Search found 641 matches

by CharlieJ
Sat Jun 27, 2020 4:20 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Thoughts on ocean crossing in an old boat
Replies: 6
Views: 1518

Re: Thoughts on ocean crossing in an old boat

Thanks and say hi to Mei for me- she's a great cook :) Tehani is still here, but suffered some fairly minor damage in Hurricane Harvey. I say minor because 14 boats in the marina were sunk- every boat opposite her on the dock !! I suffered a back injury ( from my own stupidity) and have had back sur...
by CharlieJ
Fri Jun 26, 2020 12:06 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Thoughts on ocean crossing in an old boat
Replies: 6
Views: 1518

Re: Thoughts on ocean crossing in an old boat

I don't have the ocean miles that Atomvoyager dos (hi guy- enjoyed the day an lunch with you and Mei) but I've got some 12,000 ocean cruising miles on my 1961 Meridian(Phil Rhodes design) I'd not hesitate to sail her anyhere
by CharlieJ
Fri Jan 17, 2020 4:07 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Life Span of Plastic Classic
Replies: 2
Views: 1524

Re: Life Span of Plastic Classic

My Rhodes Meridian 25 was built in Holland in 1961. I fully expect my family to pass her on to someone else when I'm gone. Absolutely zero reason she won't go another 30-40 years, given good care.

Picture taken while anchored Pipe Creek, Exumas, Bahamas
by CharlieJ
Wed Aug 28, 2019 8:39 pm
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Insulating One's Boat
Replies: 1
Views: 1154

Re: Insulating One's Boat

That's what I did, then covered the foam with ash ceiling
by CharlieJ
Thu Aug 15, 2019 10:55 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: What is leaking out of my boat?
Replies: 2
Views: 1325

Re: What is leaking out of my boat?

the pic shows if you click the link.. And I have no idea
by CharlieJ
Wed May 08, 2019 11:54 am
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: Sailing books as a gateway drug
Replies: 3
Views: 1577

Re: Sailing books as a gateway drug

The one book that got me hooked on sail cruising was "Princess, New York" by Joe Richards
by CharlieJ
Sat Feb 09, 2019 3:22 pm
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Wood Rudder
Replies: 8
Views: 2095

Re: Wood Rudder

Iff it were my boat ,I'd take the opportunity right now to glass that rudder. It's out of water, dry and looks iffy to me. The consequences of it coming apart under sail are not worth the chance you take. The Vanguard is a great solid boat- I have a plug sitting right in front of me from the hull of...
by CharlieJ
Tue Jan 15, 2019 5:10 pm
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Alberg 30 chain plate move
Replies: 3
Views: 1727

Re: Alberg 30 chain plate move

I did that on my Meridian 25. No more deck leaks, no more toe stubbers on deck and have been completely happy with it. been almost 12,000 miles now
by CharlieJ
Thu Dec 13, 2018 4:10 pm
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Port Light Rebed
Replies: 7
Views: 2352

Re: Port Light Rebed

You might also look at Beckson- They often have overstocks at much lower prices.
by CharlieJ
Sun Sep 23, 2018 10:26 pm
Forum: Sails, Rigging, and Systems
Topic: Outboards for ex-Inboards...?
Replies: 2
Views: 1419

Re: Outboards for ex-Inboards...?

Kurt- take a serious look at the Yamaha's. I've pushed Tehani all over with an 8 HP, usually running at the "start" setting for hull speed. Cruising the coast, Texas to Annapolis, Bahamas, and Pangas in Mexico, I saw Yamaha's maybe 3-4 to one over any other brand And they build their own e...
by CharlieJ
Sat Aug 06, 2016 2:15 pm
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: Howdy folks. Been a while
Replies: 4
Views: 2565

Re: Howdy folks. Been a while

Huh. Apparently the forum has just died. Over a year since the last post I made here, and I see VERY few new ones.

Sad
by CharlieJ
Fri Jul 29, 2016 12:32 am
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: Howdy folks. Been a while
Replies: 4
Views: 2565

Howdy folks. Been a while

Just re found Classic Plastic. What's been going on? Any of the old crew left here?
by CharlieJ
Thu Jan 07, 2016 10:22 pm
Forum: Projects
Topic: Alberg 30 refit
Replies: 26
Views: 9256

Re: Alberg 30 refit

Wow- first new post since Dec 29 when I made mine. This place really has died. Sad thing too
by CharlieJ
Tue Dec 29, 2015 6:07 pm
Forum: Sailing and Cruising
Topic: Howdy folks from Tehani-
Replies: 9
Views: 5737

Re: Howdy folks from Tehani-

WOW- doesn't look like much activity last few years. I lost bookmarks in a computer crash and just re found the site. My ex had Tehani for close to two years, and then I bought her back in 2013. Have only done one longish cruise aboard Tehani- May thru July to Florida and return , and a 10 day trip ...
by CharlieJ
Thu Feb 19, 2015 10:07 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Teak Toe rail replacement
Replies: 3
Views: 2536

Re: Teak Toe rail replacement

Ipe.. Used as decking boards on docks. Looks like teak, finishes like teak. Is EXTREMELY dense (won't float), and holds up well
by CharlieJ
Tue Feb 03, 2015 3:11 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Chrome Deplating
Replies: 13
Views: 4964

Re: Chrome Deplating

lol- in 1962, Pearson did NOT use silver paint on chromed Bronze. It was all messed up from years of exposure- that part peeling, part speckled look. And yes, it was a lot of work. But yes, I used a Dremel. Now thinking back, I may have had a sanding drum mounted part of the time.
by CharlieJ
Mon Feb 02, 2015 11:55 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Chrome Deplating
Replies: 13
Views: 4964

Re: Chrome Deplating

I used a wire wheel in a Dremel tool and scrubbed it off. Did all the chromed ( read measled) bronze on a Vanguard 32 that way
by CharlieJ
Mon Jun 02, 2014 6:45 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Why?
Replies: 8
Views: 3548

Re: Why?

Or maybe many finished reworking, and went sailing? I know that's why I don't come here all that often. And sadly, lately I haven't even been sailing much. It's been a CRAPPY winter!!!
by CharlieJ
Thu Jan 23, 2014 12:47 pm
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: A Couple of New....
Replies: 5
Views: 3567

Re: A Couple of New....

Thanks, particularly for the "battery melt down"' post. I shall go asap and re-check my own boats battery connections.

Very good info
by CharlieJ
Fri Jan 10, 2014 11:19 pm
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Turnbuckle inspection and interior painting
Replies: 4
Views: 3006

Re: Turnbuckle inspection and interior painting

For the past 22 years, the ONLY paint I've used on boat interiors, both my own, and customer boats, has been ACRYLIC Latex enamel in semi gloss. Emphasis on the ACRYLIC. Most have a mildewcide added, they are water reducing, water clean up, low odor, fast drying and washable. I have some inside a bo...
by CharlieJ
Tue Dec 03, 2013 9:13 am
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: Forum future
Replies: 27
Views: 7694

Re: Forum future

At the moment, Rachel is in "Gad about mode" and not posting much of anything- she is touring the country.
by CharlieJ
Wed Oct 30, 2013 2:23 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Weeping Crack in Hull/Paint
Replies: 23
Views: 7265

Re: Weeping Crack in Hull/Paint

I would darned sure grind it out and fix it. Not something to ignore
by CharlieJ
Thu Oct 24, 2013 9:47 am
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: Forum future
Replies: 27
Views: 7694

Re: Forum future

galleywench- I know the guy who runs this forum. I don't think there's any danger of it being shut down, at least not at this time.
by CharlieJ
Tue Oct 22, 2013 10:32 pm
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: Forum future
Replies: 27
Views: 7694

Re: Forum future

I think you are correct about facebook (and others). I saw it pretty much kill another forum.. And it's sad. because there is no back reference. Here there are historical posts that can be referred to. On facebook, unless you KNOW the person who posted, it's almost impossible to find things. Face bo...
by CharlieJ
Tue Oct 22, 2013 2:29 pm
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: Forum future
Replies: 27
Views: 7694

Re: Forum future

I seriously doubt you will EVER see Rachel on here again. For exactly the reason I see on this thread. She got totally fed up with crap. Serious knowledge lost I stopped because I've been out cruising the last 3 years, and then went through a separation, and pending divorce. Tehani had a broken off ...
by CharlieJ
Sat Oct 12, 2013 10:40 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Will Perfection Plus varnish stick to epoxy base?
Replies: 2
Views: 1904

Re: Will Perfection Plus varnish stick to epoxy base?

Another point is to be sure the epoxy has totally cured. Give it a few days at least.
by CharlieJ
Thu Sep 19, 2013 10:59 pm
Forum: Materials, Sources, and Innovations
Topic: Taylor Made bimini
Replies: 5
Views: 3536

Re: Taylor Made bimini

Interesting- I'll check mine. But I'm on the Texas coast, and that frame has been all around the Gulf of Mexico, including two partial offshore crossings, all through the Keys, the Bahamas, up the east coast to the Chesapeake, up and down the Potomoc, then up to Annapolis, and return all the way bac...
by CharlieJ
Thu Sep 19, 2013 3:29 pm
Forum: Materials, Sources, and Innovations
Topic: Taylor Made bimini
Replies: 5
Views: 3536

Re: Taylor Made bimini

Agree on the Sunbrella. But not on the aluminum tubing. My self made Bimini has stood, full time, for some 5 years, and maybe 10,000 miles of cruising. Sunbrella, and 7/8 aluminum tubing. It's up ALL the time, unless de-rigging for a storm. My solar panel rides up there full time too. A Bimini shoul...
by CharlieJ
Tue Sep 17, 2013 7:37 pm
Forum: Materials, Sources, and Innovations
Topic: Taylor Made bimini
Replies: 5
Views: 3536

Taylor Made bimini

A good friend of mine bought a new Bimini, made by Taylor Made, sold through Wholesale Marine. It was up in a rain, sagged terribly, to the point of damaging the bows, and appears to be permanently stretched. When he called Taylor Made, he was told "It's YOUR fault- NOBODY leaves a bimini up in...
by CharlieJ
Sun Apr 21, 2013 4:04 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Filling Old Transducer Hole
Replies: 18
Views: 5593

Re: Filling Old Transducer Hole

I don't always agree with Casey. This is one time where I certainly don't. I've ( and all the pros I know) always put the largest patch in first. And on a thick layup, I'd do it in several stages, mainly to avoid sag and excess heat build up. And Amine blush comes off just fine with plain old water-...
by CharlieJ
Thu Apr 04, 2013 11:49 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Does epoxy resin go bad in the can?
Replies: 5
Views: 2149

Re: Does epoxy resin go bad in the can?

I've used ten year old WEST - no problem. It really has no practical shelf life. The hardener will darken though so don't use it where you'll varnish over it. WEST Sys hardener will go almost purple, but still work fine. If it has gotten cold, you might see some whitish sludge in the bottom- just se...
by CharlieJ
Fri Jan 25, 2013 11:26 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Painting Icebox.
Replies: 1
Views: 1141

Re: Painting Icebox.

I just built a new ice chest in my boat and I final coated with epoxy with a white pigment added. Takes a few coats, because it isn't very opaque, but works well. Pigment can be obtained from the Gougeon's. Include the pigment in your mix rate because is IS resin. Of course, if you don't object to t...
by CharlieJ
Sat Dec 29, 2012 8:17 pm
Forum: Sails, Rigging, and Systems
Topic: Cleating the Sheets...
Replies: 4
Views: 2875

Re: Cleating the Sheets...

The cam cleats should do just fine- wouldn't if it weren't for the winch, but once wrapped around that several times, very little load on the cleat. Even on a BIG boat, you can hold the sheet load with two fingers with three wraps on the winch.. I was doing just that two weeks ago short tacking on a...
by CharlieJ
Sun Dec 09, 2012 9:23 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Filling Old Transducer Hole
Replies: 18
Views: 5593

Re: Filling Old Transducer Hole

And one more for the large piece first. Seven holes in Tehani's bottom, and 3 in my trailerable sloop were all done that way.

If you put the small patch in first, when you smooth down, you grind away the contact parts of the rest of the patches. Stronger done largest first.
by CharlieJ
Sun Nov 25, 2012 7:29 pm
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Painting iron centre board
Replies: 3
Views: 2546

Re: Painting iron centre board

Research Coal Tar epoxy. It's what is used on offshore structures, and will hold up a LONG time. I've used it under the bottom paint on both of my cast iron keels, with excellent results.

One warning- the stuff really stinks while curing
by CharlieJ
Thu Nov 01, 2012 9:32 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Calculating Forces on Anchor Rode
Replies: 4
Views: 1875

Re: Calculating Forces on Anchor Rode

one important consideration- if you use too LARGE a rode, it cannot stretch, thereby negating some of the advantages of nylon, and the ability to stretch is a MAJOR factor in anchor rodes. I used to cruise a 35 trimaran( 3 years). Disp about 10,000 loaded ( three aboard, our only home). Windage thou...
by CharlieJ
Thu Nov 01, 2012 9:23 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Bilge pump NOT in Bilge?
Replies: 4
Views: 1899

Re: Bilge pump NOT in Bilge?

Bear in mind that a submersible, centrifugal pump won't ever get the bilge DRY. The water in the hose will always run back, and it's not recommended to put a check valve in. A suction pump will pump it totally dry since the pump itself sits up out of the bilge. Not a major thing, but something to be...
by CharlieJ
Wed Jul 18, 2012 6:13 pm
Forum: Tools and Techniques
Topic: Favorite Odd Tools
Replies: 9
Views: 5916

Re: Favorite Odd Tools

wouldn't know. Can't recall ever trying to cut a tight radius. I just cut a bit oversized, square the corner, glass it down, then trim. Wasted too much time trying to make the glass fit EXACTLY. But then when I was doing a lot of this, I was building for a living- time was money.
by CharlieJ
Wed Jul 18, 2012 9:30 am
Forum: Tools and Techniques
Topic: Favorite Odd Tools
Replies: 9
Views: 5916

Re: Favorite Odd Tools

If your going to be cutting a lot of fiberglass cloth (especially biax or heavier), there is no substitute for a pair of 12" Wiss scissors. They aren't cheap but I think they are worth every penny. They cut biaxial cloth like a hot knife through butter. http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/use...
by CharlieJ
Sat Jul 14, 2012 11:47 pm
Forum: Boat Photos
Topic: Classic ID?
Replies: 15
Views: 5143

Re: Classic ID?

Note the classic Rhodes sheer line, In my opinion, he did prettier sheers than Alberg. Really sweet.

For comparison, here's a Rhodes Meridian 25. This was at the beginning of 7000 miles of cruising aboard her, last three years, In fact, pic was taken exactly three years ago yesterday.
by CharlieJ
Sat Jul 14, 2012 5:59 pm
Forum: Boat Photos
Topic: Classic ID?
Replies: 15
Views: 5143

Re: Classic ID?

Rhodes Ranger, designed by Phillip Rhodes

Built in Holland

Big sister to Tehani, the Rhodes meridian I had.
by CharlieJ
Mon Jun 04, 2012 9:19 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Bedding stanchions
Replies: 10
Views: 2438

Re: Bedding stanchions

A really neat way of removing caulk, excess epoxy,etc, is a plastic soda straw. One of the large ones from DQ works really well. Just push it into the corner, it forms itself to the shape, and push it along. Scoops the excess up into the straw. Later, you can just clip off the part with the "st...
by CharlieJ
Tue May 15, 2012 9:40 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Tips in sanding polyester resin/ paper gumming up
Replies: 11
Views: 2529

Re: Tips in sanding polyester resin/ paper gumming up

How about giving TSP, a brush and water a try? It's a wax- Tsp will cut the wax.

Like amine blush with epoxy- pretty simple to get rid of- soap and water.
by CharlieJ
Wed May 09, 2012 7:45 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Under the rub rail...
Replies: 4
Views: 1225

Re: Under the rub rail...

You are correct- that is the topsides
by CharlieJ
Thu Apr 26, 2012 8:23 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Cutting balsa
Replies: 5
Views: 1571

Re: Cutting balsa

There are also knife blades that go into jig saws. I use them for cutting foam. Those should also do a great job
by CharlieJ
Wed Apr 18, 2012 7:54 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Cockpit Drains
Replies: 7
Views: 2011

Re: Cockpit Drains

Jeremy- I had a three paragraph post all typed and it went away, leaving me looking at a Gary Jobson advertisment.,

Give me a call- three six one, two 3 seven, 999 zero, and I'll talk to you about the cockpit drains on Tehani, my Meridian 25, cause it takes me too bloody long to re type!!!!!
by CharlieJ
Wed Apr 11, 2012 8:32 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Refinishing/restoring bronze portlights
Replies: 6
Views: 1180

Re: Refinishing/restoring bronze portlights

we use lemon juice
by CharlieJ
Fri Apr 06, 2012 9:48 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Head rim height
Replies: 10
Views: 2132

Re: Head rim height

and it's so simple to just keep the seacock closed except when in use. failsafe, always. And they need to be exercised once in awhile anyway, so double duty.
by CharlieJ
Wed Mar 28, 2012 8:30 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Head rim height
Replies: 10
Views: 2132

Re: Head rim height

If the rim is below the waterline, you MUST keep the intake seacock closed, otherwise it'll flood over. I speak from experience.

I'd go with Ric's suggestion- whole lot less hassle.