Search found 5708 matches

by Tim
Thu Jan 27, 2011 8:00 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: What I'm doing with my boat, 2011, before Spring (hopefully)
Replies: 138
Views: 33885

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

I like diesels, but Volvos don't excite me. And a 10- or 20-year old one isn't going to do much for your resale value anyway. I'm wary of any engine that's spent most of its life sitting--that's often the hardest duty on equipment. Repowering with diesel can be a good thing, but I think it's only wo...
by Tim
Wed Jan 26, 2011 7:48 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Sadler 25 Refit for Ocean Cruising
Replies: 48
Views: 17447

Re: Sadler 25 Refit for Ocean Cruising

There's something amusing about seeing a boat with all sails set...in a sea of mud.
Rich P wrote:Image
by Tim
Fri Jan 21, 2011 12:55 pm
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: tank embedded in foam, need removal
Replies: 5
Views: 1150

Re: tank embedded in foam, need removal

You should be able to cut/dig that foam easily with just about anything; just hack away and dig the stuff out. It'll take a pair of seconds. I took out a partially-foamed tank a few months ago, and didn't have to do anything to the foam to release the tank. You'll only need to do so much before you ...
by Tim
Fri Jan 14, 2011 1:03 pm
Forum: Projects
Topic: What I'm doing with my boat, 2011, before Spring (hopefully)
Replies: 138
Views: 33885

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

Advice: just pull out all the old wiring and related and start fresh. It'll be much easier (and take less time) than attempting to sort out the old mess, and you'll end up with a far better system in the end--and one that works and is reliable and safe.
by Tim
Fri Jan 14, 2011 7:12 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: What I'm doing with my boat, 2011, before Spring (hopefully)
Replies: 138
Views: 33885

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

ILikeRust wrote:I'm thinking I'll also clean up and paint that battery selector switch something less garish.
Even better, how about flush-mounting it from behind? Do you have clearance?
by Tim
Thu Jan 13, 2011 3:41 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Thoughts on Heating and Water System
Replies: 14
Views: 1716

Re: Thoughts on Heating and Water System

Note that diesel-fueled bulkhead heaters require 48" minimum chimney length (for proper combustion and draft) that is challenging to properly effect in 25' boats, unless you have a tall external chimney/Charley Noble to bring the stack to the correct height. Usually this is not desirable, thoug...
by Tim
Wed Jan 12, 2011 2:16 pm
Forum: Projects
Topic: Sadler 25 Refit for Ocean Cruising
Replies: 48
Views: 17447

Re: Sadler 25 Refit for Ocean Cruising

Is it possible that routine American stuff sounds similarly exotic to the English and others?
by Tim
Fri Jan 07, 2011 7:43 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Bilge pump size
Replies: 8
Views: 996

Re: Bilge pump size

Remember that if you need shore power to ensure your bilge pump doesn't run down the batteries, then way too much water is coming into the boat from somewhere. Find out where, and stop it. In my shallow-bilge Triton EC #381, I have a 1500 GPH Rule centrifugal pump with "super" float switch...
by Tim
Thu Jan 06, 2011 11:48 am
Forum: Classic Sailboats
Topic: Alternatives to the Pearson Ensign?
Replies: 61
Views: 27715

Re: Alternatives to the Pearson Ensign?

charlesadan wrote:... a wet ride in Maine means a cold, uncomfortable ride, with angry crew-mates..
And by "cold, uncomfortable ride" you surely mean the trip home in the car in addition to whatever happened on the boat, right? ;<)
by Tim
Thu Jan 06, 2011 7:33 am
Forum: Classic Sailboats
Topic: Alternatives to the Pearson Ensign?
Replies: 61
Views: 27715

Re: Alternatives to the Pearson Ensign?

You've gotten a lot of great alternatives to look at, all of which you should pursue according to which ones push your buttons. Several are similar in concept to the Ensign, some quite different. Only you know which ones fit your ideas of what you want in this boat. Unfortunately you are likely to f...
by Tim
Sat Jan 01, 2011 8:41 am
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: First Post 2011
Replies: 2
Views: 671

Re: First Post 2011

Yes, but why did you wait 2 hours and 50 minutes into the new year to make it? ;<)
by Tim
Sat Jan 01, 2011 8:39 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Aluminum fuel tank + salt water spray
Replies: 3
Views: 532

Re: Aluminum fuel tank + salt water spray

The first thing I'd do is replace that old cracked hose seen in the foreground... ;<) Sometimes aluminum tanks are coated with epoxy at the time of construction, but this isn't a requirement, nor is it necessarily even the norm. However, I know of at least a couple tank builders who apply epoxy as a...
by Tim
Sun Dec 19, 2010 10:16 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Trident Flex Marine Hose OD
Replies: 2
Views: 537

Re: Trident Flex Marine Hose OD

About 1-7/8" OD.
by Tim
Sun Dec 19, 2010 10:12 am
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: Another outstanding bad boat name
Replies: 111
Views: 38958

Re: Another outstanding bad boat name

A self-fulfilling prophecy...
by Tim
Wed Dec 15, 2010 5:40 pm
Forum: Pearson Triton Specifics
Topic: Triton 234....I think
Replies: 5
Views: 2180

Re: Triton 234....I think

You'll find there's very little room in there once you start thinking about the thickness of insulation and so forth. 2-4" of insulation all the way 'round eats up huge amounts of space, so you might find you'd no room for a usable icebox in the space available. If you can make something work t...
by Tim
Wed Dec 15, 2010 7:11 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Anchor Windlass; Triton Class
Replies: 10
Views: 1206

Re: Anchor Windlass; Triton Class

Unfortunately, any mention of any specific brand of anchor always seems to bring up undesirable and unwanted controversy. Since this thread is specifically about individual choices regarding whether or not to use a windlass on a roughly 28' boat, and specifically not about anchor choices, I've remov...
by Tim
Tue Dec 14, 2010 5:59 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Anchor Windlass; Triton Class
Replies: 10
Views: 1206

Re: Anchor Windlass; Triton Class

Do those of you with Tritons or similar have windlasses? I don't have a windlass on my Triton. Are you happy with that choice? Yes because I don't have a windlass, with its associated weight, clutter, cost, maintenance headaches, and complexity (assuming electric). No because if I anchor in water o...
by Tim
Tue Dec 14, 2010 9:20 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Floating rebuild question #2
Replies: 9
Views: 1474

Re: Floating rebuild question #2

But lets say you bought a boat half way across the country (easy for someone in Kansas to do) and planned to fly out and sail back (to Galveston not Kansas). You have to check your tote of tools (I guess you could UPS them), can't carry anything the TSA people will object to and be reasonably prepa...
by Tim
Mon Dec 13, 2010 5:41 pm
Forum: Sailing and Cruising
Topic: Cruising the coast of Maine this summer
Replies: 5
Views: 2724

Re: Cruising the coast of Maine this summer

You can't beat the cruising guide you have. There is no better reference for Maine. I'm sure the version you have is still plenty accurate, unless you really care about the most minute of changes that happen over time (i.e. the cost of rental moorings hither and thither or whatever), so there's no n...
by Tim
Wed Dec 08, 2010 4:15 pm
Forum: Projects
Topic: Chicane... A Full Rebuild! (Warning Image Intensive)
Replies: 33
Views: 6476

Re: Chicane... A Full Rebuild! (Warning Image Intensive)

Parents can be good that way.
by Tim
Wed Dec 08, 2010 1:43 pm
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Plastic knot meter thru hulls
Replies: 7
Views: 1582

Re: Plastic knot meter thru hulls

I think it really goes without saying that any boat, with any installations, should have some basic plan in place for dealing with the unknown and the potential some dire emergency someday. This plan might be the ubiquituous wooden plug, or even just stuffing a hole with whatever one can find on boa...
by Tim
Wed Dec 08, 2010 7:37 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Prop shaft alignment Question
Replies: 30
Views: 3845

Re: Prop shaft alignment Question

You cannot use the shaft as the guide for the installation of a fiberglass tube... Sure you can, at least on the dinky little shafts and boats we're talking about here. All one needs to do for a successful and accurate alignment of the new tube perfectly with the engine is install the appropriate C...
by Tim
Wed Dec 08, 2010 7:27 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Chicane... A Full Rebuild! (Warning Image Intensive)
Replies: 33
Views: 6476

Re: Chicane... A Full Rebuild! (Warning Image Intensive)

There's no better decision, ultimately, than to move on from a project that simply no longer fits in with your situation, plans, desires, schedule, or bank account.

Good luck with the new, more complete, boat.
by Tim
Tue Dec 07, 2010 12:45 pm
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Plastic knot meter thru hulls
Replies: 7
Views: 1582

Re: Plastic knot meter thru hulls

They're hardly ideal, but they're everywhere, and rarely cause trouble. I have one.
by Tim
Tue Dec 07, 2010 7:23 am
Forum: Pearson Triton Specifics
Topic: Galley sink drain
Replies: 13
Views: 4795

Re: Galley sink drain

These drain fittings from Forespar are frequently a workable choice. The collar fits the 1-1/4" IPS threads on most standard drain fittings. http://www.forespar.com/products/boat-marine-plumbing-sink-drain.shtml Scandvik also makes this sort of adapter. http://www.scandvik.com/index.cfm/method/...
by Tim
Fri Dec 03, 2010 10:55 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: electrical upgrade
Replies: 36
Views: 8595

Re: electrical upgrade

Batteries are routinely found in and beneath accommodation spaces. There are no standards to suggest this is not completely acceptable. The boxes should not be gas tight; in fact, they're supposed to be vented in order to cleanly and safely release the minimal gasses produced under some conditions. ...
by Tim
Thu Dec 02, 2010 11:26 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Prop Shaft seal
Replies: 3
Views: 491

Re: Prop Shaft seal

I think anything that encourages neglect is probably ultimately a less good idea. If your access to the stuffing box is inadequate, perhaps look at ways of improving it, whatever choice of packing gland you make. I prefer old-fashioned stuffing boxes to the dripless type myself. New graphite-impregn...
by Tim
Wed Dec 01, 2010 5:33 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Prop shaft alignment Question
Replies: 30
Views: 3845

Re: Prop shaft alignment Question

If you're talking about the tube you need for penetrating your deadwood, there are some options. Centek makes HD thick-wall FRP shaft log tubing, such as this available at Fisheries Supply . http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/FisheriesSupply/14601_VER1100204_PPM?wid=450&hei=450 Also Spartan Marine....
by Tim
Wed Dec 01, 2010 4:18 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Prop shaft alignment Question
Replies: 30
Views: 3845

Re: Prop shaft alignment Question

I believe the bronze would be my choice.

This place makes some nice-looking stuff.
by Tim
Wed Dec 01, 2010 8:29 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Prop shaft couplings.
Replies: 1
Views: 292

Re: Prop shaft couplings.

If you're talking about one of the complicated couplings that are specifically designed to deal with misalignments, like Aquadrive or some of those indecipherable things from Vetus, then no, they are not worth it for your situation. If you want a sacrificial disc (i.e. Drivesaver) designed to connec...
by Tim
Wed Dec 01, 2010 8:22 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Prop shaft alignment Question
Replies: 30
Views: 3845

Re: Prop shaft alignment Question

I don't know how thick and long your deadwood and stern tube are, but I'd seriously consider the option of cutting out and replacing the stern tube to fix this issue. I've found that other than dealing with a potentially long, deep hole, it's generally pretty easy to cut out an old stern tube, and i...
by Tim
Thu Nov 25, 2010 8:00 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Bilge Paint
Replies: 4
Views: 714

Re: Bilge Paint

I use Bilgekote all the time. Good stuff. It's been in service on Glissando for 10 years and counting, and I have zero complaints: zero chipping, zero flaking, zero maintainance beyond normal cleaning. Bilgekote is easy to apply, extremely forgiving of the sort of minimal prep work one might find in...
by Tim
Tue Nov 16, 2010 2:30 pm
Forum: Boat Photos
Topic: Unknown Boat
Replies: 5
Views: 1408

Re: Unknown Boat

Bristol 24
by Tim
Tue Nov 16, 2010 2:28 pm
Forum: Pearson Triton Specifics
Topic: Rub Rail
Replies: 6
Views: 1817

Re: Rub Rail

With a little care, and a smooth, well-filled seam, there's no reason you can't get a clean, even tape line between hull and deck paints and leave it as is. That crummy SS rubrail does little but hide the old seam while looking cheesy doing it. Personally, I'd prefer something be at the seam to high...
by Tim
Tue Nov 16, 2010 7:06 am
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: Propane explosion
Replies: 5
Views: 2021

Re: Propane explosion

How do we send in an application on her behalf for The Darwin Awards?
by Tim
Mon Nov 15, 2010 8:36 am
Forum: Classic Sailboats
Topic: Sea Sprite 30
Replies: 13
Views: 3779

Re: Sea Sprite 30

I think I've seen that boat in Maine before. (at some non-specific time in the past)

Thanks for the pictures. She looks pretty nice and well-maintained for her age. I'm glad to see some pictures of those hidden/non-glamorous spaces too!

Good luck.
by Tim
Sat Nov 13, 2010 7:57 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Locating/relocating manual bilge pump
Replies: 6
Views: 1348

Re: Locating/relocating manual bilge pump

I have a manual pump located in the cockpit, but in 10 years I've yet to ever use it. It's there if needed, but my electric pump takes care of the minimal nuisance water in the bilge. I wouldn't be without a manual pump, but I don't think it matters so much where you put the pump control unless you'...
by Tim
Thu Nov 11, 2010 6:21 pm
Forum: Sailing and Cruising
Topic: Guess where?
Replies: 21
Views: 5973

Re: Guess where?

The best chart to look at is 13308 , Fox Islands Thorofare. This shows the entrance in much greater detail than 13305. I've taken the boat in as far as the 25' spot just west of the entrance, purely for reconnaissance. The entrance is daunting, but as usual, seeing things in person provides better p...
by Tim
Thu Nov 11, 2010 7:08 am
Forum: Sailing and Cruising
Topic: Guess where?
Replies: 21
Views: 5973

Re: Guess where?

Not yet...still gathering the nerve!
by Tim
Wed Nov 10, 2010 12:55 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Help identifying a yacht
Replies: 3
Views: 551

Re: Help identifying a yacht

Islander Taipan 28
by Tim
Wed Nov 10, 2010 8:56 am
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: Mystery monohull- Pearson Triton- Not
Replies: 13
Views: 1648

Re: Mystery monohull- Pearson Triton- Not

Any deck that leaks is prone to potential damage from water.

Any deck that doesn't leak is likely to remain sound.

Keep the water out. It's not the core's fault (whatever material it may be)!
by Tim
Wed Nov 10, 2010 7:27 am
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: Mystery monohull- Pearson Triton- Not
Replies: 13
Views: 1648

Re: Mystery monohull- Pearson Triton- Not

Don't let the prop shaft location be a deciding factor in determining the builder of any boat. Shaft location is one of the things that one does find modified to a non-standard just often enough that it's a poor criterion for making any real determinations. For example, see the photo of a Triton bel...
by Tim
Tue Nov 09, 2010 9:08 am
Forum: Sailing and Cruising
Topic: Guess where?
Replies: 21
Views: 5973

Re: Guess where?

I've never actually anchored there, though I've been by a number of times on my way elsewhere. I love Hurricane Sound and environs.
by Tim
Tue Nov 09, 2010 8:43 am
Forum: Sailing and Cruising
Topic: Guess where?
Replies: 21
Views: 5973

Re: Guess where?

White Islands?
by Tim
Tue Nov 09, 2010 7:12 am
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: Mystery monohull- Pearson Triton- Not
Replies: 13
Views: 1648

Re: Mystery monohull- Pearson Triton- Not

Going harpooning?
by Tim
Tue Nov 09, 2010 7:10 am
Forum: Sailing and Cruising
Topic: Guess where?
Replies: 21
Views: 5973

Re: Guess where?

Muscle Ridge area?
by Tim
Fri Nov 05, 2010 6:18 am
Forum: Sails, Rigging, and Systems
Topic: Reefing System - Convert Roller Boom to Slab Reefing?
Replies: 21
Views: 7917

Re: Reefing System - Convert Roller Boom to Slab Reefing?

Convert to slab (aka "jiffy") reefing. There's a reason you don't see roller boom reefing anymore, except on older boats originally so fitted. In terms of fixing your rotating boom, I'd need to know more (and see more) about the mechanism to have any hope of offering an opinion. But you'd ...
by Tim
Wed Nov 03, 2010 10:15 am
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: Looking for Sea Sprite 27/28 or similar boat
Replies: 24
Views: 3147

Re: Looking for Sea Sprite 27/28 or similar boat

We looked at about 40 boats before settling on Quetzal. 40! I think you and Rachel might be in competition. I've only ever bought the first (and only) boat of whatever type I've been looking for at the time, I suppose because I always buy ridiculous abused junk that needs 2000 hours' labor thereaft...
by Tim
Wed Nov 03, 2010 6:52 am
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: Looking for Sea Sprite 27/28 or similar boat
Replies: 24
Views: 3147

Re: Looking for Sea Sprite 27/28 or similar boat

You can buy an inexpensive digital camera for just about what it'll cost to buy and develop a disposable, and then you'll still have the camera for later uses. OK, maybe a little more, but the point is there are lots of perfectly decent digitals available for insignificant cost (well under $100) I t...
by Tim
Tue Nov 02, 2010 12:50 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Brownell hydraulic trailers
Replies: 10
Views: 1546

Re: Brownell hydraulic trailers

That's the most awesome Halloween costume I've ever seen!