Search found 67 matches

by Matt B.
Tue Mar 22, 2011 12:53 am
Forum: Tools and Techniques
Topic: 7345 problems
Replies: 5
Views: 3154

Re: 7345 problems

I have been really easy with this sander, as it's one of the few times that I splurged for a nice tool (I'm young and cheap). You will learn - splurging for a nice tool *almost invariably* means hunting eBay, Craigslist, garage sales, and pawn shops for old tools. With a few exceptions new tools ar...
by Matt B.
Mon Feb 22, 2010 2:13 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: 1978 Islander 28 (Hull #256)
Replies: 20
Views: 3873

Re: 1978 Islander 28 (Hull #256)

Haven't had much to say - toddlers have been ill and most of the progress has been slow and involved finding different methods of removing 30 year old frozen fasteners and squirming into uncomfortable locations inside the hull. Today, however, the last piece of deck hardware and the last stubborn fa...
by Matt B.
Tue Jan 19, 2010 4:17 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: 1978 Islander 28 (Hull #256)
Replies: 20
Views: 3873

Re: 1978 Islander 28 (Hull #256)

Spent Sunday working on the boat, but didn't achieve anything grand - no helpers for the day, and part of the day was wasted moving tarps back and forth as rain rolled through a few times. (I know, I know, in western Washington?! What a shock!) I did manage to gain access to the forepeak - I'd been ...
by Matt B.
Wed Jan 13, 2010 1:12 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: 1978 Islander 28 (Hull #256)
Replies: 20
Views: 3873

Re: 1978 Islander 28 (Hull #256)

Sorry no pictures - the camera didn't survive being handled by a toddler. Well, okay, it survived the toddler's handling fine, it was the sudden stop at the end of the handling that killed it. My phone takes reasonable photos but in this case they don't show anything useful - after scraping off the ...
by Matt B.
Sat Jan 09, 2010 11:22 pm
Forum: Projects
Topic: 1978 Islander 28 (Hull #256)
Replies: 20
Views: 3873

Re: 1978 Islander 28 (Hull #256)

Not a bad day today, but no major steps were completed. Had yet another new helper onboard today, we got some more hardware removed but didn't quite finish due to a large number of stubborn fasteners. Broke off six different bolts trying to remove them (which, I suppose, counts as a success since th...
by Matt B.
Mon Jan 04, 2010 5:57 pm
Forum: Sails, Rigging, and Systems
Topic: Engine Vibrating Excessively
Replies: 55
Views: 16524

Re: Engine Vibrating Excessively

Remember, as you contemplate tapping, that the two items are flat, mostly, but one has a 1/8" X 2" dia, or so, raised area and the other a corresponding depression. They are a pretty snug fit with the intent of aligning the shaft and crankshaft perfectly. It's the shaft flange that has th...
by Matt B.
Mon Jan 04, 2010 5:55 pm
Forum: Projects
Topic: 1978 Islander 28 (Hull #256)
Replies: 20
Views: 3873

Re: 1978 Islander 28 (Hull #256)

Thanks, I just got off the phone with him. (Well, at any rate, his name's Mark and he talked about working on the original Islander parts.) For reference to anyone else who might be interested, as of right now the price is $180 per for the four big ports and $80 each for the small, with tinted acryl...
by Matt B.
Mon Jan 04, 2010 4:39 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Sail conversion to roller furling.
Replies: 11
Views: 1530

Re: Sail conversion to roller furling.

Go local, it's not a big job and the hassle of shipping and not being in direct contact with your sailmaker make it pointless to do otherwise. Also, even if you could save a little money, you're more likely to get a good result from a local guy when it comes to converting the sail. Pay attention to ...
by Matt B.
Mon Jan 04, 2010 4:41 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: 1978 Islander 28 (Hull #256)
Replies: 20
Views: 3873

Re: 1978 Islander 28 (Hull #256)

Work List, in no particular order: 1. Strip vinyl headliner, foam rubber behind it, and the wood paneling from the upper cabin ceiling and surfaces; replace with wood, including paneled headliner 2. Replace holding tank 3. Rehab bilge, including replacement of keel nuts and possibly bolts (keel bol...
by Matt B.
Wed Dec 30, 2009 7:49 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Fiberglass Head Liner - Should It Stay or Go?
Replies: 20
Views: 2211

Re: Fiberglass Head Liner - Should It Stay or Go?

I like that beadboard look. I'll have to make a note of that for my own headliner replacement.
by Matt B.
Mon Dec 28, 2009 2:33 pm
Forum: Projects
Topic: 1978 Islander 28 (Hull #256)
Replies: 20
Views: 3873

Re: 1978 Islander 28 (Hull #256)

Work List, in no particular order: 1. Strip vinyl headliner, foam rubber behind it, and the wood paneling from the upper cabin ceiling and surfaces; replace with wood, including paneled headliner 2. Replace holding tank 3. Rehab bilge, including replacement of keel nuts and possibly bolts (keel bol...
by Matt B.
Wed Dec 23, 2009 3:15 pm
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Water Inlet Through Hull
Replies: 25
Views: 4707

Re: Water Inlet Through Hull

Whether you go with Marlon or Bronze is mostly a matter of... argumentative choice. Just pick one or the other, depending on whether you fear electrolysis more than you do (reinforced) "plastic." What if one fears neither electrolysis nor (reinforced) "plastic"? Then bronze is p...
by Matt B.
Wed Dec 23, 2009 2:59 pm
Forum: Projects
Topic: 1978 Islander 28 (Hull #256)
Replies: 20
Views: 3873

Re: 1978 Islander 28 (Hull #256)

Nice! My first cruising was done in BC - what a place to have right next door! Excellent that you bought the boat and got right out cruising :) Gotta get the kids indoctrinated young... I have one comment on the heater, which is that as I understand it, the double chimney is not what keeps moisture...
by Matt B.
Wed Dec 23, 2009 2:45 pm
Forum: Projects
Topic: 1978 Islander 28 (Hull #256)
Replies: 20
Views: 3873

Re: 1978 Islander 28 (Hull #256)

She's glorious. Thanks! Even with the color scheme, stained gelcoat, crazing, and all, I still turn around and look at her one last time as I leave. My wife loves her too, and our daughter - who just turned 3 - tells anyone who will listen and most who won't that this is "my boat". Other ...
by Matt B.
Tue Dec 22, 2009 3:49 pm
Forum: Projects
Topic: 1978 Islander 28 (Hull #256)
Replies: 20
Views: 3873

Re: 1978 Islander 28 (Hull #256)

OK, pictures: Firefly during our summer cruise: http://www.rearviewmirror.org/images/firefly1.jpg mobilchuckje: I like the change in the cove strip detail between your boat and mine. One of the complicating factors I've taken on for myself in this project is that I intend to retain the cove stripe -...
by Matt B.
Mon Dec 21, 2009 10:25 pm
Forum: Projects
Topic: 1978 Islander 28 (Hull #256)
Replies: 20
Views: 3873

1978 Islander 28 (Hull #256)

We purchased the boat in February, did a fast refit - new cutlass bearing and engine realignment, replaced the shot folding prop with a 3-blade Campbell Sailor, some minor repairs here and there, replaced the pressurized alcohol stove with a non-pressurized one, and added a Dickenson Newport propane...
by Matt B.
Fri Dec 11, 2009 6:18 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Circe sea hood
Replies: 9
Views: 1222

Re: Circe sea hood

Huh... when I read it earlier it just said "Mahogany". Granted, I had assumed Honduras Mahogany, but I'd swear it didn't actually say that.

Or, you know, I'm just crazy. Which could happen.
by Matt B.
Fri Dec 11, 2009 5:49 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Circe sea hood
Replies: 9
Views: 1222

Re: Circe sea hood

Well, mostly, though other woods do get sold as Mahogany. But since the most common substitution is Lauan, and Tim generally identifies that when he uses it (including in the Circe project), you're right that it's probably safe to assume he means Honduras Mahogany.
by Matt B.
Thu Dec 10, 2009 7:53 pm
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: Another outstanding bad boat name
Replies: 111
Views: 38953

Re: Another outstanding bad boat name

Idon84 wrote:Ceaser, where did you see a Oh my god? I thought we were the only one!
Sorry, Idon, you're not only not the only one, you're not the only one in Puget Sound. There's one in Everett, I think it's a Catalina 30. Haven't seen her leave the slip in a while.
by Matt B.
Mon Jun 19, 2006 2:42 pm
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Companionway Hatch Slides
Replies: 5
Views: 1578

Re: Sail track

Looks like standard sail track to me. Try using several stops. http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|118|312064&id=116695 instead of one longer piece. Check the measurements as they're available in several sizes. Hadn't thought about that, but you're right, it does look like a sail track....
by Matt B.
Sat Jun 17, 2006 3:58 pm
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Companionway Hatch Slides
Replies: 5
Views: 1578

Pictures:

The rail (which is in perfectly good condition):

Image

The car (which is plastic and crap; 4 on the hatch, 2 per side):

Image
by Matt B.
Wed Jun 14, 2006 3:07 pm
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Companionway Hatch Slides
Replies: 5
Views: 1578

Rachel wrote:Matt,

Do you by any chance have a photo of the part(s) you're talking about?

--- R.
Not a good one. (Ex-wife has the good digital camera... suppose I really should get a replacement.) I'll see what I can do tonight or tomorrow to get some pictures.
by Matt B.
Tue Jun 13, 2006 3:18 pm
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Companionway Hatch Slides
Replies: 5
Views: 1578

Companionway Hatch Slides

Okay, this seems simple, but either it's so simple I can't figure it out or I'm looking for the wrong thing in the wrong places... The pop-top companionway hatch on my Cal 25 is in decent shape, enough so that I'm not looking for the hassle of replacing it. However, the aft section of the hatch has ...
by Matt B.
Fri Jun 09, 2006 3:52 pm
Forum: Sails, Rigging, and Systems
Topic: New Triton Stanchions and Railings
Replies: 26
Views: 5767

I actually happen to have a picture of the lifeline gate setup on Firecracker : http://www.rearviewmirror.org/images/cockpit_left.jpg Not ideal, but you can see the stanchion is a standard one with an extra loop near the top. The lifeline comes from the bow pulpit back to this stanchion at the end o...
by Matt B.
Thu Jun 08, 2006 5:10 pm
Forum: Boat Photos
Topic: My new boat - Cal 25 #1194
Replies: 9
Views: 2618

I don't have too many - more this weekend when I finish cleaning out the boat and start my catalog of projects. Hoping to get a few more hours out on the water, too. http://www.rearviewmirror.org/images/cabin.jpg Here's one shot that I have down the companionway. You can see that the external bright...
by Matt B.
Thu Jun 08, 2006 2:45 am
Forum: Boat Photos
Topic: My New Boat - Santana 22
Replies: 20
Views: 5104

P.S. The pic of your marina reminded me a lot of Sausalito, CA. It's Shilshole Bay Marina, in Ballard. Just north of the locks from the Puget Sound into Lake Union in Seattle. It's not my marina, though. It's technically part of the Port of Seattle, but it's a very high-price place, mostly rich fol...
by Matt B.
Wed Jun 07, 2006 1:47 pm
Forum: Boat Photos
Topic: My New Boat - Santana 22
Replies: 20
Views: 5104

And I have to compete with Carlos Santana in Google very time I do some research. Little tip - when you create your Google search, include "-carlos" as one of your terms. That will exlude any results for Carlos Santana. Just tested it, and apparently there are several other singers named ...
by Matt B.
Wed Jun 07, 2006 12:04 am
Forum: Classic Sailboats
Topic: Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating selling several boats
Replies: 7
Views: 2134

Re: Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating selling several boa

JonnyBoats wrote:Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating has several classic plastic boats for sale at very reasonable prices.
http://www.crab-sailing.org/
Will someone explain why I click on links about boats being sold? I just bought a boat!

<runs away>
by Matt B.
Tue Jun 06, 2006 11:52 am
Forum: Boat Photos
Topic: My new boat - Cal 25 #1194
Replies: 9
Views: 2618

Congratulations, Matt. I was following the Cal 20 progress (Wylde Side) with interest as I am also into a project. Looks like you picked up a nice one. Good to be working on the boat, much better to be sailing the boat. Yeah, it is nice to actually get out on the water. I'll miss the WyldSide, thou...
by Matt B.
Sun Jun 04, 2006 9:35 pm
Forum: Boat Photos
Topic: My new boat - Cal 25 #1194
Replies: 9
Views: 2618

Re: My new boat - Cal 25 #1194

the boat wasn't selling to the local yuppie "it must have a microwave and a shower" crowd. So I bought her. <grin> I continue to be amazed by the market power of that crowd. In a similar vein, a guy in my club recently EVEN-SWAPPED his catalina 22 (with trailer) for a catalina 27 of the s...
by Matt B.
Sun Jun 04, 2006 5:05 pm
Forum: Boat Photos
Topic: My new boat - Cal 25 #1194
Replies: 9
Views: 2618

My new boat - Cal 25 #1194

Some may recall that I was restoring a Cal 20, #1398. Well, that project ended last month when I found so many stress fractures in the hull - near the bow - that the repair would have been a new hull. I searched for another Cal 20 hull - intending to find a good hull with a broken rig or similar to ...
by Matt B.
Thu Mar 23, 2006 2:32 pm
Forum: Projects
Topic: Atomic 4 Fun
Replies: 5
Views: 1448

I must admit. I was flustered and atounded when I walked by the John Deere marine engine display at the Maine Boatbuilder's Show recently and noted that they are painting their engines what looks like Cat yellow. Is there nothing sacred in this world anymore? As a farm boy, I can state that John De...
by Matt B.
Thu Mar 09, 2006 5:16 pm
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: Chartplotter for less than $200
Replies: 5
Views: 1045

Would the gps receiver, being in the cabin, cause any problem with it picking up signals? Probably not. Large amounts of concrete are a problem, as is smaller amounts of steel, but the structure of a boat cabin, especially a fiberglass boat, are not likely to cause even a small issue. With a modern...
by Matt B.
Mon Mar 06, 2006 7:04 pm
Forum: Tools and Techniques
Topic: Outfeed Table
Replies: 7
Views: 2242

One trick I learned from my cabinet-maker father... When he (and now I) make a table like this, the frame is built flush with the edges of the top surface sheet. Then a raised lip of thin stock is attached, flush with the top of the work surface and surrounding on all four sides. The top itself is l...
by Matt B.
Mon Feb 20, 2006 2:56 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Marking the boot top stripe
Replies: 3
Views: 687

Re: Marking the boot top stripe

What's the best way to mark the position of the existing stripe so I can recreate it on the new paint job? I'd be inclined to just measure, fore and aft, where the top and bottom of the bootstripe are compared to some fixed point - the hull/deck joint, the rub rail, the toe rail, whatever. Could be...
by Matt B.
Tue Feb 07, 2006 2:19 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Atomic 4 - Cooling system and acid flush
Replies: 30
Views: 4626

#218 wrote:
If you rebuild it in your cabin, your new cushions will end up matching your old engine - this would be an added bonus ;-)
That would NOT go over well! :)
You're still putting the girlfriend first, aren't you? <shakes head>

Don't tell my wife I said that... <G>
by Matt B.
Mon Feb 06, 2006 3:48 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Atomic 4 - Cooling system and acid flush
Replies: 30
Views: 4626

Winter isn't over yet and an overhaul kit is only a phone call away Winter? I'm not real sure what that is, but I don't think I like the sound of it. Just to rub it in a bit, I went sailing yesterday. In a t-shirt. I'd point out that whole "really big storm" thing and how we don't have to...
by Matt B.
Mon Feb 06, 2006 3:03 pm
Forum: Boat Photos
Topic: What would YOU do?
Replies: 31
Views: 9516

What would it take to repair a stem and the hull deck joint damage such as this boat has? Would any of you call this boat salvageble? $10k is pushing it even if he does the work himself, I would think. The rig damage alone, new sails, water in the boat probably means hidden damage and eletrical... ...
by Matt B.
Thu Feb 02, 2006 2:26 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Consipiracy Theory
Replies: 16
Views: 2867

and now there's room for a wicked game of floor hockey in the Barn! Alright! Now you're talking - after all it IS our national sport. What say us Canucks vs you Yanks, best of seven. Peter, grab your gear... we're GOIN' to Maine! I'm in goal for the US. (I did grow up in Minnesota, after all...)
by Matt B.
Tue Jan 31, 2006 1:50 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: How to remove non-skid
Replies: 5
Views: 713

Re: I sanded ours and....

it just isn't fun. After doing the all the molded in nonskid on a 42 ' boat if I had to do it again..... I would buy or rent a peeler and peel it off with a vacuum hooked up to it. Then repair any problems and refair the surface. After that is is prime, sand, prime, sand, prime, sand, paint, sand, ...
by Matt B.
Mon Jan 30, 2006 10:20 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: How to remove non-skid
Replies: 5
Views: 713

Everything in your photos leads me to believe this is the case, but photos can be deceiving, so if you've already discounted this possibility, I apologize. The worn areas show the laminate beneath, and also show signs of the light blue nonskid colod beneath the surrounding white areas where it's wo...
by Matt B.
Mon Jan 30, 2006 5:10 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: How to remove non-skid
Replies: 5
Views: 713

How to remove non-skid

Hi all, On my boat, the nonskid is a thin layer of some sort of plastic. It's firmly adhered to the deck - whether it's epoxy resin or some other adhesive, I don't know. At any rate, the nonskid is servicable - a bit worn in high traffic areas, perhaps - but not, umm, visually acceptable for the boa...
by Matt B.
Mon Jan 30, 2006 12:28 pm
Forum: Projects
Topic: Naked Hull
Replies: 1
Views: 863

Naked Hull

I got all but the last few pieces of hardware removed from the WyldSide this weekend. An hour's work or so and it'll be time to start prepping for fairing, sanding, sanding, sanding, and possibly painting before sanding again... A few photos from the weekend I also updated the project pages on the W...
by Matt B.
Fri Jan 27, 2006 6:13 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: How do you fill small screw holes in fiberglass?
Replies: 30
Views: 4689

Re: I beg to differ....

The thing with silicone is that it tends to adhere so tenaciously in a thin film, and therefore is next to impossible to remove completely. It manages to resist scraping, solvents, and sanding; and, of course, all of these activities, if employed, will tend to spread the contamination around to a w...
by Matt B.
Thu Jan 26, 2006 1:18 pm
Forum: Classic Sailboats
Topic: If this hull is in good shape, what's bad shape look like?!
Replies: 3
Views: 1406

Re: If this hull is in good shape, what's bad shape look lik

I think he'll get a better deal if he changes the ad:

"Aged Mahogany hardwood - comes with boat trailer"
by Matt B.
Wed Jan 25, 2006 7:10 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: How do you fill small screw holes in fiberglass?
Replies: 30
Views: 4689

Re: Polysulfides

Tim and Nathan- I've got it. 3M 101-Yes Silicone-Never, ever, ever, ever... Seconded. A PO used silicone to seal all of the hardware on the WyldSide... I don't know who they were, and right now they should be glad of that. I'm particularly "amused" by the inch-thick ring of silicone insid...
by Matt B.
Mon Jan 16, 2006 2:48 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Back to work
Replies: 1
Views: 730

Back to work

Some months ago, I started a project to restore a Cal 20, hull number 1398, WyldSide. I got as far as moving it to a temporary work location and beginning the first steps - major cleanup efforts, removing rotten wood from the cabin interior, stripping degraded and useless hardware, grinding the old ...
by Matt B.
Fri Jan 06, 2006 11:56 am
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: Good Bye (and good riddens) 2005
Replies: 2
Views: 626

Re: Good Bye (and good riddens) 2005

I heartily second the emotion. 2005 - the year that totally sucked.

On the other hand, 2006 started with excellent news - the broken ankle is sufficiently unbroken that I can go back to working on the boat!
by Matt B.
Thu Dec 29, 2005 7:47 pm
Forum: Sails, Rigging, and Systems
Topic: Mast size question
Replies: 4
Views: 1003

Re: Mast size question

I have friends locally who express concern about the weight aloft - will that extra 30 lbs. translate into a problem when I'm heeled over? Not likely. The added 30 lbs. isn't at the masthead, its distributed along the length of the mast, so it's effect on the roll of the boat is much less than you ...
by Matt B.
Wed Dec 28, 2005 8:07 pm
Forum: Classic Sailboats
Topic: Not plastic, but . . .
Replies: 5
Views: 1419

I can't believe the owner of "Rowdy" hasn't explored other avenues of selling his unique and beautifully-restored boat. That boat has been perpetually on Ebay for as long as I can remember. "Honey? Did you sell that boat like you promised?" "Gee, dear, it's been on the auct...