Equipment Outfitters

Bush Etiquette

Many people go camping to get away from it all, and expect to find the peace and tranquillity they are paying for. If you are visiting a nature or game reserve you can safely assume that everyone who goes there does so to experience the natural environment. You may come across ardent birdwatchers, reptile or plant enthusiasts, amateur astronomers and wannabe entomologists. In-between are people who simply love to wallow in the delightful chaos provided by Our Creator. Read the rest of this entry »

Ablution Blocks

The ablution block is often the central feature of the more established resort. This does not mean that it is right in the middle — it is simply the one place to which everyone goes at some time or other. In the bigger resorts there is usually more than one, and there will be a steady flow of traffic to and from the changing rooms, showers, toilets, laundry and washing-up facilities. You may find queues at crucial times of the day, and although people try to stagger their activities to avoid this, there will be times when you have to come back later. Don’t spend more time than you need at these facilities. Read the rest of this entry »

Aboard a small powerboat, the most likely problems you’ll encounter will involve the engine. While it seems foolish, your first checkpoint should be the fuel tank to make sure that you actually have fuel. Don’t rely on the gas gauge. It may be wrong. Tap the tank or rock the boat to see if you hear fuel sloshing in the tank. If you do have sufficient fuel, try some of the other steps suggested below. Read the rest of this entry »

A fundamental custom of the sea has been for seamen to help each other out of scrapes. Today’s skippers still offer assistance to those having problems. This may be as simple as a tow back to the fuel dock or launching ramp, or helping free a boat that’s run aground. But both skippers should understand the procedures involved in giving and accepting a tow in order to make the operation go smoothly. Read the rest of this entry »

The basic principle of the motorcycle gearbox is to alter the rate at which the motorcycle rear wheel is driven by the engine. In the same way that using a smaller cog (higher motorcycle gear) on a bicycle rear wheel makes the bike go faster with the same effort, a motorcycle has a selection of motorcycle gears for much the same purpose.

For every motorcycle gear ratio the motorcycle will travel at a certain speed per 1000rpm (revs. per minute) engine speed. Read the rest of this entry »

Keeping hands warm and dry in cold wet weather is the curse of all motorcylists, and everything from plastic bags to rubber washing-up gloves has been used.

In warm weather motorcycle ride gear gloves are still important, and a thin pair of unlined motorcycle ride gearleather ones is the normal type worn. Read the rest of this entry »

One-piece, two-piece, lined, unlined, nylon, waxed-cotton, or any combination is the choice facing every buyer of a motorcycle ride gear oversuit. Most serious riders have two suits; a lined one for the cold weather and an unlined one for summer ride gear wear.

A one-piece, unlined, nylon ride gear suit will fold very small and can be strapped to the seat behind the rider, using rubber aero-elastics, when not being worn. This kind of motorcycle ride gears are ideal for wearing in warm weather. Read the rest of this entry »

During warm weather conditions normal underclothes are more than adequate, but in cold climates, and when motorcycle travelling long distances, some extra protection is required.

Some of the older methods are still used in emergencies, but modern thermal underwear is now taking over. Read the rest of this entry »

Proper care of motorcycle visors and goggles is essential if perfect vision is to be maintained.

The following three precautions will extend the motorcycle life of your visor and ensure that scratches are kept to a minimum:

Never wipe your motorcycle visor with a glove or overmitt ; any dirt particles will scratch the soft visor. Read the rest of this entry »

Not only a safety requirement, but also a legal one in this country. An approved motorcycle helmet must be worn by riders and pillion passengers when the motorcycle is used on the road.

There are two basic motorcycle helmet styles, open face and full face: both are available in either glass fibre or polycarbonate. Read the rest of this entry »

Motorcycle Rider Concentration

Motorcycleriding concentration is defined as the complete application of motorcycle rider mind and body to a particular endeavour, and the exclusion of everything not connected with that motorcycle endeavour.

Today’s road and traffic conditions demand that all motorcyclists exercise full riding concentration every time they venture on to the road. Read the rest of this entry »

The rucksack in which you are going to carry all your equipment should be chosen with care. There are a great many different sizes and designs on the market, so have a good look at catalogues describing them. It is also a good idea to go along to a specialist camping shop and actually try a few to see if they fit comfortably on your back.

You will want to choose a sack which is large enough to hold all your equipment inside it, with the exception perhaps of your tent which on some models is meant to be strapped on underneath the sack. Read the rest of this entry »

The chances that while on a camping holiday you will receive an invitation to dine with the French President or attend the Hunt Ball are fortunately rather small. So all the “dressing up” clothes can be left at home and your outfit can be confined to the strictly practical. For winter holidays and mountaineering, high quality clothing is essential but for summer conditions what you wear is to a large extent a matter of personal taste. Read the rest of this entry »

The drive belts on an inboard or sterndrive engine provide power to the alternator and to the engine’s water pump. Both are necessary for the engine to operate. A drive belt may break if it wears, dries and cracks or is not replaced regularly. Constant use in the engine compartment dries out the rubber and causes tiny cracks. You can, however, “jury-rig” a temporary drive belt to get home, if you motor slowly. Read the rest of this entry »

Electricity and water, particularly salt water, can prove to be a breeding ground for irritating problems that range from a seemingly dead engine to cabin lights that flicker on and off. Preventive maintenance is the best way to keep your electrical system operating with all the lights burning. Read the rest of this entry »

You are required to turn on your navigation lights at sunset for three reasons. First, they announce your presence to others. Second, the lights on your boat tell a lot about its size and the kind of work it’s engaged in. Third, navigation lights tell you in which direction a boat is traveling. You are most apt to encounter the running lights shown below. For a complete listing, see Chapman Piloting. Read the rest of this entry »

Off-road riding is a popular pastime with many motorcyclists, and involves the dual-purpose trail bikes — motorcycles that are at home on both roads and the dirt. They are designed with greater ground clearance, greater clearance between tyres and mudguards, higher footrests, longer suspension travel and ‘knobbly’ tyres.

It is an excellent hobby and can be a very good way of keeping fit. A tough ride requires a lot of physical strength and endurance. Read the rest of this entry »

Preparation

Whether the distance you intend to travel is a few hundred or several thousand miles it is essential that you are fully prepared before you leave. Service the motorcycle from the front to the back, carry enough tools (adjustables take up less room than several kinds), carry a few essential spares, and most important: make sure you have enough warm and dry clothing. Don’t be uncomfortable on a long journey, you’ll regret it. Read the rest of this entry »

Sound is used to signal intent or action between vessels. While the Inland Rules and the International Rules are generally similar, sound signals under Inland Rules for head-on, crossing and overtaking situations are signals of intent, whereas under International Rules they signal an action taking place. The most common Inland signals are illustrated below. Read the rest of this entry »

Most modern powerboats are designed to handle bad weather in reasonable comfort, whether it’s wind from an offshore blow or a summer squall on a lake. It is up to the skipper to know how to steer a course that will be dry and safe, as well as comfortable in adverse circumstances. This requires being thoroughly familiar with your boat and developing the following techniques on rough or stormy waters. Read the rest of this entry »