Maybe this should be at the forum but here goes:
What is the one piece of equiptment you carry on your boat that is unique? In other words, you may answer this one: "I am so wierd that I have a _________ on board at all times."
I'm not gonna start this one out. I'll post my unique item after a few of you other characters have a chance. I can say it's not a Hutchins factory part and it's not made of metal and fiberglass.
Bob23
I use a wooden train whistle in place of a foghorn.
Now there is a thread of it's own...... I keep a conch shell on board for when I need a "horn".
Capt'n Jim
Spear gun for me!
I keep an old wood and canvas beach chair stowed below. While at the mooring or at anchor, I unfold it, set it out on the foredeck and pop open a cold one. It's just the right size for me to rest my size 10 EEEE feet on the bowrail. I've seen more than a few great sunsets from my captains chair and even dozed off a few times.
Bob23
I keep a pair of hand made oars. They fit on the side and are useful with I want the purist (no motor) approach.
Newt:
How long are the oars? Where do you sit or do you stand and where have you installed the oarlocks? (or rowlocks as they used to be called.)
Bob23
a package of disposable baby diapers!!!
I keep one or two in the aft bilge section of my 16/3 to deal with the water that always comes in through what I'm sure is a leaky scupper on the transom. This only happens when there are people aboard and well aft, which puts the scuppers underwater. When I get back to the slip, I pull the diaper out... presto... no more bailing! The biggest advantage is that when we're healed over, whatever water comes aboard doesn't get the chance to spill over the half bulkhead and make its way forward to the cabin.
My elusive dream is to finally get her watertight... and eliminate the need for the diapers.
Sorry Bob for not getting back to you. Sometimes I need to be hit on the head with one of my oars- which are 8 feet long and fit inside the cabin. I have been attaching them to my grinders, but will probably put a permanent oarlocks toward the rear where I can row with my oars and steer with my legs. You know how I am, got to do it solo and in adverse conditions....
On my old San Francisco Pelican I always used to carry a funnel on board. It was a small, open boat, with no facilities and no privacy. When I had lady passengers aboard, it could be placed in the centerboard well (which opened directly to the sea) upon request. When needed, the word would be passed, Navy style, for all hands to hear, loud and clear: "NOW RIG FOR WOMEN'S HEAD."
Henry,
Good way to discourage women on board. I hear they are bad luck anyway. (Whoever first said that must have been willing to take them off other sailor's hands).
Bob,
As to the original question I have a water towed generator on board. So far I haven't used it except to try it out and see the charge meter move. I need to get out into deep and really open water to use it, like the sort where you spend hours or more on the same tack. Sailing to windward with it should be OK in deep water but it isn't supposed to hit bottom mid tack and the prop is on a 25' line. That's also OK since the Atlantic is 70' not far from shore.
This is not so unusual on a big cruising boat, but maybe very unusual on a boat this small.
Curtis
I can't think of a single thing that would be considered "unique" equipment on my boat. I can't count the factory on-off options, although according to Gerry, Island Time's hull color has not been replicated.
My old 16 had teak coaming rails with genoa tracks on the rails. That was unique! Not to mention functional and nice looking.
How about my fishing license, rod and reel and tackle box. I'm a multi - tasker.
i keep a .38 on board for discussions with "power" boaters
Ouch! Pretty harsh. Sounds like one of them has never saved your young butt in an emergency...which will most likely occur some day. I would expect to see a minus show up for kickingbug1. No offense fella, I too have been distressed by those relying only on the iron wind, but not quite to that extent.
Perhaps we could mellow a bit here. Guns- because of posts just like the two above, are generally not polite to discuss on sailing boards. KB- I am asking you nicely not to bring them in to a discussion- and rip- please just don't add fuel to the fire. Please refer to the general discussion rules for what not to bring to the board.
Newt, you accuse me of adding fuel to the fire? That's a bit of a stretch fellow. I welcome others to jump in here cause I thought my post was very positive. If others feel the same I will apologize and sail off into the sunset. Obviously Newt and I are not on the same wave. So be it.
Rip- I only asked you not to add fuel to the fire. How do you encourage a thread on guns? You spotlight it. If you simply report it to the mods we can remove it before it becomes an issue. I would hate to see you go, I like all compacers- we are generally a mellow group. I am just working to keep it that way. If I offended you Rip- I apologize.
Quote by Newt : "But it has been shown on this group as well as others that people get rude when they discuss guns, politics and religion. People feel like they can say things on line that they would not say to someone face to face."
This is how we lost several members before. Members who had more knowledge of boats an sailing than the majority of us combined. Newt has suggested in the forum that he let one go because he used shall we say longshoreman or sailor's language in some of his posts. I have read several suggestive posts by various other current members.
I disagree with Newt, and he can disagree with me, as I will tell anyone to their face what I would put in print. I am 62 years old and have earned the right just by making it this far in life to say to someone to their face what I think in my head. When you get to that age, you will likely feel the same.
As far as "peacemakers" one probably did save my life in 1972 at the launch one morning at about 1:35A.M. I had a flat upon arriving back in. Was changing it when a red Camero pulled through the area and slowed down. It went around the circle area and proceeded to come my direction again. I retrieved said article from the glovebox of car and placed it upon the top of the tire I had just changed. The car passed me and stopped. It was a Camero 2 door vehicle. One person about 19 got out of the passenger side. I told him I did not need help. Then another one exited from the rear seat of the passanger side, and I knew I was in trouble as he was carrying a beer bottle and was of same age. I repeated I did not need help, but they kept approaching he car. I retrieved said article from the top of tire and directed in their direction and restated that I did not need help. The people got back in the car and left. I am sure I would have been robbed or even left for dead had I not had said article.
Let's not loose members over a UNIQUE POST. If the post gets past a civil debate stage, then let one of the moderators remove it. While it lasts on the forum, we might just learn something.
David
To try to reel this one in, I'll add the following:
I think that Kick was simply answering the question about unique equuiptment on board. He most certainly was not discussing nor advocating the use of guns. Personally, I don't own a gun and wouldn't carry it on my sailboat unless I were sailing near Somalia. And I don't let ignorant powerboaters adjust my temper...I'm usually too busy having fun sailing! And if you really read Rips reply, it was a very subtle rebuke of the "g" word that Kick used.
You know, guys- we are all men here (boy I miss Sherie) and I don't think that anyone is gonna intentionally offend another member. I think we can mention the words gun, politics or religion without actually discussing said subjects.
I personally would like to thank Newt for all the work he does here and for wanting to maintain civility at the forum. Yes, in the past things got out of hand, folks were hurt and it wasn't a fun place to hang out but hopefully we are past that.
When I first bought my boat, I found this unique piece of equipment glued to the forward side of the bulkhead. Unfortunately, the PO liked to use crazy glue when attaching things so removing it would make more of a mess:
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Goddoesnotdeduct.jpg)
Bob23
A while back on this thread, I noted that my unique piece iof equipment was an old wood and canvas beach chair. Super comfy and so fittingly retro. However, I may need to jetison the chair: While at the Annapolis show, I finally purchased a "luxury" that I've avoided for a few years: the Sport-a-seat. You've seen 'em at shows and advertised and you can find the cheap Chinese knock-off at West Marine. I opted for the original one, made here in the USA.
Man, this thing is super comfortable, very adjustable and gives great support for your back. One nice thing while at the helm is that you can rotate it to face more forward while at the tiller, thus nearly eliminating that annoying twist in your lower back which is inherently present when you sit sideways but are looking forward.
Sure, the Sport-a seat doesn't have the class that my old canvas beach chair does, but most folks say I don't have much class either. I'm glad to echo Davids words: When one reaches a certain age, one doesn't give much of a damn what other people think about him. And I think that the degree of the damns not given might directly corelate with the age of the person who is not giving the damn. Just some random thoughts here, men. As you were!
Bob23
David said:
I disagree with Newt, and he can disagree with me, as I will tell anyone to their face what I would put in print. I am 62 years old and have earned the right just by making it this far in life to say to someone to their face what I think in my head. When you get to that age, you will likely feel the same.
David, so did I when the posting rules for the off topic were changed to eliminate certain topics. I have, however, changed my mind on the matter. In particular I've had an individual with whom I have nothing in common politically offer a great deal of advice and help to me by PM, and I would hope to be able to reciprocate when appropriate. I certainly value these types of relationships and would not want petty squabbles on controversial subjects to get in the way of same.
But for the life of me I've not been able to come up with anything that I would consider "unique" that I keep aboard. When I can talk the Admiral into giving up the shore duty and going with me, she of course is unique.:)
Phew!, Wasn't sure I would survive that one. I still feel like a newbie around here and not sure who all the "moderators" are.
Newt, no apologies ever necessary to me. I tried to find "Please refer to the general discussion rules" as you suggested, but I couldn't. Please some quick advice! David says he is 62, and I appreciate that as I, surprisingly, have gotten to 73. In my brash and perhaps brackish(apologies and thanks to our fellow CPer) youth, I thought more in terms of violence to those who disturbed my peaceful little world. So I understood where kickingbud1 was coming from and just wanted to caution him that it is prudent to wave and smile at anybody out there on the bounding main. The boat and behind that might be helped may be your own. Thanks Bob23 for your "As you were" order. Having done real Navy time many years ago, I still appreciate that command. If i knew how to post a smiley I would, but that's another part of this forum I have not yet learned. At ease, is another good command, eh? Best all, rip
Quote from: Bob23 on November 21, 2010, 05:03:48 AM
While at the Annapolis show, I finally purchased a "luxury" that I've avoided for a few years: the Sport-a-seat. You've seen 'em at shows and advertised and you can find the cheap Chinese knock-off at West Marine. I opted for the original one, made here in the USA.
Bob23
Bob, wish I'd have done what you did. I really didn't know there was an "original" sport seat. I just ordered the first one I saw in the WM site. It's not quite what I had hoped for, kinda cheap.
As for unique equipment can't think of anything. Except maybe a heavy chrome bottle opener shaped like a seal my wife got for me off ebay.
Rip, If we can teach Bob how to post photos we can certainly get some smilies in your posts!! :)
To insert a smile type a colon and parenthesis, the other end of the parenthesis gives you a frown. :(
Bill:
At the show, the Sport-a-Seat folks had the inner frame of thiers and the WM knockoff. No comparison! Kinda like comparing a Compac to a...a...well, a Clorox bottle. I always try to buy quality when I can afford it: they last longer and are more of a pleasure to use. You will not regret the authentic Sport-a-seat. Geez... I sound like Billy Mays!
And I agree with Bill: If I can learn to post photos, I'm sure you can create a smiley. Although I couldn't do it when I tried. I like this photo posting thing!
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/SunsetBarnegatBaySummer07.jpg)
Bob23- the Techno-geek!
Best one yet Bob, nice sunset.
But why do you have the cam cleat end of the vang at the boom and not the base of the mast?
Dunno...that's the way she came. It makes sense- the line is closer to the cockpit and hanging down where I can grab it easier. I guess I never thought about it. Maybe I'll switch it and try it that way...I'm always up for learning! Is there an accepted standard?
Bob23
i guess in the future i have to preface my posting with "the following will be an obvious joke".
oh i forgot the unique equipment, big cranberry juice bottle with the wide mouth and lid (political correctness prevents me from explaining its use)
Not very unique but very handy - my camera' Found Nadine sailing up the Gulfport channel Saturday - he never motors up the narrow channel.
(http://i614.photobucket.com/albums/tt230/SV_HideAway/CatboatinGulfportChannel006.jpg)
Quote from: kickingbug1 on November 21, 2010, 08:49:11 PM
oh i forgot the unique equipment, big cranberry juice bottle with the wide mouth and lid (political correctness prevents me from explaining its use)
Now that you mention it, I have an empty Margarita mix bucket for the same purpose - even the admiral (albeit reluctantly) can use it! Saves on the Porta-Potty cleanup.
I do have a Kershaw spring assist one hand opening knife attached to each of our life suspenders - while not unique, it deserves mentioning.
TG
Quote from: Bob23 on November 21, 2010, 07:43:08 PM
Dunno...that's the way she came. It makes sense- the line is closer to the cockpit and hanging down where I can grab it easier. I guess I never thought about it. Maybe I'll switch it and try it that way...I'm always up for learning! Is there an accepted standard?
Bob23
I don't know, just never seen one "upside down" like that. I'll give it a try next spring.
The only issue I can think of is it will drag the loose line back and forth across the cabin top. With the cam and loose line at the mast base it's kind of organized in one spot.
Re Boom Vang - The reason it should cleat high like Bob's is because you gain more power this way. M
Quote from: HideAway on November 22, 2010, 05:34:18 PM
Re Boom Vang - The reason it should cleat high like Bob's is because you gain more power this way. M
Provided the angle of pull is directed toward the lower pulley. If the angle of pull is aft, as in from the cockpit, then the first pulley in the upper block is acting as a change of direction only. I believe it's at 120 deg when you lose the m/a and it becomes change of direction only.
Like I said, I don't know...it seems to work fine...I'll get some close-up shots and post 'em here.
Bob23
Quote from: Bob23 on November 23, 2010, 04:08:12 AM
Like I said, I don't know...it seems to work fine...I'll get some close-up shots and post 'em here.
Bob23
I set mine up the same way. Why, I don't know, I guess I saw others set up that way. Works fine. Easy to set, easier yet to release.
Well after cleaning out my parents house this past weekend, I scored not one...not two...but THREE cool things for the boat!
-An old, thick brass bell about 4" across, nice loud and clear tone.
-A really cool monocular with interchangeable 8x and 6X lenses. Receipt from 1974, looks to be high quality (Japanese made) I don't believe it's ever been used-never recall seeing it either (one of those things that gets tossed into a box not to be seen for 36 years). Much nicer and more compact than the one I was using.
-A stainless tray with lips, 9"W x 13" long. Looks like a surgical tray. Very heavy/thick. The crystal ball forecasts a nice teak surround for this piece to be used as food tray 'tween the cockpit seats or maaaaybe inlay into the gas tank cover. Hate to cut into the glass though. Maybe a new teak fuel tank cover with the tray inlaid? The possibilities...
I made a wood one for the 16, used it frequently and would welcome a nicely done tray for the 19.
I'll get some pics up soon.
Quote from: bmiller on November 21, 2010, 07:38:19 PM
Best one yet Bob, nice sunset.
But why do you have the cam cleat end of the vang at the boom and not the base of the mast?
Mine is that way too (because I put it on that way). You get a bit more power. Hanging your weight on a 4:1 tackle is plenty more than you'll need. Pulling on a 3:1 (one of the 4:1 is wasted just reversing direction of the line) is not quite enough and some times takes quite a bit more effort than a casual pull to bring the boom down if it was loose and the wind picked up.
Curtis
Quote from: curtisv on December 01, 2010, 09:13:45 PM
Quote from: bmiller on November 21, 2010, 07:38:19 PM
Best one yet Bob, nice sunset.
But why do you have the cam cleat end of the vang at the boom and not the base of the mast?
Mine is that way too (because I put it on that way). You get a bit more power. Hanging your weight on a 4:1 tackle is plenty more than you'll need. Pulling on a 3:1 (one of the 4:1 is wasted just reversing direction of the line) is not quite enough and some times takes quite a bit more effort than a casual pull to bring the boom down if it was loose and the wind picked up.
Curtis
Like I mentioned above, the added mechanical advantage is there only if the angle of pull is mostly directed back to the mast base. If you are pulling more aft the MA is greatly reduced. Not that it's a big deal unless you think you need the added MA. I leave mine so the tag end and extra line is at the base, out of the way.
I have fishing gear, a pair of 8' oars and a collapsible push pole for shallow water.
Sometimes have an outbard motor too.