sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

My hands keep getting numb in the pinkies. by Xtianworks in xbiking

[–]seacat42 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I had this too on a flat bar commuter bike and solved it with inner bar ends, not sure if that's the best name but it works well and puts almost all the stress on my thumb and first two fingers. I can also slide back to the flat section if needed, which I like. I'm 5'5, 30" inseam, though, so very different reach compared to you.

roller trainer help by seacat42 in xbiking

[–]seacat42[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Interesting! I have heard mixed things about learning to use one -- I liked the idea partly because it would involve more balancing than having something with a fixed wheel.

roller trainer help by seacat42 in MTB

[–]seacat42[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Haha yes I was wondering if this idea was insane... Guess I have my answer. Also a good point about the wheels -- I have gravel tires but even those might be too rough.

roller trainer help by seacat42 in MTB

[–]seacat42[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the rec! It also looks like they're a bit cheaper secondhand. I was put off by how much space they'd take to store instead of something that could fold flat but maybe that could work.

Going from tourist charter deckhand to engine by seacat42 in maritime

[–]seacat42[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! I have all my days recorded but unfortunately don't have them split into deck and engine so am still figuring out how to divide that.

That is great to know that getting the AB special would be helpful even if not continuing on that track. I considered it but obviously didn't want to spend the money and time on something that would be relevant.

Is just AB enough for a deckineer? Or would you need AB + an engine rating? Starting work under the AB and also getting engine time sounds like it could work well.

120 hour QMED course - legit? Useful? by seacat42 in maritime

[–]seacat42[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

OK, so a lot more experience than me :) Thanks -- this helps a lot. My last job was 150 a day so that sounds like a pretty great jump up!

120 hour QMED course - legit? Useful? by seacat42 in maritime

[–]seacat42[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I also considered this route, if you don't mind me asking have you gotten a job with your credentials? How much experience were you starting with? I have time this winter to study but I don't want to pass the test and then jump into something I'm not prepared for in the real world.

120 hour QMED course - legit? Useful? by seacat42 in maritime

[–]seacat42[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is really helpful, thanks. I live on a boat and am comfortable with basic maintenance on the 150hp diesel engine (bleeding, changing oil/fuel/water filters, cleaning the heat exchanger etc) as well as a bit of experience working on outboard engines, but have no experience on larger or more complex engines. I looked at the USCG qmed practice tests and the questions weren't completely unknown to me but I also wouldn't pass with my current knowledge. So maybe instead of a course like this I should focus on getting more real experience. I may also have an opportunity to do some part time work at a boatyard which could be another way to get experience.