Search found 580 matches

by Peter
Mon Apr 22, 2013 10:08 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: odd shaft taper
Replies: 6
Views: 1985

Re: odd shaft taper

I recently ordered a new prop for the Ballad, and the maker told me all props are measured at the aft (small) end of the taper for size, and that the tapers are pretty well all standard. When I received my prop it went up the shaft a bit too far, past the threads. The small end of the taper was 0.01...
by Peter
Mon Dec 24, 2012 12:35 pm
Forum: Sails, Rigging, and Systems
Topic: Washed my Sails
Replies: 5
Views: 2712

Re: Washed my Sails

Nice job on the sails, Sqidd. A tip on rust stains: a dab of Davis FSR gel on both sides of the sail makes them go away. It also contains oxcalic acid.
by Peter
Fri Nov 30, 2012 11:38 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Cradle to Trailer?
Replies: 7
Views: 3113

Re: Cradle to Trailer?

Hi Bob, The Ballad is a total restoration project, somewhat "from a bare hull" thing. Check out my blog for a continuing restoration saga. There's a link to lots of pictures on the top right side of the page. Still sailing the Vega and loving it. It's going onto the trailer and into the ba...
by Peter
Tue Oct 23, 2012 1:02 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Cradle to Trailer?
Replies: 7
Views: 3113

Re: Cradle to Trailer?

Sorry this is a little old, as I found the solution last Feb.
Anyway, I took the easy way out and the move went well. Boat has been sitting in it's enlarged shed ever since, and it sure is nice to work on in there.
Image

Image
by Peter
Sun Aug 12, 2012 3:51 pm
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Replacing the interior lining
Replies: 33
Views: 15846

Re: Replacing the interior lining

Update on the Ballad carpet ceilings:
Image

Image
by Peter
Mon Dec 12, 2011 11:23 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Cradle to Trailer?
Replies: 7
Views: 3113

Cradle to Trailer?

I picked up a used trailer for the Ballad and am now noodling ways to move it from the cradle to the trailer. The obvious choice would be a crane, but I haven't pursued that option yet as I have a rather intimidating driveway. I was lucky enough to find a boat hauler who took the challenge! http://w...
by Peter
Mon Sep 12, 2011 11:58 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Coppercoat
Replies: 9
Views: 1585

Re: Coppercoat

I too am contemplating a copper bottom paint on my latest project, now that she's down to bare gelcoat. It just doesn't seem right to use ablative paint anymore, to me, anyway. http://www3.telus.net/sailing/bennath_bare.jpg I've contacted C-Guard in the UK and find them very helpful. Also, their pro...
by Peter
Sat Jul 16, 2011 11:40 pm
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Replacing the interior lining
Replies: 33
Views: 15846

Re: Replacing the interior lining

Thanks, Tiago. I think the main priority is to keep the boat in sailing condition while you work on it. In my present case that isn't an option, but I have my Vega to sail in the meantime.

If you're interested, I keep a running progress report at http://www.sintacha.com.
by Peter
Sat Jul 16, 2011 12:23 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Replacing the interior lining
Replies: 33
Views: 15846

Re: Replacing the interior lining

I've just finished "de-glueing" the Ballad interior. Here were my tools of choice: http://www3.telus.net/sailing/glue1.jpg My method was to use the razor blade scrapers to get off as much glue as possible, leaving little pockets where the fiberglass weave was lower, below the blade reach. ...
by Peter
Sat Jul 16, 2011 12:07 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Bulkhead Joinery
Replies: 12
Views: 2852

Re: Bulkhead Joinery

OK, the "Splines" have it. Yes, a good piece of 1/4" ply would be fine. Maybe sand the spline a bit to make it a loose fit in the groove, use lots of thickened epoxy, Saran wrap and masking tape on both sides of the joint, and clamp it flat between two strips of plywood .... and hope ...
by Peter
Thu Jul 14, 2011 12:59 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Bulkhead Joinery
Replies: 12
Views: 2852

Re: Bulkhead Joinery

Looking at Bruce Bingham's "Boat Joinery" he suggests making a bulhead from two layers of material and staggering the joint at least 4 inches, This sounds interesting until one looks at the problems of clamping two large flat surfaces together, and all the epoxy involved. Ray: As far as se...
by Peter
Wed Jul 13, 2011 12:37 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Bulkhead Joinery
Replies: 12
Views: 2852

Bulkhead Joinery

In gutting my Albin Ballad, I discovered the starboard portion of the main bulkhead is too wide to exit from any of the openings in the boat. So I'm faced with a choice of either making a larger opening, or splitting the bulkead in two ... easy choice! http://www3.telus.net/sailing/bulkhead1.jpg Whe...
by Peter
Tue Jul 12, 2011 12:23 pm
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Replacing the interior lining
Replies: 33
Views: 15846

Re: Replacing the interior lining

Just one more thing: I made the mistake of using a solvent-based glue. It bonded the carpet well, but smelled pretty strong for several weeks. It's OK now, but with my new boat I'll use a water-baser carpet glue such as http://www.basspro.com/Boat-and-Outdoor-Carpet-Glue/product/44897/-957999 . I th...
by Peter
Mon Jul 11, 2011 12:10 pm
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Replacing the interior lining
Replies: 33
Views: 15846

Re: Replacing the interior lining

Hi Tiago,
When we clean the boat it gets vacuumed. Easy Peasy :-)
by Peter
Mon Jul 11, 2011 1:24 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Replacing the interior lining
Replies: 33
Views: 15846

Re: Replacing the interior lining

I'll chime in here: I removed all the cruddy old vinyl and foam and replaced it with indoor/outdoor carpet from Home Depot. It's glued to the fiberglass hull and provides a bit of insulation, does not promote condensation, is mildew resistant, looks good (my opinion), cleans easily, and is economica...
by Peter
Wed Oct 20, 2010 12:58 am
Forum: Materials, Sources, and Innovations
Topic: Free Charts
Replies: 5
Views: 1296

Re: Free Charts

I'm a little late with this, but .....
Forget about Adobe, try Foxit Reader.
It's free, small, and works well, loading in a few swconds.
I've been using it for years, and would never go back to Adobe.
by Peter
Mon Aug 30, 2010 11:57 am
Forum: Materials, Sources, and Innovations
Topic: Free Charts
Replies: 5
Views: 1296

Re: Free Charts

Thanks for the link .... neat chart idea.
Print them out and have them laminated at Office Depot, Staples,et al, or get some Self-Laminating Sheets.
Then you can use water-based sharpies to mark them up, and erase with a damp cloth.
by Peter
Sun Aug 29, 2010 12:16 pm
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Chrome over Bronze Deck Hardware??
Replies: 10
Views: 1874

Re: Chrome over Bronze Deck Hardware??

Dave Finnegan wrote: but you can actually eletro-unplate it yourself
Aha!
Dave, I need to know more !!
by Peter
Sun Aug 29, 2010 11:53 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Why is it?
Replies: 4
Views: 622

Re: Why is it?

Bob, I've also noticed that too, and came to the conclusion that when I'm reading the forum everyone else east of here is in bed sleeping! I've been going to the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival for many years too. But I take a different route: I sail from Pedder Bay (12 miles west of Victoria) an...
by Peter
Sun Aug 29, 2010 11:36 am
Forum: Pearson Triton Specifics
Topic: Dan's rebuild with electric propulsion
Replies: 80
Views: 16095

Re: Dan's rebuild with electric propulsion

Mark,
I'm very intersted in electric propulsion. (I converted a small pickup truck a few years ago.)
Do you have a web page with more info and pictures?
Thanks!
by Peter
Wed Jun 30, 2010 11:27 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Diesel Parts
Replies: 2
Views: 671

Re: Diesel Parts

I got "sticker shock" when I priced one out, so made one up with black and brass pipe. Five years old now and still solid. Not shown in the first photo is a threaded portion added to the end of the black pipe, then a threaded colar to join the two different metals. It's on the bench, tacke...
by Peter
Wed Jun 09, 2010 12:08 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Solar Charging on the Mooring
Replies: 4
Views: 875

Re: Solar Charging on the Mooring

I'll second Maine Sail's recommendation. I have one of those little units, but mine is the PV7D for dual battery setup. I have two moderate-sized PV panels that keep both banks topped up, with no concerns of gasing or overcharging.
by Peter
Tue Jun 08, 2010 11:56 pm
Forum: Materials, Sources, and Innovations
Topic: Source for U-bolt chainplates
Replies: 6
Views: 1428

Re: Source for U-bolt chainplates

There is an interesting article here on one solution.

I've been looking at various replacement options for my Vega, but have not come up with a satisfactory answer yet.
Here's a sketch of my research so far:
Image
by Peter
Sun Jun 06, 2010 2:09 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Skin-on-Frame Dinghy
Replies: 5
Views: 1418

Re: Skin-on-Frame Dinghy

I took the Black Fly out for it's first sail today and all went well. There's a bit of video and a couple of pictures at http://www.sintacha.com I used the sailing rig and rudder from my Eastport Pram, and it worked just fine. She'll get well tested as a "yacht tender" during the summer. S...
by Peter
Thu May 27, 2010 2:12 am
Forum: Technical Data and Boat Nerdery
Topic: OpenCPN charting program
Replies: 0
Views: 1842

OpenCPN charting program

This morning I had an email from a sailing friend with a link to a freeware charting program call OpenCPN It supports AIS and also shows tides and currents overlayed on the charts. I found it very easy to use and plan to give it a real-world test flight on my next outing. (My present charting progra...
by Peter
Sat May 01, 2010 11:41 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Skin-on-Frame Dinghy
Replies: 5
Views: 1418

Re: Skin-on-Frame Dinghy

Took the Black Fly out for it's first splash yesterday. It is amazingly light to handle, and very fast with a 20 knot tailwind :-) Still a bit of finishing to do, the mast step and partner to install, and a folding stern thwart to build, but at least I know it floats! There're more words and photos ...
by Peter
Thu Apr 29, 2010 12:21 am
Forum: Sails, Rigging, and Systems
Topic: Accessing the top of a stepped mast.
Replies: 21
Views: 6449

Re: Accessing the top of a stepped mast.

My favorite solution:
Image
by Peter
Mon Apr 26, 2010 12:26 pm
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Soda Blasting
Replies: 4
Views: 1396

Re: Soda Blasting

I think any more blasting would be harmful to the boat. The hardness of the paint is a key factor in ease of removal, and is bound to be different in different areas of the bottom. I'd say you're pretty close to having the job done ... certainly the worst is over. Try finishing with a good DA sander...
by Peter
Mon Apr 26, 2010 12:15 pm
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Removing ablative paint
Replies: 7
Views: 2074

Re: Removing ablative paint

I don't know if it might be too aggressive for what you're doing, but there was a thread on carbide scrapers here that may help.
I swear by 'em :-)
Image
by Peter
Sat Apr 17, 2010 2:34 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Strong but paint safe solvent or cleaners?
Replies: 11
Views: 1716

Re: Strong but paint safe solvent or cleaners?

Bill, I've had good luck with Mr. Clean Magic Erasers on my docking scuffs, as long as the scuff mark is an "addition", not a "subtraction"!
by Peter
Thu Mar 11, 2010 1:52 am
Forum: Materials, Sources, and Innovations
Topic: What do I use for interior paint?
Replies: 18
Views: 3106

Re: What do I use for interior paint?

I've done two boat interiors with Zinnzer paint, and I love it. Here's the interior of my old San Juan 24, http://www3.telus.net/sailing/sj24.jpg and my present Albin Vega 27,after about 3 years of use: http://www3.telus.net/sailing/v27.jpg The stuff just works , ... even if it's 'house' paint :-)
by Peter
Wed Mar 03, 2010 12:02 am
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: interesting site with shipping traffic
Replies: 4
Views: 1032

Re: interesting site with shipping traffic

I have A.I.S. onboard and it's great for crossing the multiple shipping lanes in Juan de Fuca Straight. It's good to know exactly where and how fast those big boys are going. It even shows large ferries hiding behind headlands, which don't show up on radar. I see Standard Horizons has a VHF Radio wi...
by Peter
Tue Mar 02, 2010 11:53 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Why use propane when you can use kerosene?
Replies: 23
Views: 3046

Re: Why use propane when you can use kerosene?

I have to agree with sail_fix on choice of fuels: propane to heat and non-pressurized alcohol to cook. I have an Origo 3000 two burner and love it. It was never a candidate for replacement when I switched from kerosene to propane for the cabin heater. The Origo 6000 sounds like a nice unit .... hmmm...
by Peter
Sun Feb 28, 2010 12:00 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Why use propane when you can use kerosene?
Replies: 23
Views: 3046

Re: Why use propane when you can use kerosene?

My experience has been with Force 10 Cozy Cabin heaters, and my personal preference is for propane. 'Sin Tacha' came equipped with the kerosene model, which worked well for a couple of years. Perfect burn: http://www3.telus.net/sailing/kerogood.jpg But after a while the air passages carboned up, res...
by Peter
Sat Feb 13, 2010 1:14 pm
Forum: Materials, Sources, and Innovations
Topic: 3M-4000UV
Replies: 13
Views: 2209

Re: 3M-4000UV

My caulk of choice is Sikaflex 291 Fast Cure. I find, for some strange reason, the Fast Cure seems to last indefinately after the tube is opened. Seal the end with a twist of electrical tape, and when it's needed again just persude out the little plug of hardened goop and away you go. I've managed t...
by Peter
Fri Jan 29, 2010 12:55 pm
Forum: Projects
Topic: Skin-on-Frame Dinghy
Replies: 5
Views: 1418

Skin-on-Frame Dinghy

Thanks to a tip from Bluenose back in April 08, I managed to snag an unused set of plans on ebay for Platt Monford's geodesik airolite dinghy, the 'Black Fly'. I finally got to work on it this month, and have a photo album of the construction process so far. I also have written up some of the constr...
by Peter
Wed Jan 27, 2010 11:40 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Current & wind info?
Replies: 5
Views: 734

Re: Current & wind info?

Rachel: another epic post! I'm going to save that one ... just in case!
by Peter
Tue Jan 12, 2010 1:19 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Yanmar Alternator Problem
Replies: 8
Views: 1041

Re: Yanmar Alternator Problem

Just to close this thread ... Problem solved with a nice new shiny 40 amp replacement. Later testing on the old unit finally revealed an intermittent break in the rotor windings, something the repair guy had not encountered before. He found me a good used rotor to replace the defective one, and now ...
by Peter
Tue Nov 24, 2009 1:24 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Yanmar Alternator Problem
Replies: 8
Views: 1041

Re: Yanmar Alternator Problem

Searching on Google I found this snippet : "When an alternator doesn't have a separate ground terminal, the negative connection is made between the alternator housing and the engine block. This connection must then be treated the same as any other electrical connection. " Aha! The problem ...
by Peter
Tue Nov 24, 2009 1:04 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Yanmar Alternator Problem
Replies: 8
Views: 1041

Re: Yanmar Alternater Problem

Thanks for all the replies. The reason I noticed the problem is because the Volt meter started reading low while under power. To answer all the questions: All readings were taken at 2400 RPM Even at idle the Volt meter has always (previously) registered around 14 Volts. My batteries are always charg...
by Peter
Mon Nov 23, 2009 8:43 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Yanmar Alternator Problem
Replies: 8
Views: 1041

Yanmar Alternator Problem

A question for the electrical Gurus on the forum: My Yanmar 2GMF has a 30 amp alternator with internal regulator. Measured output voltage when engine is cold : 14.6 volts Measured output when engine is warm: 12.4 volts These measurements were taken right off the alternator terminals. Any ideas where...
by Peter
Sun Oct 11, 2009 10:15 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Yanmar 2GM20 F Exhaust Riser bolt Torque specs
Replies: 2
Views: 369

Re: Yanmar 2GM20 F Exhaust Riser bolt Torque specs

Ron,
You may be able to find what you need in the GM/HM manual at http://www.motoren.ath.cx/menus/yanmar.html
Hope this helps.
by Peter
Thu Oct 08, 2009 11:56 am
Forum: Sailing and Cruising
Topic: Sailing from NJ to MD
Replies: 8
Views: 3307

Re: Sailing from NJ to MD

Being from the Left Coast, I can't be of any help ..... but would sure like to hear about the boat you found!
by Peter
Thu Oct 08, 2009 11:53 am
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: Falmouth Cutter construction video.
Replies: 0
Views: 860

Falmouth Cutter construction video.

Here's a link to a half hour video on the Sam Morse Falmouth Cutter 22 construction and sea trials.

I enjoyed it ... hope you do too :-)
by Peter
Sun Jul 12, 2009 11:44 am
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: Pacific Northwest Albin Vega Rendezvous
Replies: 0
Views: 681

Pacific Northwest Albin Vega Rendezvous

The annual Pacific Northwest Albin Vega Rendezvous is coming up July 24 & 25, 2009.
Here are the details.
Open to all, regardless of boat type, or even no boat!
by Peter
Tue Jul 07, 2009 8:24 pm
Forum: Materials, Sources, and Innovations
Topic: Dodger
Replies: 11
Views: 1761

Re: Dodger

Speaking of Dodgers, I saw an interesting setup on a Grampian 28 while out on my annual cruise in June. Here's some pictures: http://www3.telus.net/sailing/dodger1.jpg http://www3.telus.net/sailing/dodger2.jpg http://www3.telus.net/sailing/dodger3.jpg http://www3.telus.net/sailing/dodger4.jpg
by Peter
Sun Jul 05, 2009 10:35 pm
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: James Baldwin's online book
Replies: 5
Views: 799

Re: James Baldwin's online book

Great link .... just finished chapter 1 ... it's a good read!
by Peter
Sun May 31, 2009 11:44 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Filling Seacock Holes
Replies: 7
Views: 1347

Re: Filling Seacock Holes

As long as you have access, my personal preference is to grind a taper on both sides of the hole. This allows for a smaller tapered area, and creates a flange on both sides of the hole, imho a neater and stronger fix with less damage to the surrounding area. West Systems website has an informative h...
by Peter
Thu May 28, 2009 12:43 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: A Reefing System Question
Replies: 39
Views: 4421

Re: A Reefing System Question

One more reefing idea I'll try is this.
Anything to make things simple :-)
by Peter
Mon May 25, 2009 11:27 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: A Reefing System Question
Replies: 39
Views: 4421

Re: A Reefing System Question

Bill,
I like the clew arrangement you're experimenting with. I reef often, with a nice new heavy duty Dacron main, and have been worried about sawing through the sailcloth when tensioning the clew. Going to give your method a try!