on the water

[ahmch]

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..

[Bob23]

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

[Glenn Basore]

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.

[ahmch]

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.

[MacGyver]

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

[ahmch]

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.

[Salty19]

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!

[wes]

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

[kickingbug1]

   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

[ahmch]

 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.

[Bob23]

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

[ahmch]

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


after

[MacGyver]

As far as rollers go, I replaced mine with these: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

[newt]

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....

[Glenn Basore]

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.