Search found 5708 matches

by Tim
Fri Mar 25, 2011 3:10 pm
Forum: Projects
Topic: Finishing touches
Replies: 18
Views: 3438

Re: Finishing touches

I suggest that all areas that are designed to be underfoot should remain unfinished (bare) for traction. Never mind that it'll save you a whole lot of work, too.
by Tim
Sun Mar 20, 2011 7:08 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Top Coat Troubleshooting
Replies: 3
Views: 1111

Re: Top Coat Troubleshooting

A common mistake is to apply this paint too heavily. The characteristics that make this paint theoretically flow and level so well also work against the applicator who applies too heavy a coat: that very flow can, and does, lead to sags anywhere the paint application is too thick, during the period ...
by Tim
Sat Mar 19, 2011 6:54 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Sealers, Filler Stains and Mahogany
Replies: 4
Views: 1157

Re: Sealers, Filler Stains and Mahogany

One reason you often see paste filler/stain recommended for mahogany is because of mahogany's open grain. Without the filler, you'll simply need more coats of varnish before the varnish starts to build enough to fill the pores for the smoothest finish. Personally, I never liked the look of muddy red...
by Tim
Mon Mar 14, 2011 4:52 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Filler for deep bilges
Replies: 16
Views: 3199

Re: Filler for deep bilges

Sometimes leaving well enough alone is the best approach. This sounds like a solution in search of a problem, as least with the given information.
by Tim
Thu Mar 10, 2011 8:22 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: What fasteners to use
Replies: 12
Views: 2007

Re: What fasteners to use

Your choices are bronze (normally silicone bronze alloy) and stainless, either 316 or 304 (18/8). I suggest using bronze where the looks matters most (bronze hardware installations, etc.) and 316 stainless elsewhere. Use the "lesser" 304 alloy as need be, though this is more prone to rust ...
by Tim
Tue Mar 08, 2011 3:33 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Moving jackstands
Replies: 9
Views: 2095

Re: Moving jackstands

Remember: there's a lot of ballast down there that really really wants to keep the boat upright, particularly with boats that have long, wide keels like yours. The center of gravity of your boat is very low to the ground. This makes it surprisingly resistant to tipping even with minimal support. I'm...
by Tim
Mon Mar 07, 2011 10:21 am
Forum: Sails, Rigging, and Systems
Topic: A bollard, a bit or a cleat?
Replies: 15
Views: 5233

Re: A bollard, a bit or a cleat?

Tim, do you get a fair lead from chocks to the bitt?! Yes indeed. Of course, I can't lay my hands on a photo that shows the lead right at the moment, but I originally installed chocks and bitt in specific areas in order to ensure the line led properly. That said, I normally run some chafe gear on t...
by Tim
Mon Mar 07, 2011 7:36 am
Forum: Sails, Rigging, and Systems
Topic: A bollard, a bit or a cleat?
Replies: 15
Views: 5233

Re: A bollard, a bit or a cleat?

Is weight a consideration? Unless you're on a serious weight-reduction plan, then absolutely not. (Within reason, obviously.) I have a mooring not a slip, is that a factor? I think it is. For moorings, one generally wants a larger, heavier-duty tie-off point for strength, security, and, most import...
by Tim
Mon Mar 07, 2011 7:24 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Priming... Just a few questions.
Replies: 26
Views: 6055

Re: Priming... Just a few questions.

Brush marks in the super-fine finishing primer are indicative of too little reducer, and/or application technique/materials. This primer should level extremely well when applied evenly and properly reduced. You can use far more reducer than the data sheets suggest. Use what you need to make the pain...
by Tim
Sun Mar 06, 2011 1:06 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Priming... Just a few questions.
Replies: 26
Views: 6055

Re: Priming... Just a few questions.

No, I meant that sanding out a drip or what have you through additional coats seems silly. If the drip is in the 1st coat, say, then to sand it out you'll need to sand through all the coats above it, if you continue to apply, and then all you've really done is wasted time and product. Major flaws ne...
by Tim
Sun Mar 06, 2011 8:11 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Priming... Just a few questions.
Replies: 26
Views: 6055

Re: Priming... Just a few questions.

You can apply as many multiple coats as possible in a day as long your application tools don't lift or otherwise adversely affect the previous coat. How soon this actually is depends greatly on atmospheric conditions, amount of reducer in the paint, and other factors. The solvents in the paint are s...
by Tim
Thu Mar 03, 2011 7:57 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Why do we use mat? And do you use it with epoxy?
Replies: 17
Views: 8015

Re: Why do we use mat? And do you use it with epoxy?

Here's a photo of the partially-dismantled biax as described above. I didn't want to disrupt the flow of "nice" pictures with one that was all business.
by Tim
Thu Mar 03, 2011 7:48 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: boom height and effect of flying a smaller main.
Replies: 16
Views: 2796

Re: boom height and effect of flying a smaller main.

Bolt ropes on foots are a real pain. They make the sail hard to install, and tough to adjust the outhaul.

Consider a loose foot instead.
by Tim
Thu Mar 03, 2011 7:33 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Why do we use mat? And do you use it with epoxy?
Replies: 17
Views: 8015

Re: Why do we use mat? And do you use it with epoxy?

Fiberglass material with mat secured to the back, like the common stuff we mostly all use, holds it shape far better when wet out than the plain-backed version. Regular 45° biaxial and similar materials distort significantly and easily when wetted out, which isn't ideal for many reasons. With care, ...
by Tim
Fri Feb 25, 2011 7:14 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Measuring my Prop for a new shaft.
Replies: 3
Views: 934

Re: Measuring my Prop for a new shaft.

My opinion is that it's convenient to have standard tapers, key sizes, etc. on your prop and shafting. It can be hard enough getting what you need sometimes even without the added hassle of non-standard (or at least unconventional) measurements. I'd not waste time with non-standard items myself, as ...
by Tim
Sun Feb 20, 2011 7:54 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Priming... Just a few questions.
Replies: 26
Views: 6055

Re: Priming... Just a few questions.

You'll know. If it's not ready, the paper will gum up.
by Tim
Sat Feb 19, 2011 10:47 am
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: Faces in the Tools
Replies: 4
Views: 1549

Faces in the Tools

Image
by Tim
Thu Feb 17, 2011 11:46 am
Forum: Pearson Triton Specifics
Topic: year of manufacture
Replies: 10
Views: 4013

Re: year of manufacture

Your boat may not fit into what we (i.e. other Triton owners who have made unsuccessful attempts to clear up confusion over years/hull numbers) think it should, but with clear title in a given year, and documentation to support it, I see no reason to worry about it. Frankly, no one can really put de...
by Tim
Thu Feb 17, 2011 11:42 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Priming... Just a few questions.
Replies: 26
Views: 6055

Re: Priming... Just a few questions.

I rolled and tipped the primer/high build coats on my boat, a Renegade that I painted completely. I did 4 coats of primer in one non-stop marathon day (app 16-18 hours) with no sanding between coats. Then sanded the entire boat in a marathon day the next day. It was the most brutal weekend of boat ...
by Tim
Thu Feb 17, 2011 11:40 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Priming... Just a few questions.
Replies: 26
Views: 6055

Re: Priming... Just a few questions.

*What grit(s) of sand paper for the highbuild between coats? I'd suggest 220 (definitely no finer). Since I have sprayed exclusively for the past 10 years, I don't have to sand between coats (sorry), so I'm no longer sure what's recommended, but I prep the substrate to 120 grit before high build, a...
by Tim
Thu Feb 17, 2011 8:06 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Priming... Just a few questions.
Replies: 26
Views: 6055

Re: Priming... Just a few questions.

*Is it realistic to prime the whole deck in one pass or should we break it up....deck,...... doghouse,......cockpit? Yes, it's realistic; not only that, you should consider your rounds of primer to be dry runs for the topcoat later on. You'll learn a lot about your deck and how it makes the most se...
by Tim
Wed Feb 16, 2011 7:27 am
Forum: Boat Photos
Topic: Year of build?
Replies: 9
Views: 2330

Re: Year of build?

Completion date.
by Tim
Fri Feb 11, 2011 7:59 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Alcohol Stove Advice ??
Replies: 12
Views: 2055

Re: Alcohol Stove Advice ??

The only thing I can say unequivocally about stove types is to run away from the old-fashioned pressurized alcohol stoves that you used to see in the 70s. Junk. Ever wonder why there might be so many for such "deals" on eBay? If you want simple, get one of the modern alcohol stoves (i.e. O...
by Tim
Fri Feb 11, 2011 7:53 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: cheek blocks for turning halyards
Replies: 3
Views: 992

Re: cheek blocks for turning halyards

Yes.

Don't worry, design engineers have done all the calculations for you. Pick the block that suits the situation (i.e. a cheek block for redirecting a line in the same plane) and the line size. Sounds like you've done that.
by Tim
Fri Feb 11, 2011 7:49 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Pulling and replacing a cutlass bearing in a stern tube
Replies: 14
Views: 2959

Re: Pulling and replacing a cutlass bearing in a stern tube

All this being said, your yard may be run by shysters who are looking to bilk every customer. So please take my comments only in the spirit in which they were intended, not as any means of defense of indefensible business practice. I don't know your yard.
by Tim
Thu Feb 10, 2011 5:21 pm
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Pulling and replacing a cutlass bearing in a stern tube
Replies: 14
Views: 2959

Re: Pulling and replacing a cutlass bearing in a stern tube

Sometimes they come right out, in which case it hardly takes more than a few minutes to replace it. They should come right out, but usually they do not because of improper installation in the past. Sometimes some helpful person in the past epoxied the thing in place, which makes removal substantiall...
by Tim
Thu Feb 10, 2011 2:12 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: sail cloth weight and reefs
Replies: 3
Views: 978

Re: sail cloth weight and reefs

No: instead of just measuring the existing track itself when it's time to order, determine how long you need your Strong track to be to extend far enough, and use that measurement for your order (i.e. the length of your existing track plus whatever you need to extend the new track closer to the goos...
by Tim
Thu Feb 10, 2011 1:02 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: sail cloth weight and reefs
Replies: 3
Views: 978

Re: sail cloth weight and reefs

Would you make the crossing to the bahamas without the third reef on a 6.4 oz main? Yes, without a moment's thought. Buy the sail you need now. A "normal" sail will take you wherever you want to go now and in the future. Over-equipping for "maybe someday" is an affliction that o...
by Tim
Thu Feb 10, 2011 11:07 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Nav Light on Pulpit Question
Replies: 7
Views: 1260

Re: Nav Light on Pulpit Question

New pulpits usually have a little rubber grommet to (sort of) seal off and protect the hole through which the lighting wires pass. Unfortunately, I can't seem to find a photo that illustrates this right now, but I've never done anything to supplement this little grommet as it seems to work as well a...
by Tim
Wed Feb 09, 2011 1:07 pm
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: 2 part Primer Question
Replies: 6
Views: 1680

Re: 2 part Primer Question

All these paints dry quickly, and in the end the flash time (and therefore wet edge, drip/sag potential, etc) is controlled by how much reducer you add more than any other factor. I had poor experiences with Awl-Quik in 2000 (the last time I used it) and don't see any advantage to it over anything e...
by Tim
Wed Feb 09, 2011 12:14 pm
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: 2 part Primer Question
Replies: 6
Views: 1680

Re: 2 part Primer Question

High-build primer of any sort isn't necessarily a requirement. I feel most old boats benefit from this additional step, but it's not required beneath any of these paint systems. Any high-build primer will necessarily be thicker and more challenging to apply smoothly, so factor that in against the po...
by Tim
Wed Feb 09, 2011 7:29 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: What I'm doing with my boat, 2011, before Spring (hopefully)
Replies: 138
Views: 33876

Re: What I'm doing with my boat, 2011, before Spring (hopefully)

Well at $200 for the most basic Multimaster kit and $400 for the one intended for people fixing up boats, I'm still going to take a pass for now. I'm already spending plenty o' money on the boat right now, and I have plenty o' tools to do pretty much everything I'm doing on the boat - so far... I a...
by Tim
Tue Feb 08, 2011 5:56 pm
Forum: Sails, Rigging, and Systems
Topic: Loose Footed VS. Attached foot sail
Replies: 20
Views: 6885

Re: Loose Footed VS. Attached foot sail

I love mine and wouldn't have a new one built any other way, assuming I wanted ease of adjustability. I had my first new mainsail (2001) changed from a shelf foot to a loose foot after a couple seasons, and my newest main (2009) was built with a loose foot from the getgo. The ease of draft/fullness/...
by Tim
Tue Feb 08, 2011 5:49 pm
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Flaky peeling paint
Replies: 16
Views: 3066

Re: Flaky peeling paint

Jeremy wrote: I am continually amazed at ... the extent of your files!
She's the J. Edgar Hoover of plastic classics. :<)
by Tim
Wed Feb 02, 2011 7:11 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Cetol or Varnish?......
Replies: 53
Views: 7744

Re: Cetol or Varnish?......

Some of the posts have mentioned applying epoxy before varnish. I assume that's supposed to water proof the wood. Is that really needed? I would think several coats of varnish would do the job unless the wood is under water continuously. Not only is it not needed, but in my opinion it's a potential...
by Tim
Wed Feb 02, 2011 7:10 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Hard (top) Dodger Construction
Replies: 34
Views: 8184

Re: Hard (top) Dodger Construction

Simple decisions on boats are nothing if not complicated.
by Tim
Tue Feb 01, 2011 6:28 pm
Forum: Materials, Sources, and Innovations
Topic: need source for new teardrop running lights
Replies: 2
Views: 1186

Re: need source for new teardrop running lights

Marshall Cat sells a brass (not bronze) version of that Perko teardrop, like these:

Image
by Tim
Tue Feb 01, 2011 6:22 pm
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Hard (top) Dodger Construction
Replies: 34
Views: 8184

Re: Hard (top) Dodger Construction

Note that I'm a big proponent of dodgers in general--I love mine, and wouldn't go without. I never fold it down or take it off during the season. It has an opening front panel for ventilation, and removable wings as well, so it's versatile, but it's always there. I don't mind this. I think a good do...
by Tim
Tue Feb 01, 2011 11:49 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Hard (top) Dodger Construction
Replies: 34
Views: 8184

Re: Hard (top) Dodger Construction

The first question that comes to my mind about the "hard top" dodgers with soft fronts/sides is what do you gain over a well-built regular dodger? Aesthetics aside, the supposed advantage of a hard dodger is that it's sturdy, permanent, and, well, hard. Taking away these features to includ...
by Tim
Tue Feb 01, 2011 8:00 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Floating rebuild
Replies: 22
Views: 4437

Re: Floating rebuild

Like Rachel suggested, David, hopefully what you're taking away from the sections you quoted above is that original structures tend to contain inaccuracies that will pop up from time to time, even if the basic installations are fairly accurate. The layout issue you reference seems to be the result o...
by Tim
Tue Feb 01, 2011 7:28 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Cetol or Varnish?......
Replies: 53
Views: 7744

Re: Cetol or Varnish?......

One reason varnish works is that it's a softer, flexible coating--based on natural resins--that moves with the wood.

Two-part finishes are urethane-based, are harder, and tend to be less forgiving to the natural movement of wood.
by Tim
Mon Jan 31, 2011 7:22 am
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: Happy Birthday, Tim!
Replies: 12
Views: 2026

Re: Happy Birthday, Tim!

Thanks, everyone!
by Tim
Sun Jan 30, 2011 8:43 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: More headroom?
Replies: 5
Views: 953

Re: More headroom?

moose wrote: what do you think about raising the roof of the doghouse by 4" or so?
At the risk of being overly blunt: eeeeeew!
by Tim
Sat Jan 29, 2011 4:01 pm
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Bending wood.
Replies: 7
Views: 1979

Re: Bending wood.

(how in the heck do you get your name in the quote field...?) [quote="Idon84"]This is what it looks like to install a quote that contains the user's name.[/quote] The result of the above code is this: This is what it looks like to install a quote that contains the user's name. Or, simply ...
by Tim
Sat Jan 29, 2011 2:17 pm
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: Happy Birthday, Tim!
Replies: 12
Views: 2026

Re: Happy Birthday, Tim!

(Looks more like a Hunter, but I'll let it slide!)

Thanks!
by Tim
Sat Jan 29, 2011 8:30 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Restoring an older boat
Replies: 15
Views: 2626

Re: Restoring an older boat

I think your question is way too wide open to even begin to answer intelligently. Actually, the only person who can answer the question intelligently is you, but you need to ask yourself these (and more) questions first: 1. What do you like? 2. What do you hate? 3. What's important to you in a boat ...
by Tim
Thu Jan 27, 2011 5:36 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Cetol or Varnish?......
Replies: 53
Views: 7744

Re: Cetol or Varnish?......

Remember also that masts are about the easiest bright-finished structures to maintain. Most finishes last a long time on the vertical spar, which doesn't receive the harsh direct rays of sunlight the way many deck structures do. One cannot discount this fact when discussing longevity of finishes. Cl...
by Tim
Thu Jan 27, 2011 1:41 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Cetol or Varnish?......
Replies: 53
Views: 7744

Re: Cetol or Varnish?......

Yes, my coamings are installed with external screws/finish washers so I can easily remove them. No problems with the curves or flexing (actually the coamings retain most of their curve when removed anyway).
by Tim
Thu Jan 27, 2011 11:53 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Cetol or Varnish?......
Replies: 53
Views: 7744

Re: Cetol or Varnish?......

Cetol or varnish? That's not even a choice. ;<) I'm a hardcore varnish traditionalist. I have used Petit/Z-Spar captain's varnish--as traditional an amber spar varnish as there is--for many years now. I love it--it's easy to apply and holds up well. Here in the 4-month-season northeast US, two maint...