Hello all,
Our Eclipse owners seem to be very quiet of late so I thought I would ask if any of you have projects for your Eclipse or any special sailing vacations planned for this year ?
The first thing I need to do is to get my Mercury 4hp tuned up as it stopped running the last time I had the boat out.
Also, just as soon as the weathers back up into the 70 degree range here in Southern Calif. I want to sand and refinish all the teak followed by a good boat wash an wax.
The Wheel bearings on the trailer will need to be inspected and repacked, I would like to covert all the lights on the trailer to LED lights as well, see how much of this I will get done before spring.
I would like to trailer my boat to San Diego and stay a week sailing about the harbor. I'm not sure of any places (reasonable rates) I can put in at and have a hotel room near by, some research for that is needed.
Glenn
One long overdue project on Skylark was new bottom paint in September. September is supposed to be cool but it was 85 to 90F, add this to the fact that I was wearing a Tyvek suit and you can see why I waited so long. I needed to get to the keel but couldn't figure out how to do in without expense and safety, so I paid the yard because it's cheaper than the hospital. Last week we had a Catalina fall off it's trailer here. Also, I thought I might have to do some glasswork on the keel from a rock. I was lucky- just a scratch. Here are two pictures a before and after. I think you'll find the angle interesting. Not one we often see. It's usually in the water or on the trailer. (http://i897.photobucket.com/albums/ac174/Napier6/9-11-2010055.jpg)(http://i897.photobucket.com/albums/ac174/Napier6/12-Sep-2010005.jpg)
I seem to have maxed out the last block...Another project completed was something "Brackish" mentioned a while back. It is adding some ballast I have a Tohatsu 4-stoke 9.8 on the back. Yes its 85lbs. but that's what I have. I do like the motor it's just that with me in the back the Eclipse is a bit stern heavy. So I was wondering how to move weight around last year and I thought of sand bags in the fore compartment. I guess if I ever buy a spinnaker that's where it might go? Any way Lowe's had sandbags for several bucks ($3.99?), but let me have some with holes for a $1.00 each. I loaded them up and like the results. Skylark seems stiffer and I like the ride. If I ever change my mind the sand can come out.(http://i897.photobucket.com/albums/ac174/Napier6/Dec-31-20101229.jpg)(http://i897.photobucket.com/albums/ac174/Napier6/Dec-31-20101228.jpg)(http://i897.photobucket.com/albums/ac174/Napier6/Dec-20-20101407.jpg)(http://i897.photobucket.com/albums/ac174/Napier6/Dec-31-20101230.jpg)
Third and last recent project was replacing the fairleads. They sawed right through, though to their credit they did last five years. I decided to replace with SS from Suncor and some softer rope. (http://i897.photobucket.com/albums/ac174/Napier6/9-11-2010023.jpg)(http://i897.photobucket.com/albums/ac174/Napier6/Dec-31-20101525.jpg)
hey fellas, a bit off topic but i have a question. does the eclipse have three point standing rigging like a 16. no backstay and just two sidestays? we were thinking that if we step up from our 16 (one of these years ) an eclipse might be in our future. im thinking steping the mast looks a hell of a lot easier than a 19. those buggers sure are pretty (thats how my wife puts it).
Right, no backstay. I'm used to not having one now. Don't know what I'd do with it.
Napier6,
I have been thinking too about getting some more weight forward in my Eclipse. When it warms up a bit I'm going to see if removing the battery and battery box from the port cockpit locker and putting it in the forward storage compartment would work. Of course I'd have to do some re-wiring back to the panel, but that seems like it would be minor work. I wouldn't do this with a lead acid battery, but I have a new AGM, so I don't have to worry about any off-gassing. It would be a bit awkward getting the battery in/out of the compartment, but w/ my solar charging system keeping it topped off, I shouldn't have to do that much. Also, I would lose storage space, but I didn't really use the forward storage compartment last year anyway. Anyone see any potential problems w/ this plan?
Mike
Kickingbug - have you checked out the thread on The Sailboat Company's web site (http://www.ipass.net/sailboat, click on "Answers" on the left column) regarding converting a CP 19 to three point rigging by removing the backstay and shifting the shroud chainplates aftward? Very interesting; this guys says he's done many such conversions with good success and feels the 19 was basically built with a copy of the 23's rigging and is therefore "over-rigged" for its size. An interesting perspective; worth reading even if you don't agree. I am not bold enough to tackle such a project myself.
Quote from: Wes on February 02, 2011, 03:27:51 PM
Kickingbug - have you checked out the thread on The Sailboat Company's web site (http://www.ipass.net/sailboat, click on "Answers" on the left column) regarding converting a CP 19 to three point rigging by removing the backstay and shifting the shroud chainplates aftward? Very interesting; this guys says he's done many such conversions with good success and feels the 19 was basically built with a copy of the 23's rigging and is therefore "over-rigged" for its size. An interesting perspective; worth reading even if you don't agree. I am not bold enough to tackle such a project myself.
i talked to rich hutchins at the strictly sail show in chicago about doing this. he didn't recommend it. remember, these boats are designed by naval architects that investigate every detail before putting their signature on a plan.
i personally like the backstay, if only because it gives me something to grip when i'm stepping over the sternrail while re boarding.
of course, rich may have been leery of giving his of agreeing on the advice of counsel ;)
wes , yeah i did see that and i think it would be doable. the price of an eclipse even if i could find a use one would probably be too high. i would not be afraid to tackle that project. it seems to me the guy said that com-pac added the spreader just for looks. like all compacs the 19 is pretty much undersailed anyway. that might be in my future but not for a while.
An idea that popped in my head today while digging through the craw space for stuff, but finding screen material was build a folding or two piece (for easy storage) wood-framed screen insert for the companionway door. Seems like it would a lot better fitting and way easier for in/out than the velcro stick-it-up screens.
Everyone has some wood and screen lying around the house so why not.
Blocknshackle. I think that use of the forward compartment is fine as long as you don't plan to stick a spinnaker in it. I havent finished reading the "12v Bible" yet so I can't move my batteries: ) I have had water run down the mast and fill the compartment 2 inches. I have filled the slide with silicone and silicone at the mast/deck intersection (partners) and I seem to have a handle on it. But, if you do run the batteries up there build a platform to keep the set up dry. A project I have been thinking about is a mast boot. The problem is the short span beteen the deck and the eye strap for the vang. Any one out there have a mast boot / tape on an Eclipse?
Good pictures of the b4 and after painting. I cant make out the color, is it a black or dark blue?
Also, your comments of adding ballast in the way of sand bags, can you tell the difference in the boat handling?
I was actually thinking of leaving my battery out of my boat as I only sail for a few hours at a time and It is only there for the lights.
One more thing, the line for your center board, how hard is it do replace and where does it tie off at on the center board.
I looked while it was on the trailer but cant see it. I keep thinking that salt water must be pretty hard on it and it should be inspect if not replaced.
Any one replaced you main halyard line yet ? what size dia and length?
I for got, are you sailing loose footed ?
Glenn
Thanks Glen, The color is Black. Also, I do think the boat is stiffer and will probably add one more sand bag. I think the battery is not an absolute necessity, but I do have a Bidata speed/depth sounder and late one afternoon I got caught out in a thunderstorm which was so dark everybody on the lake switched on their running lights as we all dashed back in. I was worried about the centerboard line. I got some new line from WM and after a couple of tries, no big deal. I am very glad I did because the line was frayed about halfway through. Also, put some Locktite on the nut down below. Might not be waterproof but I tried! Here’s a photo of the slot, and the fastening to tie it off to. I have not replaced the main halyard yet, but am looking at new jib sheets in the future. I'd be interested if you make a purchase. As for loose footed, I remembered two weeks ago that I wanted to try. But the lake had about 18-25mph winds, so I just stayed out and enjoyed the ride. I do plan on giving it a try though.
(http://i897.photobucket.com/albums/ac174/Napier6/9-11-2010073.jpg)(http://i897.photobucket.com/albums/ac174/Napier6/9-11-2010070.jpg)
Good pictures of the center board line and how it connects. It appears that one must raise the boat high enough to lower the center board. not sure I would do that as she sits on her trailer.
I'm not sure when I will get around to the main halyard line. I think I read some where that some one replaced theirs and went to a larger diameter line.
I have a problem with the boom striking its cradle as the boom moves from tack to port. I pull as hard as I can and I think the sail is at the top of the mast but the boom still hits. may be my sail has stretched?..........I have not sailed her that many times to think my sail would stretch that much and the sails still have the nice crispness to them.
Glenn
Glenn you might be able to use a fishing weight on a feeder line this summer. That is what I was planning to do. Just hold your breath! I felt like I needed to look under the keel. That is the real reason I hauled her out in the yard. I was going to jack up one side and then the other to paint, but once in five years in the yard isn't too bad. I think of all the larger boats that must spend lots more time than that for annual inspections etc.
On the halyard I like the 3/8" size but mine is in dire need of a laundry visit (in spite of the Good Old Boat article against washing). My next involved project will be replacing the Spinlock cleats with Schaefer SS cam cleats. I'll post when I finally get to it.
My boom does not have the striking problem at all unless I am not fully at the masthead. Sail stretch might be a cause if it hits a little bit, but sounds unlikely. I used some white lithium grease to help me get the sail up all the way. The sail slides were getting hard to pull (dirty). Try cleating the halyard and have a friend go to the mast and haul on the exposed line as you pull at the cleat. That should tell you if your'e not all the way up. Also, you can check the stay tension, and the tension on the CDI roller (shouldn't be too loose).
I don't think I could hold my breath that long !
As to the stays, they seem snug and not loose at all. Ive tried pulling on the exposed halyard line but I must admit, I don't have much strength any more.
I used dry lube when I go to raise the main, the slugs seem to have trouble starting but then do OK. Doesn't the white grease get pretty dirty and collect more dirt?
What is CDI ?
Thanks for all your advise.
Glenn
I held my breath and scrubbed a lot of slime off the bottom in a cove in about 6ft. of water last summer. It is only about halfway effective. I must say, it got tough there towards the end. I used to be able to stay under much longer, also the dog got worried.
On the halyard, have you tried looking at the top of the mast with binoculars, that is a very low tech diagnostic I have used in the past. And come to think of it, I did have the boom strike the arch a while back. I had the boom vang very tight and as I tacked it hit. I loosened and it self corrected.
I have liked the white lithium grease and have not had a grime problem with it. I have a spray can and don't put a lot on. Just a small amount will do. In a "Good Old Boat" article one gentleman did recommend never waxing (or spraying white lithium grease - I guess) if you ever wanted to paint your boat: have done both. I think when the time comes to paint, in five years or so I hope, I'll use lots of acetone wipe downs.
As to CDI, sorry jargon, it is the CDI roller furling system on the 115% Eclipse Genoa (www.sailcdi.com). I think it's still standard Eclipse equipment.
The sail won't streach that much without ripping.
Something else moved. Is it up all the way?
Unhook the sail from the halyard.
Tie a line to the halyard. Use a good knot. If you can't tie a knot, tie a lot.
Pull the halyard to the top-o-mast.
Mark the halyard in the rope clutch.
Pull the halyard back down. Remove the line.
Attach the sail.
Pull the sail back up.
Still on the mark?
skip.
OK guys,
I understand CDI now, thanks..........I will try marking the Halyard and see if it does match the mark.
Thanks, Glenn
A number of comments...
I had a Tohatsu 9.8 that was stolen, then replaced with a Tohatsu 6 that is light enough for me to take off and keep at home when the boat is parked at the storage lot (They call themselves Florida Secure Self-Storage, though I have been calling it something slightly different that you can likely guess). Comparing the two, I don't really notice the difference in weight during boating though theoretically another almost 30 pounds hanging that far off the back end ought to make a difference. What I really miss was the much smoother quieter two-cylinder 9.8. The one-cylinder 6 is quite annoying by comparison. So I envy you that.
The under v-berth storage is where I keep my spinnaker, though as you can imagine it doesn't add much ballast. I weighed it once, but have no recollection of the figure. Seems like it was ~8 pounds. I like the clean look of your transducers; nice installation job. I put mine under the sink so I can store an extra anchor of a different type under the spinnaker without worry of it bumping my depth sounder. So all that is under the sink is paper towels and soda can holder/insulators.
If you've not already, be certain to let the boom vang/mast raiser and downhaul run really free while raising the main. I was having the same trouble, and the boom vang turned out to be the trouble even though it hadn't looked like it. Since it drags down the middle of the boom, it can really make the boom angle down at the back compounding the problem of hitting in the back. I also find I have to really give the halyard some pull as the sail approaches its top; I start pulling a lot harder there at the end. I also find I have to have the downhaul loose, then tighten it last. By leaving it at the "right" point every time, it adds resistance as the sail tightens up against it. Much easier to have the sail go up all the way with downhaul loose, then pull the sail down tight. Anyway, it was a problem for me, too.
My new halyard is 5/16" and 60 feet. I am happy with the length; there isn't so much left in the cockpit, and the shackle reaches the water in case something or somebody needs hauling aboard. I was happy with the original diameter, so didn't change it. I think that Spinlock will take larger, but not smaller diameter line. I used Crystalyne, which was admittedly expensive, but you could pick up two Eclipses with it so no need at all to go larger thickwise. As a matter of fact, I used 1/4" for my spinnaker/spare halyard, then swapped Spinlocks with my downhaul for the aforementioned reason (leftmost Spinlock is smaller on my boat, maybe not everybody's).