I finally took some more vacation time. So on Thursday I went out sailing. Beautiful day, I am still wearing shorts. Saw LOTS of dolphins, and even a small shark.
View 2011/12/15 in a larger map
Monday, December 19, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Thanksgiving Weekend
I got to get out sailing several times this Thanksgiving weekend.
Once on Thanksgiving Day
View 2011/11/24 in a larger map
Then again on Friday
View 2011/11/25 in a larger map
And again on our 17th anniversary. Brooke came this time. Its the farthest that she has ever sailed.
View 2011/11/26 in a larger map
Once on Thanksgiving Day
View 2011/11/24 in a larger map
Then again on Friday
View 2011/11/25 in a larger map
And again on our 17th anniversary. Brooke came this time. Its the farthest that she has ever sailed.
View 2011/11/26 in a larger map
Monday, November 21, 2011
Had a wonderful sail with Flannery today.
View 2011/11/20 in a larger map
Only a little drama... We came about into the wind to pull down the sails. They were flogging so much that one of the jib sheets came loose and ended up wrapping around the propeller of the o/b. Fortunately we still had the main up. Flannery had the tiller, so we just started sailing, while I unwrapped the jib sheet from the propeller. No problem. :)
View 2011/11/20 in a larger map
Only a little drama... We came about into the wind to pull down the sails. They were flogging so much that one of the jib sheets came loose and ended up wrapping around the propeller of the o/b. Fortunately we still had the main up. Flannery had the tiller, so we just started sailing, while I unwrapped the jib sheet from the propeller. No problem. :)
Sunday, November 13, 2011
This week I finished up working on the new tiller I bought off ebay. 4 coats of spar varnish. It looks beautiful. Pics soon. I also made a cover for it. And got it installed. I also took off the cockpit table in hopes to refinish it. Brought it home, and started stripping the varnish off it. Two things became clear, 1) it was teak, and shouldn't have been varnished, and 2) the p/o had repaired it. And like most things the p/o had DYI'd, it wasn't done right. Once I started cleaning the old varnish off, the boards making up the table just came apart. It looks like he just use elmers glue to put them together. Anyway, I need to fix it now. I had to stop working on it, as I don't have clamps long enough to do a table.
It was cold this morning. The temp started out in the 50's, but warmed up quickly. By the time I was motoring out of the marina, I had taken off my gore-tex, and fleece. I left my knit cap on, cause being bald my head gets cold. Leaving the cap on cause a problem, which I will explain later. The water was flat in the sound, and the wind was from the ENE at @ 9knts, So I knew that I was going to head to the Gulf. Once there, the Gulf was pretty flat too, so it made for quick sailing as I headed north toward Anclote Isl. I got a call from Brooke when I was there, so I came back in and headed toward the marina to pick her up. The blue line in the track is because GPS didn't record, so I just drew in some straight lines.
View 2011/11/12 in a larger map
So I picked up Brooke, and we headed back out. It was around 1:30 or so, and she wanted suntan lotion. Oops. I was having such a good time earlier (and it was cold), that i forgot to put on any lotion. When I got home at 5:00 I was RED. Except where I had my knit cap on and glasses. I look like a dork! Bright red, except I have a nice line around my head and above that its white.
View 2011/11/12.2 in a larger map
It was cold this morning. The temp started out in the 50's, but warmed up quickly. By the time I was motoring out of the marina, I had taken off my gore-tex, and fleece. I left my knit cap on, cause being bald my head gets cold. Leaving the cap on cause a problem, which I will explain later. The water was flat in the sound, and the wind was from the ENE at @ 9knts, So I knew that I was going to head to the Gulf. Once there, the Gulf was pretty flat too, so it made for quick sailing as I headed north toward Anclote Isl. I got a call from Brooke when I was there, so I came back in and headed toward the marina to pick her up. The blue line in the track is because GPS didn't record, so I just drew in some straight lines.
View 2011/11/12 in a larger map
So I picked up Brooke, and we headed back out. It was around 1:30 or so, and she wanted suntan lotion. Oops. I was having such a good time earlier (and it was cold), that i forgot to put on any lotion. When I got home at 5:00 I was RED. Except where I had my knit cap on and glasses. I look like a dork! Bright red, except I have a nice line around my head and above that its white.
View 2011/11/12.2 in a larger map
Friday, November 4, 2011
Evening sail
I went sailing this evening. Its always nice to get out. The winds were really light, and died about sunset time. I ended up motoring back.
View 2011/11/03 in a larger map
View 2011/11/03 in a larger map
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Birthday Sail
I got out to sail on my birthday. Actually Brooke did most of the sailing, I was just along for the ride. It was really pleasant, and too short. It never seems that when the conditions are perfect I have all the time I want. Only on days that are rough for one person can I be out all day. I think its a conspiracy between my wife and the weather god.
Google maps is fixed, so here is our track.
View 2011/10/23 in a larger map
Google maps is fixed, so here is our track.
View 2011/10/23 in a larger map
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Last week
I know that this is a bit out of order, but, it is what it is...
Last week I moved the VHF antena off the temp PVC on the backstay. I removed the old coax in the cabin, and replaced it with the coax I used to the temp location. I routed the coax through the deck fitting, and attached the VHF whip about 6' up the mast. This at least puts the whip a out three feet higher than the previous location, and closer to where it needs to go - the top of the mast.
Last week I moved the VHF antena off the temp PVC on the backstay. I removed the old coax in the cabin, and replaced it with the coax I used to the temp location. I routed the coax through the deck fitting, and attached the VHF whip about 6' up the mast. This at least puts the whip a out three feet higher than the previous location, and closer to where it needs to go - the top of the mast.
It's almost been a year
Tomorrow is my birthday, which reminded me that it was a year ago that we named our little boat.
So I went for a sail yeasteday. We had a cool front pass through, so the winds are out of the north, and fairly stiff. 10 to 15 knots. But Brooke and I went out yesterday. I made sure to sail easy for her, as she still doesn't like to heel over, so no jib, and a reefed main. Not the fastest, but easy and flat, just the way Brooke likes it.
I also got out again today. I love my wife, she had to do homework, so se gave me the day off of chores, and told me to get out and sail. You don't have to tell me twice. The conditions wer a bit rougher than yesterday. 13 knts wit gusts up to 17. I started with a jib and a main, but without a tiller manager, it was a bit hard to sail and trim single handed. Plus a lot of 20+degree heeling. So I pulled the jib down. Sailed for about 3 hours, tacking my way to the north end of Three Rooker, then an easy run all the way back.
Happy naming day Inara.
So I went for a sail yeasteday. We had a cool front pass through, so the winds are out of the north, and fairly stiff. 10 to 15 knots. But Brooke and I went out yesterday. I made sure to sail easy for her, as she still doesn't like to heel over, so no jib, and a reefed main. Not the fastest, but easy and flat, just the way Brooke likes it.
I also got out again today. I love my wife, she had to do homework, so se gave me the day off of chores, and told me to get out and sail. You don't have to tell me twice. The conditions wer a bit rougher than yesterday. 13 knts wit gusts up to 17. I started with a jib and a main, but without a tiller manager, it was a bit hard to sail and trim single handed. Plus a lot of 20+degree heeling. So I pulled the jib down. Sailed for about 3 hours, tacking my way to the north end of Three Rooker, then an easy run all the way back.
Happy naming day Inara.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Its been a while
Its been a while... The last day I was out sailing was Aug 8th. Since then, I have either been out of town, had family obligations, or the weather has been really crappy. Here in FL crappy weather is either too rainy, or too windy.
So in any case, I have REALLY been missing getting out sailing. I have been getting out to the boat about once a week, to check on her, clean, putz around, or just sit and have lunch, but that isn't the same as getting out.
Finally last night I got out sailing. A short sail, as I promised I would be back close to sunset, but a sail none the less.
View 2011/10/11 in a larger map
Nice day, light chop, winds @ 10 knts with occasional gusts, but nothing over powering.
Beautiful Sunset
Full moon on the way to the marina
I hope to get out more this weekend.
So in any case, I have REALLY been missing getting out sailing. I have been getting out to the boat about once a week, to check on her, clean, putz around, or just sit and have lunch, but that isn't the same as getting out.
Finally last night I got out sailing. A short sail, as I promised I would be back close to sunset, but a sail none the less.
View 2011/10/11 in a larger map
Nice day, light chop, winds @ 10 knts with occasional gusts, but nothing over powering.
Beautiful Sunset
Full moon on the way to the marina
I hope to get out more this weekend.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Sailing with the Girls
Going to be out of town this up coming week, so it was important to get out today and go sailing.
View 2011-07-24 in a larger map
View 2011-07-24 in a larger map
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Sailing with Flannery
So after much promising (threatening) her, Flannery and I started our Wednesday night sailing lessons. She already kind of knows how to sail as she went to sailing camp three years ago, where she sailed sunfishes and JY's for a couple weeks. After camp, we got her a sunfish of her own which she sailed for the summer, before we sold it. But I digress. Since then - through the sailing club Catalina 27s and now our boat, I would occasionally ask Flan to take the helm, and she would FREAK out. I dont know what was going on. Its not like she could hit anything. So we sat down and talked about it. I didnt get any answer about the freak outs, but we decided that we would go out on Wednesday nights and have some lessons. If for nothing else just to get her comfortable with a bigger boat.
So we went over the boat last night, together. Prepped everything together, side by side. I motored the boat 1/2 way out of the marina, and then had her take over. Other than when she put the sails up/down, she had the helm the whole time. We took every tack and gybe slowly. I explained how to look at the sails to tell if she was sailing too close to the wind, how to look at the windex to help with sailing down wind, how to sail to a point on land.
Even after almost two hours, there were still questions, and I can tell she is still unsure about a lot of the basics, but she is 12, and her time on a sailboat can be measured in hours. It was a good start.
Flannery at the tiller
Our track
View 2011/07/06 in a larger map
So we went over the boat last night, together. Prepped everything together, side by side. I motored the boat 1/2 way out of the marina, and then had her take over. Other than when she put the sails up/down, she had the helm the whole time. We took every tack and gybe slowly. I explained how to look at the sails to tell if she was sailing too close to the wind, how to look at the windex to help with sailing down wind, how to sail to a point on land.
Even after almost two hours, there were still questions, and I can tell she is still unsure about a lot of the basics, but she is 12, and her time on a sailboat can be measured in hours. It was a good start.
Flannery at the tiller
Our track
View 2011/07/06 in a larger map
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Found the Leak
Ok, so I replaced the keel in October, and for a month or so the bilge was dry. Then in December it started collecting water... never more than 5 gal/wk. 5 gal seems like a lot, or sounds like a lot, but it still never reaches the floor boards. Anyway, over the past month or so, it seems to be taking on a lot more water. Probably because we are sailing it more. I am pretty convinced that the leak is around the keel bolts, as leaks usually are, but they all look tight and well coated with 5200.
Now the leak is getting worse. I am almost pumping 5 gal/day. So I posted a note on craigslist looking for someone with a 22' to 25' sailboat trailer so I can pull her out and fix the keel bolts. Someone actually replied, and would help, in exchange for helping with pulling his boat out, as he was moving. But first, I thought I would take one more look at the keel bolts and bilge. So I brought the wet/dry vac over to the boat, and sucked all the water out that I could (the bilge pump doesnt sit at the very lowest point so it doesnt get all the water out). Once I sucked all the water out, I could see a tiny stream of water coming from one of the bolts. I poked and wiggled, and sure enough this is where the leak is coming from. During the wiggling, the 5200 came loose, and just spun around like a washer between the nut and the hull. I carved out the 5200 and then noticed a different problem. The nut wasnt tightened down all the way. It was about 1/4" or more from being tightened all the way. Ok delema here... How do I tighten a bolt where the head is under the boat, in the water, and the nut is inside the bilge access that is only about 3" wide x 10" long?
So I went out to Home Depot and bought a needle nose vise grip pliers, and cresent wrench with a head on one end that bends (kind of like its on a hinge - no pic), and ratchets. Bending the wrench at 90 degrees to fit into the 3" wide opening, and then grasping the top of the bolt with the vise grip, I was able to tighten the nut down the rest of the way. I figured that I would check the other 3 bolts too - all good. I sucked the water out of the bilge, then tried to dry it out with paper towels, and went home.
I check out my job the next day on my way home from work... all dry... and starting to look even drier...
Even after sailing a couple times on it now, only a little water, which I cant tell if its from rain, or when I hose the boat down, or still leaking. But a little leak is better than a big leak.
If I get brave enough this summer, I might pull the nut off and slide a compression (cone) washer under it, and tighten it down again, and see if that helps.
I have been in GA for two weeks now, and I know that its been raining at home, so we will see what we get when we get back next week.
Now the leak is getting worse. I am almost pumping 5 gal/day. So I posted a note on craigslist looking for someone with a 22' to 25' sailboat trailer so I can pull her out and fix the keel bolts. Someone actually replied, and would help, in exchange for helping with pulling his boat out, as he was moving. But first, I thought I would take one more look at the keel bolts and bilge. So I brought the wet/dry vac over to the boat, and sucked all the water out that I could (the bilge pump doesnt sit at the very lowest point so it doesnt get all the water out). Once I sucked all the water out, I could see a tiny stream of water coming from one of the bolts. I poked and wiggled, and sure enough this is where the leak is coming from. During the wiggling, the 5200 came loose, and just spun around like a washer between the nut and the hull. I carved out the 5200 and then noticed a different problem. The nut wasnt tightened down all the way. It was about 1/4" or more from being tightened all the way. Ok delema here... How do I tighten a bolt where the head is under the boat, in the water, and the nut is inside the bilge access that is only about 3" wide x 10" long?
So I went out to Home Depot and bought a needle nose vise grip pliers, and cresent wrench with a head on one end that bends (kind of like its on a hinge - no pic), and ratchets. Bending the wrench at 90 degrees to fit into the 3" wide opening, and then grasping the top of the bolt with the vise grip, I was able to tighten the nut down the rest of the way. I figured that I would check the other 3 bolts too - all good. I sucked the water out of the bilge, then tried to dry it out with paper towels, and went home.
I check out my job the next day on my way home from work... all dry... and starting to look even drier...
Even after sailing a couple times on it now, only a little water, which I cant tell if its from rain, or when I hose the boat down, or still leaking. But a little leak is better than a big leak.
If I get brave enough this summer, I might pull the nut off and slide a compression (cone) washer under it, and tighten it down again, and see if that helps.
I have been in GA for two weeks now, and I know that its been raining at home, so we will see what we get when we get back next week.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Father's Day Weekend
Couldnt really get out on Father's Day, as we had other commitments, plus we are going to Georgia on Monday, so we went out on Saturday. I got to sail for about an hour and a half by myself, then picked up Brooke and Flannery on Dunedin Causeway (it was easier and quicker than going back to the marina.
Here is where we went.
View 6/18/2011 in a larger map
Beautiful day. Smooth seas, 10 knot winds.
Here is where we went.
View 6/18/2011 in a larger map
Beautiful day. Smooth seas, 10 knot winds.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Transom Question
From a posting on SBO.
I have a 1983 Hunter 22. The previous owner drill a hole through the transom for his gas line to his outboard engine and did not seal the edges. I drill some holes at the bottom of the transom to check from moisture, I didn't find any. I didn't see any wood ether. Is this ok or does it just have wood where the engine mount is.
Cover for the fuel line.
SS backing plates for the motor mount.
I have a 1983 Hunter 22. The previous owner drill a hole through the transom for his gas line to his outboard engine and did not seal the edges. I drill some holes at the bottom of the transom to check from moisture, I didn't find any. I didn't see any wood ether. Is this ok or does it just have wood where the engine mount is.
Cover for the fuel line.
SS backing plates for the motor mount.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Bulkhead Pictures for Jim
I got an email this morning from Jim, requesting pictures of my bulkhead:
"hi,i am in the middle of rebuilding my hunter 22 bulkheads and i saw you have one. can i ask you a question about your boat? I am finding that the bulkeads after i reinstalled them are not sitting quite as flush against the flanges of the cabin interior as I recall. can i send you a couple of pictures of my bulkheads and you can send photos of yours. i am trying to see if my boat has distorted or something. Thanks
Jim"
So Jim here you go.
Aft side of port bulkhead
Aft side of starboard bulkhead
Forward side of port bulkhead
Forward side of starboard bulkhead
Forward side of starboard bulkhead larger
"hi,i am in the middle of rebuilding my hunter 22 bulkheads and i saw you have one. can i ask you a question about your boat? I am finding that the bulkeads after i reinstalled them are not sitting quite as flush against the flanges of the cabin interior as I recall. can i send you a couple of pictures of my bulkheads and you can send photos of yours. i am trying to see if my boat has distorted or something. Thanks
Jim"
So Jim here you go.
Aft side of port bulkhead
Aft side of starboard bulkhead
Forward side of port bulkhead
Forward side of starboard bulkhead
Forward side of starboard bulkhead larger
Monday, June 6, 2011
All by myself
I went out Sunday. You know its amazing how stupid some boaters can be. Why is it that I can be motoring out the channel from the marina, have 3 30'+ motor boats pass me, and have no issues, yet one yahoo, passes so close, that his wake, damn nearly throws me off the boat, and causes the boat behind me to take evasive action. All so he can get to a spot 1/4 mile away, and start tubing. Some times I am glad I dont carry a gun.
After that, I had a good time.
View 6/5/2011 in a larger map
After that, I had a good time.
View 6/5/2011 in a larger map
First Night out
On May 27th we spent the first night out on Inara. We sailed out to the north end of Three Rooker Bar, and anchored there. We had dinner - KFC - and then just sat around and talked. We put Flannery to bed first, then Brooke and I talked more, and enjoyed the light breeze and sounds. It was really cool. I think we could hear dolphins "talking" to each other. Brooke and I could hear a definite "clicking" sound that was coming from multiple sources all around us. Some nearer (louder) some fainter (further) some many clicks (longer) some shorter.
We got up several times during the night, making sure that the anchor wasnt dragging. Brooke woke up at 0530 in a panic that we had moved. All that had happened was we had swung around on the anchor.
She eventually went back to sleep, and we slept till about 0730. We had bagels and cream cheese for bkfst, and then pulled up anchor about 0900, and motored to a different beachy part of the island. We walked up and down the beach, examining my sea shell collection.
We left the island about 1045, as more and more stink pots where showing up, and the island was no longer quite and calm.
We got up several times during the night, making sure that the anchor wasnt dragging. Brooke woke up at 0530 in a panic that we had moved. All that had happened was we had swung around on the anchor.
She eventually went back to sleep, and we slept till about 0730. We had bagels and cream cheese for bkfst, and then pulled up anchor about 0900, and motored to a different beachy part of the island. We walked up and down the beach, examining my sea shell collection.
We left the island about 1045, as more and more stink pots where showing up, and the island was no longer quite and calm.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Rudder Dimensions for a H22
Another request for H22 information. This one comes from Dave.
"Hi
I am sorry to bother you but I just purchased a Hunter 22 1981 and is missing the rudder not the alluminum part that hangs on the transom but the wood part that goes in the water. I would like to make on, but I dont have the demensions. Would you be able to measure your rudder and send me the dimensions? I would appreciate any help you could give me.
Thanks Dave"
Here ya go Dave.
"Hi
I am sorry to bother you but I just purchased a Hunter 22 1981 and is missing the rudder not the alluminum part that hangs on the transom but the wood part that goes in the water. I would like to make on, but I dont have the demensions. Would you be able to measure your rudder and send me the dimensions? I would appreciate any help you could give me.
Thanks Dave"
Here ya go Dave.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
Good weekend for sailing
Well it was a good weekend for sailing. I started out the weekend, by taking my mom for a sunset cruise. I let her take the helm, and, I dont know if its she doesnt know what she is doing, or if she has no fear, but it didnt take long for her to have Inara saliling along at above hull speed. I snapped a pic of GPS recording 5.6 knts, but there were times when GPS was showing 5.8 to 6.0 knts.
I snapped this pic, just to show how much she had Inara heeling over.
When sailed up to Tarpon Springs-ish, and then back to the sound to watch the sunset.
Nice way to end a work week.
Here is our track:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=206849941867582911940.00049efd8f50f8210b89b&t=h&z=13
Mom and Dad left Saturday morning. I did some work around the house, and then used my pass from Brooke to get out sailing on my own.
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=206849941867582911940.00049efd78e3da804bcca&t=h&z=11
Good times.
I snapped this pic, just to show how much she had Inara heeling over.
When sailed up to Tarpon Springs-ish, and then back to the sound to watch the sunset.
Nice way to end a work week.
Here is our track:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=206849941867582911940.00049efd8f50f8210b89b&t=h&z=13
Mom and Dad left Saturday morning. I did some work around the house, and then used my pass from Brooke to get out sailing on my own.
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=206849941867582911940.00049efd78e3da804bcca&t=h&z=11
Good times.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Its been a while
Sorry its been a while since I last posted. You know how it goes... Holidaze! Then trips... Work is killing me. Then I promised my wife that I would re-do the bathroom.
So everything is settling back down, as much as life does. In the past three months, I did have to replace the battery.
I built a PVC roller furler just to see how it would work. Not bad. It will take some more time out on the water to decide if its a really usable tool. Since it only cost about $40, I am not out too much.
I took Monday and Tuesday off work this week, mainly because my parents are in town, and to take them out sailing, but then they threw in the twist that they were going to go spend a couple days with a friend. No matter, Brooke and I went out on Monday, the breeze was just enough to move the boat along, but thats how Brooke likes it. then in the afternoon I went out solo. Good winds 8 to 10 knts, at least thats what the weather report said.
So everything is settling back down, as much as life does. In the past three months, I did have to replace the battery.
I built a PVC roller furler just to see how it would work. Not bad. It will take some more time out on the water to decide if its a really usable tool. Since it only cost about $40, I am not out too much.
I took Monday and Tuesday off work this week, mainly because my parents are in town, and to take them out sailing, but then they threw in the twist that they were going to go spend a couple days with a friend. No matter, Brooke and I went out on Monday, the breeze was just enough to move the boat along, but thats how Brooke likes it. then in the afternoon I went out solo. Good winds 8 to 10 knts, at least thats what the weather report said.
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