Ahoy again
I thought since this was our first day on the water I might start another thread.
Got boat home yesterday. Today I took it to the car wash and cleaned topsides pretty good. 38 degrees this morning.
Rigged her up in the drive way, Two trips to Ace Hardware for a bolt and a turnbuckle.
Waited for my wife to come home from church, Went to the lake.
I couldn't have asked for a better day. Warmed up to about 65. No wind for launch, but it picked up to a small breeze.
Launch was good, pic nic on the water, and a most marvelous docking under sail.
I have a million questions for you all but they can wait.
What a great day on Cochiti Lake..
(http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l594/CPYOA/avatars%20and%20stuff/novembersail.jpg)
Andrew:
Welcome and that is one great picture! Looks like a wonderful place to sail, especially while here in NJ my 23 sits on her trailer and the sailing season has ended. Looking forward to your future posts!
bob23
Very nice Andrew,
I don't think at 38 degrees I would have been motivated to do much of anything!
Keep posting your sailing adventures as I'm sure many of us will enjoy reading them, especially those who must wait until next Spring!
Glenn B.
Hello
Got the boat title in my name yoday. Trailer is another story. They tell me I need a lecel 3 inspection because Oklahoma does not title trailers and there is no vin on the thing. Tried to get it done as homemade but no go. So until I get this dealt with I use the plate from other boat.
Here are my questions. The hull needs cleaning big time. Tested CLR, works OK. Is there a better solution (solution as in goo) to get off the scum and the scale?
Also I have to get to the keel for some repair to gelcoat and under the the trailer bunks. I am planning to support the boat from gunnels on one side and tie other side securely to trailer, then remove a bunk and clean one side. Then repeat process for other side. Has anyone tried this? it came to me in a dream. Will patch scrapes with 5 min epoxy for now.
There is pitting below the water line, I think I will wait to fix until spring and then patch and paint hull. I might use epoxy mixed with graphite and give the bottom a nice new black coating. Too cold for winter because epoxy won't set. I have used this on my river boat and pram and it works nicely, when it gets scraped I just paint a little more on the area and no one knows but me.
As i said earlier my plan is to sail all winter. So far so good. I might get some hip waders for putting boat back on trailer. Managed to launch without getting in water, not sure how to stay dry for retrieval.
I'll post some pics of the cleaning process when I get started.
AHMCH
I will assume you have a Walmart, well, not sure where you are at exactly, I have family in OK. In the boat section they should have HULL CLEANER.
MEAN stuff, so wear gloves. rinse thoroughly.
As far as on trailer repairs goes. I tie one side of the boat down, the side with the bunk up, then let the other side down to do work on that side.
I use a few straps and lines just in case.... but really a few straps would be fine. I am overly cautious.
The graphite thing is cool idea, but not sure why you would do that more than the keel... On the smaller boats most likely to scrape that is what I would do and plan to on my skiff in the rafters of the garage.....
Most 5 minute epoxies are not water tight, and neither is G5, West systems 5 minute deal.
I only use 105/205, with 404 or other additive for repairs, and have not had issues with cure during winter.
If you learn how to stay dry during retrieval, be sure to post a vid, we all would want to know! LOL
Mac
Thanks
I am in Albuquerque. I thought I was on the right track with the bunks. Will go for it.
Will check out the epoxy additives. I use west system as well, just never have tried in winter outside.
I will try a test batch first, don't want sticky goo on keel all winter.
Walmart boat section here is lame. What is a brand name so I can order some cleaner? I hear Zep toilet bowl cleaner might work.
Ace hardware turnbuckles and shackles? Did they have strength measurements? It's probably weak metal. Advise to toss and get marine grade rigging. You don't want that mast falling down!
Ahmch - you might be surprised how well power washing works. That's what I did in a similar situation (bought my boat from a PO who had kept her in a warm southern lake for almost 6 years), before I tried any harsh chemicals. The power washer did a miraculous job not only on the hull but on deck as well.
Wes
i agree on the hardware. get some quality marine stainless stuff from johnson or some other supply house. and rig a topping lift to keep the boom out of the way. i sound kind of harsh cause im jealous of the weather. fair winds and calm seas
All right! Thanks for all the input.
Yes I will get marine grade turnbuckles, was just hankering to get on the water. It was a nice day maybe 5 knots or less.
Power washing helped, but there is this calcium stuff that is ...... well nasty.
So I tried the ZEP. It rocks. I sprayed it on. scrubbed like mad then wiped off. rinsed with water.
Thanks again on the hardware suggestions. Good sense is always appreciated. Here are the pics of hull. You can see the pock marks I spoke of in pic 1. Must patch these. You can also see where I tried CLR first. Not so good.
(http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l594/CPYOA/avatars%20and%20stuff/hull1.jpg)
(http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l594/CPYOA/avatars%20and%20stuff/hull2.jpg)
On-Off works great, too but very caustic! It easily removes the salt water induced scum-line that appears on my 23. Don't get it on your hands.
Bob23
So now I know why I am listed as swabbie. Spent two evenings cleaning hull, today I scraped, vacuumed and swabbed out the interior.
Big job, much progress being made. I put on numbers today and managed to lift keel enough to replace a roller. I used a jack stand and then used the trailor as a fulcrum to lift keel up. Really keel stayed put and trailer pivoted down from keel. Only a little scary.I think the roller bought from "Sportsmans Warehouse" is not quite heavy enough, but is better than the broken one it replaced. Any recommendations for a quality roller?
On that subject, it seems that a hefty plank for the keel to rest on would work well, maybe get rid of front two rollers entirely and only leave rear roller that keel does not sit on?
Am heading to Santa Barbara for a little sail on the channel. Must check Ca.regs for safety equipment. (radio, signal device, PFDS, fire extinguisher, bailer, paddless, first aid, scotch. am I forgetting anything?)
Am I crazy taking this boat on the channel for a day sail? I don't think so. I have significant experience sailing and have sailed a keel bot on the channel before. (36')
here is a pic of work so far. Notice the blue mast support. Came with boat and I finally figured out what it was. You can also see the Pram I made for the kids. The Coast guard paint job gets lots of compliments.
Have a nice night
andrew
before
(http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l594/CPYOA/avatars%20and%20stuff/barnfind.jpg)
after
(http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l594/CPYOA/avatars%20and%20stuff/swabbed.jpg)
As far as rollers go, I replaced mine with these:http://www.etrailer.com/Boat-Trailer-Parts/Yates-Rubber/YR1200Y.html (http://www.etrailer.com/Boat-Trailer-Parts/Yates-Rubber/YR1200Y.html)
Worked great, but mine was for a CP19.
They have other sizes, but make sure length and pin size is right.
That yellow material is better than the old black, and also supposed to hold up better.
On all the trailers I have seen over the years, these look to hold up the best, and sometimes there is a somewhat amber version that holds up will also.
Looking great! keep up the great work!
Mac
Ah Albuquerque! I first learned to sail in Cochiti. Took out a little Dingy in the spring of 90 and flipped it immediately. The cramped adobe and the sunshine. Memories of fishing with my little kids off a air mattress. 90% of the things I did back then I wouldn't do now....
Andrew,
I was in Albuquerque for the Hot air Balloon festival, this past October, it was great.
As to sailing to the Chanel Island off Santa Barbara, I haven't done it yet In my Eclipse but you have more sailing experience than i.
I sail out of Ventura as its the closes marina for me to get to and is an easy hour drive for me from Castaic, Calif.
If your in the area may be we could meet or even a possible day sail out of Ventura.
I will be sailing at Lake Havasu in February, will you be there?
Glenn B.
Glenn
I think I should wait for summer to sail to the Islands. We are going to giver her sea trials first. Just some day sails along the coast and look for whales. Perhaps out past the point if weather will allow. Also I will have four aboard. Way too many for a crossing.
I hope some wind comes up, Then I will go out with just two of us and see how she does. Oddly, the weather in Abq, has been fantastic, but no wind. Need to see if the 1978 hull keeps water out with a rail under. I see some dry caulking from the inside.
I will get a guest slip in Santa Barbara, perhaps we could meet there. Looking at last week of December.
Andrew
Don't buy cheap hardware. The life you save could be yours or your boat's.
B O A T , Break Out Another Thousand.
skip.
Andrew,
Depending on what week you will be here in Calif, I will be in Paso Robles right around Xmas's for about 3 days.
Santa Barbara and Ventura are nice areas, if the weather is good may be we could do a sail together for a day.
I have not launch at Santa Barbara before so that will be a new experience, usually pretty crowded there especially on a week end.
A week day might be the best.
here is my email gpb91384@hotmail.com so we can discuss further if you would like.
Glenn
Ahoy,
So I have some to learn about trailer sailing.
Her are my big questions with a story that follows.
1. The boat is not sitting correctly on the trailer. Bow is a little too high to allow the V cushion to stay clear of the bow eye, It winches right into the V pad.
How do I get the stern up to solve this? Raise rear roller? Move winch stand a bit forward to let bow settle a bit?
It was not this way when I hauled her home. I did replace middle roller and messed with bunks to clean hull, so I did something. Maybe I just need to raise the rear of the bunks a bit.
Added second strap for piece of mind. She didn't move on trailer on the way home.
2. I get a lot of sway in the wind on the highway. I have noticed that there is almost no tongue weight. It is balanced well on the axle, but will tip down in the stern if lift up tongue very high.
Will changing the weight a little forward cut down on some sway? (I get more sway from my truck than from my little suv, perhaps because hitch is much lower on SUV and trailer sits almost level. It sits stern down a bit on the truck)
The cold front waited for my day off to finally arrive. Took the boat out early this morning as the storm front was to arrive this afternoon. It was about two hours early.
I consider myself a good sailor, but I have more to learn about trailer sailing. It took much longer to get launched and under way with a 15 to 20 MPH breeze and 48 degree water than I wanted.
I chose to sail under jib only as a dark and stormy sky was lurking over the mountain to the north. Snow and cold things like that. Winds about 15 and gusting upwards of 20.
Coming about went well with jib only except for the time we tried it in a big gust. I went forward and backwinded the jib and that finally spun her across. The wind would catch the hull and hold her in place. When it was just the 10 knot breeze it went across fine.
Docking went well. Except for the fact that the boat dock has been hauled out for repair and we had to use the fishing dock...steel pipes and other nasty stuff. Glad I had fenders out. The big drag was I had to float her down the beach about 100 yards to the fishing platform, with a couple of wades to shove her back out again.
One reason we went was to test the old motor she came with so motoring out was not an option. I finally got her started at the dock and she ran for a few minutes and then died. The wasps nests that were in it may be part of the problem. Switched to my electric which did well for the amount of wind I think.
Worked out some bugs and got some good practice launching and retrieving in some wind....Cold wind. Fun day. My daughter gets kudos for being such a sport and doing so well at the helm.
See you soon.
(http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l594/CPYOA/avatars%20and%20stuff/frostbite1.jpg)
Andrew:
Isn't it great fun when your kids go sailing with you? It's the true definition of quality time together! No tv to distract.
My only comment on your trailering woes is that you need to have some tongue weight. Without some positive weight on the tongue, you will loose control especially at higher speeds and that could spell peril for your new Compac. Without seeing any pictures, it's hard for me to comment on your bunk setup but it sounds like whatever you did, just reverse it and it should be fine. But fix that tongue weight thing immediatedly...if not sooner!
bob23
Andrew,
The amount of weight that should be on your trailer hitch is about 10% of the weight of your boat/trailer combined.
This will also reduce the amount of sway you are getting and be a lot safer towing.
Glenn B.
the trailer tongue should be level, or close to it.
My hitch is low as well. I use the drop down hitch ball mount turned over so the ball is much higher than the hitch.
Yep, you want about 10% of the overall boat and trailer weight on the hitch. So that's roughly 150-170 lbs depending on how much gear you have aboard.
Might need to move the winch forward to pull the boat towards the tow vehicle. Probably only needs moved an inch or three. You can also fine tune with some weight in the bow locker area (an anchor/chain, battery, etc). Definitely fix it before towing again.
Beautiful country. I have been in Albuquerque when it snowed in Dec. I Know the weather in high country can change a lot.
On that number thing. You could find some number punches, sand off place near front, punch, repaint same color, steel wool lightly till they show, paint still in in cracks, presto you found them with your eagle eye, Not for quote. Also only if you completely sure every thing is legit. You could also do the mentioned thing and take to OK for inspection, then they found them, not you. You might also look on the very front, some times the towing socket is changed and most of them are numbered, meaning if that was number used it is gone.
The previous is a copy of a posting I found on the internets
Thanks for the input. I will see about rearranging the weight and hitch height. It occurred to me that when I pulled it home I had the motor and everything else stowed in the cabin. When I used the truck last weekend everything was in the truck bed. So I will look at that too.
This site is a great help. Thanks admin and everyone out there.
My last week of teaching before finals, then SAILING....woo hoo...
Well its been a tough new year so far.....
The lake froze over. It has not done that in years. And I had a heart attack...
Did I mention the lake froze over.
I am fine. Going back to work tomorrow. No serious damage. Scary though.
Here is a video I put together of our first trip in Mary Belle.
I usually don't add the obligatory music, but this time it was better than listening to my inane commentary....And I have been wearing a white skipper cap for 30 years. No laughing. It stays on in the wind.
Freakin Heart attack, can you believe it?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98DNRllZGi4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98DNRllZGi4)
Damn, Andrew:
What did ya go and have a heart attack for? Well, I'm glad your here to tell us about it and I hope you make a full recovery...any % damage to the ticker? Dr. Bob23 recommends regular doses of red wine, plenty of dark chocolate and plenty of wind combined with salt and/or fresh water spray. And lots of rowing! I seriously hope you are fine. Going back to work? I guess that's a good thing. You don't look old enough to have an attack.
Your video, for me, came at a perfect time. I just covered my boat for the winter, we have a bit 'o snow outside and it's 20.5 degrees now and dropping with North wind blowing at 25. And I work outside. Although the video was short, it is great and I loved the music. Looks like you guys were having a great time.
The lake will thaw. But don't you go and have any more attacks, all right?
Bob23...not laughing at the hat...I have no room to talk about hats!
Great video, Andrew. Did you use a GO PRO? You're a lucky guy! Had one with just a scare, so now you can deal with it. Bob23's diet advice is good plus some exercise and plenty of those Omega-3's. And cut the stress. It's all small stuff ;)
Like the cap. Bob23 can't laugh. You've seen his deck shoes? ;D
salty is correct you need to move the winch stand forward a bit to balance the rig. i dont know about the 150 lb tongue weight. mine rides just fine and i think it cant be over a hundred or so as i can pick it up waist high to move the boat about in my garage. ill weigh it and let you know for sure. if you need trailer tires consider moving up to 12 inchers. i got lucky and bought two wheels at 8 bucks a piece and a complete wheel and tire for 30. next spring i will get two new tires and make the change. if you trailer a lot i think its a smart investment.
Thanks guys. I was lucky and will definately make some changes.
Good to be back at work goofing off on the internet.
I use I Movie..I liked the old version better. The New one works OK, just have to learn another program.
I try to keep these little movies short. My Handle is Mercifully short productions....
I think you should do a longer production...the short was great so a longer would be greater, right?
...what about my deck shoes?
My doctor is always on my case about slightly high blood pressure and slightly high LDL. With some very minor meds and lots of rowing, I'm able to control both. I wonder if I can get Horizon Blue Cross to pay for a new Adirondack Guideboat?
http://www.adirondack-guide-boat.com/product/adirondack-cedar-guideboat
Bob23
Quote from: kickingbug1 on January 22, 2013, 09:20:27 AM
salty is correct you need to move the winch stand forward a bit to balance the rig. i dont know about the 150 lb tongue weight. mine rides just fine and i think it cant be over a hundred or so as i can pick it up waist high to move the boat about in my garage. ill weigh it and let you know for sure. .............nies answer is if you
don't have enough weight on the ball/car the trailer will sway back and forth, moving the boat forward enough to put more weight on car will make the boat pull without swaying . Move the boat about 4 inches at a time until boat pulls straight, on my compac16 the tongue weight is about 70 lbs, of course every one is a little different depending on how much STUFF is in the boat, putting excess weight on the tongue is just busting your gut........nies
I had the same problem with very little tongue weight when I bought my 16. When I added a motor mount to the front of my trailer to transport the small 5hp outboard, it solved two problems. Enjoyed the video and the background music.
Just an old home video, but it shows my little fleet over the years. Amazing that the little girl in the kayak is the same one who took the helm on the compac.
FYI. I am recovering quickly and looking forward to some SAILING ;D
Got my son to move the winch forward a bit. Did the trick. tongue weight seems perfect now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ofMg0J5PA8 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ofMg0J5PA8)