tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76905679963324581892024-03-13T18:11:30.687-04:00Gardens of FenwickThe building of a John Welsford Pathfinder. <br>
Sailing adventures to follow...Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334119651373578539noreply@blogger.comBlogger466125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690567996332458189.post-64205425359723546252022-10-09T19:18:00.000-04:002022-10-09T19:18:15.633-04:00Removing Butyl Tape: Suggestions?<p><i>Gardens'</i> CB case leaks a fair bit when sailing to windward. The case has three parts: the main trunk; a 'box' (housing the CB uphaul rigging); and a 'cap.' I used butyl tape to seal the joint between the box and the trunk. The leak is between the box and the trunk, particularly at the aft end of the trunk (in the foreground of the photo).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoO2U_xBUX2YTzD5TMIanCOKsKQFMb5xoDEXlUBZ6487Lho5syJy957lIgUlTbmJIFrD-Yp3QssopG3Y7-xS52SHErlOEBa4QyepAEG2-Lo8STEh8l8YeDYFF8dIFht0lrVYtxiHipRCDtkttIkUQRWOJoCakgFT7MWPTFVx5MyRtIquuJ3MAwZaj-/s4032/1BE3DED2-F8CE-46B6-A971-C4CA8E882613.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoO2U_xBUX2YTzD5TMIanCOKsKQFMb5xoDEXlUBZ6487Lho5syJy957lIgUlTbmJIFrD-Yp3QssopG3Y7-xS52SHErlOEBa4QyepAEG2-Lo8STEh8l8YeDYFF8dIFht0lrVYtxiHipRCDtkttIkUQRWOJoCakgFT7MWPTFVx5MyRtIquuJ3MAwZaj-/s320/1BE3DED2-F8CE-46B6-A971-C4CA8E882613.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>Any ideas on cleaning up the (apparently) 'damaged' tape?</p><p>Any suggestions for improving the seal between then box and the trunk? </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334119651373578539noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690567996332458189.post-59762111951870288692022-09-02T14:33:00.001-04:002022-12-06T16:48:29.610-05:00McKay Bay, August 22-27, 2022<p> This year's sailing vacation at McKay Bay in Les Cheneaux Islands on Michigan's Upper Peninsula was a success.</p><p>Monday's (8/22) four-hour drive north to the UP was uneventful... Clear skies, plenty of sunshine, and not much traffic. I was a bit anxious about that trip because <i>Gardens </i>sat on her trailer in the barn for two years without moving. I greased the bearings and checked the tires before leaving but I was nervous about the drive. Thirty minutes into the trip I stopped to check the bearings: cool to the touch. My anxiety disappeared and the rest of the drive was fun. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3_g2W_kSMiAl2KdSOhRK0Z52KI7MFWs_b8ccRl6DnRT9-5hBMi5pPrzZDLTn5V6I_g5fsIEfWYk277lAiL3jzwEyYhVjqjmgcbwIiOwik0L4xB48pywm94pe-d10rOJw12YdR1euQH4ldWhetnZjbvwhrJvR6WGCgeIjVF74oioW_uRWb6s84hjZ/s4032/3D7031D4-DAD3-4FB6-8742-00F4FC546BB3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3_g2W_kSMiAl2KdSOhRK0Z52KI7MFWs_b8ccRl6DnRT9-5hBMi5pPrzZDLTn5V6I_g5fsIEfWYk277lAiL3jzwEyYhVjqjmgcbwIiOwik0L4xB48pywm94pe-d10rOJw12YdR1euQH4ldWhetnZjbvwhrJvR6WGCgeIjVF74oioW_uRWb6s84hjZ/s320/3D7031D4-DAD3-4FB6-8742-00F4FC546BB3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Monday afternoon we pulled into the parking lot at the boat ramp on McKay Bay. We decided I'd motor <i>Gardens</i> the quarter-mile across the Bay to the cottage, which meant we didn't need to step the masts or rig the boat at the ramp. Backing the trailer straight down the ramp the first try was a pleasant surprise (I'm not very good at backing - but apparently I'm getting better)! <i>Gardens </i>at the dock Monday evening:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUEptv_iTW8f25r_3ZOgvKon1F7fvBvKxVaQjdI8ZWTmrQsivZkRlCS4n3RjMEaHLxnw1BmCMYgQ2WZUCe-VMCDUKg5xF3DAyDH39-eAaau3CopsbIl-3uXfJ8XWMm4VKLT7warzEZM2g0iY2eRjIRKGqNPP210UL1_c3ZBj5CuVZ1DTs7ZAhbHa_/s4032/C08F703F-AC49-4F29-9E99-76F891F8EE9B.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUEptv_iTW8f25r_3ZOgvKon1F7fvBvKxVaQjdI8ZWTmrQsivZkRlCS4n3RjMEaHLxnw1BmCMYgQ2WZUCe-VMCDUKg5xF3DAyDH39-eAaau3CopsbIl-3uXfJ8XWMm4VKLT7warzEZM2g0iY2eRjIRKGqNPP210UL1_c3ZBj5CuVZ1DTs7ZAhbHa_/s320/C08F703F-AC49-4F29-9E99-76F891F8EE9B.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>Tuesday morning we stepped the masts, connected all the bits of rigging, installed the rudder, and had a minor struggle fitting the tiller to the rudder head. I had reworked the tiller over the winter and, despite test fitting everything during that process, the tiller would not fit correctly. The issue turned out to be the rudder head not sitting properly on the pintles. The tiller was hitting the top of the opening in the transom. That minor struggle was frustrating but once resolved we went sailing!</p><p>Tuesday's sail was great! Light winds at the outset gave us the time to sort things out and become reacquainted with <i>Gardens</i>. By the time we were passing Port Dolomite, the winds had picked up a bit and the sailing, while not 'sporty,' was very good. The new mainsail from Really Simple Sails looked great and performed well! Just west of Strongs Island we met up with our friends Andy and Rose motoring their Express 35, <i>Fraser,</i> to visit us in McKay Bay. We enjoyed some close (but not 'too' close) sailing while we shared hellos and news. Andy and Rose spent the summer on Lake Superior so there was a lot of catching up to do. The wind picked up a bit more and by the time we returned to the dock we had an exciting downwind landing. The not-lowered-all-the-way centerboard served as a brake in the soft sand bottom alongside the dock. The rub-rail took a small hit (an off-season repair added to the list) but no other damage to <i>Gardens</i> or the crew. Andy anchored off the cottage in nine feet of water.</p><p>Wednesday morning I tweaked the rigging a bit: the lazy-jacks needed sorting out. By 11:00 we were underway on <i>Fraser </i>for a cruise to Government Bay, a bit over five miles by water from the cottage, for a picnic lunch and a hike. It was a beautiful day. We anchored just off a small sand beach and enjoyed our lunch on board <i>Fraser</i>. It was good to hear about Lake Superior, going through the locks at the Soo, and their other adventures. After lunch we dinghied to shore and set off on a 1-hour hike on a rustic trail. There are no-reservation first-come campsites on Government Island and I scouted a few for possible future boat/camping outings. The pictured beach and cove (not the beach we went ashore at) are near the south end of Government Island</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-gPcJTDNX6xy5smDVMf3rOtZZxOg3H7Lw2r_xt07IfYHdbnqWrdH_oNFUTtp_dZQz-RWVEFu3xAmmcrwLkO--6U3fTQ_SoX0mqN9B7bd7igJBA4jSwFs0JNnunAafV5VZGzPlOFDaDjWRIHbS1L5Aor2t0_tVvg3s2LrJvawLHB8qTU_PHSt0LCcV/s4032/8EA8ACB6-C0C6-4E4C-AC50-DCF0449E4FB3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-gPcJTDNX6xy5smDVMf3rOtZZxOg3H7Lw2r_xt07IfYHdbnqWrdH_oNFUTtp_dZQz-RWVEFu3xAmmcrwLkO--6U3fTQ_SoX0mqN9B7bd7igJBA4jSwFs0JNnunAafV5VZGzPlOFDaDjWRIHbS1L5Aor2t0_tVvg3s2LrJvawLHB8qTU_PHSt0LCcV/s320/8EA8ACB6-C0C6-4E4C-AC50-DCF0449E4FB3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Motoring back to the cottage was uneventful - Andy let me take the helm and, although I nearly took a wrong turn, we made it back to the cottage.</p><p>In the wee hours of Thursday morning the forecast rain began... and continued until 3:30PM. Heavy rains for over 12 hours dumped 12-15 gallons of water into <i>Gardens' </i>bilge. We had a similar bilge-water experience in 2019, and I thought I "fixed" that problem. Not so. I suspect the deck plates may leak - but it is difficult to understand how that much water could leak through the deck plates (I have since built a deck plate mock-up, fitted on a 5-gallon bucket to test the plate. After 10 minutes with the garden hose, the bucket had a little over a pint of water in it. Extrapolated over 12+ hours, the test results suggest that 12-15 gallons leaking through the two deck plates was not unrealistic.) Upgrading the deck-plates is on the off-season work list along with other chasing-leaks tasks. Fortunately, the centerboard pin does <i><b>not </b></i>leak!</p><p>Under clear skies early Friday morning, Andy and Rose weighed anchor and headed to the marina in Saint Ignace. After running errands that morning, Jan and I went sailing. The winds were brisk and the sail down McKay Bay toward Crow Island was great fun. As we approached Crow Island we were out of the lee of Strongs Island. The winds were stronger and we sailed into a swell and white caps. I made the executive decision to return up past Strongs Island and into McKay Bay. As we neared the dock, the wind diminished enough for me to drop the mail and motor to the dock in a civilized manner. Covering barely over six miles it was not an epic sail but it was a very satisfying sail. I posted the Relive animation of that sail to the John Welsford group on Facebook but cannot figure out how to imbed it or link to it in this format.</p><p>The drive home on Saturday was pleasant and uneventful - but, unlike most return trips, it seemed to take forever. We've already reserved the cottage for next August!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334119651373578539noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690567996332458189.post-83707394439082536472022-04-12T19:46:00.000-04:002022-04-12T19:46:10.207-04:00Do the Math (the First Time!)<p><span style="font-family: arial;">My wife has been encouraging me to figure out why <i>Gardens </i>seems to have a mind of her own in light air: poor tacking; failed tacks; turning slow circles without regard to the helm. It was frustrating to me and anxious/scary for Jan. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I had no answers... until last Sunday. I had an apostrophe.* </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>Gardens'</i> centerboard up-haul system is not as designed. I didn't like the block/tackle rig as shown in the plans. I designed, developed, and built a 4:1 block system contained in a box on top of the centerboard case. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJbxWFGZuljdlaUQ2CT2Zx9hb85CsltNY4y_jeiIFIENUTPEoZtN1pJdKcEMpp08xt9Ss49fqOfsVHeY2yUlRpMRKvLxMboZZK2Bmp8cIi-WZO2uHehTuc-vQmeZB_zUTOlJYjwJKCrOgpPxZn17vpXXThmLaftTOK5Ogs3haXU70ZSHF4m0cOfODA/s4032/47AA448E-15F6-4F6D-9AD5-7089F4122747.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJbxWFGZuljdlaUQ2CT2Zx9hb85CsltNY4y_jeiIFIENUTPEoZtN1pJdKcEMpp08xt9Ss49fqOfsVHeY2yUlRpMRKvLxMboZZK2Bmp8cIi-WZO2uHehTuc-vQmeZB_zUTOlJYjwJKCrOgpPxZn17vpXXThmLaftTOK5Ogs3haXU70ZSHF4m0cOfODA/s320/47AA448E-15F6-4F6D-9AD5-7089F4122747.heic" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjIBLuqDpuYtrcWBohbsa2GcnNR0llMdFHosxF-LuLjRSI72UtYPobBBpByRNEPVoACbdljKiPDtVvp0pi3-QTtsswUM2TnWsKkIOo7f3tGaby-imlFDIOpYVJcKdZVeNvU0gQluoYXTJOzNlrhql-1aZYph-ZL0325LbdeVzzaMe_i4S8JQnIgxXW/s4032/5D8AD5CB-B8B3-4983-BDBE-0A12F1E73A89.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjIBLuqDpuYtrcWBohbsa2GcnNR0llMdFHosxF-LuLjRSI72UtYPobBBpByRNEPVoACbdljKiPDtVvp0pi3-QTtsswUM2TnWsKkIOo7f3tGaby-imlFDIOpYVJcKdZVeNvU0gQluoYXTJOzNlrhql-1aZYph-ZL0325LbdeVzzaMe_i4S8JQnIgxXW/s320/5D8AD5CB-B8B3-4983-BDBE-0A12F1E73A89.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPZWicia4kE2Gjf5FFTNnYGRBX7FemiHMlVtL2Mxj95ZJOpw104oXL9YXH8S1nLml7bJsNNx2TanV8jqhPT5R9YV1BoQbj5_lbu3WZEkmf1pA8gZ_pr46tWGSJ_xL8UDNSene_bpWliv-h_dxYicWeo9JjP1d22Gmra1a5ejj5z6r4sp-NksfGKaq/s4032/036D9322-EB27-442F-8046-D9951ED7E3CB.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPZWicia4kE2Gjf5FFTNnYGRBX7FemiHMlVtL2Mxj95ZJOpw104oXL9YXH8S1nLml7bJsNNx2TanV8jqhPT5R9YV1BoQbj5_lbu3WZEkmf1pA8gZ_pr46tWGSJ_xL8UDNSene_bpWliv-h_dxYicWeo9JjP1d22Gmra1a5ejj5z6r4sp-NksfGKaq/s320/036D9322-EB27-442F-8046-D9951ED7E3CB.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxIUhBYcbjLktPor8tflkRrGV3ALEblErHPQ9qOVnylF9JlXkHK2JHfYIifJaZHSJvKWOtFn-Twx3qeGjLoxKzrIqH5BC5uEZwZutuflhLj-EGwnH1Z6vnuEJ3_Rg5zHCqTmAy2fsKlQArwA8ljY_rT3FjMzNOmUtONfE_CLHhJuAK1vIGUpaWfInp/s4032/9203560C-178A-42EE-879B-64A00C576FD5.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxIUhBYcbjLktPor8tflkRrGV3ALEblErHPQ9qOVnylF9JlXkHK2JHfYIifJaZHSJvKWOtFn-Twx3qeGjLoxKzrIqH5BC5uEZwZutuflhLj-EGwnH1Z6vnuEJ3_Rg5zHCqTmAy2fsKlQArwA8ljY_rT3FjMzNOmUtONfE_CLHhJuAK1vIGUpaWfInp/s320/9203560C-178A-42EE-879B-64A00C576FD5.heic" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLdxtLVdD2RKl3tPhsfvE3k5YYyYXn0KXPYxc99QMGTWMgthe_9xpgTjfcxuG92ilM5ChPuAJNzer6yWMDYOQSGJhabPtqlnTnG7EwoQndcffto9U0NXFWummwBAWdcbH5BDhMrQ8WQybnuKmr-_mthL-N7Tlm-0g6Paib33RuA1iDBH72_llJblKc/s4032/4822ACCB-20AD-43AB-A1B9-F5A7BE2AE700.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLdxtLVdD2RKl3tPhsfvE3k5YYyYXn0KXPYxc99QMGTWMgthe_9xpgTjfcxuG92ilM5ChPuAJNzer6yWMDYOQSGJhabPtqlnTnG7EwoQndcffto9U0NXFWummwBAWdcbH5BDhMrQ8WQybnuKmr-_mthL-N7Tlm-0g6Paib33RuA1iDBH72_llJblKc/s320/4822ACCB-20AD-43AB-A1B9-F5A7BE2AE700.heic" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">On Sunday it occurred to me that the 4:1 system was self-limiting; the centerboard could swing part way down. I pulled out the plan sheet showing the centerboard extended vertically; used a compass set to the length of the 4:1 system; drew an arc from the aft end of the system - and realized the centerboard could only extend through a 45º arc - or about half way! I suspect this limitation had something to do with the boat handling issues we experienced, particularly in light air.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Yesterday, I removed the cap and box, removed the 4:1 set-up, and re-rigged the up-haul to a 2:1 system which is limited only by the length of the up-haul.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I did part of the math when I put the system in place, just not <i>all </i>of the math.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">* Bonus points if you remember/understand the "I had an apostrophe" movie reference. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334119651373578539noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690567996332458189.post-90704609239559632302022-02-09T16:21:00.000-05:002022-02-09T16:21:12.948-05:00Boat Tent: Decision and Prep <p> I've thought about a boat tent for quite a while... one reason I haven't done any boat camping is because I didn't have a tent (that probably qualifies as a self-fulfilling excuse). </p><p>So, after recent reading, YouTubing, and discussions there seem to be three basic design choices:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Boom Tent</b>: The boom acts as a ridge pole with the tent draped over the boom and secured along the sides or deck, forming an A-shaped tent.</li><li><b>Hoop Frame</b> (Barrel or Conestoga style): Tubing of some sort (PVC, fiberglass tent poles, bamboo) is bent athwart-ship to form a frame to support the tent material. </li><li><b>Suspension Tent</b>: The tent is suspended under the boom and secured to the sides or deck creating an A-shaped tent. This is something of a variation of the traditional boom tent but is subtly different</li></ul><i>Gardens</i> has a balance-lug yawl sail plan. The boom extends forward of the mast which, along with being rigged with lazy-jacks, does not lend itself to a traditional boom tent set-up. <p></p><p>I've decided to develop a suspension tent similar the tent Steve Earley uses on <i>Spartina</i>. </p><p>The prep work has begun. Clearing some space behind <i>Gardens</i> in the barn so she can be moved back a few feet to allow enough clearance to step the masts inside the barn. I purchased some 3-mil painters' drop cloth to use in mocking up the tent panels. A few bits of hardware (hooks and a boom bail) have been ordered from DuckWorks. The next few days will be marginally warmer so I plan to begin work soon.</p><p>In the meantime, here is a bit of motivation for getting boat work done during the winter.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYBUYzX-KCBRbCQPIbPnUEP29_cFGQd5otciy2nhUiX3II69Vot4q93Nwg8kFIf7-ZW8cy7riDEOOTLMNvT-PX_9EOLU6u8RIasGmHBP26-4q92yi-EC2L9rxEQHuGvQklZKCmhYam95Zh9gCWz1JCxwIo8mqF8tm4hdvtjoC4B79H2EjP4ze6RtWI=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYBUYzX-KCBRbCQPIbPnUEP29_cFGQd5otciy2nhUiX3II69Vot4q93Nwg8kFIf7-ZW8cy7riDEOOTLMNvT-PX_9EOLU6u8RIasGmHBP26-4q92yi-EC2L9rxEQHuGvQklZKCmhYam95Zh9gCWz1JCxwIo8mqF8tm4hdvtjoC4B79H2EjP4ze6RtWI=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334119651373578539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690567996332458189.post-35724427805720207722022-02-02T15:05:00.000-05:002022-02-02T15:05:21.070-05:00Re-Set and Planning<p>Seems I've done very little with, for, or on <i>Gardens</i> in a very long time. Time for a re-set and a return to boat work. However, because it is mid-winter in Michigan, I am once again at the "What about...?" stage of planning and projects.</p><p>So, what is in the works?</p><p><span> </span><b>Boat Camping Gear</b>: Tent; Cooking Kit, Sleeping Arrangements</p><p><span> </span><b>New Rudder Blade</b>: Stalled (bit and collet are STUCK in the router (may need to replace router)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9v3sWnQwY8vAu2LLDPAXQeF885rZVdpkXTbIKDuH1-JOMgInJdKnU_A8Wva20_8-VtjOrJWdLhUI8H676ueBWZEp4Xv0VEqtCgrYOJ5pXT-LwTTMpBacU5r2lyV3H4tYiPRmxfyS3Eh8x7eNzWBicNJ-iXAk33RU1ITlESznMPNe60xo8D8PUctxY=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9v3sWnQwY8vAu2LLDPAXQeF885rZVdpkXTbIKDuH1-JOMgInJdKnU_A8Wva20_8-VtjOrJWdLhUI8H676ueBWZEp4Xv0VEqtCgrYOJ5pXT-LwTTMpBacU5r2lyV3H4tYiPRmxfyS3Eh8x7eNzWBicNJ-iXAk33RU1ITlESznMPNe60xo8D8PUctxY=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><span> </span> <b>Sling Re-Entry System</b> (Howard Rice's design): Webbing needs sewing, final fit in the spring</p><p>One recently completed task: I've joined TSCA and DCA. Not sure of any local or regional activities for either group, but I am looking forward to each Association's publication.</p>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334119651373578539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690567996332458189.post-62762358218660662722021-11-01T21:00:00.001-04:002021-11-01T21:00:37.788-04:00Rudder Router Jig Sequence<p>Work began on the router jig to shape the rudder.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A mock-up of the jig consists of wo pieces of 1/2" ply. I made the mistake of cutting the foil shape out on each piece separately. The two pieces don't match perfectly as the sanding belt broke (you can see where) before I finished fairing the two pieces. Used double-backed tape to hold them together while I cut the 30mm notch (for the rudder blank). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RPeyQtr6vrY/YXxsc8NQUzI/AAAAAAAAOqg/UzO0rlgHqp8eGpHEpZ2fJhmhf2kYOZkGwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/D3F490A2-FAFB-414D-8EF2-25E941A819E6.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RPeyQtr6vrY/YXxsc8NQUzI/AAAAAAAAOqg/UzO0rlgHqp8eGpHEpZ2fJhmhf2kYOZkGwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/D3F490A2-FAFB-414D-8EF2-25E941A819E6.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After I clean up the wrinkle in the rail, the first test effort using the trim router and the jig went okay, but not great. Neither the blank nor the jig were clamped down for the test cut. The trim router was more difficult to control: it wandered a good bit, seemingly with a mind of its own. Shallower (and therefore more) cuts, a larger diameter bit, and maybe the larger router may lead to better results.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2E9QHSDjslM/YX6VxkfqKzI/AAAAAAAAOqs/x3qV8qtI9ug5fQs5O3w4mtFoLdDcgXrzgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/4015041C-18D6-415C-A405-C07D785DF4D5.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2E9QHSDjslM/YX6VxkfqKzI/AAAAAAAAOqs/x3qV8qtI9ug5fQs5O3w4mtFoLdDcgXrzgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/4015041C-18D6-415C-A405-C07D785DF4D5.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My next trial cut went much better. I used the larger router (it has handles and variable speed), a larger bit designed to hollow & clean out small bowls and boxes; and shallower cuts. Running the router at its lowest speed, the larger bit, clamping the blank down, and gradually increasing the depth of cut produced a much better result. One thing I learned, though, is that if the rails are not perfectly faired & matched the router will not be perpendicular to the blank - resulting in slight ridges between passes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9KO6uZYP9h0/YYCLgH7N_tI/AAAAAAAAOq4/yvTJC-mrLksjkHn7Z8hDt__ATlWGwzraQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/6EE0288D-7A61-439D-9A93-A92F6A9E4142.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9KO6uZYP9h0/YYCLgH7N_tI/AAAAAAAAOq4/yvTJC-mrLksjkHn7Z8hDt__ATlWGwzraQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/6EE0288D-7A61-439D-9A93-A92F6A9E4142.jpeg" width="240" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">New rails will be pattern-cut from hardwood and faired to match. Hopefully, after a few practice cuts, I'll soon be ready to shape a new foil from the full size blank.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /></div><p></p>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334119651373578539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690567996332458189.post-89731124873816734182021-10-26T08:38:00.001-04:002021-10-26T17:16:56.651-04:00First Steps to a New Rudder<p>Last month I described my efforts to remediate <i>Gardens' </i>rudder and eliminate the annoying wobble resulting from the slop in the fit of the blade in the rudder stock. The possibility of fabricating a new rudder was mentioned...</p><p>That possibility has progressed to actual 'project' status. Copies of the rudder foil drawing from the plans will be used as templates to create a router jig to "carve" the foil from the blank. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ArpIyIDdq1k/YXXoyq-OHsI/AAAAAAAAOpo/BU6STdulQlcgmj_SRDXQ2nXMJAD3VE-QQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/B27C8269-8B15-49DA-8D71-745D89F00159.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ArpIyIDdq1k/YXXoyq-OHsI/AAAAAAAAOpo/BU6STdulQlcgmj_SRDXQ2nXMJAD3VE-QQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/B27C8269-8B15-49DA-8D71-745D89F00159.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>The rough blank, as glued up, measures 40mm x 320mm x 1020mm. The leading and trailing edges of the rudder blank are ash (from a tree we took town six years ago). The rest of the staves are pine (from a tree we took down three years ago). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pFKFY-Jp62A/YXf2EqW6zBI/AAAAAAAAOp4/CuZYXK7ON70yWnfIGL3V0xCIdaZDNZoUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/E008B261-FB0F-4E3E-81FD-B4A33181252B.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pFKFY-Jp62A/YXf2EqW6zBI/AAAAAAAAOp4/CuZYXK7ON70yWnfIGL3V0xCIdaZDNZoUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/E008B261-FB0F-4E3E-81FD-B4A33181252B.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Rather satisfying to be using materials from our property. </p><p>Next step is to mill the glued-up blank down to the specified dimensions of 30mm x 300mm. I will leave the blank long to provide support to both sides during the router-carving process. Photos should illustrate that process when I get there. </p><p><br /></p><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334119651373578539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690567996332458189.post-32572512122304623862021-09-20T19:48:00.002-04:002021-09-20T19:48:38.032-04:00Rudder Remediation Revisited<p>The rudder repairs and upkeep are in the finishing (epoxy/primer/paint) stages: the blade fits snuggly on the pivot pin and between the cheeks of the rudder head. The varnish work on the rudder head is progressing slowly. Once the finishing work is done, I'll install cheek blocks for the up-haul and the down-haul lines.</p><p>With nothing better to do while waiting for various coatings to dry, I've begun considering making a new rudder blade. The existing one works but I am not convinced the foil is as good as it could be; and the ten pound 'sink-weight' imbedded in the blade makes set-up at the ramp tedious and awkward. </p><p>The foil was carved/shaped by hand. While the bottom of the blade matches the foil shape in the plans, I'm sot so sure that shape is carried through the length of the blade. What I am considering is using a router with a jig (shaped to match the foil) to shape a new rudder blade. </p><p>When I built <i>Gardens'</i> rudder, I didn't appreciate up-hauls and down-hauls for the rudder. However, over the few seasons I've sailed <i>Gardens</i>, I have recognized their value - to the point of asking, is the sink-weight really necessary? The ten pounds of lead is plenty to keep the rudder from swinging up while sailing - but is it needed when a down-haul is used? I plan to find out...</p><br /><p><br /></p>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334119651373578539noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690567996332458189.post-71378178347908244942021-09-12T16:40:00.000-04:002021-09-12T16:40:31.386-04:00Rudder Remediation<p> It has been a while... generally speaking, without making excuses, 2021 is not a sailing year for me and <i>Gardens</i>.</p><p>So, late in the season, I've gotten back to working on <i>Gardens</i> to have her ready for next summer.</p><p>First effort is rudder remediation. The rudder blade wobbles a bit (not much but enough to be noticed and annoying when sailing) between the cheeks of the rudder head. Two causes: The rudder blade is a tad too thin to fit snuggly between the cheeks; and the pivot hole is too large for the pivot pin. </p><p>First, for the pivot hole, I did the usual: drilled out the hole oversized, filled it with epoxy, and drilled a hole for a bronze bushing (the original hole was just epoxy filled, which worked, but... not as well as it could have). The bushing is a much better fit for the pivot pin and the blade wobble related to the size of the pivot hole has been significantly reduced.</p><p>Second, I added 1/8" spacers to both sides of the blade and sanded them down to improve the fit in the rudder head. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JCW4zRp34_s/YT5ejBq87DI/AAAAAAAAOng/l-MLLUBHNg0FEzaVq6Xp6RI9n6eiY49kQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/CE3C6AD6-B726-4B76-925A-118BAEB19189.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JCW4zRp34_s/YT5ejBq87DI/AAAAAAAAOng/l-MLLUBHNg0FEzaVq6Xp6RI9n6eiY49kQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/CE3C6AD6-B726-4B76-925A-118BAEB19189.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--sYZL9h9Jzc/YT5fm-V1VlI/AAAAAAAAOno/rWTsmMfKfDMr-UVW0xvy4pUey0fUtMuOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/189AB4F0-2F01-4DAE-A32E-9D2F77E0B9E0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--sYZL9h9Jzc/YT5fm-V1VlI/AAAAAAAAOno/rWTsmMfKfDMr-UVW0xvy4pUey0fUtMuOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/189AB4F0-2F01-4DAE-A32E-9D2F77E0B9E0.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>The spacers definitely improve the fit of the blade in the rudder head; and the spacers and bushing together nearly eliminate the blade wobble.</p><p>The blade will be sanded back to bare wood and refinished.</p><p>As for the rudder head, I decided it is time to refinish it. Sanded the outer surfaces back to bare wood and began varnishing. It will take some time to complete the varnishing as. I can only do one surface at a time.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-59kM8A_-7Xg/YT5iWwj4mmI/AAAAAAAAOnw/vhu89Xjzey8Wu_I0dGQgw1cvaRzYk0fJwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/A1312CCD-E8DF-414C-943C-A1F24094F9BC.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-59kM8A_-7Xg/YT5iWwj4mmI/AAAAAAAAOnw/vhu89Xjzey8Wu_I0dGQgw1cvaRzYk0fJwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/A1312CCD-E8DF-414C-943C-A1F24094F9BC.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p><br /></p><br /> <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334119651373578539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690567996332458189.post-31265840240486597402021-01-27T15:45:00.005-05:002021-01-27T15:45:51.126-05:00Red Wire... Black Wire... ?<p>When some newly ordered hose for my dust collector arrived yesterday, I was reminded of the scene in some old suspense thriller about disarming a bomb as the timer ticks down: "Red wire... Black wire... ?" </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Inca_fZk-0/YBHLo43NK1I/AAAAAAAAOgY/cx3RvPcujDgtR5eAfNie22Q4yEk2ph1AACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/FB66FE81-8B68-45CA-A0FB-832DBF09D264.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Inca_fZk-0/YBHLo43NK1I/AAAAAAAAOgY/cx3RvPcujDgtR5eAfNie22Q4yEk2ph1AACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/FB66FE81-8B68-45CA-A0FB-832DBF09D264.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p>Do I open it despite the very clear warning not to? And, if I do open it, what should I use to cut that heavy duty packing tape? Conflicting messages... Maybe a career opportunity there as a label editor?</p><p>Yep, I opened it with a utility knife - and, no, the box didn't explode! </p><p>The new hose is a step in improving/upgrading the 2-HP single stage Rikon dust collector I've had for seven years. More on this project as it unfolds.</p><p>Sorry if anyone thought electricity was involved.</p><p><br /></p>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334119651373578539noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690567996332458189.post-60606902908196124652021-01-19T13:09:00.002-05:002021-01-19T13:09:45.418-05:002021 - Off to a Great Start<p> 2021 started with a flourish of enthusiasm:</p><p>My first shop project of the year (decluttering and organizing) is underway. This is what I started with:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Goi6ls4q40Y/YAcbTGkrfTI/AAAAAAAAOfU/ZRsjwyUXlCoOOLKDpmrwpZAE8nIQZM_dQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0CB6A387-871C-440C-A921-60736A64AE51.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Goi6ls4q40Y/YAcbTGkrfTI/AAAAAAAAOfU/ZRsjwyUXlCoOOLKDpmrwpZAE8nIQZM_dQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/0CB6A387-871C-440C-A921-60736A64AE51.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JEaraa6XRAI/YAcbUlhKYLI/AAAAAAAAOfc/06w6RmdSOZcP_ekNl-BwlPByIg6AZ7w1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/25DFBC40-4E60-4B9F-B4E4-2451EA031ECD.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JEaraa6XRAI/YAcbUlhKYLI/AAAAAAAAOfc/06w6RmdSOZcP_ekNl-BwlPByIg6AZ7w1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/25DFBC40-4E60-4B9F-B4E4-2451EA031ECD.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bNw2KZESRWg/YAcbUZ4xSaI/AAAAAAAAOfY/26Ts8ML0ddw8SsfGYbA2jlAe9CIJxGW4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/A156BD3A-B7AE-40B7-A5FF-19ABA5AF4CFD.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bNw2KZESRWg/YAcbUZ4xSaI/AAAAAAAAOfY/26Ts8ML0ddw8SsfGYbA2jlAe9CIJxGW4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/A156BD3A-B7AE-40B7-A5FF-19ABA5AF4CFD.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Progress has been made but not enough to share...</p><p>My perpetual resolution (intent) to improve my Health and Fitness got a boost with our new recumbent exercise bike and twice daily workouts.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lUY3tqxI-d4/YAcb-017oiI/AAAAAAAAOfs/C3cnIfaovkAfr9ldrEP9Te173zO4j5hYACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/E1BF29DC-2E92-4715-9D64-BB87B452CE91.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lUY3tqxI-d4/YAcb-017oiI/AAAAAAAAOfs/C3cnIfaovkAfr9ldrEP9Te173zO4j5hYACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/E1BF29DC-2E92-4715-9D64-BB87B452CE91.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Both of these -but not my enthusiasm - have been paused for another Health and Fitness reason. Cataract surgery last Thursday and post-op instructions (no bending over for more than a moment or so, and no strenuous activities (specifically no cardio workouts - I asked...) until this week's follow up appointment have me "resting soft tissue" for the time being.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-52SVMPfcHJ4/YAce4W8J6jI/AAAAAAAAOf4/0G0MVuIVqYUs4rVubAUw5i2F3nc8N6TzgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/761D6D70-A119-4957-B1E0-9FD6777831EA.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-52SVMPfcHJ4/YAce4W8J6jI/AAAAAAAAOf4/0G0MVuIVqYUs4rVubAUw5i2F3nc8N6TzgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/761D6D70-A119-4957-B1E0-9FD6777831EA.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p>I should be able to get back to exercising and the shop until the following Thursday (surgery on the second eye). Fortunately, these are temporary interruptions - and based on the results of the first surgery, I'm going to be very happy with the overall outcome. </p><p><br /></p>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334119651373578539noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690567996332458189.post-14350386670388820672021-01-02T14:29:00.002-05:002021-01-02T14:29:54.141-05:00Resolutions<p>For many years I have not followed the pretty common practice of making New Year's Resolutions because whenever I did make Resolutions, I did not succeed at keeping them or seeing them through. A few weeks ago I decided to give Resolutions another try. </p><p>Now, I know, Resolutions (like goals and targets) are most likely to succeed if they are specific (quantified, measurable, achievable). But as my list of Resolutions grew, I realized that very few on the list are specific. I also know the list should be short...</p><p>Realizing the shortcomings of my List of Resolutions, here it is:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Plan Better</b></li><li><b>Fret Less</b></li><li><b>Do More</b>: </li><ul><li> Sailing (day sails, boat camping, exploring)</li><li> Exercise (to improve physical and mental health)</li><li> Woodworking (to improve skills and results)</li><li> Cooking and Baking (try new recipes; expand our food horizons)</li><li> Communication (with children, siblings, family and friends) </li><li> Reading (more & more meaningful books; learn)</li></ul></ul><p></p><p></p><div>Yes, some of these can be quantified and measurable - but I'm not assigning numbers to them right now. I am also not listing a number of goals that fit within these generalized categories. </div><div><br /></div><div>How will I know if I've kept my Resolutions? To paraphrase U.S. Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart, "I'll know it when I see it."</div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334119651373578539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690567996332458189.post-21096428658392272982020-12-30T13:34:00.000-05:002020-12-30T13:34:17.828-05:002020 In Review<p>Looking back on 2020, it seemed to me I did more planning, fretting, and "getting ready to get ready" than I did any doing. But that isn't necessarily true. Despite, or perhaps because of, the extraordinary circumstances of 2020, we accomplished a good bit on <i>Gardens of Fenwick</i>. In roughly chronologic order here's what we got done:</p><p>Name Boards </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cusP5-ncB30/X-y-9jCw-RI/AAAAAAAAObU/Y_m2eQhX-kUY4OFZjGY2tw2PhMzUURKQQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/9C3D3D92-2001-4004-B0E9-814CB2FC73C3.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cusP5-ncB30/X-y-9jCw-RI/AAAAAAAAObU/Y_m2eQhX-kUY4OFZjGY2tw2PhMzUURKQQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/9C3D3D92-2001-4004-B0E9-814CB2FC73C3.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>New Hinged Tiller</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SJAK3Y82Hac/X-y_d4NcgYI/AAAAAAAAObc/taAhU9dNlAkVh_yXhf2jrMDikOUSUUZKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/B538106D-0828-4BD8-82F9-6CA44F0A77CF.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SJAK3Y82Hac/X-y_d4NcgYI/AAAAAAAAObc/taAhU9dNlAkVh_yXhf2jrMDikOUSUUZKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/B538106D-0828-4BD8-82F9-6CA44F0A77CF.heic" /></a></div><br /><p>Hand-painted Registration Numbers</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cQpgbW7HmS8/X-y_0qPoF6I/AAAAAAAAObk/VSJTFLSytWgl3SIyXFrOqbBzxjGQhByQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/2DD91EFC-E92F-4540-8CE5-FE67F3824192.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cQpgbW7HmS8/X-y_0qPoF6I/AAAAAAAAObk/VSJTFLSytWgl3SIyXFrOqbBzxjGQhByQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2DD91EFC-E92F-4540-8CE5-FE67F3824192.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>New Running Rigging</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yhMiKgRwh90/X-zAL5jBmSI/AAAAAAAAObs/EogKHs530w4ZQobFCMcro8ForDG2S1ajgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/08D29C0C-9CFF-49D4-8B1F-A7AF95703BBB_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yhMiKgRwh90/X-zAL5jBmSI/AAAAAAAAObs/EogKHs530w4ZQobFCMcro8ForDG2S1ajgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/08D29C0C-9CFF-49D4-8B1F-A7AF95703BBB_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>New Splicing Skills: Soft Shackles and Continuous Loops</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hicWBWHqPEk/X-zAi-XuPXI/AAAAAAAAOb0/LEi3M9ZH2e883mp0piF8UY557Akqp-5IQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/649492E9-3B5B-43C9-AEB5-23FEFC42C2E6.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hicWBWHqPEk/X-zAi-XuPXI/AAAAAAAAOb0/LEi3M9ZH2e883mp0piF8UY557Akqp-5IQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/649492E9-3B5B-43C9-AEB5-23FEFC42C2E6.heic" /></a></div><br /><p>Main Mast Lever Lift (Concept drawing. Seems I don't have an as-built-and-installed photos)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c_sCOqpSC2A/X-zBq4tDCSI/AAAAAAAAOcA/DM5PqZUZtm8QPOkpwaKQEQTVKmrICUk-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/F2213518-504B-45B7-9F51-27048E0FBF04_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c_sCOqpSC2A/X-zBq4tDCSI/AAAAAAAAOcA/DM5PqZUZtm8QPOkpwaKQEQTVKmrICUk-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/F2213518-504B-45B7-9F51-27048E0FBF04_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Boat Stands</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7BYVbJ3FhDs/X-zCJ3Dbt-I/AAAAAAAAOcI/SSFx97N1YFAnVz_sxjDpiXQmMZgSrhh2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/3CF1CF5E-79AA-4C96-8425-4167EBB0BD72.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7BYVbJ3FhDs/X-zCJ3Dbt-I/AAAAAAAAOcI/SSFx97N1YFAnVz_sxjDpiXQmMZgSrhh2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/3CF1CF5E-79AA-4C96-8425-4167EBB0BD72.heic" /></a></div><br /><p>Lazy Jacks</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jjIEHT4y2tE/X-zCzDkj2RI/AAAAAAAAOcU/7ZkFeehnZd8Anb46YWWS3Cp5OCUsSImBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/CEFAA434-A5AC-4B93-BE1F-FEB221C82895.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jjIEHT4y2tE/X-zCzDkj2RI/AAAAAAAAOcU/7ZkFeehnZd8Anb46YWWS3Cp5OCUsSImBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/CEFAA434-A5AC-4B93-BE1F-FEB221C82895.heic" /></a></div><br /><p>Mizzen Mast Slot & Plug</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_JhZgABGNOQ/X-zDRcAV2II/AAAAAAAAOcc/nn9jV1HQ9aU6Wa_cnVfhVowB6YifKKaXACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/10F135B5-64BE-4680-B7DF-7C3F829660F0.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_JhZgABGNOQ/X-zDRcAV2II/AAAAAAAAOcc/nn9jV1HQ9aU6Wa_cnVfhVowB6YifKKaXACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/10F135B5-64BE-4680-B7DF-7C3F829660F0.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>SUP Paddles</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JYq8Wm2Aq5g/X-zDjTK3-LI/AAAAAAAAOck/UKCKzkZRD6YmsyZsrR0XjDmmCCPtsc0IACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/2BE9D336-0326-4A84-B14F-1D33631F0D21.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JYq8Wm2Aq5g/X-zDjTK3-LI/AAAAAAAAOck/UKCKzkZRD6YmsyZsrR0XjDmmCCPtsc0IACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2BE9D336-0326-4A84-B14F-1D33631F0D21.heic" /></a></div><br /><p>Two-Piece Kayak Paddle</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nw-67zyJ9HE/X-zD7BhgGcI/AAAAAAAAOcw/KHRPsPis3o0o_JBCvYbOPeEDKG1TE33UACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/C5916881-5394-44A1-AB22-1415B58B1C27.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nw-67zyJ9HE/X-zD7BhgGcI/AAAAAAAAOcw/KHRPsPis3o0o_JBCvYbOPeEDKG1TE33UACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/C5916881-5394-44A1-AB22-1415B58B1C27.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Outboard Seats</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dpQgX9VzQhI/X-zER2QauVI/AAAAAAAAOc4/Ean7AqvM28Qmk8Ur67Su1CYo5nA2qWxZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/4CFDD69A-413A-44E7-9B88-241579FAB39C.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dpQgX9VzQhI/X-zER2QauVI/AAAAAAAAOc4/Ean7AqvM28Qmk8Ur67Su1CYo5nA2qWxZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/4CFDD69A-413A-44E7-9B88-241579FAB39C.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>"Front Row" Viewing Platform (at the west side of our place) and Two (newly built) Adirondack Chairs</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t4fnlqtucM4/X-zEoS26PdI/AAAAAAAAOdA/I783ofT28PkL4BU87snuWkXK3mRbIg9FwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/390BBA13-646D-410A-BCE6-3BDD7EC41727.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t4fnlqtucM4/X-zEoS26PdI/AAAAAAAAOdA/I783ofT28PkL4BU87snuWkXK3mRbIg9FwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/390BBA13-646D-410A-BCE6-3BDD7EC41727.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p>Les Cheneaux Islands Get Away</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-exUNj-6aAsA/X-zE_sdSrxI/AAAAAAAAOdM/1-t7HDEr97AmXArhb5zPj9PElILdSCU5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/6729902B-B3A2-4DE1-91FA-22BA03204FCB.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-exUNj-6aAsA/X-zE_sdSrxI/AAAAAAAAOdM/1-t7HDEr97AmXArhb5zPj9PElILdSCU5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/6729902B-B3A2-4DE1-91FA-22BA03204FCB.heic" /></a></div><br /><p>Stove Box</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sksNooXpAT8/X-zFQ1FE17I/AAAAAAAAOdU/j9c0j4w2Z-UDEuOVu6JnEW2mvlev6mzKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/77C94F9A-0B2B-490E-9950-77B7F9AF52B5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sksNooXpAT8/X-zFQ1FE17I/AAAAAAAAOdU/j9c0j4w2Z-UDEuOVu6JnEW2mvlev6mzKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/77C94F9A-0B2B-490E-9950-77B7F9AF52B5.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p>Cooking & Baking Experimenting: Taking inspiration from the Great British Baking Show, we tried new recipes for Breads and Clangers. From exploring the Internet, we've begun playing with Curries. And in a moment of weakness, I decided to bake Fruitcake, which turned out nicely.</p><p>We are looking forward to 2021! </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334119651373578539noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690567996332458189.post-51721494586358588472020-12-07T08:57:00.001-05:002020-12-07T08:57:42.525-05:00Book Stack<p>Small Craft Advisor has been sharing photos of readers' collections of boat related books. Thought I'd share my Stack with SCA but due to 'technical difficulties' I wasn't able to attach a photo to an email to SCA. </p><p>So, here it is: my Book Stack:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bJs8DImRQ78/X84yH-uwtzI/AAAAAAAAOaY/yyDyAwNm1ysoaLQAVsKRwPdzqIBR8mbxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/175CB40E-68F0-4C34-B900-1583902CB82F.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bJs8DImRQ78/X84yH-uwtzI/AAAAAAAAOaY/yyDyAwNm1ysoaLQAVsKRwPdzqIBR8mbxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/175CB40E-68F0-4C34-B900-1583902CB82F.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Not as large a collection as some - but I forgot to include my Swallows & Amazons series and <i>Good Little Ship</i> (the story of Arthur Ransome's own boat). <div><br /></div><div>That thicker black book near the bottom of the stack is <i>Dutton's Navigation and Piloting, </i>acquired when I attended the USCG Academy in the late 60s. When I left the Academy, for some inexplicable reason, I kept Dutton's and left Bowditch's <i>The American Practical Navigator</i>. Over the years I've thought about that choice - and wish I had both books.<br /><p><br /></p></div>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334119651373578539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690567996332458189.post-75213735424315053512020-12-01T16:34:00.002-05:002020-12-01T16:34:50.812-05:00Stove Box? <p> Whatever happened to the stove box I described in over a month ago? </p><p>It has been finished. Nothing great about it, just a simple, functional, plywood box to hold a camp stove, a base for the stove and a couple propane cylinders. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lanuAFNsO5I/X8a2Oi2sKdI/AAAAAAAAOZo/x7SLtvN9p_Ii9vgxjXxDOKfX_I1GzF-hACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/A945DD5F-0AD4-48F5-849C-1B1805D1D229.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lanuAFNsO5I/X8a2Oi2sKdI/AAAAAAAAOZo/x7SLtvN9p_Ii9vgxjXxDOKfX_I1GzF-hACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/A945DD5F-0AD4-48F5-849C-1B1805D1D229.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FSpl6325euI/X8a2e314pbI/AAAAAAAAOZw/zjWfSGD_L5AZnG2shGmbSV1X--_aTVenQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/009A8A4B-750E-4616-9A7B-8B4B6839E347.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FSpl6325euI/X8a2e314pbI/AAAAAAAAOZw/zjWfSGD_L5AZnG2shGmbSV1X--_aTVenQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/009A8A4B-750E-4616-9A7B-8B4B6839E347.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wWQAjWupJCQ/X8a2u16PYuI/AAAAAAAAOZ4/QmIZUlGEc0QHXCQSu3vjCks7aOarRUxcACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/77C94F9A-0B2B-490E-9950-77B7F9AF52B5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wWQAjWupJCQ/X8a2u16PYuI/AAAAAAAAOZ4/QmIZUlGEc0QHXCQSu3vjCks7aOarRUxcACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/77C94F9A-0B2B-490E-9950-77B7F9AF52B5.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Some refinements to think about over the winter months: wind screens and a tie-down to hold it in place while underway. </p><p>Shouldn't have taken 4-and-a-half weeks to complete.</p>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334119651373578539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690567996332458189.post-36889643215149863642020-11-09T20:42:00.000-05:002020-11-09T20:42:08.415-05:00Mistakes<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Mist</span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">akes... I've made a few...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">Mistakes are often bad, and sometimes they are life-threatening or career-ending. I'm not talking about catastrophic types of mistakes.</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"> </span></span></p><p style="box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Sometimes mistakes are just annoying and pretty much harmless. Sometimes simple mistakes can cascade into a series of mistakes, increasing the annoyance and interfering with progress. For example, yesterday, while changing the blade in my table saw...</span></p><ul style="box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: outside; margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem; padding: 0px;"><li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0px 2.25rem;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Mistake #1: Not keeping the base of the table saw clean of sawdust. </span></li><li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0px 2.25rem;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Mistake #2: Dropping the retaining washer into the sawdust.</span></li><li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0px 2.25rem;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Mistake #3: Trying to use a magnet to retrieve the washer.</span></li><li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0px 2.25rem;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Mistake #4: Setting the magnet on top of the cast iron saw.</span></li></ul><p style="box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">So, to set things right, I had to figure out how to get the magnet off the table (success involved a 4x4 and a 5-lb sledge hammer), find the washer, install the blade (without repeating Mistake #2!), and clean out the base of the table saw.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">I got it all done but the series of mistakes took up an inordinate amount of time. Catastrophic? No. Annoying? Yes. Interfering with the project at hand? Yes. </span></p><p style="box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Sometimes, though, you get to laugh at yourself - and that's a good thing.</span></p>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334119651373578539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690567996332458189.post-27984863833079284412020-10-29T18:08:00.000-04:002020-10-29T18:08:02.878-04:00Galley Gear and Stove Boxes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thought about a new camp stove, new cookware & dishes and an elaborate Galley Box to hold it all and a bunch of provisions. But, we are new to boat camping and, as fun as shopping can be, we want to figure things out before such a spending spree. What we think we need/want for starters is a way to boil water and prepare simple one-pot meals.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We have a two-burner propane camp stove that works well but takes a lot of space. We have a one-burner propane camp stove that works well but seems too larger to stow nicely... except that it breaks down into three components and doesn't need a huge amount of storage space. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We have a 9" x 12" x 13" plywood box I built and used years ago for camp dishes, utensils, a small cook pan, and a kettle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PHX7BHYB0Hk/X5s4fMq-4OI/AAAAAAAAOXo/COTdAdUNLtkX9FPIwR7iwtn9SGnhloIcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DE38F2A5-C8BB-4C37-93D1-E089FCDD632D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PHX7BHYB0Hk/X5s4fMq-4OI/AAAAAAAAOXo/COTdAdUNLtkX9FPIwR7iwtn9SGnhloIcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DE38F2A5-C8BB-4C37-93D1-E089FCDD632D.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This box is a good start, but I soon realized the single burner stove, even broken down, takes up enough of the box that we need something more for the other gear.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nnYzFKr6tvo/X5s5eMGtxZI/AAAAAAAAOX4/GqDhkuyDPE4lWf_4byrgvDVHljFDp2WbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/B394361E-6DD0-41A3-8687-D9E1D3C9FD8C.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nnYzFKr6tvo/X5s5eMGtxZI/AAAAAAAAOX4/GqDhkuyDPE4lWf_4byrgvDVHljFDp2WbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/B394361E-6DD0-41A3-8687-D9E1D3C9FD8C.jpeg" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But, when I set about making a mock-up it occurred to me that I<i> have</i> a box that fits the cooking/eating gear pretty well. So, I shifted the focus a bit and mocked up a box just for the stove.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k7RZfcWKQ0w/X5s6pa5cFYI/AAAAAAAAOYE/ExibSGeYJBgPdEP5qtMLp6IQVNtx9bKPACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/D6695BCE-0A28-4E11-980B-B7F2ED83483D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k7RZfcWKQ0w/X5s6pa5cFYI/AAAAAAAAOYE/ExibSGeYJBgPdEP5qtMLp6IQVNtx9bKPACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/D6695BCE-0A28-4E11-980B-B7F2ED83483D.jpeg" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ACe4MXQPwE/X5s7DkkGRbI/AAAAAAAAOYM/JpzsrgWdtEY3Su4Rz5qaVyCsvhosDnvFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/4A47097A-5E0C-4310-BE21-8289A4F9CA8C.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ACe4MXQPwE/X5s7DkkGRbI/AAAAAAAAOYM/JpzsrgWdtEY3Su4Rz5qaVyCsvhosDnvFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/4A47097A-5E0C-4310-BE21-8289A4F9CA8C.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The photo shows the stove box mock-up sitting on top of the gear box but that is just one possibility. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The interior dimensions for the stove box are pretty well settled. Construction details need to be worked out. I've got some 1/4" Baltic Birch ply on hand so the new stove box should be completed soon. Using this ply, I'll paint it to match the interior color of <i>Gardens</i>. Maybe I'll paint the gear box, too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p><br /></p>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334119651373578539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690567996332458189.post-50397985820331751632020-10-18T15:52:00.005-04:002020-10-18T15:52:48.744-04:00Tool: Pica-Dry Longlife Automatic Pen<p>About this time last year, I read a post (somewhere) about the "Pica-Dry Longlife Automatic Pen." I thought it was interesting enough to order one. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aQdbhfXimRw/X4yV1ESgAvI/AAAAAAAAOWA/04YFVsL0jBQhnrnMqKN0ko64LTcTqIiogCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/93DC8C64-55B7-4BD0-8A11-486BDB6E418C.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aQdbhfXimRw/X4yV1ESgAvI/AAAAAAAAOWA/04YFVsL0jBQhnrnMqKN0ko64LTcTqIiogCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/93DC8C64-55B7-4BD0-8A11-486BDB6E418C.jpeg" /></a></div><br />First impression was that it is a pencil not a 'pen' (which seemed odd but that could be my shortcoming.) Whatever it is called doesn't affect how it works. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gMsTG88hUu8/X4yXrefsCcI/AAAAAAAAOWM/NJa-qZ8Lz-4F58jGAU_WsE-EUiOZSpkcwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/42E328FC-FAEE-477C-8543-C20F791F42FD.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gMsTG88hUu8/X4yXrefsCcI/AAAAAAAAOWM/NJa-qZ8Lz-4F58jGAU_WsE-EUiOZSpkcwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/42E328FC-FAEE-477C-8543-C20F791F42FD.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Second impression was that it is a bit bulky and not particularly suited for keeping in an apron, shirt or pants pocket, The bright green holder has a nice looking clip that looks like it would hold the pencil securely in a pocket. That doesn't work for me at all so the pencil lives on the tablesaw fence or on the work bench. The end of the holder is a sharpener which is convenient and works well. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3u985mbx40A/X4yYQiMcDgI/AAAAAAAAOWU/CfS2hjGCYbcB_esEC8EtFT3Pikz8UPdlACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/032755DB-C0E7-4E23-BF34-9CA92CB10C41.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3u985mbx40A/X4yYQiMcDgI/AAAAAAAAOWU/CfS2hjGCYbcB_esEC8EtFT3Pikz8UPdlACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/032755DB-C0E7-4E23-BF34-9CA92CB10C41.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p>The pencil comes with one (1) black lead which, surprising to me, lasted quite a long time. However, additional leads are available in packs of eight (8) leads (either all black or a combination of four (4) black, two (2) red, and two (2) yellow). Out of curiosity, I bought the combo pack without really having a purpose for the colored leads at the time. Last week, to my pleasant surprise, I discovered the usefulness of the yellow lead.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rUUStzQhf7o/X4yZ02TGPLI/AAAAAAAAOWg/23Bk0J2wKhMfC1NMQ9zDKl3xozKGd5ctACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/6D574AA0-D869-4812-8339-E21D56D4438B.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rUUStzQhf7o/X4yZ02TGPLI/AAAAAAAAOWg/23Bk0J2wKhMfC1NMQ9zDKl3xozKGd5ctACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/6D574AA0-D869-4812-8339-E21D56D4438B.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Working on Gardens' coamings (varnished meranti ply), I needed a line visible enough to work with in the rather dimly lit boat bay (in the barn). The black lead certainly worked to put a line on the coaming, but it was difficult to see well enough to work with it. I changed out the black lead for yellow and was pleased with the result. I can't quite imagine what I'll need the red lead for, but when I'm sure the red will work just fine, too.</p><p>The black lead works well for layout lines on timber and ply but not so well for jotting down notes (the lead is pretty thick and doesn't lend itself well to my handwritten notes). </p><p>I like the pencil enough to get another one for the boat bay.</p>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334119651373578539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690567996332458189.post-22459124546946290392020-10-05T20:32:00.002-04:002020-10-05T20:32:29.000-04:00A New Sail<p>When I decided to build a Pathfinder, I thought about a balance-lug-yawl sail plan using the balance lug sail from my Goat Island Skiff. My thinking was, I already have the sail and I can't sail two boats at the same time. At the 2011 Sail Oklahoma event, I discussed this idea with John Welsford and he agreed to draw up the sail plan. </p><p>My GIS sail had been assembled from a Sailrite kit - a saga in itself - and I used it on <i>Karen Ann</i> (my GIS) and, eventually, on <i>Gardens of Fenwick. </i>Over its life that sail was used, abused and not cared for properly: stains (unknown origin) did not wash out; careless winter storage allowed mice to dine on the the leech; and the leech repair was functional but not pretty... As we sailed <i>Gardens </i>this summer, I harbored thoughts about buying a new main, but didn't act on those thoughst. </p><p>Early last week I said something to Jan about maybe thinking about a new sail. She agreed that the sail was looking tired and thought a new sail was a great idea! So, last Thursday I placed the order with Duckworks and this morning the new sail arrived!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Alyg36WdHLo/X3u4v4U28oI/AAAAAAAAOVk/_g0Oam629acr-gEK48H_1ipGVAyU_wc9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/723D2948-CEC9-455E-87D3-83D601ACDCD4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Alyg36WdHLo/X3u4v4U28oI/AAAAAAAAOVk/_g0Oam629acr-gEK48H_1ipGVAyU_wc9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/723D2948-CEC9-455E-87D3-83D601ACDCD4.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The sail is gorgeous and, without taking it out of the plastic wrapper, we can see that the sail is heavier duty (5.0oz) than the old sail (4.10z) and that the quality of the sewing if far superior to what I cobbled together seven years ago! We're done sailing for the year so the new sail will winter in its shipping box. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We are looking forward to dressing up <i>Gardens</i> with the new sail and sailing her next spring!</div><br /><p><br /></p>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334119651373578539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690567996332458189.post-42532690145961064772020-09-22T14:02:00.001-04:002020-09-22T14:06:43.439-04:00 Les Cheneaux Islands Get-Away<p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;"><span>We needed a break and a short get-away to Lex Cheneaux Islands in Michigan's UP was just the thing. We reserved a cabin, got the boat ready, prepped some meals and packed our bags. </span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Wednesday’s four-plus-hour drive from home to Cedarville in the UP went well. We’ve got a few trees around home that are tinged with red and the farther north we went, the more and better the colors got: reds, yellows, oranges. The last weekend of summer and autumn has fully arrived in northern Michigan.</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"> </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">We arrived at the Les Cheneaux Landing resort around 4:00pm. We checked in, parked the boat near the ramp, and unloaded the car. We planned to launch the boat that afternoon, but given the conditions - wind was blowing 9-10, gusting to 12 from the N; and I was tired - we decided to wait for morning to launch.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L6x_1kDCDV0/X2o4_peZJzI/AAAAAAAAOUM/G_DvZ7P2RLA-0S1t7miVVhrlMIki66veQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1792/BF658DF3-3578-477A-B860-51E6F3E466E2_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1792" data-original-width="828" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L6x_1kDCDV0/X2o4_peZJzI/AAAAAAAAOUM/G_DvZ7P2RLA-0S1t7miVVhrlMIki66veQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/BF658DF3-3578-477A-B860-51E6F3E466E2_1_201_a.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The cabin we rented is a very small, knotty-pine interior, two bedroom affair with a small kitchen and sitting area - which worked for us: The second bedroom became (or maybe has always been) a closet… Two couples sharing this cabin (advertised as “sleeps four”) would be very cramped…</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">We enjoyed a relaxed evening: a spaghetti dinner, a walk down to the dock, cooling temperatures, a couple of beers… peace and quiet… </p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The next morning, after a good breakfast of coffee, eggs, toast and fruit, it was time to launch <i>Gardens</i>. Things (backing down ramp) went well (no audience of advisers). The wind was, thankfully, very light as I backed the boat out of ramp; did a couple of unintended loop-de-loops (narrowly missing a pontoon boat) before getting into the slip.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Rigging the boat on the water went smoothly with no major complications. My biggest surprise was that the halyard and lazy-jacks did NOT wrap each other up into a tangle. And the lazy-jacks worked well to ease the rigging process. One mistake: I didn’t run the halyard around the mast (to hold the yard close to the mast) but I never noticed it until we lowered the sail at the end of the outing.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Light NNW winds (3-4mph) helped us back out of the slip and we were off… Winds promptly went to 7-8mph (gusting 10) so we enjoyed some nice sailing. We took what the wind gave us and headed SE down Snow’s Channel. Pretty much a downwind ride to Conner’s Point and Muscallunge Bay. The wind backed to W and piped up to 10mph (gusting 12). The geography of the islands bends the wind quite a bit depending where you are in the bay, and I found it difficult to maintain a steady course. It was fun but taxing. </p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">A steady W wind would have been nice heading back up Snow’s Channel, but again Marquette Island and shifting winds worked against a nice easy beat. In the lee of Marquette Island, the winds became light and variable: from lulls of 0 to 5-6 (gusting 8); and shifting from SW through to N - and sometimes back. Oh, we sailed back but tacking became tiresome in the lulls, shifts and gusts. <i>Gardens</i> seemed to work against the return as well as we weren’t able to complete every tack. However, the winds co-operated, the trolling motor worked well as we neared the dock, and I didn’t hit anything getting into the slip.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">It wasn’t a long sail, but it was wonderful.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The GPS recorded a max speed of 6.1mph during a deep reach across Muscallunge Bay. Unfortunately, I forget to turn off the GPS and the Navionics app until long after we were done sailing (yes, I recorded securing the boat and walking from the dock to the cabin…) so the ‘moving’ average speed was lower than it really was… I’ll learn sometime…</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Friday morning was similar to Thursday but with lighter N-NW winds. We went SE down the channel to Muscallinge Bay. And so, our sail was similar to the previous day. All went well until we headed back up Snow’s Channel. Light and shifty winds seemed to work against successful tacking, but not on every tack. </p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">We (meaning I) experienced some difficulties completing tacks. <i>Gardens</i> goes into irons pretty handily. I tried several tactics to overcome these difficulties (un-sheeting the mizzen, more boat speed before starting the tack; minimal rudder; and manually backing the main), but the inconsistency of the conditions (wind speed and direction) and the intermittent successes/failures of tacking created uncertainty about what was happening. At one point during a failed tack into a lull, I released the rudder and eased the sheets and Gardens did a slow figure-8 - a Yes, a slow, gentle falling off to starboard, through a gybe, and through another gybe before I took the tiller and managed to react to a wind-shift puff. I have no explanation for that. </p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JUhE0Ac8uPg/X2o6WJ0QCTI/AAAAAAAAOUs/5WDDn5KDaHsx5noF0iR12EDCXN2Ck4aeACLcBGAsYHQ/s1792/E26629ED-5897-40EF-8154-11EB62873CBA_1_102_o.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1792" data-original-width="828" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JUhE0Ac8uPg/X2o6WJ0QCTI/AAAAAAAAOUs/5WDDn5KDaHsx5noF0iR12EDCXN2Ck4aeACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/E26629ED-5897-40EF-8154-11EB62873CBA_1_102_o.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 11px;">I</span>gnore the stats: For some reason, Navionics did not accurately record time, speeds and distances. The trip time is close but certainly not speed or distance. Perhaps poor cell coverage accounts for that?</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">We returned to the slip to secure <i>Gardens</i> for the night, and the lazy-jacks proved their worth once again. I’m not sure where I developed a reluctance to lazy-jacks but I am glad I’ve gotten over it!</p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gjl3DtZ1eEY/X2o58PGXMsI/AAAAAAAAOUk/eQ1OmXFv2Z4nx1AU-k3a-Q5NvZUr0zwhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/BB95B0D3-77B8-49C3-A914-BA35817CF0FA.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gjl3DtZ1eEY/X2o58PGXMsI/AAAAAAAAOUk/eQ1OmXFv2Z4nx1AU-k3a-Q5NvZUr0zwhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/BB95B0D3-77B8-49C3-A914-BA35817CF0FA.heic" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;">Saturday was cloudy, cold (mid-40s), and windy with rain in the forecast. We decided not to sail and, instead, drove to Salt St Marie for some touristy sight-seeing. After watching an ore boat lock through the Soo from Lake Superior to the St Mary’s River, we drove to Whitefish Point. We walked the beach in a building S wind, marveled at the water-smoothed rocks and got back to the car as the rain began. By the time we got back to the cabin the rain had subsided and it was time to pull <i>Gardens </i>and pack her up for the road trip home. Sunday’s drive home under sunny skies was uneventful and I began a mental “Winter Projects” list… </p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The Navionics app has a play-back feature. Watching the tracks of both sails, it seems that we completed significantly more tacks than we missed - despite the perception/impression/memory that hits and misses were about equal. Thursday’s ratio was 8:4 (hits to misses); Friday’s ratio was 12:4 (hits to misses). So… things were not as “bad” as I let myself believe, but clearly there is room for improvement. I was more mindful of un-sheeting the mizzen on Friday than on Thursday. Also, on Friday I observed slight weather helm more than I did on Thursday. However, on both days there were periods of lee helm, and on at least two of those missed tacks, the lee helm prevented enough increased rudder at the beginning of the tack.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">This outing was not intended to be an overnight boat camping experience - we (<i>Gardens</i> and us) are just not prepared for that yet. We enjoyed two really great days of sailing, learned some things; enjoyed some needed peace and quiet (very limited wi-fi contributed to that) and came away pleased with the five day get-away. Baby steps (with a cabin and dock) will lead to more adventures. Some items on the Winter Projects list will be improving <i>Gardens'</i> accommodations for boat camping.</p>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334119651373578539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690567996332458189.post-6428790856222529592020-08-25T19:46:00.000-04:002020-08-25T19:46:12.478-04:00Anchor System - More Questions Than Answers At the Moment<p> <i>Gardens</i> is a fun boat to day-sail. We have an anchor, chain, and rode on board but have not figured out how to rig an anchoring system. I have an idea of what I'd do in some sort of emergency if I had to, but I'm trying to sort out a system for more deliberate, non-emergency, planned situations - like lunch stops and overnight outings. </p><p style="text-align: left;">What we've got:</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>2kg (4.4lbs) Lewmar Claw anchor</li><li>15' 1/4" Chain (with shackles)</li><li>100' 3/8" Nylon 3-Strand Rode (with thimble)</li><li>Two 6" Forward Cleats (approximately 30" from the stem)</li><li>Bow Chocks (at the stem)</li><li>A Bucket (stowed in starboard side of foreward cockpit)</li><li>An Impractically Small Foredeck</li><li>Large (3/4" ID) Padeyes along side decks </li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b3yCngHhSPo/X0WieLgfxlI/AAAAAAAAOSE/beLLNCpPAXEa2I1ctkB3cbA9Q_8ujQ6DACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/CEFAA434-A5AC-4B93-BE1F-FEB221C82895.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b3yCngHhSPo/X0WieLgfxlI/AAAAAAAAOSE/beLLNCpPAXEa2I1ctkB3cbA9Q_8ujQ6DACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/CEFAA434-A5AC-4B93-BE1F-FEB221C82895.heic" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>The impractically small foredeck means I need to handle (lowering/raising) the anchor from the foreward end of the cockpit. Since the sail bundle sets on the port side, it makes sense to me to work the anchor from the starboard side of the boat. The anchor bucket rides in that foreward starboard corner of the cockpit. So... so far, so good. <p></p><p style="text-align: left;">But...</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>To what do I secure the bitter end of the anchor rode? Years ago ('67, '68, '69) I learned that anchor chains were "secured" to the keel of a ship with snake stuff - so that if the anchor ran loose the chain wouldn't tear the ship apart. Of course, I'm talking about a much smaller scale...</li><li>How do I store the rode/chain in the bucket so that it doesn't fall in on itself (tangle itself in knots)?</li><li>Does an anchor bridle make sense to use on a mono-hull? If yes, how should it be rigged?</li><li>What is the "correct" orientation for the bow chocks?</li><li>Is there a simple/easy way to mark the anchor rode to know how much has been let out?</li><li>Is 3-strand nylon or double braided nylon 'better' for an anchor line?</li><li>Is 115' of rode (chain + line) enough? I know it depends on where one expects to anchor...</li><li>And so much more that I don't know what I don't know enough to ask about...</li></ul>Good thing <i>Gardens</i> is patient. We'll get out a couple of times locally before heading to the Upper Peninsula for a four-day get-away where we'll do some exploring in Les Cheneaux Islands. By the time we get back from that trip we'll have, hopefully, answers to some or all of our anchoring questions.<br /><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></p>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334119651373578539noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690567996332458189.post-61093930266043899202020-08-16T20:36:00.002-04:002020-08-16T20:36:20.356-04:00Side Deck Seats, Auxiliary Power, and a Kayak Paddle<p><b>Side Deck Seats</b>: My variation of the Side Deck Seat has survived the mock-up stage. I'm using a wooden cleat/foot/support rather than the stack of garden-pad foam Mike used. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3UOBYfzGUo/XznJ_1TF-pI/AAAAAAAAORE/F8aGK-AzfiI3gvNhElKxGyNbnxHj3RDcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/9F172634-8D0E-4230-A126-2EC4726C32FA.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3UOBYfzGUo/XznJ_1TF-pI/AAAAAAAAORE/F8aGK-AzfiI3gvNhElKxGyNbnxHj3RDcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/9F172634-8D0E-4230-A126-2EC4726C32FA.heic" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are two smaller cleats that straddle the coaming and hold the seat in place. The 'real' seat will be 1/2" plywood. The entire assembly will be epoxied and painted.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6co5IKsoKeU/XznK8tneCfI/AAAAAAAAORM/Tdj5h-yENGAbCfJu2kscaUobK7xZFfk9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/745A116E-2B18-460C-A439-2DE3DAACAC91.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6co5IKsoKeU/XznK8tneCfI/AAAAAAAAORM/Tdj5h-yENGAbCfJu2kscaUobK7xZFfk9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/745A116E-2B18-460C-A439-2DE3DAACAC91.heic" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We'll see how it works. If it scratches the deck, I'll modify it - but the deck will be repainted this winter anyway.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Auxiliary Power:</b> Two SUP paddles are ready to be put into action should the need arise. Fortunately, the wiring issues (my bad) with the trolling motor have been repaired - so we are hopeful that we'll never need the new paddles. But, we have them just in case...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lOgKk9zTVZs/XznOhtI6_OI/AAAAAAAAORY/-jOps_0Hm1ciWpB5RclH0pCFeKza6yqTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/3FEC60C4-DB32-431D-8276-5AAD19255315.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lOgKk9zTVZs/XznOhtI6_OI/AAAAAAAAORY/-jOps_0Hm1ciWpB5RclH0pCFeKza6yqTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/3FEC60C4-DB32-431D-8276-5AAD19255315.heic" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The paddles have been sealed and varnished since this photo was taken early last week.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Kayak Paddle:</b> I decided to build my granddaughter a kayak paddle for her birthday next month - but the kids are taking their kayaks with them on a Labor Day vacation so I need to get the paddle done. The paddle will be two-part take-apart using carbon fiber ferules from Duckworks. The wood is white pine from a tree on our property.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9uQdv9aGFmg/XznPutJj4oI/AAAAAAAAORk/Uuik-BWTho0L0YhRo6zl7dHchsI0eFU5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/C5916881-5394-44A1-AB22-1415B58B1C27.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9uQdv9aGFmg/XznPutJj4oI/AAAAAAAAORk/Uuik-BWTho0L0YhRo6zl7dHchsI0eFU5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/C5916881-5394-44A1-AB22-1415B58B1C27.heic" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We're working on a sailing trip in Les Cheneaux Islands in Michigan's Upper Peninsula for mid-September which means we need to get out as much as we can over the next few weeks to make sure everything is ship-shape.</div><p></p>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334119651373578539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690567996332458189.post-29457264773441861222020-08-02T22:03:00.006-04:002020-08-04T15:12:41.204-04:00It Doesn't End, Does It?So, we're (<i>Gardens,</i> Jan and I) sailing again after a long (winter-into-spring-into-summer) offseason of repairs, modifications, improvements, etc. Just about everything added to, or improved upon, <i>Gardens</i> works as well or better than expected: Lazy-jacks, the mast 'lifter,' the mizzen slot, the hinged tiller, and the boarding assist handle all work very well. The only real disappointment is the bronze mast traveler. I believe it is a great idea but it does not seem to suit the Pathfinder's configuration; I believe in a completely open boat the mast traveler would work just fine. <div><br /></div><div>But already, after just a single sail, the to-do list is growing! <br /><div><br /></div><div><b>Paddles</b>: During last week's outing, several short-comings made themselves apparent. When the trolling motor failed (I did a poor job of wiring a plug to the motor's power cable), the absence of paddles became painfully apparent. Yes, I know, I should have had paddles on board... but I didn't. To remedy the situation I am building two SUP paddles (it occurred to me that standing up to paddle <i>Gardens</i> will be more comfortable than sitting). The wiring for the trolling motor has also been corrected. We may never need the paddles, but we'll have them just in case.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Cockpit Comforts: </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Side Deck Seats</b>: <i>Gardens</i>' coamings are only 3/8" thick so they are not at all comfortable to sit on. Jan caught a rare moment on last week's (light air) sail:</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ByqTKJN_xqo/XydR1708GgI/AAAAAAAAOQM/fgdEytFXTNEIOjt1VhptkF-dbmV_b_LfQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4778.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ByqTKJN_xqo/XydR1708GgI/AAAAAAAAOQM/fgdEytFXTNEIOjt1VhptkF-dbmV_b_LfQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_4778.jpg" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Jan commented that she, too, would sometimes like to sit up on the coamings - but they are too uncomfortable (not a direct quote but good enough). So, remembering a FaceBook post from May, I'll adapt Michael Olson's side deck seat to fit <i>Gardens</i>' coamings. <b>NOTE: For some reason I cannot create a link to the FB post re coaming seats. Please search the John Welsford Small Craft Designs FB page for "coaming seats," scroll to Michael Olson's May19, 2020 post. Sorry for the inconvenience.</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Cup Holders</b>: Jan also wants cup-holders. I haven't figured that one out yet, but I am working on it.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Anchor Set Up</b>: <i>Gardens</i> has an anchor, chain and rode suitable for the waters we sail. However, I don't have a decent way to secure the anchor to the boat... I opted against utilizing the anchor well (part of the design and built as per plans) by not opening up the foredeck. I am rethinking that decision. If I decide to use the anchor well, the modification probably won't happen until later this year. But, I am pondering the possibilities.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Camping Set-Up: </b>While we aren't there yet, I am thinking about, and planning for, boat camping. Sleeping pads and bags, shelter (cockpit tent [boom or otherwise], dodger, or?), galley box and gear, porta-potty, and more will be needed. </div><div><br /></div><div>When you build and sail a wooden boat, the ideas keep coming and the work list doesn't end, does it? </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334119651373578539noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690567996332458189.post-84951766522520931152020-07-20T16:50:00.002-04:002020-07-20T17:24:26.158-04:00Variation on a ThemeLate last week, during what should have been the last yard sail before the real thing, I was disappointed that the newly installed lazy-jacks did not hold the sail bundle (boom, sail & yard) in a horizontal orientation. The foreward end of the bundle rested on the foredeck, while the aft end of the bundle rose higher. Neither lazy-jack tension or main sheet tension helped. <div><br /></div><div><div>So, having been rained out of sailing over the weekend, I decided to try again today to figure everything out. Following an epiphany of sorts, I swapped out the square lashing on the boom (holding the boom close to the mast) for a "Bleater" (GIS nomenclature for a line to keep the sail bundle from moving foreward as the sail is raised). Using the square lashing this spring resulted from "faulty" muscle (brain) memory from rigging my GIS and short-term memory loss (I've used a Bleater on <i>Gardens</i> the last two summers).</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x_Vrv0QIbHs/XxX9r5dfa2I/AAAAAAAAOPE/leHFm9uRDoYZM3i5yfp0r-wD0-s_JvQjwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/57A38B27-635F-4B0D-8FC8-1AC51310D301.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x_Vrv0QIbHs/XxX9r5dfa2I/AAAAAAAAOPE/leHFm9uRDoYZM3i5yfp0r-wD0-s_JvQjwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/57A38B27-635F-4B0D-8FC8-1AC51310D301.heic" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Bleater loops around the boom, then around the mast, and forward to attach near the end of the boom. A little trial and error to get the Bleater length correct (to position the tack of the sail 400mm ahead of the mast), and the Bleater keeps the sail bundle from moving forward as the sail is raised.</div><div><br /></div><div>How does this help the lazy-jacks hold the sail bundle horizontal? As best as I can figure, when using the square lashing allows the bundle to move foreward when the sail is raised or lowered. That movement changes the geometry (and pivot point) of the lazy-jacks, and the foreward end of the boom drops while the aft end raises. </div><div><br /></div><div>Whether that is really what is happening or not, the result is that with the Bleater the bundle does not more foreward and I can set the lazy-jacks to hold the sail bundle horizontal at whatever height I choose (well, with reason). </div><div><br /></div><div>One solution I considered was parrel beads. I didn't have any beads to try, but it seems to me, the Bleater is a variation on the theme of parrel beads. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now, to sort out reefing...</div><div><br /></div></div>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334119651373578539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690567996332458189.post-64171076858471806402020-07-19T11:44:00.000-04:002020-07-19T11:44:42.131-04:00"If It Works, Don't Fret"<div><br /></div><div>Final yard sail and rigging set-up of the pre-season (much like everything else, the summer sailing season has been shortened - not so much by the pandemic, but by procrastination). </div><div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-itAFGuk27ws/XxRopsutoTI/AAAAAAAAOO0/ifdi7fTawhEU3UOPVBNH-oBu6ky-3e76wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/483B254D-B38E-41B6-B490-76AFB88E50D6.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-itAFGuk27ws/XxRopsutoTI/AAAAAAAAOO0/ifdi7fTawhEU3UOPVBNH-oBu6ky-3e76wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/483B254D-B38E-41B6-B490-76AFB88E50D6.heic" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Rigging the mizzen raised a couple of questions. Answers were forthcoming but the best one was John Welsford's words of wisdom and needed reminder:</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font size="5"><b>If it works, don't fret.</b></font></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18334119651373578539noreply@blogger.com0