Is it me, or has the world gone mad? (warning – Grumpy Old Man territory)
I made a rare but pleasant trip to Force 4 Chandlery in Cardiff the other day, instead of ordering online. Apart from feeling like the proverbial boy in a sweet shop with not enough pocket money to acquire most of what I would like, I purchased a new suit of oilskins – the “Windward Offshore” type. Now, I didn’t actually want a suit (trousers + jacket) as my current trousers are fine, just the jacket as my current garment is somewhat post its best. (As an aside I fund this out by lending it to the first mate when she ‘forgot’ hers and she was not impressed at how wet she got in a thunderstorm!) I was told by the very helpful shop assistant that yes I was welcome to buy just the jacket at a price of £170, but if I bought it with the trousers, the price would be £150. After adjusting my hearing aid I asked him to repeat this information – but yes, it is cheaper to buy two pieces of waterproof clothing than one. When I asked for an explanation of this phenomenon, I was met with the verbal equivalent of the Gaelic shrug.
I then went on to enquire about two pack paint and varnish – of which I am particularly fond of using as its durability and finish tend to be much better than single pack equivalents. International Yacht Paints have stopped selling their range – unless you are a ‘professional’ – and can afford to buy a gallon at a time. The apparent reason for this is that the product is harmful to fish (though I assume this must be in its liquid form). So – it’s OK to be harmful to fish with a gallon or more at your disposal but not with a 750ml tin. Hmmmm. The helpful assistant did point me in the direction of Epifanes who still sell a 2 pack equivalent varnish and range of paints (with the added advantage of being a lot cheaper than International). I asked if this product was not ‘harmful to fish’ and was told maybe, but the manufacturers were Dutch and were not so concerned at this rather remote possibility – presumably assuming that having paid a handsome price for the stuff, one would use it to paint you boat rather than pour it in the sea?? Has anyone else tried Epifanes two pack paint or varnish – any good?
Happy sailing everyone
Regards
Gareth Rowlands
GRP BR20 Halen Y Mor
