Search found 421 matches

by atomvoyager
Thu Feb 08, 2024 1:18 pm
Forum: Materials, Sources, and Innovations
Topic: Epoxy and fiberglass supplier recommendation
Replies: 0
Views: 209

Epoxy and fiberglass supplier recommendation

People often ask me to recommend a epoxy/fiberglass supplier. After years of using various epoxy brands I find the best combination of quality and price is 635 THIN EPOXY SYSTEM from uscomposites.com. Their website is difficult to order from so best to phone in your order. I mostly use the 635 THIN ...
by atomvoyager
Sun Jan 28, 2024 9:44 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Refit and Modifications to a Cape Dory 36
Replies: 19
Views: 2107

Re: Refit and Modifications to a Cape Dory 36

The owner may check in later but today he is departing for Bahamas for a couple months. He used the Monitor many times on local trips including a couple overnight passages and it is working fine as expected.
by atomvoyager
Sun Jan 14, 2024 10:16 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Introducing Katie-J
Replies: 369
Views: 175494

Re: Introducing Katie-J

Thanks for those details. The innovative work you're doing gives me some ideas to try out.
by atomvoyager
Sat Jan 13, 2024 10:18 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Introducing Katie-J
Replies: 369
Views: 175494

Re: Introducing Katie-J

It will be interesting to hear how the cork works out for you under paint. I have a roll of leftover 6mm thick cork here I'd like to use on some future project. What type primer and paint do you use in lockers? I may have mentioned before that I like to use white Interprotect 2000e or equivalent epo...
by atomvoyager
Tue Jan 09, 2024 10:15 am
Forum: Sails, Rigging, and Systems
Topic: Adding a Removable Forestay
Replies: 10
Views: 1962

Re: Adding a Removable Forestay

Thanks for sharing that detailed installation guide. Good to see you added a thru-bolt to the hound so you'll never have to worry about it. I found that I needed to use a non-swivel snap shackle otherwise when tensioning and releasing it you need three hands because the wire and shackle tries to rot...
by atomvoyager
Tue Jan 02, 2024 9:59 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Introducing Katie-J
Replies: 369
Views: 175494

Re: Introducing Katie-J

Most people find 4" medium firmness cushions sufficient for sleeping on. My boat has 3" due to cabinet doors restrictions and when I developed some back problems in recent years I unrolled a memory foam cushion on top for more comfort just when sleeping. It seems my 3" foam was a bit ...
by atomvoyager
Tue Dec 26, 2023 10:30 am
Forum: Classifieds
Topic: Triton Hull #533 - Free! Located in Oregon
Replies: 3
Views: 889

Re: Triton Hull #533 - Free! Located in Oregon

We normally don't delete the whole thread. Just saying boat is sold is enough.
by atomvoyager
Mon Dec 18, 2023 9:58 am
Forum: Classifieds
Topic: Triton Hull #533 - Free! Located in Oregon
Replies: 3
Views: 889

Re: Triton Hull #533 - Free! Located in Oregon

That looks like a good deal for someone. If you weren't on the opposite side of the country I know of a couple people here that would take the boat and trailer. I'll pass this on to anyone I might think of looking for a boat and trailer in the northwest. You should post your advert on sites that get...
by atomvoyager
Thu Dec 07, 2023 10:11 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Refit and Modifications to a Cape Dory 36
Replies: 19
Views: 2107

Re: Refit and Modifications to a Cape Dory 36

Mark asked me to post this update since he has had trouble posting here recently: Continuing the refit update, other completed projects not mentioned so far include a redo of all non-skid with grey KiwiGrip; re-bedding of the original Spartan bronze port lights with butyl; and installation of new Dy...
by atomvoyager
Sun Dec 03, 2023 9:42 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Introducing Katie-J
Replies: 369
Views: 175494

Re: Introducing Katie-J

Fascinating to watch this boat come together with some novel ideas. I've only used 6mm cork once a long time ago and don't recall which adhesive we used. I suppose if you get to some curved areas that are difficult to support using the thinner cork, instead of epoxy you could use contact cement or m...
by atomvoyager
Thu Nov 30, 2023 10:00 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Trailer Jack Stand Design
Replies: 23
Views: 2962

Re: Trailer Jack Stand Design

Thanks for the update and good to hear all is going well. Looking forward to see your refit progress.
by atomvoyager
Sun Nov 26, 2023 11:06 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Solar Charging dual 12 volt and 48 volt lithium batteries
Replies: 3
Views: 616

Re: Solar Charging dual 12 volt and 48 volt lithium batteries

Thanks for raising this switch issue. When you say you want to use the switch between shore power and inverter are you looking for a switch to transfer your AC receptacles between shore power and inverter? On a small boat I sometimes put a male extension cord plug on the input side of the receptacle...
by atomvoyager
Sat Nov 25, 2023 9:50 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Solar Charging dual 12 volt and 48 volt lithium batteries
Replies: 3
Views: 616

Solar Charging dual 12 volt and 48 volt lithium batteries

Here is a diagram of the way I set up the solar charging system on a Cape Dory 36 with a 48 volt battery for electric propulsion and 12 volt house bank. The columns numbered 1-8 refer to the corresponding labeled terminals on the transfer switches. For more info refer to this video: https://www.yout...
by atomvoyager
Fri Nov 17, 2023 9:06 am
Forum: Pearson Triton Specifics
Topic: Triton Trailering
Replies: 20
Views: 4218

Re: Triton Trailering

Thanks for the update and info on scaffolding bases and truck rental. I hope your neighbor likes boats.
by atomvoyager
Wed Nov 15, 2023 9:57 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Forestay diameter criticality
Replies: 3
Views: 368

Re: Forestay diameter criticality

If you already have the Harken long link plates the simple solution is to move it to the aft hole. The stemhead fitting is strong enough for that. It will slightly raise the clew and sheeting angle but that should be minimal. Or you could grind down the width of the stemhead and grind inside the Har...
by atomvoyager
Tue Nov 14, 2023 9:58 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Forestay diameter criticality
Replies: 3
Views: 368

Re: Forestay diameter criticality

7/32" wire and Unit 0 is the most appropriate size and is what I've used on a CD27 and my own 28' Pearson Triton. I would swap the 1/4" wire instead of buying a bigger furler that is heavier and more bulky. But I've only installed the MKIV, not the cheaper Ocean series so I haven't confirm...
by atomvoyager
Sun Oct 29, 2023 8:59 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Refit and Modifications to a Cape Dory 36
Replies: 19
Views: 2107

Re: Refit and Modifications to a Cape Dory 36

Thanks for the ideas. I also would prefer a solar solution with cleaner lines, but as mentioned, we needed the hoisting point for the motors and the handhold in rough seas is a bonus. Also, this is the best location, high and aft, to minimize shading and not obstruct the cockpit at all. We considere...
by atomvoyager
Sat Oct 28, 2023 8:51 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Refit and Modifications to a Cape Dory 36
Replies: 19
Views: 2107

Re: Refit and Modifications to a Cape Dory 36

That may be so but what is the alternative on this boat when you require a large solar array due to electric propulsion and house load needs? The arch also turned out to be a good hand hold at sea, sun awning attachment point, and for hoisting motors in and out. To me in this case, form must follow ...
by atomvoyager
Tue Oct 24, 2023 11:18 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Adding solar to a Cape Dory 27
Replies: 2
Views: 331

Re: Adding solar to a Cape Dory 27

Welcome to the group. Maybe someone here can chime in with their experience on this. Meanwhile, I'd say you might be able to fit one 200w panel on a solar arch and save the other one for future use. Running the fridge 24/7 might be too much for only a 200ah battery bank when you have long spells of ...
by atomvoyager
Sat Oct 14, 2023 8:04 am
Forum: Pearson Triton Specifics
Topic: Triton Trailering
Replies: 20
Views: 4218

Re: Triton Trailering

Four ratchet straps at least 15' long would work. I mostly use these heavy duty 2" straps. They are too long but you can cut off the excess if you want or you might get by using two full length. https://www.harborfreight.com/automotive/cargo-tie-downs/straps-nets-tie-downs/3300-lb-capacity-2-in...
by atomvoyager
Wed Oct 04, 2023 8:23 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: 1978 Albin Ballad mast foot repair
Replies: 6
Views: 1617

Re: 1978 Albin Ballad mast foot repair

It may have been repaired already or maybe it never required repair. If the inspection found no sign of a problem then should be safe to assume it is alright.
by atomvoyager
Wed Sep 27, 2023 8:44 am
Forum: Pearson Triton Specifics
Topic: Hull Identification Number ???
Replies: 2
Views: 470

Re: Hull Identification Number ???

It doesn't have one because it was built before that scheme was adopted. You can check on the Triton Facebook group to see what others are doing or just tell the local registration office it is an older boat that doesn't have anything beyond the hull number and whatever numbers were on the registrat...
by atomvoyager
Tue Sep 26, 2023 9:31 am
Forum: Pearson Triton Specifics
Topic: Triton Trailering
Replies: 20
Views: 4218

Re: Triton Trailering

I hope later you will share with us any updates and info on your Triton projects.
by atomvoyager
Tue Sep 26, 2023 8:25 am
Forum: Pearson Triton Specifics
Topic: Triton Trailering
Replies: 20
Views: 4218

Re: Triton Trailering

The outside of frame not including fenders is 74.75" so just over 6'. I think they are all built to similar max width.
by atomvoyager
Mon Sep 25, 2023 8:48 am
Forum: Pearson Triton Specifics
Topic: Triton Trailering
Replies: 20
Views: 4218

Re: Triton Trailering

Here are two sketches of my trailer that I use for Tritons, Alberg 30s, cape Dory 27 and various other boats. The first sketch is for the Alberg 30. The Triton is similar although the screw pads will meet the hull a couple inches lower. You'll need to set some lumber under the keel in two spots so t...
by atomvoyager
Sun Sep 24, 2023 10:58 am
Forum: Pearson Triton Specifics
Topic: Composting Toilet for a Triton
Replies: 2
Views: 485

Re: Composting Toilet for a Triton

My Triton's head compartment bulkheads are 1.5" farther apart than this CD27 so you should make the hinged box lid opening wider than on the sketches below for better access. If you want higher resolution sketches you can email me. Notes: 1. The reason for the recessed footrests is because the ...
by atomvoyager
Wed Sep 20, 2023 9:28 am
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: Our Winter Worklists
Replies: 87
Views: 38489

Re: Our Winter Worklists

Welcome back. Not much of the old group is still around here. At least your job list is different now than it was at the beginning of the thread so that's progress, but looks like it's not for a Triton anymore.
by atomvoyager
Sun Sep 17, 2023 8:47 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: 1978 Albin Ballad mast foot repair
Replies: 6
Views: 1617

Re: 1978 Albin Ballad mast foot repair

You may not find a surveyor recommendation here so I would ask for one at the local boatyards and yacht brokers. The surveyor probably is not familiar with the Ballad and its mast truss so I would send him the info at the link below or any other info you have and ask him if he will be able to check ...
by atomvoyager
Fri Sep 15, 2023 9:08 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: 1978 Albin Ballad mast foot repair
Replies: 6
Views: 1617

Re: 1978 Albin Ballad mast foot repair

First I would check if it had the galvanized mast step in good condition using an endoscope as I showed in the video linked below at 9:00. If you had to repair it then there is info somewhere online (I don't recall exactly where, maybe an owners forum) if you want to tackle it yourself or use that i...
by atomvoyager
Sun Sep 10, 2023 7:40 am
Forum: Classic Sailboats
Topic: Looking for Rhodes Swiftsure 33 Owners
Replies: 4
Views: 1258

Re: Looking for Rhodes Swiftsure 33 Owners

If you can't find any reports of ballast or keel separation then I would assume it is not an issue on your boat. If it were, or you just wanted to make sure as well as seal the joint you could add a layer or two of fiberglass to the hull coming up at least a foot above the joint but that's a big job.
by atomvoyager
Thu Sep 07, 2023 8:15 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Deck Painting
Replies: 7
Views: 756

Re: Deck Painting

Yes Alexseal is a two component paint. You need to buy the converter and read the application instructions Here: https://www.alexseal.com/fileadmin/user_upload/Alexseal/Downloads/ALXS_app_guide_1_2_1_WEB.pdf I use a 1/4" nap Redtree mohair roller. You can experiment with that and a foam roller ...
by atomvoyager
Sun Sep 03, 2023 9:39 am
Forum: Classic Sailboats
Topic: Looking for Rhodes Swiftsure 33 Owners
Replies: 4
Views: 1258

Re: Looking for Rhodes Swiftsure 33 Owners

Looks like the other Swiftsure 33 owners here have disappeared. I don't know the boat other than what I've seen online but I'll comment on the outboard well and some of your questions that are universal to boats of this size and type. An outboard well may work on this boat but is still unconfirmed. ...
by atomvoyager
Tue Aug 22, 2023 9:19 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Bar Rust 233 curing question
Replies: 27
Views: 2624

Re: Bar Rust 233 curing question

Thanks for the update. Since 50 gals of water is so heavy up forward on that size boat you probably don't want to fill it to the top except in a situation where you can't easily refill for a long time and need the reserve or when living aboard at anchor long term and not sailing much. Meanwhile, it'...
by atomvoyager
Wed Jul 19, 2023 8:16 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Introducing Katie-J
Replies: 369
Views: 175494

Re: Introducing Katie-J

I haven't been following this rudder build too closely and it's a type I don't have much experience with other than using using and doing maintenance on various spade rudders on small boats. For your size boat the revised tiller arm and Jeffa Tillerhead assembly look more than adequate for your boat...
by atomvoyager
Sun Jul 09, 2023 7:27 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Introducing Katie-J
Replies: 369
Views: 175494

Re: Introducing Katie-J

Sorry to hear about the loss. I also don't see why it needed to be bent at the entry point. Rudders come in all sorts of shapes and there's nothing about yours that necessarily has to be duplicated as long as you have adequate total surface area, the right percent overhang forward of the pivot point...
by atomvoyager
Wed Jul 05, 2023 7:12 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: 1964 Alberg 30 Tradewinds
Replies: 9
Views: 1030

Re: 1964 Alberg 30 Tradewinds

When I said "should be OK" I should have said assuming you used enough fiberglass applied properly then it will be OK. Stringers in the hull would be optional for areas outside the tank if you felt you needed any. I generally use the equivalent of two layers of 8-10oz cloth on all surfaces...
by atomvoyager
Tue Jul 04, 2023 8:17 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: 1964 Alberg 30 Tradewinds
Replies: 9
Views: 1030

Re: 1964 Alberg 30 Tradewinds

The factory installed blobs of filler you encounter on old boats are generally made with talc powder or something similar mixed into polyester resin to form a super hard and brittle gap filler like what we do with West System 406 silica with epoxy resin. It can be grinded out but is slow going with ...
by atomvoyager
Tue Jun 27, 2023 8:52 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: 1964 Alberg 30 Tradewinds
Replies: 9
Views: 1030

Re: 1964 Alberg 30 Tradewinds

Welcome to the group and congratulations on your new boat. Looking forward to hear more of your project once you get started.
by atomvoyager
Thu Jun 22, 2023 7:35 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: South Coast 21
Replies: 73
Views: 9669

Re: South Coast 21

Thanks for documenting all this. It takes time to work all the bugs out. Depending on your location you may find at least sometimes that it's more convenient to launch at a marina that has an inexpensive small boat lift, the kind mostly used by day fishermen on boats that are inconvenient to launch....
by atomvoyager
Wed Jun 14, 2023 8:07 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: CD27 squishy cockpit sole
Replies: 5
Views: 696

Re: CD27 squishy cockpit sole

The rudder is help up by the shoe on the keel so no problem there. Working around the rudder shaft tube is as it appears in the video and I can't think of anything to add there. For others following the thread, the footwell recore is shown beginning at 10:45 in this video: https://www.youtube.com/wa...
by atomvoyager
Tue Jun 13, 2023 7:36 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: CD27 squishy cockpit sole
Replies: 5
Views: 696

Re: CD27 squishy cockpit sole

You can do it in two sections and don't need the plywood underneath for stiffness. I used it mainly because I had access and wanted to hold the shape of the bottom skin flat once the top layer and core were removed to make it easier to have a flat result. 1/2" divinycell should be adequate for ...
by atomvoyager
Thu Jun 01, 2023 7:06 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: South Coast 21
Replies: 73
Views: 9669

Re: South Coast 21

Thanks for sharing that. Interesting idea to have that swing out instrument panel to handle multiple devices.
by atomvoyager
Mon May 22, 2023 4:40 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Trailer Jack Stand Design
Replies: 23
Views: 2962

Re: Trailer Jack Stand Design

On my trailer the top holes in the outer tube are 3" below the top. On the aft tube the inner tube has the hole 29" below the top. I'm not sure of the dimension for the shorter center and forward tubes but it's less. The holes near the bottom of the of the outer tubes allow you to put the ...
by atomvoyager
Sun Apr 16, 2023 6:45 pm
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Gutted Hull to Offshore Boat: What It Takes
Replies: 3
Views: 662

Re: Gutted Hull to Offshore Boat: What It Takes

Thanks for sharing this video. John's Cape Dory 36 rebuild was beautifully done with many practical added features. John, I noticed that your tiller is 5' long and looks like it comes up to the forward end of the footwell. We are going to build a tiller for Mark's CD36 here and planned on making it ...
by atomvoyager
Fri Apr 14, 2023 7:50 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: What kind of fiberglass. Strand may or cloth?
Replies: 1
Views: 423

Re: What kind of fiberglass. Strand may or cloth?

While certain mat binders may not be optimal I have never had a problem using mat with epoxy resin. But I do normally use a 10 oz cloth or heavier 1208 for most jobs instead. As long as you grind a bevel in the outside and then put several layers on the inside (no bevel needed there), the mat wont b...
by atomvoyager
Mon Apr 03, 2023 8:57 am
Forum: Materials, Sources, and Innovations
Topic: Pacer-New Fav. Marine Wiring Supplier - Manufacturer Located in Sarasota FL
Replies: 1
Views: 1092

Re: Pacer-New Fav. Marine Wiring Supplier - Manufacturer Located in Sarasota FL

Thanks for sharing that. Pacer is a good choice and I like that it has PVC jacket instead of the Ancor wire vinyl which is prone to dark stains from some type of mildew that grows on it in some situations. I generally use Ancor because my wholesale price is about 30% less than from Pacer although I ...
by atomvoyager
Sun Apr 02, 2023 7:36 am
Forum: Pearson Triton Specifics
Topic: Collecting Triton info
Replies: 35
Views: 5625

Re: Collecting Triton info

Thanks for checking in with your Triton project. Along the way, let us know if you have questions or just to share your progress.
James
by atomvoyager
Wed Mar 29, 2023 8:29 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Bathroom Remodel...
Replies: 3
Views: 567

Re: Bathroom Remodel...

The shower sump pump is normally installed in a box that has several inlets and one outlet but I guess it doesn't have to be that way. But if you have a bilge pump taking the shower drain into a T to the seacock, the deck washdown pump might suck air through the shower pump rather than the seacock u...
by atomvoyager
Mon Mar 27, 2023 8:40 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Bathroom Remodel...
Replies: 3
Views: 567

Re: Bathroom Remodel...

You could glue it in but you need a way to secure it in position while the adhesive dries and in general it's better to have it fastened and removable, if possible. Doesn't matter how hard the wood it since you would drill the screw holes large enough to pass thru the Ipe and then have pilot holes o...
by atomvoyager
Sat Mar 25, 2023 7:40 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Toe Rail Varnish & Protection
Replies: 1
Views: 505

Re: Toe Rail Varnish & Protection

Unless the wood is already smooth I usually hit it first with 120 then 220. I use black polysulfide Lifecaulk to seal the edges and only after all varnish and paint is finished. I've found 5200 and other white adhesive/sealants don't hold up well to UV. You don't need teak cleaner if you are strippi...