Search found 421 matches

by atomvoyager
Sat May 02, 2020 11:31 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Hanging knees
Replies: 3
Views: 1693

Re: Hanging knees

I'm rebedding the chain plates an a Cheoy Lee 33 now and the knees, including the f-glass over the wood, is only about 1.125" wide. I usually make them 1 to 1.5 plus glass. 1.5 is probably overkill and doesn't matter in most cases either way. Depends on how well you glass them in and the streng...
by atomvoyager
Fri Apr 24, 2020 8:19 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Where to mount bow cleats
Replies: 3
Views: 1800

Re: Where to mount bow cleats

Two cleats close together might work best or just replace it with a single 10" cleat that has space for more than one line. The bronze pad eyes might be for lashing something down such as an anchor or sail bag.
by atomvoyager
Tue Apr 14, 2020 9:15 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Galley stove
Replies: 4
Views: 1752

Re: Galley stove

Jetboil is popular with backpackers and some weekend cruisers or small boat racers but it has some limitations if you are not just boiling water. If you are not cooking in a bag or doing a quick boil I heard it does not do low heat simmer well on things like rice or stews, but I haven't tried it and...
by atomvoyager
Fri Apr 10, 2020 9:40 am
Forum: Classic Sailboats
Topic: Aleutka Cutter
Replies: 1
Views: 1515

Re: Aleutka Cutter

Here's some background info on the Aleutka 25 for those who haven't heard of it. The fiberglass over wood construction I guess can also classify it as a type of Plastic Classic. I've long wanted to experiment with a boat like this on that size range that was built of glass and has twin keels of no m...
by atomvoyager
Thu Apr 09, 2020 9:16 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Nordica 20'
Replies: 32
Views: 7003

Re: Nordica 20'

I agree with Marvin here but I'm not clear about what you found and what you're doing. And not familiar with "beam decks". Maybe you mean side decks (the flat deck area outboard of the coach roof? You have wood rot and water intrusion somewhere. I don't know how the N20 is constructed but ...
by atomvoyager
Tue Mar 17, 2020 8:06 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Modified snatch block
Replies: 2
Views: 1914

Re: Modified snatch block

That came out very nice. I have a couple of snatch blocks that came off a larger boat. They have black plastic cheeks that softened like it's melting somehow and leave black gooey stains everywhere. I hadn't thought about rebuilding them so thanks for the info.
by atomvoyager
Sun Mar 01, 2020 9:51 am
Forum: Pearson Triton Specifics
Topic: New Triton owner #370
Replies: 15
Views: 3840

Re: New Triton owner #370

Many boat builders only tabbed one side of the bulkheads with glass and most of them have held up OK over the years. If you don't see any sign of the tabbing on the other side coming loose, you can ignore it or just add tabbing to strengthen it if it concerns you. I usually add it just in case somet...
by atomvoyager
Sun Mar 01, 2020 9:28 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Solar tracking mount
Replies: 19
Views: 5679

Re: Solar tracking mount

I doubt the solar output going to the house battery terminal will cause a problem for the isolator. You can use any fused switch or circuit breaker rated for the solar panel amperage.
by atomvoyager
Thu Feb 27, 2020 6:06 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Help Identifying Make and Model
Replies: 1
Views: 1503

Re: Help Identifying Make and Model

Maybe someone here can identify it for you. Meanwhile, do you have the title or registration and what does it say for length and make? It has a similar offset prop shaft as the C.W. Lapworth design Cal 30 built by Jensen Marine in the 1960's, not the later Cal 2-30. Check the offset rudder photo in ...
by atomvoyager
Mon Feb 24, 2020 10:56 am
Forum: Pearson Triton Specifics
Topic: New Triton owner #370
Replies: 15
Views: 3840

Re: New Triton owner #370

Austin, Welcome to the group and congratulations on finding a Triton that has had so many repairs and upgrades already done. If you and your friend have not already done the same work as is on your job list then I doubt you will finish on schedule. I've done all those jobs many times and even I woul...
by atomvoyager
Sun Feb 23, 2020 9:23 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Solar tracking mount
Replies: 19
Views: 5679

Re: Solar tracking mount

I usually cut off the MC4 connectors and use my own standard crimp spade connectors wrapped with rigging tape for waterproofing. The MC4 cost more or need to buy their special crimper and may have to splice into a longer wire anyway, are bulky and won't pass thru the holes in my solar-tracker mounts...
by atomvoyager
Fri Feb 21, 2020 11:13 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Solar tracking mount
Replies: 19
Views: 5679

Re: Solar tracking mount

I'm not expert in solar panel construction but as I understand it they say 36 is better because of higher voltage. Each cell has a theoretical output of .5v so 36 cells is 18v and 33 is 16.5. Because of inefficiency at high temps and other issues each cell might drop to .45 volt or so, bringing them...
by atomvoyager
Wed Feb 19, 2020 10:30 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Solar tracking mount
Replies: 19
Views: 5679

Re: Solar tracking mount

The Add-A-Battery switch looks like a good solution. Otherwise, if you're looking for the simplest, cheapest solution just leave the battery selector switch wired for two banks and take the positive wire from the solar controller output to the house battery positive terminal and regulate the chargin...
by atomvoyager
Tue Feb 18, 2020 6:57 pm
Forum: Projects
Topic: Solar tracking mount
Replies: 19
Views: 5679

Re: Solar tracking mount

Yes, the solar panels stay connected all the time regardless of engine alternator, wind genertor or anything else. The solar charge controller will automatically shut off the solar input when the battery voltage is high due to other charging source. You can see how I connect my solar panels at 25:00...
by atomvoyager
Mon Feb 17, 2020 11:33 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Solar tracking mount
Replies: 19
Views: 5679

Re: Solar tracking mount

You can monitor the battery state of charge with a Victron battery monitor or a somewhat less accurate way by looking at the voltage on the display of your solar charge controller. If you are are trying to keep the wiring simple then yes you should be able to avoid flat batteries running a single ba...
by atomvoyager
Tue Feb 11, 2020 9:58 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Chain Plate Knees and Chainplate Angles.
Replies: 2
Views: 1942

Re: Chain Plate Knees and Chainplate Angles.

Your combined knee thickness of 1.75" plus fiberglass is more than enough. I always glass the knee on all sides - to deck, hull and shelf. The angle of the lower shroud from vertical is about 12 degrees. You can calculate it yourself by drawing a scaled down triangle of dimensions of spreader h...
by atomvoyager
Thu Feb 06, 2020 9:28 am
Forum: Boat Shops and Facilities
Topic: Finally - a boat shed
Replies: 4
Views: 5611

Re: Finally - a boat shed

That looks like a practical and inexpensive solution compared to my more permanent but expensive, metal roofed RV car ports. Can you tell us some of the components such as tubing type and dimensions and which tarps you used. It looks fairly easy to disassemble to store or relocate when needed.
by atomvoyager
Wed Feb 05, 2020 10:16 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Alberg 30 Bilge Repair Help
Replies: 6
Views: 2276

Re: Alberg 30 Bilge Repair Help

I wouldn't necessarily change the design because of weight distribution alone although on the Triton Osprey we built the tank further aft because the owner wanted it and it does make sense if you don't mind giving up that convenient big locker aft the tank. Moving it further aft and/or making it sma...
by atomvoyager
Mon Feb 03, 2020 1:06 pm
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Alberg 30 Bilge Repair Help
Replies: 6
Views: 2276

Re: Alberg 30 Bilge Repair Help

If no water drains out the bottom of keel in that area and the wood surface inside is not rotting then I don't see why you need to tear it out. On another A30 in that area I just added more fiberglass and resin to seal it in and strengthen the bond. I never felt the A30 had particularly good build q...
by atomvoyager
Mon Feb 03, 2020 9:37 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Alberg 30 Bilge Repair Help
Replies: 6
Views: 2276

Re: Alberg 30 Bilge Repair Help

Only some of the cheaper lighter density foam boards will absorb any significant amount of water over time. You can either seal them better with fiberglass/resin as you would with plywood (but then you might as well use plywood) or use a higher quality foam like core-cell or divinycell or high densi...
by atomvoyager
Fri Jan 17, 2020 10:14 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Ideas for Alberg 30 mast step beam support!
Replies: 3
Views: 1657

Re: Ideas for Alberg 30 mast step beam support!

All those options you mentioned can work but since you already have a new solid mast beam, it is overkill. The removable beam support brackets I've seen were for boats with much wider spaced bulkhead beam supports or boats lacking a bulkhead in that area but yours are relatively narrow and strong. U...
by atomvoyager
Tue Jan 14, 2020 10:04 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Alberg 30 deck Stepped mast Beam
Replies: 4
Views: 1448

Re: Alberg 30 deck Stepped mast Beam

Welcome to the group. That beams looks like it will carry the load fine. You may want to add knees under it as in the photo of this A30 I worked on. I've used a vertical placed aluminum plate sandwiched between wood in a beam before on another boat, and while it needs only a single plate it required...
by atomvoyager
Sat Jan 04, 2020 10:32 am
Forum: Pearson Triton Specifics
Topic: Aries windvane
Replies: 5
Views: 2385

Re: Aries windvane

Here's a shot of the same Aries I took off Atom and added to my friend's Taipan 28, which I then sailed for him from Venezuela to Brazil via an Atlantic circle.
by atomvoyager
Sat Jan 04, 2020 10:19 am
Forum: Pearson Triton Specifics
Topic: Aries windvane
Replies: 5
Views: 2385

Re: Aries windvane

If you can afford a new or at least newer windvane with all the parts then I'd go that route. But sounds like you are DIY and on a tight budget so you should be able to get the old Aries working. If yours is the early 1980s version like the one I had on my Triton, it came with 4 sets of two clamp mo...
by atomvoyager
Thu Dec 19, 2019 6:33 pm
Forum: Pearson Triton Specifics
Topic: New owner with questions 1959 #16
Replies: 18
Views: 3485

Re: New owner with questions 1959 #16

To attach a photo, when you are in the box where you compose the message click the "attachments" tab below and select the photo. You don't need to worry about the slight decreased sailing performance from hanging the 6 hp outboard on the transom, at least in the short term. When checking t...
by atomvoyager
Wed Dec 18, 2019 11:46 am
Forum: Pearson Triton Specifics
Topic: New owner with questions 1959 #16
Replies: 18
Views: 3485

Re: New owner with questions 1959 #16

Welcome to the group and congratulations on your new boat. Once you get it rigged and launched and motor fixed you can visit here in Brunswick on your way south and I can help you sort out a few things. Rigging wire: Everyone will tell you that you can't safely bend 1x19 stainless wire around a thim...
by atomvoyager
Mon Nov 25, 2019 9:18 am
Forum: Boat Photos
Topic: Pearson Triton Hull #663 - My new boat pics
Replies: 20
Views: 7337

Re: Pearson Triton Hull #663 - My new boat pics

Thanks for posting the photos. That's a good idea to have the metal bracket to protect the throttle. I recall when I still had an inboard engine that my crew frequently knocked the throttle out of position when moving around the cockpit. Now maybe that gear shift could be upgraded but at least the m...
by atomvoyager
Sat Nov 23, 2019 6:25 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Top of a pearson rudder post...
Replies: 2
Views: 1359

Re: Top of a pearson rudder post...

Is the PW rudder shaft deck plate up on the afterdeck or down on the footwell? I don't know the shaft diameter but after you extend it you can try something like this exterior rudder port: https://www.deepblueyachtsupply.com/00rp113a-rudder-ports I'm faced soon with a similar problem of converting f...
by atomvoyager
Fri Nov 15, 2019 10:16 am
Forum: Classic Sailboats
Topic: Bristol 27 hull on eBay
Replies: 6
Views: 2646

Re: Bristol 27 hull on eBay

I haven't seen any other reference online to the steel ballast version so I assume it was only a few boats. Early models that were lead also had the bridgedeck under the companionway instead of the later sill so perhaps looking at a photo of that area in the listing will confirm it's the correct mod...
by atomvoyager
Thu Nov 14, 2019 9:54 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Wooden Rudder
Replies: 4
Views: 1810

Re: Wooden Rudder

I replaced my Triton rudder twice in 40 years of ownership. First time it was rotted wood and I replaced it as original with mahogany and white oak planks since I didn't know any better. After a couple years in the Caribbean it was riddled with toredo worm holes so I replaced it with marine ply cove...
by atomvoyager
Sat Nov 09, 2019 9:23 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Patching Delaminating Plywood
Replies: 7
Views: 2343

Re: Patching Delaminating Plywood

By now you've discovered how hard colloidal silica (West 406) is to sand particularly when applied that rough. I hit it first with an angle grinder with 36 grit pad or other sander/grinder tool rather than a slow random orbital sander to knock it flat then fill with an easy sanding filler like West ...
by atomvoyager
Fri Oct 25, 2019 8:53 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: 1965 Pearson 41
Replies: 2
Views: 1478

Re: 1965 Pearson 41

Maybe someone who knows this model will comment. Meanwhile, I don't know specifics about this model but boats of this type and era will commonly need a lot of work and money to get in cruising condition. Main areas to look closely at are condition of every component of the mast and rigging, steering...
by atomvoyager
Mon Oct 21, 2019 6:14 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Isolating the core
Replies: 4
Views: 1647

Re: Isolating the core

You'll have to determine how much gap you have between liner and the fiberglass deck or coach roof. Best not to have any air gap between liner and deck. If the gap is small then you can inject thickened epoxy up from below to fill it. If more than around 5/8" gap then consider to cut out the li...
by atomvoyager
Sat Oct 19, 2019 8:23 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Isolating the core
Replies: 4
Views: 1647

Re: Isolating the core

Since you are going to properly bed the fitting in bed-it butyl either way then in the long run sealing the hole in epoxy is best even if a crack developed. But that sounds like a theoretical problem that won't happen if done well. Far a 1/4" fastener I drill thru with 1/4 bit then drill thru t...
by atomvoyager
Sat Oct 19, 2019 8:13 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Patching Delaminating Plywood
Replies: 7
Views: 2343

Re: Patching Delaminating Plywood

I can't tell from the photo if that is the top skin delaminating from the plywood or formica on top of ply or something else but cutting into it will tell you what it is. If the other side of the bulkhead looks fine then maybe it's just that top skin coming off. You can use the oscillating tool or e...
by atomvoyager
Thu Oct 17, 2019 8:29 am
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: How/where is Plastic Classic hosted?
Replies: 3
Views: 2914

Re: How/where is Plastic Classic hosted?

I sent a PM to Kurt (CapnK) our webmaster so he should reply here. Or you can email him at sailorkurt (at) gmail.
by atomvoyager
Mon Sep 23, 2019 3:17 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Jacklines, tethers, and harnesses
Replies: 3
Views: 1522

Re: Jacklines, tethers, and harnesses

I guess you would call my harness lines tethers rather than jacklines. I don't usually wear a PFD since it would only prolong the inevitable. But I am always attached to the tether when on deck if the boat is moving at all. Since the 14' long tethers are attached amidships and can reach bow to stern...
by atomvoyager
Mon Sep 23, 2019 7:30 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Jacklines, tethers, and harnesses
Replies: 3
Views: 1522

Re: Jacklines, tethers, and harnesses

I don't think you'll find a perfect safety harness and attachment system. What might be best is two centerline jacklines that go from a center bow area attachment point, close along each side of the mast to some pad eyes in the cockpit. The jacklines would be inboard enough that a 3' tether should k...
by atomvoyager
Fri Sep 13, 2019 9:38 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Triton outboard well
Replies: 9
Views: 2616

Re: Triton outboard well

She looks great. Congratulations. I use a Harken MKIV UNit 0 on my Triton with a 7/32" headstay. They are sized according to headstay diameter. If you use 1/4" wire then you need the more expensive Unit 1. I also generally use the MKIV on the boats I refit and like the features, performanc...
by atomvoyager
Sun Sep 08, 2019 10:18 am
Forum: Sails, Rigging, and Systems
Topic: Considering hinged mast step upgrade
Replies: 1
Views: 2468

Re: Considering hinged mast step upgrade

I replaced two masts on Pearson Tritons, the latest one was with the Z351 from US Spars in FL. That would be the right size section for the A30 as well. A cheaper solution could be to cut off an inch of the mast bottom and raise the step with a block of wood or layers of G10 under it. I don't think ...
by atomvoyager
Sat Sep 07, 2019 9:34 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Thoughts on this technique by Andy Miller?
Replies: 4
Views: 1889

Re: Thoughts on this technique by Andy Miller?

You might be alright with heavy sanding then a coat of epoxy resin only. I don't think thickening it slightly will work since it either won't lay flat with a roller, or will add too thick of a brittle epoxy coating that is susceptible to cracking later. And it won't fill as well as putting on a thin...
by atomvoyager
Fri Sep 06, 2019 9:28 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Thoughts on this technique by Andy Miller?
Replies: 4
Views: 1889

Re: Thoughts on this technique by Andy Miller?

Looks like one good way of repairing the damaged gelcoat. I believe that particular boat has crazing mostly from weathering possibly coupled with a defect in the original gelcoat that made the UV and weather damage worse than normal for its age and not primarily caused by flexing. If it was flexing ...
by atomvoyager
Wed Aug 21, 2019 9:09 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Triton outboard well
Replies: 9
Views: 2616

Re: Triton outboard well

After removing the prop shaft and shaft tube I cut a wood plug to fit in the outside of the shaft hole and then add layers of plywood with thickened epoxy followed by one layer of fiberglass and fairing compound. I usually ignore the inside of the shaft hole since it is well sealed from outside but ...
by atomvoyager
Sun Aug 18, 2019 9:21 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Triton outboard well
Replies: 9
Views: 2616

Re: Triton outboard well

The three point end of boom sheeting tackle I use is from Garhauer.com: One DOUBLE BLOCK WITH SHACKLE 30-17 US (on the boom). One 30-19 US SINGLE STAND-UP SWIVEL BLOCK (on stbd side of deck. This one is not in their online catalog but you can phone them for it). One MS-SJ SWIVEL JAM WITH DECK MOUNT ...
by atomvoyager
Thu Aug 15, 2019 9:28 am
Forum: Materials, Sources, and Innovations
Topic: Broken piece in mast step
Replies: 4
Views: 3195

Re: Broken piece in mast step

Yes the wider piece supports the weight but also gives you a flange to use for the four bolts that secure it to the step. Those bolts can be through bolted where you have clearance underneath around the beam or you tap say 5/16" threads into the base. The trickiest part may be tapping the threa...
by atomvoyager
Wed Aug 14, 2019 10:10 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Outhaul for Alberg 30
Replies: 3
Views: 1475

Re: Outhaul for Alberg 30

Maybe the simplest method if you add a winch is to take a line from the clew to a single block on the top of the end of the boom and forward to the cam cleat and winch. Or if you want a little purchase so you don't need to use the winch in light air just lengthen your 3-1 to reach your winch. If for...
by atomvoyager
Wed Aug 14, 2019 9:49 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Alberg 30 v-berth liner removal
Replies: 7
Views: 2728

Re: Alberg 30 v-berth liner removal

I only add fiberglass for tabbing the edges or inside water tanks or otherwise if needed for strength. For wet areas I just seal with at least one coat of epoxy resin and two coats 2000E. If it is an area that won't get too wet such as the top of the bunk or cabinetry you can just use primer and pai...
by atomvoyager
Tue Aug 13, 2019 7:09 pm
Forum: Materials, Sources, and Innovations
Topic: Broken piece in mast step
Replies: 4
Views: 3195

Re: Broken piece in mast step

We can call that the mast base shoe or plug. I don't think you'll find any aluminum off-the-shelf replacement. Other than taking your parts and mast pattern to a metal fab shop to see what they can custom make, it's possible to build your own plug. Once you have the mast down I'd cut the bottom 3/4&...
by atomvoyager
Tue Aug 13, 2019 10:04 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Outhaul for Alberg 30
Replies: 3
Views: 1475

Re: Outhaul for Alberg 30

If I had a loose-footed main I might be tempted to adjust the outhaul but being a lazy sailor I never adjust mine so maybe someone else here can answer your question better. The A30 likes to be reefed relatively early and when reefed the outhaul is out of service. It also seems ineffective to adjust...
by atomvoyager
Sun Jul 28, 2019 9:01 am
Forum: Pearson Triton Specifics
Topic: Rudder Shoe
Replies: 49
Views: 11065

Re: Rudder Shoe

At least strong welds can be made in stainless.