Random thoughts and rants on boat design, boat building, and other boat bits for those in the 99%...
This speaks volumes about fracking, a good take on climate change, and who's carrying their weight...
No two ways about it but this is a very nice pack...
Pretty much a perfect pack for a cruiser.
I've always had a soft spot in my heart for GPIW/Chouinard/Patagonia gear and I can attest to how well it is designed, constructed and holds up... The downside is it's hip and stuff that's hip tends to cost more.
Some advice you can take to the bank, in the things are just nuts these days department, and does anyone reading this remember Emitt Rhodes...
Pre-first cup of coffee, our someone's-anchoring-way-too-frelling-close alarm went off with a growl.
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| Willow on watch |
This is interesting, a little logic, and some fun and frolic in the splitting hairs department...
I really have to quit loaning people books...
The other day I wanted to refresh my memory on something Thomas Colvin had said and my copy of "Cruising as a Way of Life" was nowhere to be found. Truth be told, my bookshelf seems incomplete without it.
Bummer.
The term "economic sociopaths" seems to be cropping up a lot these days, the BIG STORY of our time, and the Deepwater Horizon spill ripples keep coming...
The other day I was talking to a friend about a proa design of some interest...
Granted, proas may not be everyone's cup of tea but they do make quite a lot of sense. Certainly more sense than a lot of the floating condominiums that pass for catamarans these days.
Less of the same old same is a goodly thing...
Listening to Dave Mason
So it goes...
Something from the avarice/fear files, it would seem we have an unusually large number of "a few bad apples" in the current crop, and Ian Welsh making some sense at the corner of Rational & Irrational...
Like a lot of people, I've become a watcher/fan of "Untie the Lines" and look forward to each new installment. The most current episode was a bit depressing...
Of course, to get the whole gravity of the situation you really need to go back and watch all of the preceding episodes which I would highly recommend.
I expect we've all been in a similar situation at one point or another and if we haven't, it's more than likely because we were lucky rather than anything we've actually done to prevent it... So, there but for the grace of God and all that.
Sadly, in our current social-economic climate it's mostly all about looking out for number #1 and feeling smug when others have difficulties or fail. It gives the Monday morning quarterbacks something to live for and feel superior about...
The fact is, we all make mistakes and wrong choices becoming cruisers and the measure of someone is not about how much money they can throw at problems but how they deal with up close and personal adversity.
I expect Nike will get to doing and sort out her current set of problems and in the end she will be all the better for it... She's already jumped a bunch of hurdles which would have made others pack up and be on the first plane home...
So, go give the series a watch and, just maybe, if you have an opportunity to help her out (I expect she has a MIG welder and a good book on welding in her future) you might want to give it a serious think...
Listening to Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul
So it goes...
Not exactly a happy making trend, some kind of nervous making, and George Takei making some sense...
I don't drive.
I used to... In fact, with most of my formative years being in Los Angeles, there was a time when driving and cars were such a central part of who I was that I'd never have been able to imagine myself giving up driving and not going insane...
Then again these days, I'm not so sure sanity is all it's cracked up to be.
My divorce from the whole owning a car and driving thing was simple... I just moved to Paris where owning a car and driving simply did not make any real sense. Confronted with a reality where I did not need to drive, I was more than happy to give it up. Later, when I sailed to the USVI where a car would have been a bit more handy/sensible, I was tempted but, doing a need/want calculation, it was obvious that a car was not really needful and the added expense, complication, and hassle were just not worth the minor advantages.
I mention this because I would never have given up driving and the automobile culture unless I'd moved to Paris, a place with a different culture and mindset, which allowed me a space to think lucidly about the whole driving experience and its advantages/disadvantages. Face it, you can't really think clearly about something without a bit of perspective.
Oh yeah, this is actually about boat stuff...
Lately, I've taken a perverse pleasure in following a rather idiotic thread about the Pardeys, the cost of the now for sale Talesin, and current ideas in boat essentials/design... I suspect you already know I'm not in agreement with the majority view.
Where I think I differ, is the average person is so caught up with the "now" of consumerist yachting/cruising that they simply cannot imagine living any other way. Not too unlike my thoughts on driving while living in Seattle a year before our move to Paris when I simply had zero perspective on the idea that someone could live a happy/happier life without driving...
I'm old enough to remember when electronics on boats were something of an expensive and unreliable oddity... The first Loose Moose never had any built in electronic instruments. A Walker log, leadline, plastic sextant, and a cheap RDF were all we needed or, for that matter, all that's really needed today. I'm lucky because that experience gives me that little bit of needful perspective that seems to be missing from so many discussions on gear, boat design, and cruising these days.
Which is not to say I dislike progress. In fact, I don't think there's anything like enough real innovation and progress available to us and would love to see more. The trick, as I see it, is that to recognize the difference between hype and progress you need some perspective. Of course, to get it you need to get outside the consumerist bubble we're all in and take a look from a different vantage point...
Listening to Kassav'
So it goes...
Noam Chomsky making some sense, my kind of eatery, and the reality of what a better wage for workers would mean in the cost of stuff you buy...
Have you ever noticed how people like to make things difficult for themselves?
Dave Z (of TrioloBoat infamy) recently posted about learning curves and he makes the point that while we may think the whole learning curve is pretty steep, in reality it isn't...
Yesterday I posted over at VolksCruiser about costly inflatables and how DIY dinghies were the solution for most of us. This produced a flurry of folks writing in and telling me that building a dinghy was too difficult for most people and I should cut them some slack.
Building a dinghy is easy and it does not take much in the way of a skill-set. Everything you need to know, including plans, can be found in a single inexpensive book. So, obviously, one has to ask, "what's the problem?"
I see and hear it all the time because people keep telling me stuff is difficult and learning something new is just too hard. Whether it's boatbuilding, celestial navigation, learning how to splice a line, or even sailing, it's the perceived difficulty rather than the reality that's the problematic part.
Or, in Nikespeak...
Just do the damn thing.
Listening to Guy Clark
So it goes...
Something worth thinking about, this should bother you, and in the yep, there's a difference department...
A while back a reader sent me a link to a bit of nautical steampunkery that is so cool I really have to share it with you...
A real good example of why things are so screwed up, space on a budget, and about something really dumb on the internet...
Back when we were building the first Loose Moose, a friend of ours was building a strip planked design and one of his favorite words was "robust"... The boat in question was a pretty design and the designer had specified strip planking with glass on the inside and outside, a light but strong construction.
Pascal thought it was not quite robust enough so he cold molded another four layers of 1/4" mahogany and about tripled the glass schedule... Getting into icebreaker sort of scantling territory. To say that the boat was quite down on its lines was something of an understatement and, last I heard, Pascal was looking at cunning plans for conning towers and periscopes.
I mention this because overbuilding is such a common thing around amateur made or rehabbed boats that it's become something of the norm and no one ever seems to question just how much is too much.
The other day I looked at the original schematic for our boat's electrical system. I had something of a eureka moment trying to sort out what-in-holy-hell had become of my electrical system as it had become both over-complicated as well as robust to the point of silliness.
Now, of course, a boat built in 1969 did not have the sort of electrical usage and amp draw that is common today. Comparing the then and now schematics started to make me wonder if, just maybe, somewhere previous owners had gone way overboard...
So, I started looking at what sort of amp draws and electrical system "So It Goes" really needed to try to sort out if the evolution from a system using 4 AWG wire to 00 AWG was actually merited. For a quick look as the sort of wire you should be looking at you need to check the 2% voltage drop chart...
Boys will be boys (an apparently not uncommon attitude), worth reading, and if you're not worried you're not paying attention...
Meanwhile, over in the Bay of Biscay, watchkeeping just got a whole lot more interesting... The Old Salt Blog (a blog I read every day) has the story.
Listening to the Bonzo Dog Band
So it goes...
Dick Dorworth on something no one talks about, why you might want to think twice before calling 911, and I think I'm detecting a trend...
This morning the first thing I heard was the local tsunami alarm system doing its thing. It's loud so you hear it but the recorded message is so distorted that it took several listens to realize that it was simply a test.
The fact is that the Caribbean is situated on a number of tectonic plates so a big tsunami is actually a concern and we're overdue for something scary. Having experienced a tsunami first hand as a kid, I can vouch for the fact that you don't really want to be around when the big wave comes.
Just something you might want to keep in mind...
Listening to Susan Tedeschi
So it goes...
Leftsetz getting his groove on, some important numbers, and if you're thinking of building a tiny house...
For quite a while I've been watching the growing "tiny house" movement with a lot of interest. While I think they are only sorta/kinda on the right track, we of the boating persuasion could learn a lot from what's going on.
Take the aforementioned tiny house building workshop for instance... See anything like that for folks who want to build or rehab a boat?
Which is not to say there are not any number of workshops available to potential cruisers. Sure there are. Most of them really boil down to how to spend money because the truth of the matter is the current perception of cruising/sailing is that it's just an exercise in consumerism.
You know, it doesn't have to be...
Listening to the Warren Haynes Band
So it goes...
Some excellent news, good to know, and in the priorities department $1 Billion might sound like a lot until you realize the winter Olympics are costing $50+ Billion...
The other day, while doing some sanding, I had one of those moments of timewarp where something you're doing transports you to a moment in the past where you were doing the same thing, listening to the same music, or smelling the same smell.
The time slice in question was when I was preparing the deck of Loose Moose 2 for its nonskid. Hardly a romantic moment but, at the time, it was a needful task. As we'd decided to go with Phil Bolger's suggestion of not having lifelines aboard LM2, it was something that I'd given a certain amount of thought to as applying non skid would make adding stanchions later problematic...
Back in the present I realized just how little of the agonizing do-I-don't-I-because-I need-to-have-everything-perfect-and-approved-by-my-peers thought process I'd put into previous boats and voyages. I suppose I'm just more of a weigh-the-available-pros-and-cons-and-just-do-the-damn-thing sort.
Back then I'm pretty sure I was the norm but today not so much. It's a different world and not really for the better if you care to register my opinion. It's far too easy to get caught in the spiral of over thinking and find yourself in an inescapable stasis of your own making.
Which is not to say I have not made my share of mistakes and wrong decisions in the process but in my defense I've so far survived them all...
Listening to Jerry Riopelle
So it goes...
On the subject of "Enlightened self-interest", something to think about, and proof positive that SNAFU is a very real thing...
Here's something small and simple from Tad Roberts...
Someone making sense, not exactly surprising, and a gold medal in deed...
When was the last time you saw anything truly innovative for sailboats?
Funny thing is, for the last couple of days I've been trying to think of an example but I have come up dry. Most products that come across my field of vision are at best slight improvements on an old theme and at worst the phrase all-fucked-up springs to mind...
Which does not mean the word innovative does not get thrown around a lot but these days it's so often misused that it lacks any real meaning.
Someplace, somewhere I'm sure someone is doing revolutionary work on sailboat design, stuff to make them go, and better systems to make cruising better but I'm just not seeing it... Just the same old same or worse.
So if you're out there beavering away on something revolutionary or you know someone who is, drop me a line I'd love to hear from you.
Really...
Listening to Sons of Bill
So it goes...
Orlov nails it, obviously a proud day in law enforcement, and Kurt Hughes runs into the business world as we know it...
I don't usually let our charter business intrude into the blog but for this opportunity I'm making an exception because it's not easy to find trans-ocean experience...
The charter yacht ANAHITA,
a 62-foot Dynamique sloop, has an opening for two paying crew on their
6th eastbound trans-Atlantic crossing. This is an excellent opportunity
to get some sea miles and a unique adventure. Join Captain Bijan and
Chef Roseanne in St. Thomas, USVI for the May 1st departure.
We just finished our wonderful Atlantic crossing. We couldn’t have found a better boat or a better captain and chef for this most wonderful experience in our lives.
- 2012 TransAtlantic Crossing
Bijan is “The Best of the Best." An unforgettable adventure!
- 2012 TransAtlantic Crossing
It is fair to say that -- having sailed only in the Mediterranean and never in “Proper” oceans -- I was somewhat worried regards to crossing the Atlantic, my journey into the unknown! I needed not have worried: From the moment I stepped aboard I felt at ease and very much enjoyed the crossing -- So many thanks for making it so easy: Well hosted. Best wishes to you both for much happiness together, kind seas, and fair winds. If you ever find your way to York, make sure you look me up.
- Bruce (Antigua-Azores-Gibraltar, May 2-June 1, 2010
There are many stories to be told about four guys on a 3,228 mile, 29-day transatlantic crossing, but the one that strikes me as being the best is meeting the Anahita captain, Bijan. Myself an owner of a 1980 38’ Shannon cutter ketch with two transatlantic crossings, I would say this crossing (12/01/09 -12/29/09) was one of the easiest of the three. As a captain you should know & be able to diagnose every sound emanating from your boat, understand & never chance your boat's abilities under all sea conditions, & have an ability to take command of all crew situations. I can say from doing this trip with Bijan that he is aware of all of these situations, even while asleep. The boat is equipped with two types of communication with the land via sailmail, an email service, & satellite telephone. I had been in contact through sailmail with my family & thereby kept them informed as to where the boat was & that all was as well. Now as for luxury, I can truly say there is nothing missing in accommodations or entertainment (Plasma TV for evening movies). My room was large, airy, & comfortable for two & extremely large for one. Of course, it has a head with shower with enough hot water to keep you happy. The galley was a delight to work in with a three-burner stove & oven that was easy to handle & make delicious hot evening meals. We even made fresh bread in the electric bread maker. Over all the Anahita was a delight to spend time on & would give anyone a great time to remember.
- Regards, Noah (Gibraltar to St Martin, Nov. 2009)
I'm pretty sure "irrational" is something of an understatement, this is somewhat troubling, and here's a good question...
Some time back, I bought a couple of quart-sized paint can stirrer thingies and having used them for a time, I thought I'd tell you how they're working out.
They've changed my life...
I've always hated some associated tasks having to do with painting. I actually enjoy the preparation of paintable surfaces and the act of painting. However, the whole mixing paint, all that goes with it, and the cleanup afterwards really gets up my nose.
The Mixing Mate pretty much takes all those negatives away. As a result, painting becomes something I now do when needful as opposed to a much put off affair... For instance, yesterday I had a couple places I needed to paint so I grabbed the paint, gave it a stir, poured a tiny amount (all that was needed) of paint into a dixie cup, and had at it with a brush. The whole job took less than ten minutes start to finish.
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So. why exactly do we pay more, about the secret to a happy, successful life of paranoia, and it was fifty years ago today yesterday...
We just ran out of propane an unusual occurrence as we have two 20-pound gas bottles so we usually have a full tank to change to... Usually.
Bummer.
No coffee = low brain cell activity = what the hell am I going to write about?
More hopefully caffeine enthused meanderings tomorrow.
Listening to Strangers in Paradise
So it goes...
Way past dysfunctional, the only worthwhile "selfie" I've yet come across, and what's on the bottom of your boat...
A couple of days back I watched a boat anchored nearby get ready to leave and for a brief moment envied them the size of their boat. I thought how nice it would be to have a place on deck for a 12-foot dinghy and suchlike.
Then again, watching them go through the motions of taking off the motor and then putting said dinghy on the deck you could tell that it was hard work and they were not having fun. Not something one of them could do alone either...
Just offhand, I'm not a big fan of hard work.
A lot of folks try and get around the hard work component of a bigger boat with tech and the addition of powered winches, windlasses, and other aids but, Murphy's law being a very real thing around boats, things don't always work.
Not too long ago I recall a boat anchored near us calling the local boys in blue asking them to come out and ferry them in to clear because the electric windlass on their davits was not working so they were unable to launch their dinghy.
Which is why whenever I have one of those rare wouldn't it be nice to have a much bigger boat than one of us can comfortably work/sail alone thoughts, they never last long...
Listening to Jerry Riopelle
So it goes...
A guitar I lust for, Badtux is on a roll, and why you're not seeing middle-class affordable boats at the boat shows...
I read today that, fifty years ago on this date, the Beatles arrived in the USA. Something of a pivotal moment in time for folks of my generation.
I mention this because it got me thinking about things and events that alter the flow and change our lives in some fashion. Like how, on October 5, 1959, ABC ran the first episode of a TV show...
This could use your support, some tiny rays of hope, and here's something you might find interesting...
Over at the Archdruid Report, today's post is entitled "The Steampunk Future" (a long but worthwhile read) where he mentions calling a slide rule a steampunk calculator and it got me thinking...
We'd all be better off with a bit more steampunk tech in our sailing lives.
Now, I really like my chartplotter, depth sounder/electronic log, and AIS but none of those items are what you'd call user repairable. Having something on the boat I can't fix makes me nervous without some sort of less techie user repairable backup system ready to take over when the need arises.
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| Nemo had the right idea |
When the cure becomes the disease, hardly surprising, and this is just way cool...
There are a lot of tools I carry around that might surprise people... For instance, in each of my two main tool bags I have a short (12") crow bar...
Something scary about starfish in the Pacific, about that Coke ad, and on the subject of canaries and coal mines...
I'm in the midst of some projects, but here's a great post over at Simply Sailing Online that everybody should read and think about...
Really.
Listening to Beau Jocque and the Zydeco Hi-Rollers
So it goes...
A letter from the real world, the need for better liars, and Mylène Paquette became the first North American woman to row solo across the North Atlantic Ocean...
A perennial thing jockeying for position on my need/want list is a watermaker. What can I say? It sorta/kinda seems like a needful system. So, every year I run it through my need/want mark three computer and it always comes up firmly in the something I want but not something I need category.
As it happens, this ad for a used watermaker came up yesterday and it does tell a story if you do the math...
"We are done cruising the Caribbean. Slightly used (50 hours) Village Marine Little Wonder Modular 200 Water Maker purchased 2008 asking $3000/BO plus shipping or pick up near Jacksonville, FL. New pressure vessel and membrane. 12 volt DC system rated for 8.3 gallons per hour. Complete with spares, rebuilt kit, custom SS motor mounting bracket, complete for your installation, etc..."At first look it's not a bad price so it caught my interest but, once you read it a second time, it starts telling a story all its own...
David Simon making a lot of sense, some stuff most of us knew all along, and King Tut has nothing on this guy...
I bought a new circular saw of the pizza cutter variety a while back but only just got a chance to actually use it in anger this past week. For anyone who's interested, it seriously rocks.
First off, I should mention that being a plunge, as opposed to a set blade, it does have a bit of a learning curve as I found I had a tendency to relax during a cut and so the blade would retract a bit which was bothersome but once you get the hang of it, it's non-problematic.
The good news is its light weight makes it very easy to use one-handed (a needful thing for a guy doing projects aboard a boat at anchor) and its thin blade and very powerful motor makes it slip through wood so easily that you wonder if you're actually cutting... Not unlike a hot knife through butter.
Another plus is the saw has a laser guide that actually works, makes sense, and was visible yesterday in full Caribbean sun while I was cutting out some backing pads in the unshaded cockpit.
The downside is the fact that a small pizza cutter blade does not have the depth to cut through thicker planks but for that I still have the 7 1/2" worm-drive saw stowed under the cockpit for such things.
All in all, it's the new go to saw aboard "So It Goes".
Listening to Sublime
So it goes...
Not exactly a record to be proud of, some of my my worst fears confirmed, and something worthwhile from Dick Dorworth...
Some time back I mentioned the Musard 29 scow cruiser by Sabrosa Rain as a project in development and I'm happy to report that it's currently under construction at the "Etabli du marin" boatyard in France.
