Search

[ebb]

We have a new Ariel owner aboard who, understandably, has questions that our threads have covered. BUT the Search button above here is not helpful when looking up specifics like COCKPIT DRAINS and SEACOCKS.

When I type those words in I get page after page of unrelated posts. Granted, somewhere there will be useful info for a newcomer. But generally the SEARCH mode is too general to be useful.

If the new owner has to move his Ariel he needs immediate info on what to do with a 45 year old no seacock drain system with the sink T'ed in to a thru hull.
Waiting for a Manual to arrive may not be an option.

See the new "Questions....." thread.
What may be obvious to us might not be to a new comer.

[Tony G]

I whole-heartedly agree, Ebb. It just seems I no longer have the time to wade through pages and pages to find that parcel of information I'm seeking. Being less than literate when it comes to computers (and otherwise), I blame myself for not knowing how to best utilize the search feature on this site, and many others like it. I simply plop in a word or a phrase and expect clear, concise responses to pop up.

Perhaps there should be a tutorial, with examples, on how to use our search function for members like me. I am embarrassed sometimes at how innept I am when it comes to computers and newer 'techie' gadgets. But then I think if it was that important to me I would study and learn about them...

Let me add that while I get frustrated using the search function, I think this forum is maintained by some outstanding folks doing an outstanding job. The members here are second to none. There are plenty of other forums out there that are frequented by arrogant, ignorant, rude and borderline hostile people. To date we have none of that here even in our most opinionated topics of discussion. So hats off to all that make the machine run so smoothly...excluding that dern search button;)

[Rico]

Note that the DEFAULT search looks for any forum THREADS that may contain the terms entered on the search. This often leaves you with too many posts / too much information to look though...

There is an easily overlooked toggle to switch from showing THREADS to showing POSTS. (These are right below the text box that pops-up when you click on 'SEARCH'.)

As you might imagine, this returns individual POSTS that match your search terms... I find that this helps greately in narrowing down the amount of information that most searches return.
Give it a try next time (if you have not already!)...

[jan nikolajsen]

How big is this Manual? Can it be created as an instant download in PDF format, with PayPal funds transfer? Once set up the workload on the admin side of things ought to be less. For an extra fee the paper version can be had snail mail, if you can't print it out at home.

[Bill]

Unfortunately, the Manual is only available via USPS. And, we have no PayPal or shopping cart, so you have to send a check . . by USPS. :D (This may change in the not too distant future.)

See the ACYA home page for a manual order form and description.