Search found 422 matches

by Chris Campbell
Mon Aug 08, 2011 6:28 pm
Forum: Forum Rules, Registration Information, and Posting Instructions
Topic: Site move
Replies: 20
Views: 7818

Re: Site move

Welcome, Kurt, and farewell, Tim. Although both of those statements aren't strictly applicable, since you've been here already, Kurt, and Tim won't completely disappear, I'm certain! It's great to know that what has become easily the best boat-lover's do-it-yourself hangout will not fade into oblivi...
by Chris Campbell
Mon Jul 11, 2011 11:09 am
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: Progress
Replies: 24
Views: 9178

Re: Progress

Your Flying Dutchmans are all things of beauty, Doug - thanks for continuing to share pictures of them on this forum. And good luck with getting the deck on - how much more work will there be after that? The boat will certainly appear quite complete to the untrained eye after that!
by Chris Campbell
Sun Jul 10, 2011 9:01 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Ericson 27 Project
Replies: 224
Views: 247091

Re: Ericson 27 Project

She really does look fantastic - essentially a brand new Ericson 27 - well done, and congratulations on your first sail, I can only imagine how rewarding that must have been. Your family will be glad to get you back from the boatyard, too!
by Chris Campbell
Fri Jul 08, 2011 8:34 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Rewiring Question; Negative to the Water?
Replies: 8
Views: 1688

Re: Rewiring Question; Negative to the Water?

Interesting - and good to know! I hadn't thought of that, and will remember it when it comes time to redo electrical. Thanks!
by Chris Campbell
Fri Jul 08, 2011 8:33 pm
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: Another outstanding bad boat name
Replies: 111
Views: 38922

Re: Another outstanding bad boat name

Image
by Chris Campbell
Fri Jul 08, 2011 11:28 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Rewiring Question; Negative to the Water?
Replies: 8
Views: 1688

Re: Rewiring Question; Negative to the Water?

Maine Sail wrote:With in-boards most of us don't have that luxury...
Don't those rubber donuts you can put in your driveline (flex coupling) isolate them electrically as well as reducing jarring when you shift from forward to reverse or vice-versa?
by Chris Campbell
Mon Jul 04, 2011 8:44 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Bilge Pump Wiring; 2 Positive Paths OK?
Replies: 10
Views: 1619

Re: Bilge Pump Wiring; 2 Positive Paths OK?

Isn't safety the very first thing the boat wants? Followed, in some order according to the boat, by beauty, style, comfort, and speed? I'm referring, of course, to Tim's tag line of "What the boat wants, the boat gets", which I think is a great way to look at boat ownership. There are alwa...
by Chris Campbell
Sun Jul 03, 2011 8:46 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Bilge Pump Wiring; 2 Positive Paths OK?
Replies: 10
Views: 1619

Re: Bilge Pump Wiring; 2 Positive Paths OK?

The Rule and Blue Seas bilge pump switches are really SPDT switches like the one below - momentary on one side - but combined with a fuse and sell for $30 to $40 - about 5 times the price of the one shown. Absolutely. And as long as it's wired so that it's switched on the positive on both sides, it...
by Chris Campbell
Sun Jul 03, 2011 7:55 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Bilge Pump Wiring; 2 Positive Paths OK?
Replies: 10
Views: 1619

Re: Bilge Pump Wiring; 2 Positive Paths OK?

All the bilge pump manufacturers make switches that work this way - middle is off, pushed one way is automatic, pushed the other way is manual. This way you don't need to wire two separate circuits. The other thing to consider when having two live paths to your pump is that the live one will make th...
by Chris Campbell
Sun Jul 03, 2011 2:32 pm
Forum: Boat Shops and Facilities
Topic: Time to build boat shed #2
Replies: 23
Views: 9398

Re: Time to build boat shed #2

Sorry to be slow to respond, I was out of town on business and kept pretty busy. I'm now back at home and the slab is finally poured, so it's time to get building! My current intentions are well documented on my own site, so I won't delve into them in detail here, but here's the high-level: Engineer...
by Chris Campbell
Wed Jun 15, 2011 9:50 pm
Forum: Boat Photos
Topic: Some More "Self Reflection" Photos
Replies: 9
Views: 3486

Re: Some More "Self Reflection" Photos

I, too, will be thrilled if I can get mine to turn out that well - congratulations, she really looks wonderful!
by Chris Campbell
Mon May 30, 2011 7:22 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Port Covers
Replies: 4
Views: 826

Re: Port Covers

When I first read your post all I could think was "why?" - but I'm guessing you use them to keep the sun (and therefore heat) out while the boat is on the mooring and you're not? Regardless - if the fasteners have to be only on the covers and not on the deadlight frames, the only thing I c...
by Chris Campbell
Thu May 19, 2011 7:53 pm
Forum: Boat Photos
Topic: A nice little dinghy
Replies: 26
Views: 5865

Re: A nice little dinghy

And I recommend Iain Oughtred's Auk, just to be difficult.
by Chris Campbell
Thu May 19, 2011 7:52 pm
Forum: Materials, Sources, and Innovations
Topic: solar panels
Replies: 2
Views: 2060

Re: solar panels

Try Craigslist or Kijiji (depending on where you are and which of the two is dominant) - I'm sure there are lots available. Solar panels are great, and durable - who makes it isn't all that important, since they're all quite good. Polymorphous panels have lower output per square inch, which is a dra...
by Chris Campbell
Thu May 19, 2011 7:49 pm
Forum: Classic Sailboats
Topic: 1966 Columbia 29 MK II
Replies: 19
Views: 6924

Re: 1966 Columbia 29 MK II

This won't fix your photoshop problem, but if you check out the thread linked to below, the last entry contains a link to instructions on using Irfanview (free tool readily available for download, Google it) to resize as many images as you'd like in short order. http://www.plasticclassicforum.com/vi...
by Chris Campbell
Wed May 18, 2011 6:21 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: correct battery set up
Replies: 4
Views: 1126

Re: correct battery set up

With a 50 watt panel you'll need a solar controller to avoid overcharging your battery - fortunately they're not very expensive - in fact when I bought my 20 watt panel they guy threw one in for free. With a 20W panel you might not actually need a controller with a 225 ah bank, but it doesn't hurt t...
by Chris Campbell
Thu May 12, 2011 2:52 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: shaft log source?
Replies: 1
Views: 648

Re: shaft log source?

I don't know much - but this thread seems to (and it would indicate the McMaster Carr fiberglass tubes is what you want: http://www.plasticclassicforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=5270&hilit=shaft+log I would think that trying to seal a hole with a dissimilar material would be asking a lot of th...
by Chris Campbell
Thu May 12, 2011 8:54 am
Forum: Boat Shops and Facilities
Topic: Time to build boat shed #2
Replies: 23
Views: 9398

Re: Time to build boat shed #2

I'm working through these details now, but here's what I know so far: Slabs don't necessarily need a frost wall. I don't know what makes one need it vs. not need it - when I was planning to attach a greenhouse to the house I needed one, for this shed I don't. If I ever determine why the difference I...
by Chris Campbell
Thu May 12, 2011 8:41 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: What I'm doing with my boat, 2011, before Spring (hopefully)
Replies: 138
Views: 33874

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

That surely is a fine looking Atomic IV! It really is great to get the motor out and redo it isn't it - afterward you really know what you've got, and will have no hesitation to dive in if you need to. I haven't done it with any boat motor (cars, years ago, but never a boat), and I think it needs to...
by Chris Campbell
Wed May 11, 2011 7:10 pm
Forum: Boat Shops and Facilities
Topic: Time to build boat shed #2
Replies: 23
Views: 9398

Re: Time to build boat shed #2

I'm going to stop predicting schedules for things, there is always something that gets in the way! To make a long story short, my plan to use sonotubes for the shed's foundations didn't work. I got down a foot with the rented auger and hit bedrock, eight times. No trouble holding up the weight (prac...
by Chris Campbell
Mon May 09, 2011 5:19 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Blistering
Replies: 3
Views: 784

Re: Blistering

She looks smashing!
by Chris Campbell
Mon May 09, 2011 8:43 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Ericson 27 Project
Replies: 224
Views: 247091

Re: Ericson 27 Project

bigd14 wrote:Hoping to launch in the next couple months!
Congratulations! You've worked long and hard on that boat, I really look forward to seeing her in the water, and hearing you tell us all how wonderfully she sails!
by Chris Campbell
Sun May 08, 2011 2:54 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Blistering
Replies: 3
Views: 784

Re: Blistering

Art Karpf has said that the early NE 38's had some trouble with porous gelcoat which resulted in some blistering, but that the later boats haven't had anything worth noticing, and that even the early boats were spot-repairable. Of course everyone has their own opinion about blisters, I've only got m...
by Chris Campbell
Sat May 07, 2011 3:59 pm
Forum: Projects
Topic: Rehab of the head vanity
Replies: 10
Views: 2058

Re: Rehab of the head vanity

That worked (copying the image location into a new browser tab) - thanks.

Great job!
by Chris Campbell
Sat Apr 30, 2011 6:20 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Brightwork temporary fix?
Replies: 4
Views: 955

Re: Brightwork temporary fix?

I don't think the teak needs protection for the trip, personally. It's not going to deteriorate any further in the next 60 days than it has - and it doesn't look very deteriorated to me anyway. Anything you do to try to preserve it will either add work at the other end, or move the work from the oth...
by Chris Campbell
Thu Apr 14, 2011 7:50 pm
Forum: Boat Shops and Facilities
Topic: Time to build boat shed #2
Replies: 23
Views: 9398

Re: Time to build boat shed #2

Engineering approval received - building permit in the works, should have it next week and break ground by the weekend, with any luck. I've altered another thing in my plans - the plastic roof is out and metal is in - plastic was going to cost nearly half of what metal will cost, and only last ~4-6 ...
by Chris Campbell
Thu Apr 14, 2011 3:43 pm
Forum: Materials, Sources, and Innovations
Topic: Peel-Away or other strippers.
Replies: 35
Views: 10403

Re: Peel-Away or other strippers.

As a suggestion to those who would get old bottom paint off but don't want the work or expense, a friend of mine had his bottom done (using carbide scrapers from Lee Valley - took 2 blades to do a Catalina 38) by a young fellow starting out in the boat work business. He charged 15 dollars an hour, a...
by Chris Campbell
Tue Apr 05, 2011 12:48 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: transducer
Replies: 8
Views: 1191

Re: transducer

Figment wrote:the name will come to me I'm sure, right after you buy one.
Airmar?
by Chris Campbell
Fri Apr 01, 2011 7:44 pm
Forum: Sails, Rigging, and Systems
Topic: Inner jib stay
Replies: 12
Views: 4059

Re: Inner jib stay

Here's Brian Toss on the subject, from 2009: http://www.briontoss.com/spartalk/showthread.php?p=4852
And some other opinions and ideas: http://forums.sailinganarchy.com/index. ... pic=112306
by Chris Campbell
Wed Mar 30, 2011 12:24 pm
Forum: Boat Shops and Facilities
Topic: Time to build boat shed #2
Replies: 23
Views: 9398

Re: Time to build boat shed #2

Update: It turns out that you do in fact need to get an engineer to approve the plans to get it permanently permitted - the "it's only a boat shed no need to worry about someone inside" mentality was only for a temporary permitted structure. Since I want to build this to last, and have no ...
by Chris Campbell
Tue Mar 29, 2011 5:27 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Mizzen running stay; staysail
Replies: 15
Views: 2703

Re: Mizzen running stay; staysail

I may be wrong, but the impression I'm under regarding the mizzen running back is that it's a single stay which is deployed on one side or the other to counteract the mizzen staysail, when it's deployed (and is also always on one side or the other, and removed to tack or gybe). I doubt that it would...
by Chris Campbell
Mon Mar 28, 2011 9:36 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Cutlass Bearing Lubrication
Replies: 8
Views: 1292

Re: Cutlass Bearing Lubrication

The two boats I've owned with inboards (and therefore cutless bearings) had a hole drilled from the outside of the keel into the shaft log, angled forward, to encourage water to enter the shaft log and cool the cutless bearing. I have no idea how effective they were/are - the holes are about the siz...
by Chris Campbell
Mon Mar 28, 2011 8:33 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Finishing touches
Replies: 18
Views: 3438

Re: Finishing touches

I'll post some as soon as I find out how to resize them to accomodate this website. - Bob T. I did a write up on how to use Irfanview to do batch resizing on another thread: http://www.plasticclassicforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=4644&p=40564&hilit=irfanview#p40564 - if you're interested.
by Chris Campbell
Mon Mar 28, 2011 8:29 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Ericson 27 Project
Replies: 224
Views: 247091

Re: Ericson 27 Project

Congrats!

Looks great, and I know how satisfying it is to turn it on and have it work after all that work. Enjoy!
by Chris Campbell
Fri Mar 25, 2011 11:41 am
Forum: Boat Shops and Facilities
Topic: Time to build boat shed #2
Replies: 23
Views: 9398

Re: Time to build boat shed #2

If your previous kneewalls were not stable enough, build better ones this time. It's a good point, and one that my research into the Clearspan shelters has let me to as well. Some of their buildings rely on a "pony wall" to give them sufficient height - I should be able to do the same thi...
by Chris Campbell
Thu Mar 24, 2011 4:35 pm
Forum: Boat Shops and Facilities
Topic: Time to build boat shed #2
Replies: 23
Views: 9398

Re: Time to build boat shed #2

Thanks, all! Great advice. I'm now looking into Clearspan buildings (the prefab stretched fabric shelters) to see if they have one that would suit better than another self-built one, and I'll report back. My current best thinking on a self-built one is still a bow shed, somewhere in the middle of th...
by Chris Campbell
Thu Mar 24, 2011 4:23 am
Forum: Boat Shops and Facilities
Topic: Time to build boat shed #2
Replies: 23
Views: 9398

Re: Time to build boat shed #2

Absolutely no harm done - thanks for bringing it up again. It's certainly got to be the best way to get covered cheaply - and you're right, using two with the advertising facing itself would work nicely. I'd still need to figure out how to get daylight in, but it shouldn't be any worse to waterproof...
by Chris Campbell
Wed Mar 23, 2011 8:02 pm
Forum: Boat Shops and Facilities
Topic: Time to build boat shed #2
Replies: 23
Views: 9398

Re: Time to build boat shed #2

Thanks for the thoughts, Dave, all good points. As it turns out I'll have to get a permit for the structure no matter what it's sheathed in, since anything over 200 sq. ft. requires a permit here regardless of how it's built. That said, boat sheds (the inspector tells me) don't follow the same code ...
by Chris Campbell
Wed Mar 23, 2011 5:13 pm
Forum: Boat Shops and Facilities
Topic: Time to build boat shed #2
Replies: 23
Views: 9398

Time to build boat shed #2

Hi all, This will seem like a deja vu to some, but I'm about to build a new boat shed. The last one worked well, but having moved and left it behind, it needs to be replaced, and the time is just about here to start. I am more or less expecting to replicate the last one (Stimson bow shed) with a few...
by Chris Campbell
Sun Mar 20, 2011 8:28 pm
Forum: Classic Sailboats
Topic: Bluenose II
Replies: 17
Views: 6105

Re: Bluenose II

Shoalcove wrote:they didn't chip all of it up. You can get small bits as souveniers (sp?) and I hope to snag one while I'm there.
Ah - I'm glad to hear that, and sorry I spoke too soon, and critically. I should have checked first!
by Chris Campbell
Thu Mar 17, 2011 4:26 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Filler for deep bilges
Replies: 16
Views: 3199

Re: Filler for deep bilges

One of the Lecomte Northeast 38's, Agave , was blown over a coral reef in the Bahamas a few years back, and had the hollow part of her keel dragged violently over the coral and badly scored. As the boats were laid up in two halves and tabbed together, the amount of glass along the centre joint is pr...
by Chris Campbell
Thu Mar 17, 2011 4:16 pm
Forum: Classic Sailboats
Topic: Bluenose II
Replies: 17
Views: 6105

Re: Bluenose II

I hadn't heard about it until relatively recently also, and I live less than an hour from where the "rebuild" is taking place! Admittedly I don't watch TV or read newspapers, and don't listen to a lot of radio, but you'd think something like that would make the rounds of the boating commun...
by Chris Campbell
Mon Mar 07, 2011 8:00 pm
Forum: Sails, Rigging, and Systems
Topic: A bollard, a bit or a cleat?
Replies: 15
Views: 5228

Re: A bollard, a bit or a cleat?

Another great way to attach mooring/anchor lines to your bow is to have cleats mounted right on the rail, obviating the need for chocks at all. Eliminates chafe from stretch between the cleat and the chock - but doesn't work as well for anchoring if you usually leave the line payed out over the anch...
by Chris Campbell
Wed Mar 02, 2011 5:07 pm
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Why do we use mat? And do you use it with epoxy?
Replies: 17
Views: 8013

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

Nice post! Great idea to intersperse it with eye candy - hopefully you've started a trend. I'll try to follow suit myself... The only part I can respond to is the binder in the mat part - all of the biax with mat that I've bought doesn't have a binder in it - i.e. it's been made specifically for use...
by Chris Campbell
Sat Feb 19, 2011 8:53 am
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: A new toy
Replies: 6
Views: 1666

Re: A new toy

Very nice! I've only played with upright players with human pedal power, never a grand with a remote air pump - very slick.

What are the five red dancing cards doing? It looks like they'd be letting off a little steam, but I don't understand the purpose. Very fun to watch, that's for sure!
by Chris Campbell
Mon Feb 14, 2011 4:55 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Fuel Tank Removal
Replies: 3
Views: 685

Re: Fuel Tank Removal

I have not cut a tank in a boat, but have heard of people welding gas tanks by running exhaust through them while they were welding. I have not witnessed this, and it was a long time ago that I heard it, so I'm sure I wouldn't take my word for it, but it could be something to look into. A LeComte No...
by Chris Campbell
Wed Feb 09, 2011 9:07 am
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: New rig for old Mototyacht?!
Replies: 2
Views: 939

Re: New rig for old Mototyacht?!

Very cool - congratulations!

It's great to see someone trying to make their motor yacht a little easier on the planet's dwindling resources, a little quieter, and a lot better looking!
by Chris Campbell
Tue Feb 08, 2011 9:59 pm
Forum: Projects
Topic: What I'm doing with my boat, 2011, before Spring (hopefully)
Replies: 138
Views: 33874

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

I was skeptical about the MultiMaster but bought one since I was recoring my cabin top. At first (before figuring out how/when to use it) I remained skeptical. Now I use it regularly, both on the boat and off, and feel it has paid for itself several times over. Clearly, I'll add my voice to those wh...
by Chris Campbell
Tue Feb 08, 2011 9:51 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Batteries-Flooded vs AGM and Gel
Replies: 4
Views: 861

Re: Batteries-Flooded vs AGM and Gel

Excellent and thorough post, MaineSail - thanks. I installed an 8D flooded (Rolls) in my last boat, and to combat the self-discharge I bought a $200 20W solar panel, which I would toss in a locker when I was sailing and put out on the lazarette when on the mooring. It would not only keep the battery...