Binoculars:

May I, through the medium of the bulletin seek the views and experiences of the members on the subject of binoculars?

Most of the books I have referred to, and most of the sales literature I have seen, recommends binoculars of the size 7 x 50 for marine use. However these appear to be rather bulky for use in a small boat. I believe 7x magnification is the maximum recommended for use on a boat as a general rule, but wonder if other members have found, say, 8x magnification to be quite out of the question. The 50mm object lens of the 7 x 50 binocular obviously receives more light than a smaller object lens - hence one is able to see better if the weather becomes a bit thick. On the other hand does the smaller object lens make so much difference, bearing in mind that the horizon is probably no more than 2½ miles away when in a dinghy. Size and weight (over 2 1bs.) seem to be the disadvantages with the conventional 7 x 50 instrument. At the other end of the scale I have seen advertisements for 8 x 30 binoculars weighing only 12 ozs. and said to be shock proof, waterproof, sandproof - and they float if dropped in the 'briny'.

I should be grateful for members’ views on the subject. Perhaps they are even considered to be an unnecessary luxury by those with more experience than I have.

Whilst writing, I wonder if any members can offer advice on the making of a tent cover for a Drascombe Dabber, or any other of the Drascombe boats, for they are all fairly similar in design. I imagine it would be essential to fasten the skirt of any cover to the outside of the hull about six inches below the gunwale. It would seem wise to screw or bolt any fixtures through the GRP Hull into a wooden stringer attached to the inside of the hull.

If any member would be kind enough to write direct to me on either of these subjects I would be quite prepared to refund postage if required. Dereck A Slusdab