On board entertainment.

[Auzzee]

I am shortly going to replace the old CRT TV and VHS with an LCD TV and DVD. It it better to go with 12volt, or to run on mains voltage through an inverter. Is there any advantage to buying an LCD TV with an integrated DVD, or should I purchase separate appliances. David.

[Trevor Trudelle]

Hello.

I would consider buying separate units. If one or the other breaks down you will lose both TV and DVD to the repair shop.

[GoneTroppo]

Hi David,

We have found that we tend to run the entertainment gear on 12v, rather than turning on the inverter. Mainly because of the perception of power wasted due to the inverter. `We currently just use a laptop for DVD's. This is also our backup comms/navigation computer. Have thought about getting a car DVD unit for above the bed, but have resisted that urge so far.

What are you going to use for audio/news? We use WorldSpace radio connected to our stereo, good sound quality and fair amount of variety. Added bonus is the weather data, great charts and sat photos.

Are you still hoping to get away this year, if so you may want to put off buying electronics until you get to Singapore.

Regards, Stephen

[Auzzee]

Thanks Stephen. A departure this season is still a possibility. Today I was given confirmation that my business is sold, although the $ are still not in the bank. The boat is close to ready. Sailing systems are all in top order, I need to haul out check the bottom and antifoul, and the list is down to less than one page! I need a new jib and main and I am looking perhaps at Rolly Tasker for these...Any comments will be warmly received. Also I need to respray the topsides. Quotes in Oz are high and I am also considering having that part of the job finished in SE Asia. Unfortunately I can't do the sort of resprays GT and Tehani had in the outer hard stand at DSC. The Adam's fighting weight is 30 tonnes. If I can clean up the sale of the business quickly, organise the brick and tile pile, then I can shoot-thru before the wet. Otherwise it will be next season. Looks like the Darwin-Ambon race is back on next year, a fact many cruisers currently on the east coast of Oz may be interested in. Best wishes. David.