Plastic Classic Forum

I just returned home from my vacation on Singer Island Fl. Here are some photos I took.

I know it's florida and it's hot and all that, but really this AC-in-the-companionway maneuver just blows my mind. How the heck do you even gain access to that blissfully cool interior? Even if the boat never intends to slip lines and go sailing (which the busted outhaul would suggest) that seems like one very inconvenient floating condo.

A few of the sailing mags have recently published how-to writeups on this maneuver, and they've done nothing to sell me on it. Even the one with a wide catalina-style companionway that you could almost see yourself maneuvering past had me thinking that those foredeck hatch units are worth every nickel.

My brain must be in a very new england groove, because I just don't get it.

I'm sure all the neighbors really appreciate being able to hear whatever it is that those speakers are broadcasting!

As you know, I'm new to sailing so I have a few questions.

(which the busted outhaul would suggest)

What is a "outhaul" and where can i find a sailboat dictonary so I can look up these boating terms?

I know a few people who have found "Sailing for Dummies" to be a useful starting point.

Thanks, I'll have to look for a copy

The Annapolis Book of Seamanship is a good text that covers more than just terminology.

To answer your question, the outhaul is a line that runs insided the boom, often through a couple blocks. It exits at the aft end of the boom and connects to the clew of your mainsail. Hauling on it pulls the main out: outhaul. You'll want it hauled out upwind and eased downwind, the degree to which it is hauled or eased is determined by the strength of the breeze.

I know it's florida and it's hot and all that, but really this AC-in-the-companionway maneuver just blows my mind. How the heck do you even gain access to that blissfully cool interior? Even if the boat never intends to slip lines and go sailing (which the busted outhaul would suggest) that seems like one very inconvenient floating condo.

I'll be putting a unit in my companionway before next summer. It isn't really for the boat owner's comfort, but rather to keep the interior of the boat a reasonable temperature (it also keeps it a little drier). It's a pain to lug it around everytime you want to use the boat, but it does make a difference.

I'll be putting a unit in my companionway before next summer. It isn't really for the boat owner's comfort, but rather to keep the interior of the boat a reasonable temperature (it also keeps it a little drier). It's a pain to lug it around everytime you want to use the boat, but it does make a difference.

Sounds like an advertisement for sailing in Maine.

What kind of boat is the one we see just behind on the second pic from the left?

It's got nice lines...

I believe it's a Gulfstar. Perhaps the Gulfstar 37.