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by Peter
Wed Dec 24, 2008 1:24 pm
Forum: Materials, Sources, and Innovations
Topic: Battery Hack
Replies: 4
Views: 1291

Ah, you gotta love the internet. I was wondering what kind of wiring they would need to make 8 sets of 4 batteries in parallel. I wonder how many people carved up a battery to find out! Anyway, interesting stuff. The Duracell I opened up had regular Duracell 'D' cells, exactly like the off-the-shelf...
by Peter
Wed Dec 24, 2008 1:24 am
Forum: Materials, Sources, and Innovations
Topic: Battery Hack
Replies: 4
Views: 1291

Allen,
Now that's very interesting. I had a 6 volt Duracell lantern battery (new) that wouldn't work so I pried it open and found .... tadaaaa .... 4 'D' cell Copper-Top batteries! (all with a full charge) and a spacer to fill up the case.
by Peter
Mon Dec 22, 2008 12:40 pm
Forum: Boat Photos
Topic: Not plastic, and not even *officially* a boat, but...
Replies: 13
Views: 2081

Outstanding job! It looks like it would float .... maybe a dinghy for a very small cruiser?
by Peter
Mon Dec 15, 2008 1:43 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Fixed Windows v Opening Ports
Replies: 38
Views: 4329

How secure are these windows? On the larger windows the non-overlapping rubber is not secure for offshore weather conditions. There are two documented cases of Albin Vegas losing a window offshore: one in "Berserk" in the Antarctic, and another on Anne Miller's Atlantic crossing in "...
by Peter
Sat Dec 13, 2008 1:24 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Fixed Windows v Opening Ports
Replies: 38
Views: 4329

1. How important is it to have opening ports in this location for ventilation purposes? My personal preference would be for dorade vents, rather than opening ports. But then again, it never gets very warm on the ocean around here! The small windows did open but I decided to use this system for all ...
by Peter
Wed Dec 10, 2008 1:59 pm
Forum: Sails, Rigging, and Systems
Topic: Windvane
Replies: 12
Views: 2098

I have a Navik on my Vega 27. It's good for boats up to about 32'. Although they are no longer made, they quite often come for sale. I paid $600 for mine, complete with spares, and later picked up a spare paddle, vane, and a bucket load of spares for another $200. New spares are still available from...
by Peter
Tue Dec 09, 2008 1:31 pm
Forum: Materials, Sources, and Innovations
Topic: LED Cabin Lighting
Replies: 7
Views: 1735

Maine Sail, Thanks for the comprehensive rundown on LED's. I also read your "More LED Bulb Reviews !!" Good info! And thanks for the link to the warm white festoons. I was wondering if they were even available. I like the base they show in the link. I need three of those to repalce the old...
by Peter
Tue Dec 09, 2008 2:23 am
Forum: Materials, Sources, and Innovations
Topic: LED Cabin Lighting
Replies: 7
Views: 1735

I received two more led bulbs today: Festoons for the galley http://www3.telus.net/sailing/42six.jpg they are "Bright white", and not as cosy as the "warm white" MR16's, but they sure light up the galley! http://www3.telus.net/sailing/festoon.jpg I'm looking for some "warmer...
by Peter
Sat Dec 06, 2008 2:00 am
Forum: Boat Photos
Topic: International Folkboat #377 Storm Petrel Photo Test
Replies: 32
Views: 5193

Well, you certainly know how to get my attention!
Nice Marieholm 26 ... beautiful!!
by Peter
Fri Dec 05, 2008 1:40 pm
Forum: Classic Sailboats
Topic: 1973 soverel 30 mkIII
Replies: 19
Views: 2848

Bill wrote:That and an Aphrodite 101.
Bill, there's an Aphrodite 101 just across from you in Griffin Bay on San Juan Island: "Chamade" .... beautiful boat.

I once took some photos of her as she smoked past me leaving the Inner Harbour in Victoria.
Image
by Peter
Fri Dec 05, 2008 1:24 pm
Forum: Classic Sailboats
Topic: Sirius 28 sloop ..
Replies: 3
Views: 1447

The only brochure I can find is for a Sirius 22 . It does mention the 28, but only as one on the list of boats they build. The Montgomery Sailboat Owners Group (MSOG) keeps quite a selection of brochures , and is always happy to get more. Doug King is the person to contact with submissions at msog@m...
by Peter
Sun Nov 30, 2008 1:16 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Rotary Nav Light Switch
Replies: 24
Views: 1985

I really like this switch-- except for the fact that you can't use your deck nav lights while sailing-- since this switch ties them in with the bow or steaming light. Wondering how hard it would be to eliminate that problem? The description at Ahoy Captain says " In every switch position an ad...
by Peter
Wed Nov 26, 2008 1:10 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Islander 32 from A to Z
Replies: 22
Views: 4052

Henk,
Great job on a great boat! Your website is great, too. I live not too far from you ... maybe we'll cross wakes sometime.
by Peter
Mon Nov 24, 2008 12:51 pm
Forum: Boat Shops and Facilities
Topic: Yet another thread about boat sheds
Replies: 69
Views: 18206

I do like the surface lip around your shed, Peter, and was planning something like that myself. How are you keeping that part of the shed clear of the ground to avoid rot, though? Well, err..... "temporary" was the thought when I built it ... I didn't plan to keep the shed as long as I ha...
by Peter
Sun Nov 23, 2008 12:34 pm
Forum: Boat Shops and Facilities
Topic: Yet another thread about boat sheds
Replies: 69
Views: 18206

Having an air-born shed is a real possibility. We get some pretty good gusts here on our hillside, so I was concerned about losing the whole structure. My pony walls are EL- shaped, with the horizontal part of the EL on the outside of the shed, facing away from centerline, and diagonal braces joinin...
by Peter
Sat Nov 22, 2008 2:10 am
Forum: Materials, Sources, and Innovations
Topic: LED Cabin Lighting
Replies: 7
Views: 1735

LED Cabin Lighting

After reading about Sensibulb LED lights elsewhere on this forum, I decided to get on with my own cabin light conversion. I emailed Sailorssolutions.com to ask if these bulbs would replace my old MR16 halogens, but the answer was no. Searching the web I found these bulbs and decided to try one. http...
by Peter
Sat Nov 22, 2008 1:30 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Sealing Deck Core From Moisture
Replies: 18
Views: 2597

Quetzalsailor wrote:One negative is possibly inherent only in your photo-presentation and that is that there's very little bearing area under the head of that bolt that can carry load.
Perhaps a good place for a washer, or even a fender washer?
by Peter
Thu Nov 20, 2008 9:22 pm
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Sealing Deck Core From Moisture
Replies: 18
Views: 2597

Good stuff, Maine Sail ... I've bookmarked the site for later reference. And a reminder for all those "single-handing" their repairs: Tim's ( I believe) great trick of under-drilling the hole then using a tap to thread the epoxy plug. This allows you to wind in the bolt and put on the nut ...
by Peter
Sun Nov 16, 2008 11:23 pm
Forum: Boat Shops and Facilities
Topic: Economical long term cover/shelter suggestions needed
Replies: 9
Views: 4140

Britton wrote:Hopefully, Mike or Peter will chime in with thoughts about theirs.
LOVE my Stimson Shed. It's still holding up very well after about five years, and still covered with the original 6 mil plastic!
by Peter
Wed Nov 12, 2008 10:24 pm
Forum: Projects
Topic: Islander 32 #241
Replies: 22
Views: 2851

From a fellow mast-craner ... Job well done! It always amazes me how easy it was, after it's down. BTW, getting it up with that crane should be pretty easy too!

Looking at the pictures of your mast: Would it be better to look for a good used aluminum replacement? Just my thoughts.
by Peter
Thu Nov 06, 2008 12:40 pm
Forum: Classic Sailboats
Topic: where to find...short list
Replies: 10
Views: 2215

And when you get tired of searching Yachtworld for "The One" you can set the criteria in their Personal Boat Shopper and have them email you once a week with links to new listings. Ain't life great!
by Peter
Tue Nov 04, 2008 11:43 pm
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: Winter Worklists, 2008-2009
Replies: 33
Views: 5046

This winter's list for Sin Tacha: Put a 3rd reef in the mainsail (done). Re-cut and repair the old spinnaker (done). Go Sailing :-) Replace cockpit drains and thru hulls in transom. Install new bilge pump. Go Sailing again :-) Make a chain-stopper for the anchor chain. Sew new cockpit cushions. Star...
by Peter
Wed Oct 29, 2008 8:40 pm
Forum: Classic Sailboats
Topic: Cheoy Lee 36 at $1,500.00!
Replies: 7
Views: 1815

There's lots of choice in Canada: I hauled one boat up from California and another from Oregon :-)

As a side note, boat prices in Sweden appear to be lower than the rest of Western Europe.
by Peter
Wed Oct 29, 2008 8:34 pm
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: Small, affordable bluewater?
Replies: 58
Views: 7431

Safe, seaworthy, strong, quick, comfortable, small (under 10,000 lbs.), beautiful, standing headroom (I'm 5'10" or so), rudder well aft, fiberglass or cold molded, dodger and bimini possible, diesel, decent galley, enclosed head, and of course inexpensive (< $20K) and possible to sail home to ...
by Peter
Sun Oct 26, 2008 11:35 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Cleaning metal parts of plastic blocks
Replies: 5
Views: 520

If they are a bit rusty, Davis FSR (fiberglass stain remover) takes it right off. I did all my blocks and it has not affected the plastic.
There are other alternatives mentioned inthis post, too.
by Peter
Sat Oct 18, 2008 11:37 am
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: Restore your boat in six easy steps!
Replies: 11
Views: 1808

...... set aside more time than you think you'll need.
They got that part right !!
by Peter
Fri Oct 17, 2008 11:33 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Cabin Trunk Modification
Replies: 99
Views: 13960

Ray wrote:note ...... the athwarshiply mounted propane stove.
Does this preclude having a gimbaled stove? I think I'd miss my hot chocolate while underway ;-)

Image
by Peter
Mon Oct 13, 2008 11:53 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Cleaning Water Tanks & Lines
Replies: 10
Views: 997

My favorite tank and water line cleaner is Hydrogen Peroxide in 3% solution. Chlorine is not my favorite thing to ingest, which is why I filter it out of my drinking water at home. And it's not just chlorine that's being used in Municipal water systems, it's "chloramine", a mixture of chlo...
by Peter
Sat Oct 11, 2008 11:29 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Force 10 Cozy Cabin Heater
Replies: 1
Views: 311

Force 10 Cozy Cabin Heater

I have a Force 10 Cozy Cabin Heater, burning kerosene. I've never been able to get it to burn a nice blue flame without turning it down most of the way, which still keeps the cabin more or less comfortable. Turned full up, it roars away with a great gob of yellow flame at the top, and produces lots ...
by Peter
Wed Oct 08, 2008 1:41 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Beaching Legs
Replies: 7
Views: 1282

Any closeups of the through hull attachment thingamajig? I just updated my Picasa album , Zack. There's some detail on the first few photos. Please post pictures of the aluminum models when you make them. That's a way off, maybe next spring. I'm not sure if my list is getting longer, or if I'm just...
by Peter
Wed Oct 08, 2008 1:31 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: New Member - Islander 32 #241
Replies: 10
Views: 2002

John, welcome to the forum. Islander 32, nice boat. Before anyone else says it, I will: "We want pictures" :-)
by Peter
Tue Oct 07, 2008 12:15 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Beaching Legs
Replies: 7
Views: 1282

I'm about a day's sail from the nearest haulout, but the real reason is that I like to be independent no matter where I go ... and I'm cheap :-)
by Peter
Mon Oct 06, 2008 1:30 pm
Forum: Projects
Topic: Beaching Legs
Replies: 7
Views: 1282

Beaching Legs

Peter, That beaching process is pretty amazing...can you give some more detail on how you perform this? - first time you attempted this, what type of bottom you must ground on, etc... Thanks, Brian (Continued from the bottom of this thread ) I got the plans for the legs from a member of the Vega As...
by Peter
Mon Oct 06, 2008 12:45 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Seacock with Mounting Flange
Replies: 10
Views: 871

Brian,
I'll post a reply under "Projects->Beaching Legs, as it's a bit off topic for this thread.
by Peter
Sun Oct 05, 2008 11:17 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Seacock with Mounting Flange
Replies: 10
Views: 871

Mike, I have a few pictures here when I changed props. I didn't get any while doing the sea cocks, as I was pressed for time. I also managed to park over a hole on the starboard side leg, and had to run out a kedge anchor attached to the main halyard to keep the boat upright. I was amazed at the hol...
by Peter
Sun Oct 05, 2008 10:52 pm
Forum: Sailing and Cruising
Topic: Bolero Delivery and Launching
Replies: 65
Views: 10529

Bill,
If you sheet that flag in a bit you're probably good for another half knot ;-)
She looks just .... GREAT!
by Peter
Sun Oct 05, 2008 12:35 pm
Forum: Sailing and Cruising
Topic: Albin Vega trip
Replies: 0
Views: 921

Albin Vega trip

There is some interesting video of Jeff and Rich's trip from Vancouver British Columbia to Hawaii and return on their Albin Vega "Mr. Perfect" . It can be seen at their blog site.
by Peter
Sat Oct 04, 2008 10:57 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Distribution Panel - meters or not?
Replies: 12
Views: 1105

I have a total re-wire planned for the near future, to replace the original two VW-style fuse blocks. I was thinking of using this fuse panel , as my electrical system has very basic needs, no anchor windlass, radar, or toaster oven. It would provide me with everything I need right now, plus about t...
by Peter
Sat Oct 04, 2008 10:21 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Seacock with Mounting Flange
Replies: 10
Views: 871

Just a reminder on Groco Seacocks with SS ball shafts: There is a recall notice on some of them covered by this thread

I got mine all changed out, with much help from a fellow sailor, between tides on my beaching legs.

PS: I used the mounting method described by Tim. Works very well!
by Peter
Sun Sep 28, 2008 3:54 pm
Forum: Sailing and Cruising
Topic: Bolero Delivery and Launching
Replies: 65
Views: 10529

Bill:
Wow ... Wow ... Wow !!!
I can hardly wait to see her 'in person'.
BTW, thanks for the Folkboat shots ... nice, but I'm no longer tempted ;-)
by Peter
Sat Sep 27, 2008 12:00 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Cockpit Drain thru hull valves
Replies: 2
Views: 284

Cockpit Drain thru hull valves

Reading the last survey done on my boat I noticed a recommendation for cockpit drain shut-off valves. Are valves on the cockpit drains a 'good' idea? My drain thru hulls are above the waterline on the transom. There are times when they are submerged, but I seldom get any water coming through into th...
by Peter
Thu Sep 25, 2008 11:00 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Stern Tube & Cutlass Bearing Questions
Replies: 6
Views: 486

No help on the stern tube, but ....Bryon, I looked at all your photos ... h*ly cow! You've certainly taken the boat right down to the basics. Looks like you're doing a thorough job with the rebuilding. I found a tip on making epoxy fillets look good in my Easport Pram manual, from CLC: When the epox...
by Peter
Mon Sep 22, 2008 11:24 pm
Forum: Boat Photos
Topic: Ireland Vaction Boat Pics
Replies: 6
Views: 1416

Lovely pictures. Those little bilge-keel sailboats look like they're standing on tiptoe :-)
by Peter
Sat Sep 20, 2008 12:52 pm
Forum: Classic Sailboats
Topic: Looking for a new boat
Replies: 18
Views: 2917

I'll chime in here and suggest the Albin Vega. They have a very secure high-sided cockpit with a ton of room, but they may be too large for you in the cabin area LOL ;-)
Image

Image
by Peter
Sat Sep 13, 2008 11:07 am
Forum: Classic Sailboats
Topic: Seaworthy and Seakindly Plastic
Replies: 6
Views: 1718

If you're interested in number crunching between two boats this site will keep you busy for a while!
by Peter
Tue Sep 02, 2008 9:10 am
Forum: Boat Photos
Topic: Let me introduce myself
Replies: 17
Views: 2812

Ceto, I used to be heavily into Corvairs, a GM rear engine air cooled car produced from 1960 to 1969. I spotted a couple of 'late models' in your picture. It's hard to break old habits. BTW, that's a very nice boat you have ... I haven't seen any like it around here. http://www3.telus.net/sailing/va...
by Peter
Mon Sep 01, 2008 8:47 pm
Forum: Boat Photos
Topic: Let me introduce myself
Replies: 17
Views: 2812

Is that a couple of Corvairs I see there ... ? heh heh ...
by Peter
Sat Aug 30, 2008 9:38 pm
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: In retrospect...
Replies: 2
Views: 612

Nope .... less expense to restore an existing boat, IMHO.
Maybe more work ...?
by Peter
Thu Aug 14, 2008 11:24 am
Forum: Materials, Sources, and Innovations
Topic: Proiduct Review - Sensibulb
Replies: 7
Views: 1586

Thanks, acoustic. I'm going to try a couple in my reading lights.
by Peter
Wed Aug 13, 2008 11:27 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: in-hull transducer ?
Replies: 11
Views: 955

FWIW, I glued my Huminbird transducer in with a gob of Sikaflex. I knew I might have to move it later, so I wanted to be able to remove it by non-destructive methods. Anyway, on the Albin Vega Forum several people had done this so I gave it a try, even though I was skeptical. Works like a charm!

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