Poor Man's Windward Sheeting and other Simple Solutions

Here's the problem.  As windward speed increases, the relative wind moves forward.  In order to have lift to windward, the mainsail has to be sheeted very high.  Tridarka uses dinghy sheeting on the main, a simple triangular sheeting method that works quite well up to a close reach.  If one pulls in any farther the purchase angle is downward and the main mast bends backward completely destroying the sail shape.  What to do?  Enter, windward sheeting.  On Bellle, I slide the main sheet traveler to windward to haul the boom over a little closer to the wind without bending the carbon fiber masts.  

Racing sailors have a set of outhauls on the traveler.  A setup like that can set you back a pretty penny. In the case of  Tridarka, I would have to have a raised track (over the high tiller head).  Then I would probably be too close to the boom creating a lot more sheeting problems, especially when going down wind.  My solution is much simpler.  A turning block, a v-block and a clip end on the boom purchase point.  I have one on each side.  The theory is that when going to windward I haul the boom to windward just a little without downward pull, thus improving the sailing windward angle.  I can't wait to see how this works!

Yes, I got the mast track back on.  I had to send off to New Zealand to a company called C-Tech for the plastic dinghy mast track.  On their advice I used Sikaflex 252 to adhere it.  Naturally it needed to be black.  Can you say "tar."  Ten minutes after having applied the activator, I proceed to make one of the bigger messes I have made so far.  Actually, the time is fairly forgiving.  The tape on each side of the track helped limit the spread.  After about an hour of cleanup, it looks pretty good.  Nice and strait and well attached I believe.

While still working with the nasty stuff, I attached a whisker pole bail.

 So here is the whisker pole. It's a Forespar 4-8 foot twistlock.  Note Duckworks Sea Dog rubber pole clips which you can buy here

I'm hoping poling out the jib will help those disappointing down run speeds.  It seems even worse when you are doing 6 knots in 6 knots of wind on beam then turn downwind to experience a sluggish 2- 2 and 1/2 knots of boat speed.  Boats with cat-ketch rigging seriously have the advantage in this scenario.  Another solution would be a spinnaker. I find that too expensive, crew intensive and complicated.  

Here's another move toward better windward ability (and she already does nicely to windward).  After building the decks with reinforcement under, I moved the jib sheet tracks in 4 inches from the previous installation.  Well, to be honest, the sheet blocks were fixed on the old Tridarka.  I already know the tracks help a great deal.  Inbound sheeting should be superb!

Here's the Garmin 78 mount.   

Forward, I carry two buckets with lines.  To the right is the fire extinguisher mount.

This Rubbermaid tube fits perfectly under the rear deck.  I hate stuff under foot.  Organization prevents mishaps.  

Looks like we're ready for Cedar Key.  I hope to see many of you there, the first weekend of May.  We will be staying at Sunset Isle RV park just outside of Cedar Key.  Our number is 38. Hope you stop buy for a visit.  Otherwise, we'll see you on the beach.

The Shop Gets Put to Good Use

Work around the shop continues.  First we had the sides closed in.  Note the sheets of acrylic panel to let in light.  The workmen at Quickshelters did a fine job!

I brought the old hoist on a trolly idea inside.  I used 12 foot upright 4x4s footed with 4 foot 4x4s to support the crossbeams.  The crossbeams are 18 foot 9 and 1/2 by 1 and 3/4 LVL members which I  bought at the local lumber yard.  They are reinforced by 18 foot 2x4s at a T angle.  The lift is doing itself proud already.

I've been on the lookout for a trailer for Embers Watch and other boats I might need to transport.  (Heaven forbid I bring any more onto the property without thinning the herd).
I pick this trailer up from Craig's list. It needs some serious TLC but the structure is sound all in all. 

Already the lift is coming in very handy as I strip down the trailer and start sandblasting.

After a generous coat of ZRC galvanizing spray, a nice OSHA red adds color to the old trailer.

This project has been waiting for a while.  Now it has to be done so we can use Tridarka at Cedar Key.
The mast track came from C-Tech in New Zealand.  I simply couldn't find a plastic track to replace the old here in the USA.  After marking and cleaning with acetone, I prepped both surfaces with Sika Activator.  I used Sikaflex 252-black to adhere the track.  What a mess!  It spreads like tar and is equally hard to clean up.  I think I have a very good joint.  I am waiting for a whisker pole and clip.  I will attach the clip to the forward side of the mast at the appropriate height with the same Sika 252.  Hopefully downwind sailing in light air will be more pleasant!
Until Cedar Key (the first weekend in May) we will be getting the RV ready to go.  We are in CK countdown mode!

Repainting AMA

It finally warmed up a little here in the Metro Atlanta area.  Last check it was 62 deg F heading toward 71 degrees for today's high.  Taking this opportunity to catch up on the refinishing of the port AMA is something I can't pass up. 
This is my first experience shooting Interlux PreKote.  I usually use Primekote, a two part primer.   I had just thrown away a little under a half gallon due to consolidation in the can.  I couldn't bear to spend that kind of money again for such a minor job so I chanced it. 

I've been hearing in the various blogs and columns that any thickness in the coat takes a very long time to dry to to "solvent entrapment."  Therefore I was might stingy with the buildup. I thinned it about 5 percent and shot it with a lower gun pressure taking care to "keep it moving."
Well, I think it turned out pretty well.  My sense is that this stuff is going to need a good week to dry adequately for sanding in this weather.  By courtesy of the weather gods I will definitely not be shooting again for at least a week.  Note to self Patience, PATIENCE !  

 Meanwhile, I finished the rigging on Tridarka at least as much as I can without the other AMA.  The stays connect to the AMAs when they are in the out and locked position.  So that has to wait.  She's looking pretty good if I do say so.

I added this V bow support.  Got the parts from Trailer Parts Superstore.  Works out very nicely!











It's a beautiful day out.  I think I will go and climb Stone Mountain.  Until next time.

Tridarka takes shape

I'm starting in earnest to get Tridarka ready for Cedar Key in May.  The new steering mechanism and tiller is installed and fully functional.

She looks a world better in her shiny new paint job and detailing.

I love the new decks with the inboard jib track sheeting.  The AMA's will be installed after I repaint the inboard aspect of the starboard AMA which needed a redo.  Weather permitting, I will have this done before we leave.  If not I will go ahead and use it as is.  You can't really see it all that well unless up close.

A Home for Wayward Boats

We finally have a boat shed. It was put up last week after the winter weather event.  The concrete pouring alone was a large undertaking given the need for a new driveway and the site preparation.  All in all we poured 48 plus yards of concrete over 3000 square feet.  The pad is 850 square feet with shed dimensions measuring 18x40 feet with 12 feet of overhead clearance.  The guys did a great job!.  Next we are going to have the sides brought down to the ground with four acrylic light panels on the next run.
Having an acreage of flour space like this is a dream come true.  And having it sheltered is even better.  I plan on running electricity with lights and outlets as well as an air outlet for my painting needs.
In the foreground, which is really the back of the shed, you will see the Embers Watch project boat I obtained from Bill Moffitt.  He passed her on since he is building a new boat.  She is unsheathed so needs a lot of finish prep and a new paint job.  A mizzen mast and a set of sails will round out this fine 17 foot lugsail Jim Michalack design.  You can read about the building of Ember's Watch and her debut performance in the Texas 200 here.

Video of Bill sailing Ember's Watch in Texas 200. I'll be updating as the shop and projects move forward.  

By the way, Steve, Ginny and George of Small Craft Adviser notoriety are here on the way back to South America. I grabbed this picture at the base of Stone Mountain after our climb to the top. Steve has been helping me around the boat yard to move boats and re-assemble the canvass shelter down on the other lot.  His efforts have greatly been appreciated.

Soon they will fly south to continue their well  reported trip on the rivers of Brazil now cruising the Araguaia River.  They will travel the one thousand nautical miles from Goiania to Belem where Ginny and George will fly back home according to plan.
Steve plans to sail Thurston, their trusty and highly modified SeaPearl 21 back to the US where I will pick him up with their trailer. 
Our visit has been a rare treat. We will miss them sorely and wish them safe passage!

Motor repaired. Longing for spring!

The Nissan 18 that conked out on me down in Charlotte Harbor is fixed.  I had my suspicions as to what was wrong.  With on cylinder showing only 60 lbs compression, I reasoned that it had to be either a blown head gasket, sticking rings or a stuck valve.  Well how about two out of three.  Apparently a small hole in the head gasket was letting water into the rear cylinder.  As time went on, the rings got sticky and started to loose compression.  So after soaking the cylinders with a solvent, then replacing the head gasket, all is well.  Who would have thought?

Here's a little reminder of the good sailing life.  Next stop, Cedar key for two weeks in the RV with a roll out of the new Tridarka Raider.  Can't wait!

   Belle sailing Charlotte Harbor.

By the way, big changes around the boat yard.  Next installment will feature our new facilities.  We are very excited!

Back at Home

Well, you have to be wondering what has been going on since November.  Belle's engine conked out down in my favorite anchorage in the hook of Punta Blanco near Caya Costa.
It just had no power sounding like it was missing one cylinder.
Again on one of these trips, completely at the mercy of the for hire towing companies, I had to be thankful for towing insurance.  A simple call to Tow Boat US got me a tow within thirty minutes.  They happen to have a towing office right across the channel at Jug Creek Marina, which I happened to have been the day before.
This is not the first time I had this problem.  Up at Egmont Key, I had been nearly stranded on a lee shore as I inched my way out to a sailing angle.  I nearly set sail for Tarpon Springs that day thinking the motor was not reliable.
Amazingly, when I re-started it, I found  it ran fine--all the way down to Charlotte Harbor through several days of all-day motoring.
I must say, it acts like a stuck valve.  When I finally got it out and checked the compression, I only have 60 lbs on the top cylinder.  The bottom cylinder is 120 lbs like it should be.  The other possibility is a broken ring, but that is unlikely as it has been intermittent.
Anyway, after a two hour tow, I found myself at the repair dock.  Knowing I needed my truck to tow it home, I left it there and rented a car to make the trip back to Tarpon Springs.  After spending a little time with Jim at Marine Concepts, I said my goodbyes and headed back for Gasparilla Marina.
These guys and particularly John, the manager are amazing! There professionalism and courtesy was top-flight.  The cost for the nights stay and the haul-out was only $110.00.

 Once home, I had to come up with a way to remove Belle's 115 lb. engine.  Given my back problems and my (hate to even say it), march toward old age, I felt I needed a gantry to remove the engine.  Here is the result with the engine headed toward the test tank. 
I don't care to go into all the difficulties in building this (by myself) sufficed to say, a certain amount of ingenuity was required especially getting the cross-bars and the electric winch up and secured. Needless to say, the gantry is a temporary structure.  I will rebuild a smaller version inside my 18x41x12 foot shelter that goes in after the driveway is repaved and extended.
At the present, the 18 hp Nissan is in the shop for repairs.

I continue to work on small parts for Tridarka.  These are some I engineered and painted.  We won't talk about the troubles of winter-time indoor painting with a spray gun... The center piece is the new tiller head.

I had these plates cut for me at Metal Supermarkets on Pleasantdale Road.  The form the mounting plates for the tiller atop the steering head.  (Completed pictures will explain).

Here's the new tiller drilled oversize and poured with epoxy, then re-drilled to allow for a flexible tiller handle. I removed the varnish and put a layer off epoxy to seal out the water.  I will finish with at least three coats of marine polyurethane. 
All in all, this job is going well. I believe Tridarka will be ready for some fast and fun sailing at Cedar Key in May next year.
I am keeping my options open, but I think I would like to do a two week trip along the waterway in the Florida Panhandle after Cedar Key.  Stay tuned!