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by A30_John
Sat Jul 12, 2008 1:29 pm
Forum: Boat Shops and Facilities
Topic: Tensioned fabric building for boat shelter
Replies: 11
Views: 5423

Hi Bill, The shelter has worked out very well. I recently moved, and I was able to take the building with me to the new location. It is currently being put up again, thus providing me with the opportunity to do a few things differently. The first thing I'm doing is mounting the building on 2' x 6' c...
by A30_John
Tue Dec 18, 2007 10:30 am
Forum: Boat Shops and Facilities
Topic: Asylum
Replies: 8
Views: 3756

Thank-you, sir!
by A30_John
Mon Dec 17, 2007 9:38 pm
Forum: Boat Shops and Facilities
Topic: Asylum
Replies: 8
Views: 3756

Tim, do you have a source for the strip curtains? I'd like to use them in my basement shop.
by A30_John
Mon Dec 17, 2007 9:33 pm
Forum: Materials, Sources, and Innovations
Topic: System Three LPU Topcoat
Replies: 4
Views: 1224

I used System Three paint on my dinghy, and, after three summers sitting in the sun and rain and oily harbor junk and getting bashed around at the dinghy wharf, I can say the paint has held up remarkably well.
by A30_John
Tue Dec 04, 2007 8:21 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: blue charts
Replies: 4
Views: 647

...and, of course, it goes without saying that you'll be using paper charts as your primary source of information. I initially used the "Americas Highways" maps to verify position, for buoy information etc. Buoy information wasn't always accurate and I took my own waypoints. I finally splu...
by A30_John
Tue Dec 04, 2007 8:06 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Classic Plastic Insurance
Replies: 34
Views: 3220

Does anyone know how the age of a boat is calculated for insurance purposes? Is is the year the hull was laid up or built? I ask this because many people on this forum have refitted boats to "bristol" or better than new condition. Others have taken old hulls that are in sound condition and...
by A30_John
Mon Dec 03, 2007 11:30 pm
Forum: Materials, Sources, and Innovations
Topic: Nice Surprise
Replies: 5
Views: 1215

John, Do you have bronze portlights? Jeff No, but I sure wish I did. I've been thinking about replacing my aluminum framed deadlights with some nice bronze portlights. I just can't find anyone interested in trading for my plastic cowl vents. BTW, I'm replacing my cowl vents this winter. And I'm ver...
by A30_John
Mon Dec 03, 2007 9:51 pm
Forum: Materials, Sources, and Innovations
Topic: Nice Surprise
Replies: 5
Views: 1215

I'll trade you for my plastic ones.. :-D
by A30_John
Fri Nov 09, 2007 1:02 pm
Forum: Materials, Sources, and Innovations
Topic: Source for Mahogany in Maine or NH
Replies: 4
Views: 996

Tim wrote:Maine Coast Lumber (Link)

York, ME 1-800-899-1664

Westbrook, ME 1-877-408-4751
They are also a good source for quality marine plywood - and they deliver.
by A30_John
Fri Nov 09, 2007 12:32 pm
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Holding tank for 1966 A-30, bladder tank?
Replies: 19
Views: 2595

I tried installing a plastic holding tank two years ago, and during the installation process the inlet fitting cracked. I returned the plastic tank and built my own fiberglass composite tank with bronze fittings. The fittings haven't broke, the tank is built like a tank, no leaks, no fuss, the compo...
by A30_John
Fri Oct 19, 2007 1:44 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: What's you favorite GPS handheld and why?
Replies: 32
Views: 4828

What kind of PDA do you use? I have an Axim X51 and would never trust it for something "mission critical" because of a) the waterproof issue, and b) it runs on an OS that has had a history of being very buggy. Maybe you've found something better. I sure like the idea of being able to use s...
by A30_John
Fri Oct 19, 2007 10:58 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Routing wiring from the mast to the cabin
Replies: 7
Views: 1655

I have agonized over this problem for a long time. Thanks for posting this.
by A30_John
Mon Oct 08, 2007 8:58 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: What's you favorite GPS handheld and why?
Replies: 32
Views: 4828

It's in these types of situations that I reeeeaaaaallllyyy wish I had radar. :-|
by A30_John
Wed Oct 03, 2007 9:00 pm
Forum: Sailing and Cruising
Topic: Final Cruise Pix
Replies: 9
Views: 2129

Marshall, The ash shroud rollers came with the boat. I see that you can buy them at Defender: (You'll have to copy and paste this URL..) http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|118|107602|297680&id=161924 Note that it's bad form to put them on with black tape. I should have used white riggin...
by A30_John
Tue Oct 02, 2007 4:53 pm
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: October 2007 Photo of the Month
Replies: 1
Views: 656

Alright, rub it in..
by A30_John
Tue Oct 02, 2007 4:51 pm
Forum: Sailing and Cruising
Topic: Dunn Cove Weekend
Replies: 5
Views: 1346

Another reason to add to the list of why rafting isn't always a good idea.

Looks like you had a great trip Jim!
by A30_John
Tue Oct 02, 2007 3:15 pm
Forum: Projects
Topic: GREYHAWK's Refit -- Continued
Replies: 27
Views: 6208

Looks great! What technique are you using to apply your paint?
by A30_John
Tue Sep 25, 2007 3:07 pm
Forum: Sailing and Cruising
Topic: Final Cruise Pix
Replies: 9
Views: 2129

I was wondering what they did with all that netting. We can add that to our list of Maine yachting hazards.
by A30_John
Tue Sep 25, 2007 8:22 am
Forum: Sailing and Cruising
Topic: Final Cruise Pix
Replies: 9
Views: 2129

Yessir... good observation!
by A30_John
Mon Sep 24, 2007 9:45 pm
Forum: Sailing and Cruising
Topic: Final Cruise Pix
Replies: 9
Views: 2129

Final Cruise Pix

Fortunately I was able to get last week off work on short notice and take advantage of a great forecast. Here are some pictures. Sorry about the size. Common sight on the water in Maine.. http://www.roundthecorner.com/plasclas/maine/DSCF7453.JPG For the sailor who was asking about handheld GPS, here...
by A30_John
Thu Sep 13, 2007 12:41 pm
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: 43 mile Singlehanded Race - Should I?
Replies: 17
Views: 2617

Part of the fun will be adapting your "race mode" mindset to accommodate your limited ability to maneuver. You'll reef sooner, tack less, pay different attention to weather. Strategy will trump tactics.
Right on. This holds true when cruising singlehanded too.
by A30_John
Thu Sep 13, 2007 12:12 pm
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: 43 mile Singlehanded Race - Should I?
Replies: 17
Views: 2617

Most of my sailing is single-handed cruising and I agree with the previous comments that some form of controlling the boat is critical when you can't be at the helm. I use three methods: 1) Tiller lock box for my Forespar tiller extender - used for winching in headsail and quick trips from the helm ...
by A30_John
Wed Sep 05, 2007 7:48 pm
Forum: Sailing and Cruising
Topic: Maine Coast Trip Photos
Replies: 4
Views: 1380

Fantastic collection - thanks for sharing! It's sad to see the end of the season coming..
by A30_John
Wed Aug 22, 2007 8:56 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Finding hull# on A-30
Replies: 7
Views: 1377

That's it. It looks like the last listed name of #190 is Anenome, and it was purchased by the last listed owner in 2004.
by A30_John
Tue Aug 21, 2007 9:35 pm
Forum: Sailing and Cruising
Topic: New England Cruise pictures and comments
Replies: 17
Views: 3616

George, thanks for the pictures and great narrative.

I'm glad to see you had a good time in the NE, particularly Maine!
by A30_John
Tue Aug 21, 2007 8:50 pm
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Finding hull# on A-30
Replies: 7
Views: 1377

Matt,

I think someone in the A30 organization keeps a listing of the A30s. If you haven't tried the A30 list, you might post there to see if someone can direct you to the list. The previous owner of my boat had it registered and I was able to find my hull number in the Coast Guard records.
by A30_John
Tue Aug 07, 2007 11:50 pm
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: August 2007 Photo of the Month
Replies: 2
Views: 774

It's payback time for all that nice weather in June. (The nice weather we had before we launched our boats..)
by A30_John
Sun Aug 05, 2007 9:59 am
Forum: Sailing and Cruising
Topic: Plastic Classic Encounter
Replies: 8
Views: 1986

Tim, glad to see you made it back. Thanks again for the hospitality and the tour of Glissando.

You'll be pleased to hear that in keeping with my new philosophy regarding luxuries on board, I've bought a solar shower. I think I'm going to get a cooler next.
by A30_John
Wed Aug 01, 2007 3:54 pm
Forum: Sailing and Cruising
Topic: Launch Day at Last!!!
Replies: 6
Views: 1576

Very nice, congratulations! Enjoy the rest of the summer.
by A30_John
Wed Aug 01, 2007 3:44 pm
Forum: Sailing and Cruising
Topic: Plastic Classic Encounter
Replies: 8
Views: 1986

I seem to remember poo-pooing an icebox in a boat as small as a Triton where there is no way to store sufficient ice to keep enough food cold long enough to make it worthwhile. I am pretty sure I even discussed this with you at some point. We no doubt poo-pooed the idea together. ;-) Now you have a...
by A30_John
Tue Jul 31, 2007 10:57 pm
Forum: Sails, Rigging, and Systems
Topic: Weatherhelm
Replies: 24
Views: 5266

I was just frustrated that with two reefs and partially furled working jib I was still getting overwhelmed when the gusts pick up. I pull the tiller so hard that I am afraid it might break. Try dropping the main entirely and see how the boat handles under the headsail alone on various points of sai...
by A30_John
Tue Jul 31, 2007 7:24 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Atomic Four vs. Diesel
Replies: 9
Views: 1616

In my mind it comes down to fuel choice. If you don't mind having gasoline on board, and you use the boat seasonally and don't do a lot of motoring, the A4 might be just the ticket. If not, go for a diesel. Also, I agree with the resale comment above. There will be buyers out there who won't even co...
by A30_John
Mon Jul 30, 2007 10:08 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Non Electric Lights. Well sort off.
Replies: 8
Views: 1258

If you want a non-electrical light that's suitable for reading, you might consider a pressurized kerosene lamp. The downside is they produce a lot of heat. The non-pressurized oil lamps are best used to find your way around the cabin at night. For that purpose, I leave mine faintly glowing all night...
by A30_John
Mon Jul 30, 2007 9:49 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Non Electric Lights. Well sort off.
Replies: 8
Views: 1258

I have a Weems and Plath lamp similar to the first one in your list. Mine is in gimbals rather than hanging on a hook. The lamp provides nice ambient light in the evenings, and can be used as an anchor lamp if needed. My usual anchor light is a Davis mega light which I hang in the foretriangle. I've...
by A30_John
Mon Jul 30, 2007 9:29 am
Forum: Sailing and Cruising
Topic: Plastic Classic Encounter
Replies: 8
Views: 1986

Plastic Classic Encounter

Friday evening I poked my head into a secluded cove looking for some action, and wouldn't you know it - there in the distance was a familiar pair of Tritons. I got my first tour of Glissando (a very, verrrry, nice boat) and gained a first hand appreciation of why I really should carry ice cubes on b...
by A30_John
Sun Jul 29, 2007 10:00 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Water tank liners
Replies: 1
Views: 425

Ditto on that request. This problem has eluded me too.

So far the best solution I've found is (lots of) gallon water jugs from the supermarket strategically placed around the boat.
by A30_John
Mon Jul 16, 2007 8:31 pm
Forum: Projects
Topic: Alberg 30 #439 lives again!
Replies: 8
Views: 2073

Nicely put Robert... spoken as only a kindred spirit could. I think that post wins the prize for the most eloquent prose yet to grace this forum. If not, it's definitely a close and worthy runner up!
by A30_John
Mon Jul 16, 2007 11:38 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Alberg 30 #439 lives again!
Replies: 8
Views: 2073

Fine job, congratulations!
by A30_John
Wed Jun 27, 2007 7:25 pm
Forum: Projects
Topic: The Sea Glass Project
Replies: 31
Views: 9580

Your boat looks beautiful. Congratulations and happy sailing!
by A30_John
Sat Jun 23, 2007 11:14 pm
Forum: Sailing and Cruising
Topic: Maine Fog season?
Replies: 2
Views: 1100

Every year, every month, every week seems to be different with the fog situation. My favorite cruising months are August and September. Whenever the fog rolls in, it never seems to stay long. Enjoy!
by A30_John
Fri Jun 22, 2007 2:41 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Power cut out then on again
Replies: 6
Views: 1019

I was not able to locate one. If there is one, I'm not sure how it reset itself. That's the curious part of this problem-it "fixed itself" and I can't repeat the problem. Which probably means something is loose, and, as Ceasar suggests, it's consistent with a grounding fault. I'm on my way...
by A30_John
Fri Jun 22, 2007 11:04 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Power cut out then on again
Replies: 6
Views: 1019

The battery connections are definitely good.

I'm going to inspect the ground connection very carefully this afternoon.
by A30_John
Fri Jun 22, 2007 8:51 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Power cut out then on again
Replies: 6
Views: 1019

Yes it is. I'll check it carefully. Thanks for the suggestion.

It was nice to see that the engine kept running apparently without use of the fuel lift pump.
by A30_John
Thu Jun 21, 2007 11:50 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Power cut out then on again
Replies: 6
Views: 1019

Power cut out then on again

This evening I commissioned my engine following my Spring launch. While I was running the engine, I glanced over and noticed the instruments weren't working. Not knowing what was going on, I shut down the engine. I tried turning on the radio - no power. Nothing on the house side worked. The bilge pu...
by A30_John
Mon Jun 11, 2007 10:39 pm
Forum: Sailing and Cruising
Topic: Wet suits, hacksaws, etc.
Replies: 15
Views: 3051

I have scuba gear for cleaning the race boat during the season and was wondering if it's worth bringing the full gear to Maine to deal with lobster pots. Yes. Absolutely. In some areas (particularly around Swan's Island/Mt. Desert) the pots can be very thick. If for no other reason than your peace ...
by A30_John
Sat Jun 09, 2007 12:48 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Installing new traveler track
Replies: 10
Views: 1871

AJ, My track will be held on by 1/4" machine screws (12 of them) and I'm planning to use fender washers to back them. The track that I'm replacing used smaller machine screws and regular washers to back them. There were no problems evident with that arrangement. I'm considering tapping the hole...
by A30_John
Thu Jun 07, 2007 4:58 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Installing new traveler track
Replies: 10
Views: 1871

The old/original 1/4" plywood sounds like a waste.
I thought that as well. The old track was flexible enough to make the bend without difficulty and wasn't used for fairing purposes. I couldn't figure out why they used it unless it was to protect the gelcoat or some such reason.
by A30_John
Thu Jun 07, 2007 4:54 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Installing new traveler track
Replies: 10
Views: 1871

Excellent, thanks. It's a very nice piece of gear - I'm impressed with the quality of construction. I'm looking forward to trying it out soon.
by A30_John
Wed Jun 06, 2007 9:13 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Installing new traveler track
Replies: 10
Views: 1871

Installing new traveler track

I'm getting ready to install my new Garhauer MT1 traveler. Garhauer prebent the track to fit my deck and it fits very well. I'm wondering if I should put anything other than sealant between the track and the fiberglass. The previous track had a strip of 1/4" plywood between it and the fiberglass.
by A30_John
Fri May 25, 2007 8:16 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Cabin sole removal?
Replies: 47
Views: 9652

Verrry nice Nathan!

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