Search found 41 matches

by BS Smith
Thu Jun 26, 2014 5:23 pm
Forum: Classic Sailboats
Topic: Tech Dinghy
Replies: 7
Views: 5239

Re: Tech Dinghy

I learned to sail in Rochester YC's junior sailing program, summers '65-'67. Novices started out in Tech Dinghies. Rhodes Bantams were the step up. RYC's Dinghies were sloop rigged and endured all the learn-to-sail abuse kids threw at them. At them time RYC had perhaps ten of the Dinghies. Be sure t...
by BS Smith
Fri Jun 04, 2010 8:49 pm
Forum: Boat Photos
Topic: A 1959 Bill Tripp design.
Replies: 7
Views: 1714

Family tree

Not sure how far back this boat family tree goes. Looked at many net occurrences of “Bill Tripp Sr” but the man referenced actually is Bill Jr. Ted Jones’ lengthy article on Bill Jr in Professional Boatbuilder and GOB makes no mention of Bill Sr being a boat designer, a strange omission if he in fac...
by BS Smith
Thu May 27, 2010 11:08 am
Forum: Materials, Sources, and Innovations
Topic: Butyl tape source
Replies: 36
Views: 14620

Re: Butyl tape source

Rachel, Good catch! At first I was going to rant about the silliness of RV people making up names that frustrate online searching, but then learned Tacky Tape actually is the registered trademark for Schnee Morehead’s butyl tape. Haven’t been able to confirm quickly whether it’s available in my pref...
by BS Smith
Wed May 26, 2010 11:18 pm
Forum: Materials, Sources, and Innovations
Topic: Butyl tape source
Replies: 36
Views: 14620

Our neighbor to the north!

Thanks for the responses. Just wanted you to know that given the alternatives, decided to order 1/16 x 1/4 in black from hitechglazing.com. They indicated 10-13 business days and CAD7.20 for shipping. This morning I was thinking “how many days did they say?” and of course the package arrived in the ...
by BS Smith
Thu May 13, 2010 10:17 am
Forum: Materials, Sources, and Innovations
Topic: Butyl tape source
Replies: 36
Views: 14620

Butyl tape source

I'm preparing to put new plates in NE38 #82's large ports and plan to use butyl tape. Need 1/16-1/4 and my preferred product is: CRL 1/16" x 1/4" Aluminum Tremco 440-II Architectural Tape but it's proving quite elusive. Have been unable to find it online in less than case quantity. (One su...
by BS Smith
Tue Apr 20, 2010 11:08 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Disassembly advice
Replies: 18
Views: 2092

Cockpit floor/ports

Doug, Six months later I’ve returned north and to the boat… You asked construction of NE38 #82’s cockpit floor. If still of interest, it’s 1” total thickness, with ¼” glass above and below a ½” core. You also have asked if there’s anything holding glass in the NE38’s small ports other than the trim ...
by BS Smith
Sun Dec 13, 2009 9:59 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Circe sea hood
Replies: 9
Views: 1222

Insidious administrator access

The Moving Finger writes; and, having writ,
Moves on: nor all thy Piety nor Wit
Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line,
Nor all thy Tears wash out a Word of it.

Omar Khayyam
by BS Smith
Mon Nov 30, 2009 11:35 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Porthole question - Islander 32
Replies: 5
Views: 1399

Demon confusion?

At post time:

Silicone devil = five hits

Silicone evil = sixteen (more relevant) hits

BS
by BS Smith
Tue Nov 17, 2009 8:28 am
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: A quick Thank You
Replies: 19
Views: 3286

Oh no, watch out, he’s got a saw!

Dang! Solved that access problem!!

BS
by BS Smith
Tue Oct 27, 2009 2:23 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Disassembly advice
Replies: 18
Views: 2092

Re: Disassembly advice

Doug,

Of late have been well away from the boat at the more southern location indicated at left. (My restoration efforts seem rapid only in comparison to when I’m away…)

My photo file has nothing relevant and my memory nothing reliable. Will let you know after I’ve revisited the scene.

BS
by BS Smith
Wed Oct 21, 2009 12:38 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Chainplates
Replies: 24
Views: 5293

Re: Chainplates

John, will take your thanks with pleasure but more knowledgeable parties need to provide real advice. The little I know: From Don Casey—“if you have 20-year-old chainplates, they must be removed and carefully examined… For those chainplates that pass through the deck, the critical area is that hidde...
by BS Smith
Tue Oct 20, 2009 3:36 pm
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: A quick Thank You
Replies: 19
Views: 3286

Re: A quick Thank You

Tim, Additional thanks and a couple more questions, perhaps impolite: Was interested to read you scrapped the Lyman project and why. Ho, ho, the man’s human and not infallible! Despite years as a surveyor and yards of glass boat experience, the extent of structural repairs required still seems to ha...
by BS Smith
Tue Oct 06, 2009 10:40 pm
Forum: Projects
Topic: Chainplates
Replies: 24
Views: 5293

Re: Chainplates

After that admission, will slink back for one more post. Lest any think I never met a chain plate I didn’t like, here’s one: http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Zlc6M2nGj8I/Ssv1kuTvv3I/AAAAAAAAAjk/g_rS9v1Dt4Q/s640/DSCN1227.JPG http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Zlc6M2nGj8I/Ssv1eSaJlEI/AAAAAAAAAjg/YRr9xDxJnVs/s640/DSCN1228.JPG...
by BS Smith
Tue Oct 06, 2009 10:38 pm
Forum: Projects
Topic: Chainplates
Replies: 24
Views: 5293

Re: Chainplates

Rachel and Quetzalsailor, go to the head of French class. Received today from Philippe in Marseilles: La colonne de barre http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Zlc6M2nGj8I/SsvtNHCQHcI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/aEEnQ4_TcnM/s512/La%20colonne%20de%20barre.JPG La nouvelle contreplaque en place sous la colonne de barre http://lh5.ggp...
by BS Smith
Tue Oct 06, 2009 6:42 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Chainplates
Replies: 24
Views: 5293

Re: Chainplates

A couple points omitted in the previous post:

Dimensions of the port side bulge are roughly 5”x2.5”. Not easy to estimate height, but a 5 digit human micrometer indicates perhaps ¼”.

When the mid chain plate was opened, it too wept clear liquid (though now I suspect “they all do that.”).

BS
by BS Smith
Tue Oct 06, 2009 12:15 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Chainplates
Replies: 24
Views: 5293

Re: Chainplates

Mark, I first thought the short stubs too insignificant to make a difference, but one of my brothers, after reviewing the post, concluded the same as you. Now we three agree! Tim, thanks for the reassurance. It was the void under the angled lower portion that made me wonder otherwise. With Chris’s e...
by BS Smith
Sat Oct 03, 2009 11:43 pm
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: Deck hardware removed
Replies: 9
Views: 1584

Re: Deck hardware removed

David, yes it seems our situation is not the same. Here boxes are glassed to deck, unpainted inside and, unlike near everywhere else, not too nasty though some washing will be useful. Chris and Henk, with winter closer than warm weather will concentrate on other tasks before cleaning. Like the idea ...
by BS Smith
Fri Oct 02, 2009 11:56 pm
Forum: Projects
Topic: Chainplates
Replies: 24
Views: 5293

Re: Chainplates

First off, thanks for the advice. It made resuming cutting away today much easier. Today’s work was quite informative. Itchy and scratchy, but informative. And deafening—forgot to bring earplugs. Tonight bought a decent pair of earmuffs. Took four hours of cutting to have the previously started forw...
by BS Smith
Thu Oct 01, 2009 3:28 pm
Forum: Projects
Topic: Chainplates
Replies: 24
Views: 5293

Chainplates

As others have identified, chain plates are a NE38 weak point. Early on I disregarded Quetzalsailor’s good advice on this topic with assurance of “not to worry, they’re stainless.” Only later did I realize the above-deck portion of the chain plates is nice and shiny, but glassed-in carbon steel secu...
by BS Smith
Wed Sep 30, 2009 11:51 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Engine stop cable
Replies: 3
Views: 546

Re: Engine stop cable

Hmmm… Unwelcomed but not unexpected news. Here’s how the cable looks engine-side, a lot clearer in digital picture than in person: http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Zlc6M2nGj8I/SsQh4PhCpQI/AAAAAAAAAbY/PUBOCnzqxUI/s640/DSCN1205.JPG The screw head is reachable from above with a long driver, and with excessive goo...
by BS Smith
Tue Sep 29, 2009 9:50 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Engine stop cable
Replies: 3
Views: 546

Engine stop cable

Just one more bit before the engine panel can be removed—the engine stop cable (yes, I know "mission accomplished" previously was reported, but pulling the panel was supposed to be painless). The push-pull cable is sheathed in a spiral steel jacket covered by rubber tubing. Was able to rel...
by BS Smith
Mon Sep 28, 2009 4:56 pm
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: Facts, opinions, and flames
Replies: 8
Views: 1510

Re: Facts, opinions, and flames

Chuck, Good you voiced your concern; always better to talk than stew. Just to state the obvious: It’s Tim’s website; he can say and do whatever he wants. Should he make a habit of saying or doing silly things, site attendance will move elsewhere. But so far, would say all agree, so good. The tenor a...
by BS Smith
Fri Sep 25, 2009 11:57 pm
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: Deck hardware removed
Replies: 9
Views: 1584

Deck hardware removed

Well I hope you folks are happy. Back in June Tim said: I'd advise you to remove everything you possibly can… Getting the hardware off now makes the most sense. And Chris: if there is a single piece of hardware on deck that I think should be removed and rebedded regularly, it is (the stanchion bases...
by BS Smith
Fri Sep 25, 2009 9:27 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Disassembly advice
Replies: 18
Views: 2092

Free at last, free at last, thank G...

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Zlc6M2nGj8I/Sr1tNEPCdXI/AAAAAAAAAYk/7mV4oio1dJY/s640/DSCN1195.JPG The gear puller did the trick. Was good sized, with 8.5” arms. Took a fair amount of screw torque before the loud “crack!”. Thought for sure there’d be pieces there weren’t supposed to be, but all was well and t...
by BS Smith
Wed Sep 23, 2009 11:35 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Disassembly advice
Replies: 18
Views: 2092

Free bonus picture!

Anyone interested in the pedestal internals, here you are:

Image

BS
by BS Smith
Wed Sep 23, 2009 11:30 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Disassembly advice
Replies: 18
Views: 2092

Two out of three

I’ve now a new hole in the boat; see pic w/ product placement (not to worry; removed in a matter of minutes “after consultation”): http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Zlc6M2nGj8I/SrrWHLJi8xI/AAAAAAAAAXE/JDCivQcA7kE/s640/DSCN1186.JPG Was less successful in removing the wheel. A series of hard knocks via hammer and...
by BS Smith
Tue Sep 22, 2009 1:23 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Disassembly advice
Replies: 18
Views: 2092

Disassembly advice

Just a few more deck pieces to remove, but am again stymied. Would be embarrassed to ask what I hope will be obvious to others, but the fellow forum member seeking enter key advice increased the comfort level (contrasted to past pictures of much too beautiful cabin soles and tables, to die for works...
by BS Smith
Fri Sep 11, 2009 8:14 pm
Forum: Projects
Topic: Coamings
Replies: 7
Views: 1541

Re: Coamings

(1) Sorry for the small images. Here are the same in a larger size: Shots of the coamings when the boat still was intact: http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Zlc6M2nGj8I/SqJwzoVXezI/AAAAAAAAAT8/rzcW6S4rqXA/1758952_12.jpg http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Zlc6M2nGj8I/SqJxRJXVCUI/AAAAAAAAAUA/NJOj6vrhvo4/s640/DSCN0953.JPG Three...
by BS Smith
Fri Sep 11, 2009 7:47 am
Forum: Classic Sailboats
Topic: Seen on the hard in Marina Del Rey, CA
Replies: 11
Views: 2669

I love fiberglass

I love fiberglass.

Metal corrodes.

Wood rots.

Fiberglass endures.

BS
by BS Smith
Tue Sep 08, 2009 9:06 am
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: Still screwing around
Replies: 1
Views: 588

Still screwing around

A year ago I started to "paint the deck." To date, I'm still disassembling and have yet even to begin sanding. Most recently the toerail mounted gennie tracks were removed. The tracks sit on tubular spacers so the toerail underneath is visible and its varnish absent. Also, the port track h...
by BS Smith
Sat Sep 05, 2009 10:45 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Coamings
Replies: 7
Views: 1541

Re: Coamings

Dave, Always interested in what you have to say. Here are a couple shots of the coamings when the boat still was intact (not especially illustrative, but at least for me therapeutic…): http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Zlc6M2nGj8I/SqJwzoVXezI/AAAAAAAAAT8/rzcW6S4rqXA/s128/1758952_12.jpg http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Zlc...
by BS Smith
Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:15 pm
Forum: Projects
Topic: Coamings
Replies: 7
Views: 1541

Coamings

Northeast 38s have long (9.5’) and pretty coamings that curve and split on their forward portion: http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Zlc6M2nGj8I/Sp8w3G921SI/AAAAAAAAASU/tnXGJcvBgoU/s128/DSCN1164.JPG At least they’re supposed to be pretty. #82’s were dead sounding along their lower portion, and after removing in-...
by BS Smith
Fri Jun 26, 2009 7:00 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Preparation for Deck Repainting
Replies: 6
Views: 1458

Re: Preparation for Deck Repainting

A link to Chris's readable version of the ad:

http://www.lecomteowners.com/images/sto ... _Frere.jpg
by BS Smith
Thu Jun 25, 2009 9:57 pm
Forum: Projects
Topic: Preparation for Deck Repainting
Replies: 6
Views: 1458

Re: Preparation for Deck Repainting

Many thanks to stalwart responders to this thread and the other. Spirits were at low ebb when posts were sent, and the responses are helpful and encouraging. A previously unsaid additional reluctance to push further into boat disassembly has been that the NE38’s interior is the only part of the boat...
by BS Smith
Wed Jun 24, 2009 7:44 pm
Forum: Projects
Topic: Preparation for Deck Repainting
Replies: 6
Views: 1458

Preparation for Deck Repainting

Here too the pace has been “deliberate” (more accurately, “snail-like”). During winter, several layers of paint were scraped off. Here’s an example of what the deck looked like before scraping: http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Zlc6M2nGj8I/Sj_4G8jj_RI/AAAAAAAAAKM/2KTHC6yQ2BI/s400/DSCN1011.JPG and of one of the ...
by BS Smith
Wed Jun 24, 2009 7:23 pm
Forum: Projects
Topic: Portlight removal
Replies: 3
Views: 1097

Portlight removal

To remind, I'm in slow process of refurbishing a LeComte NE38. One task has been the aluminum portlights1/. So far, I've only removed them, but plan to clean the frames and repaint, cut new Lexan panes, bed and install. The boat has three small and two large portlights per side. They weren't easily ...
by BS Smith
Fri Oct 24, 2008 6:15 pm
Forum: Classic Sailboats
Topic: A couple great project boats
Replies: 18
Views: 2837

Comparing restoration and costs of cars and boats can be interesting. A plastic NE38 from the mid-‘60s cost about $40k new. The survey for #82 indicated a current value of about $20k and replacement cost of about $400k. A new Alerion Express 38 lists for $320k++, so the replacement cost doesn’t seem...
by BS Smith
Wed Sep 17, 2008 10:37 pm
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: Ladies and gentlemen
Replies: 11
Views: 1830

Safe arrival

Just to let you know... We arrived safely in Sodus Bay Saturday noon. The week long trip went pretty much as scheduled, except for an additional day on the upper Hudson against a stronger than anticipated current. The Perkins worked fine, requiring only alternator adjustment to solve some belt squea...
by BS Smith
Thu Aug 14, 2008 5:11 pm
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: Ladies and gentlemen
Replies: 11
Views: 1830

Quetzalsailor wrote:
I'll guess that we have stainless components everywhere, unlike the earlier boats. No bulges, no staining. Whew!

Where will you be on Lake Ontario?
Not to worry, but chainplates in NE#82 are stainless.

Will sail out of Sodus Bay.

Thanks,

BS
by BS Smith
Sat Aug 09, 2008 6:18 am
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: Ladies and gentlemen
Replies: 11
Views: 1830

Thanks for the welcome. Further to Chris's points: Norumbega is #82, second in the series. I'm well familiar with and have enjoyed your LeComte site. It--and Weatherbird--were major factors in my deciding on the NE38. (At some point I'll be interested in learning more about your water tank replaceme...
by BS Smith
Thu Aug 07, 2008 5:36 pm
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: Ladies and gentlemen
Replies: 11
Views: 1830

Ladies and gentlemen

Well, where to begin? First, one needs to talk about you—the Plastic Classic boat people. You've provided great entertainment and insight into the world of old boats. Special thanks to the "fabulous five" top posters. And to those that work on boats "for work" and spend private t...