you have these)

I visually inspect these before I go on a trip. None are loose; none collapsed. Every few months I regrease spindles and pins. No loose bolts/nuts, no badly rusted holding brackets. I don’t have bunks but I guess it would be checking the quality of the carpeting etc. For support rollers, I also check they are in correct position and haven’t been jolted looser. Arwen shouldn’t rock even a tiny fraction if the wobble rollers are at their correct heights.

Trailer frame components

My trailer is galvanised but the two main pieces are open at the end because the lighting board extension arms fit inside them and are locked in place with screw threaded handles. After every retrieval the trailer is washed down at the slip, including sticking the hose up the interior of these tubes. The locking screw handle threads are greased after every trip. The lighting board bungie cords get checked every couple of months although the lighting board is stored in the garage between trips. Before each trip I do a quick visual – bolts, rust areas etc. No obvious cracks in frame.

Boat trailer toolkit

Here is what I carry in a small box – a grease gun, spare can of grease, cloths, tyre inflator, car jack, one axle stand, plastic wheel chocks, ¾” plywood board on which jack base can stand, four way lug wrench, torch, small foam sleeping roll mat, a plastic tupperware box to put nuts etc in, pliers, hammer, flat-blade screwdriver. What’s in yours?

Boat trailer winch and boat bow eye

Ratchet mechanism has waterproof grease on moving parts and the strap has wound back on correctly. The winch hook is greased and rust free. Bow eye is still tight and secure on boat stem. The winch strap stitching is good and there is no frayed/worn areas.

Mudguards

I check them for splits/fractures, correct alignment and that their securing brackets are sturdy and not loose. I periodically check the holding nuts and bolts and grease those as well every couple of months. I’ll give the interior of mudguards a good clean at the end of the sailing season and then at the end of the winter storage season as well.

Jockey Wheel

On shallow slips I have to almost completely immerse the trailer right up to the top of the mudguards so that Arwen floats off. I often resort to a rope launch to stop the car wheels going into the briny. The jockey wheel therefore gets periodically immersed. Every trip it gets rinsed down on the slip but the following day I will quickly unwind the leg as fully as possible and spray it with WD40; I’ll also waterproof grease the wheel spindle area as well.

Trailer brakes

Being the owner of an unbraked trailer I feel totally ill equipped to proffer any advice on this matter at all. My take on brakes is that they should be rinsed immediately after every immersion – part of the routine when you do the wheels and lug nuts. My Dad, a retired engineer and once upon a time car enthusiast suggests that brake drums/pads be checked every year – cracks, unusual wear patterns, contamination. At the same time inspect brake lines. Researching this post, I read that if the reservoir level is suddenly low it suggests a leak in the pipes somewhere. I know that braked trailers, like our old caravan, will have a breakaway system as well. Make sure that you check that works effectively as well.

Other bits and pieces

My son when he was a teenager did a full restoration on a 1968 barn find battered Motovespa super 125 small frame vespa. ‘Stacey’ had her own ‘second hand’ trailer. It had leaf springs and we had to replace one set because they were badly corroded, cracked, rusted and useless!  

Remember I’m an overcautious, overthinking, overcomplicating nerdy type! But I hope this is a useful checklist reminder for you, just in case like me, you’ve reached an age where ‘things begin to slip your memory’!

References:

https://www.discoverboating.com/ownership/towing-and-trailering/boat-trailer-maintenance#:~:text=Check%20the%20brake%20fluid%20reservoir,not%20towing%20to%20prevent%20corrosion

https://seatow.com/blog/5-tips-for-maintaining-your-boat-trailer/

https://betterboat.com/blogs/boating/boat-trailer-maintenance-tips 

https://www.bassproboatingcenters.com/blog/boat-trailer-maintenance.html

https://www.warwicktrailers.co.uk/vehicle-checklist/

 

Copyright Steve Parke, Arwen’s Meanderings 

The Primus Lite+ stove

Forgive me Lord, for I have sinned....again. Not content with the tremendous sin of selling Arwen, I have now betrayed the faith; the holy bond with my forty year old trangia stove! I have sinned. Transgressed. Traitorised myself!

My Trangia stove, battered, dented, somewhat off colour, has accompanied me to the top of Kilimanjaro and Mt. Blanc. It has seen duty on countless mountain camps and walks across the British Isles. It has been part of Arwen's galley box set up for fifteen years dinghy cruising!

But, now as I transition from dinghy cruising to astronomy and astrophotography, I need a different set up. Trekking along stretches of coastline or across moorland to a secret destination for a night shoot, carrying lenses, cameras, star tracker and tripods, the weight of other equipment such as clothing, safety kit and cooking gear carried becomes an issue!  

The Trangia, as much as I adore it, is a little too much for what I now need. It will remain in a galley box and will be used when I do stargazing from the back of the car. 

So, I have sinned. I got a Primus Lite+ stove for my birthday present! 

Shock, horror, the world is ending! He has succumbed to the lure of the 'all in one' stove! 

So why have I done this?

Firstly, I wanted a lightweight stove system. Something integrated but light weight; giving fast boiling of water. Easy and quick to set up or put away. I often walk a fair way to get to a good location that I have scouted previously. After shooting, I may move location slightly and do it all again in the same session.  I want to be able to pack and unpack equipment quickly. Mobility, time efficiency and safety are the key things here.  

The Primus Lite+ meets these requirements. 

The stove is an integrated 'all in one gas' design; small pack size and a lightweight 400gs. The pot is 0.5l capacity and its a one-person stove set up. On my initial tests out in a windy garden, my stove boiled water in 2' 30"s.  The heat exchanger affair at the base of the pot is clever. Apparently it distributes the heat evenly across the base of the pot which results in a faster boil and the use of far less gas. 

Fuel efficient and a smart design, it is built of high quality materials. Typical Primus quality! 

The anodised pot has an integrated pouring spout and built in heat exchanger at the base. The lid is plastic and has a strainer inbuilt. This also allows steam to escape as water boils. Stepped, the lid is easy to remove to check the water (or noodles!) Its actual function is, a small mug or bowl! 

Insulated by a cork lined fabric sleeve which closes with velcro, the pot is easy to handle when removing it from the burner assembly. Even when the contents inside are boiling, this insulated sleeve protects your hands. A brilliantly effective idea. The handle is a sturdy, secure, strap affair which can be folded over the top of the lid to store everything safely inside the pot (or used to hang it using the supplied cord loop, from a convenient branch). Attached to the handle are three little screw pins, more about these later. 

The 0.5lt anodised pot with integrated heat exchanger and the clever triangular attachment system 

The burner unit screws into a gas canister. Triangular in shape, with piezo ignition, its a laminar flow burner giving a 1500w flame. The piezo ignition works well, and the large wire handle to turn the gas on and off gives good simmer control as well.  Two presses of the piezo ignition system and instant flame. The triangular joint connection to the pot is ingenious and so simple to use. The pot attaches and detaches with ease. What I couldn't work out was whether to have the full pot already attached and then light the stove or light the stove first and then attach the pot. I tried both ways with no problem at all, but I think I preferred the light first approach. 

Frankly, the whole set up is low profile, with a low centre of gravity. Stable, safe; helped by the included fold out triangular base leg system that attaches to the gas canister.  Cool down time, by the way, was around ten minutes but that will depend on the conditions on the night won't it?

What about those three pins?  Well, they screw into the three holes on the burner unit. You can then use a bigger pot on the stove. Ideal, if like me, you might be tempted on a longer night out to do a 'boil in the bag' camping meal. I can use one of my very lightweight trangia pots for this. Something I couldn't do on the 'Jetboil Flash', which was the other stove system I looked at. 

The burner head unit and those three pins that can be screwed in to support larger pans if needed

So what don't I like about it after testing it a few times in the garden? 

Not much actually. And that's a rare thing as I'm not that easily pleased when it comes to outdoor gear.  

Those pins on the attached handle make it difficult to fold the handle over the pot for secure storage. They scratch the mug lid as well.  When separating the burner unit from the pot, there isn't much to grab hold of which isn't hot - so you have to hold the gas cylinder and twist. As I said, it separates very easily so that doesn't seem to be a problem in reality. 

In conclusion, I like the portability and lightweightness of the stove. Everything including a 100g gas cylinder packs down into the pot. Materials are sturdy; the design is robust, thoughtful and modern. Its certainly efficient in boiling water even in windy conditions. Set up time is literally 30 seconds max - take things out of the pot, screw the burner and gas cartridge together; fill the pot, put it on top and light! Primus have an outstanding reputation - a proven track record in good outdoor gear design, reliability and quality.  build quality seems excellent although I haven't tested it for a few months have I! I will do a follow up post script after a summer using it.  Is it a gourmet stove? No! Boil a fast cuppa; buy the coffee press and fresh delicious smelling coffee on tap. Head up some noodles and sauce; possibly tiny amount of pasta or rice. Cuppa soups a definite!  Porridge in the early morning. Use those little pins and a bigger pan - then definitely a boil in the bag meal no problem. 

Some of you may say it is overkill. A flask of tea is fine. But I say to you, imagine this - sat on a cliff, watching the milky way pass overhead, hearing your DSLR clicking away and in the background, the quite reassuring, comforting roar of a primus lite+; the bubbling of hot water and then a really HOT cuppa or stomach warming noodles! Nectar of the Gods. 

Perfection! 

Meanwhile, my faithfully, much adored and treasured Trangia will still be used - in its galley box - out the back of the car. I could never fully transfer my stove allegiance. Way too many memories to do that! 

And finally, if you are a dinghy cruiser - is it boat safe? 

I could use this stove in Arwen's existing galley box with minimal problems. Put the canister onto the three legged base for stability and it would fit within the cooking area of the box. Build a little raised 'slot-in' platform with a hole the size of the canister and that would be even better. However, it is a mite taller than my Trangia and far narrower at the base even with the extension legs. In rolly weather at anchor, I wouldn't be as confident about using it as I would with my proven Trangia. I'd fear it would tip or slosh contents about, even with the lid on. 

Would I use its hanging loop and suspend it from the boom? No is my initial reaction. Well, I'm not sure. Certainly the side of the pot hasn't felt hot when I have used it; there doesn't seem to be much heat escaping from the base. But would it pendulum? How secure is the top lid? Not sure! In saying that I have seen single handed yacht racers using a jet boil stove on a suspended affair in their cockpits in very rough seas.  One way around it is to have a gimballed bracket to hold it - not beyond the inventiveness of many dinghy cruisers I know. I'm sure I have seen a gimbal arrangement for a jetboil stove somewhere. At IKEA I once saw an aluminium tall, handled cutlery basket drainer and at the time I thought "I wonder if you could gimbal that for........"

In the past I have seen battle hardened alpine mountaineers use a similar stove set up suspended in their tents during bad weather - not something I'd do, recommend or condone. Bonkers in my opinion but there we are. Some people are risk takers; some of us risk adverse! 

Notes: 

Copyright on photos above - Peak Mountaineering

I found two review sites useful when researching what stove to buy: 

https://www.peakmountaineering.com/primus-lite-plus-stove-review/

https://outdoorsmagic.com/article/primus-lite-plus-stove-system-review/

Here is the stove in action: 

Some recent videos which have Welsford navigators in them

 Feeling miserable still, here in the northern hemisphere? Spring not coming quick enough? Sailing season still seems far away? 

Although Arwen will be heading to new waters soon - here are some videos of other welsford navigators in action from 2024/25. I am very privileged to know many of these sailors and navigator boats through regular interactions on forums, facebook and facebook messenger over the years. Great people all and lovely boats. Exactly how the designer envisaged them I suspect. Anyway, enjoy and remember, sailing season for you is almost here at last. 😄

Our beloved Motovespa 125 super 'Stacey'

Well, we have finally made the decision. It is time for Stacey to go to a new home where she will be loved as much as we loved her, but taken out and let loose more frequently. It is painful as this was a father/son restoration project and she gave us much pleasure, fun and stories to tell. But life marches on and priorities and needs change. So as we move to a new chapter in our lives, Stacey needs to do the same.

For sale much loved Douglas Vespa small frame Motovespa 125cc super model year 1971 and first registered July 1972  registration ******K.

762M***** on engine     Vin frame prefix number 762C***** on frame. Research on various vespa websites shows it to be a Motovespa 125 super 1965 - 68 although I cannot guarantee that this is accurate.

Kick start, two stroke, pre-mix, petrol and 4 speed manual gear. Tax exempt. MOT new to march 2018. Was SORN during 2017 when son was away for year.

Ready to ride with approx 12,000 on clock; speedo is in mph. Original mileage when bought was 10,200.  V5 and original registration document from 1971 present (matching chassis and engine numbers); previous MOT’s and service history present whilst in our ownership. Has been stored in garage since we have owned it and ridden once per month.  During part of 2017, when SORN'd, engine has been turned over every fortnight for several minutes each time since then. Normally starts on third kick.  

Restored from old barn find as father/teenage son project, son is now away from home and saving for car; and so this is a ‘reluctant’ sale.  Have receipts for most items during resto which we can show you. Many original features remain.

Restoration work included:

·        Strip down to bare metal and rust removal; Primer and new paint job – metallic burgundy red - completed by professional car customising garage locally

·        New 10 inch white wall tyres and inner tubes  – original rims

·        New floor panel and floor runner kit

·        Engine strip down and replaced bearings, seals, gasket, new piston. Had previous malossi cylinder headset conversion at some stage and also a CDI conversion by previous owner.

·        New shock absorbers front and rear

·        new speedo cables and gearing (installed by local scooter expert)

·        New fuel tap; petrol tank cleaned out

·        New FACO ET3 banana exhaust and air filter

·        New carb dell'orto SHBC 19/19 and  intake manifold

·        New handlebar clutch and brake levers

·        New wiring loom inserted by local scooter expert along with new headlight glass; new rear brake light holder and gasket

·        New brake shoes front and rear

Original features, as far as we know - speedo, horn, light switch box, rims and hubs, spare wheel holder, most of engine. Please note: we were new to vespa scooters and so kept as much of the original features of scooter that we bought. We cannot vouch that what we bought was all original – please see note below about toolbox for example.

Receipts for most of the restored parts all from Allstyles, Beedspeed, AJ Sutton and SIP

People should remember engine may need little more running in still.

Runs perfectly – starts on third kick normally. Engine and carb needs slight tuning – Can see videos on YouTube....search motovespa 125 super or search ‘plymouthwelshboy’ and download playlist.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNe9Ys0KwjI&list=PL4ru7c7wAAWz8UeZAHN4B5Q8bAeLLv37o

Notes:

We have tried to describe ‘Stacey’ in as much detail as possible. In good faith please note the following:
1. Minor cosmetic scratches on engine panel.....it fell off once! See photos/video; also slight scratches on toolbox.

2. Being naïve, we had the parts and frame sandblasted and then powder coated…that was before we realised or managed to get plugged into the local scooter scene and small frames Vespa forum
3. Large scratch on bottom of rear front mudguard where bolt on front leg shield once caught it

4. Big note.....when we restored it we didn't know anything about scooters and so didn't realise that bottom of leg shield had small part cut out by previous owner....see one of the photos. May need piece welded back in. We have gone on journeys of 150 miles in a day. It has never been a problem. The ‘hole’ is currently covered with black duct tape which has held for four years!  The back of the hole does have cross piece in it which maintains structural integrity – see photo

5. The right hand throttle mount on headset broke when an over eager observer leaned against scooter heavily and knocked it over. We had local engineering company cut and bolt in new aluminium plate. Never been a problem, headset fine and throttle and brake works perfectly. However some paint and powder coating lost on edge – see photo

7. The toolbox was fitted at later stage by previous owner and isn't actually the correct motovespa toolbox.....again, we didn't know until much later after the restoration was complete. 

8. Light switch box keeps coming loose and is held on with tape – see photo

9. Crack in paintwork on one part of floor panel  - see photo; also minor paint flakes missing on a floor panel nut - see photo 

10. we don’t have a key for the steering lock; the person we bought it from didn’t have it either

We have tried to be completely honest via description, photographs and video clips. But if we can help in any other way, please ask. Thank you for your time and interest. ‘Stacey’ provides a great ride, is much loved and we part with her reluctantly. Looking for an owner who can tune her, restore her further and treasure her as much as we have. We also have a box of spare bits and pieces to go with her along with some basic tools - spark plug key; spanners for loosening front fork; some cable pullers etc.

If you are interested in buying her please drop me a comment below or via facebook or via my Youtube site (search Arwen's meanderings) and I will contact you regarding price etc.

UK buyers only and must arrange own collection please. Payment by PayPal transfer in to my account. Please bring photo ID (drivers licence or passport with two paper utility bills showing address (mobile phone bills not accepted).

I don’t accept any returns. If you would like to arrange a time to see it, please contact me but I would appreciate no time wasters or tyre kickers – please only visit if you are seriously considering buying her – thanks. I can show scooter running but will not be able to run it up and down the road as my CBT has just expired. Please don't ask to ride it yourself, in that way, I won't cause offence when I say no and neither you or the scooter will run the risk of accidental damage out on the road! The MOT and videos above show it works and runs well and we have given an honest and fair description.

Thanks for your interest. I will be advertising her on Facebook and Gumtree in the next couple of weeks. Have a good week. Take care.