Writing on the Console

Brian · 27 April 2003, 16:17

Anybody use an alternative to the chinagraph pencil.
Little blighter is always broken/cannot be found when I most need him.

David Hickman · 27 April 2003, 17:48

Same problem here. I tend to use a blank laminated a4 sheet with the chinagraph for pupils to make passage plans but that is a bit of a nightmare. Have tried dry markers pens as well but they wash off.
Are there and china graph pens that don't break?

Brian · 27 April 2003, 20:18

This "dry marker" that you use? Tell me more.
I tend to need to write down; "This is my phone number ring me back" or "There is a vessel in trouble at point X, anyone in the vicinity?"
So the writing doesnt need to last long, and I hope clean off reasonably easily.

Pete7 · 27 April 2003, 22:10

Always used a soft pencil when we are diving, not so much for the dive details but helping record positions as we look for the wrecks. Doesn't wash off and can be seen even on a dark blue console.

Pete

crazyhorse · 27 April 2003, 22:16

Brian we used a normal waterproof felt tip on a white painted piece of alluminum,Wiped it off with some thinners kept in a bottle,Worked great for courses and notes in the rain,Allu didnt rust even when mounted outside on the bulkhead yr in yr out. It was aprox a foot wide by the same high.

John Kennett · 27 April 2003, 22:48

I've used a permanent marker pen on the console occasionally. Cleans off OK with some white spirit. A soft (2B) pencil would probably be just as good though.

John

narked · 27 April 2003, 22:59

2B or not 2B, that is the question...

Back on the topic of soft pencils, when we're diving we use them makeup pencil things to write stuff down on our "slates" (basically just square bits of plastic). Doesnt wash off whilst underwateror on the boat, but is still dead easy to actually clean off.
You don't half get some funny looks when you buy a load of the things in Boots though...

Matt

Pete7 · 27 April 2003, 23:57

Matt, if you are used to buying makeup pencils in boots then perhaps you should be joining the RN.

Meeow

Pete

narked · 28 April 2003, 01:07

Hmm not had that one before, an original navy joke at last! Usually its just mates at college singing "In The Navy" and making jokes about being a diver in tight rubber suits...

Ah well, could be worse, could be joining the army, green isn't really my colour, clashes with my eyes...yeah maybe I do belong in the navy...

Incidentally that aint serious so no twisting my words!

Matt (whatchit matey!) Brown

thewavehumper · 28 April 2003, 11:03

Surely whatever you use is goimng to suffer the same fate as the chinagraph pencil. so why don'y you get a self adhesive tie wrap base and a reusable tie wrap then you can have a special place to keep the writing implement.

This is all very reminiscent of Tony Hancock and the Radio Ham!

I guesss for a real emergency you could keep a box of chalk in you daybag.

If you want a Tie wrap and base PM your addess and I will send you a few.

Cheers.