Maybe if I could teleport myself...

About that new normal, somewhat worrisome, and in the "Heinous acts supporting profit" department...

There’s a CAL 34 for sale in Southern California on Craig’s List going for $2k that I find interesting. The pictures and description support a reasonable fixer upper. 

Any 34-foot sailboat selling for $2K, it’s expected that the motor is not working and has things that need fixing. But, hey it’s $2K!

To be honest, I’d love to buy this boat and would even consider doing the deed sight unseen. I have a CAL 34 and know its little secrets and perversities. So I already know what needs to be fixed and improved on. A refit with the advantage of  hindsight on a blank canvas would be a very pleasurable experience.

The cost of sorting out the boat from fixer-upper to excellent condition and ready to cruise would require the infusion of another five to eight thousand dollars. Not a terrible investment when you consider a cherry CAL 34 is going to cost somewhere between $13K and $20K.

The problem for me is that it’s in California. Resettling for two or three months is just too problematic to consider. Now if it was within five hundred miles of me, I’d have bought it already.

That said, anyone interested in the boat that would like some advice on the boat in question, drop me a line. I’m always happy to talk CAL 34s with folks of a like mind.

Listening to Gabriels

So it goes...

a YouTube series I keep forgetting to link to...

A good point about common sense, some needful reading, and in the "Vile murderous idiots" department...

An excellent rehab of a CAL 40.

 

Listening to the Sons of Champlin

So it goes...

Sailing towards rather than sailing to...

On the subject of sea level rising, a good question, and an intrepid voyage...

Since we were speaking of intrepid voyages you might want to check out more on Keith Leitzke's previous voyage.

 

Listening to the Magnetic Fields

So it goes...

The classiest of classic plastic...

Three words as GPS coordinates, on the subject of carrying a plague-state passport, and in the "Interesting things about climate change you might have missed" department...

Just another reason why I read Sailing Anarchy every day.

Listening to the Jayhawks

So it goes...

and she doesn't look a day over thirty...

This has me excited, a note regarding geography, and in the "You've never read 'Cruising in Seraffyn' and happen to be looking for a good cause to support" department...

It just occurred to me that "So It Goes" is coming up on its 50th-frelling-birthday. Still floating and the mast is right side up.

Apparently 1969 was a very good year.

I suspect some projects will be in order to celebrate the milestone during 2019.

Listening to a bunch of stuff from On the Right Side of A Good Thing

So it goes...

and only $15,950.

Grannies doing their thing (who might welcome your help/support), full tilt ass backwards, and in the "Hitting them where it hurts" department...

The other day I was culling files on my computer and came across this page.

A 1969 ad for the CAL 34. In rereading it again I still think they make a pretty convincing case. Of course, the fact that I'm sitting here at anchor in a 1969 CAL 34 forty-nine years later also says a lot about the build and seaworthiness as well.

Listening to Billy Strings

So it goes...

Speaking of CAL 40's...

Wrong on so many levels, climate change legalities, and in the "Better to repair than recycle" department...

A good review of Liz Clark's new book!

Listening to some astronaut themed songs

So it goes...

a second opinion...

Insanity at the EPA, interesting, and in the "Brown shirts and armbands are so passe" department...

Sailing Anarchy has a spot on second opinion regarding the proposed CAL 40/4040 makeover you might want to peruse.

Overall, I'm finding the whole idea to be interesting in the vein of provoking thoughts concerning the big picture of what's important/not important, our general place in the universe, and the underlying significance in a world of $45 flip flops.

Listening to Lance Lopez

So it goes...

Some CAL 40 design updating...

To serve and protect, a worthwhile read, and somewhat nervous making...

Something worth checking out from Stephens Waring Yacht Design which I'll be following with interest.

Listening to a surprisingly good playlist

So it goes...

My dream boat...

Johm Vigor with something of interest, fun and frolic in copyfraudland, and some bad news...

Someone asked me the other day what sort of boat I'd choose if I were rich and cost was not an issue... Actually, it's a pretty difficult question to answer.

Partly, because folks get boats for a variety of reasons and there are several boat designs I'd love to own just for their "art" value like the CAL 40... Wouldn't it be awesome to have a perfectly cherry CAL 40? Better yet, to own the one of a kind White Squall which I consider to be the best CAL 40 ever built...

That said, I would never like to "collect" boats and, as there are so many great designs, how could you choose just one?

Lucky for me I'm not rich so I don't have to worry about such things.

Listening to Humble Pie

So it goes...

and no, Bill Lapworth is not spinning like a top (well, at least I hope not)...

David (the Wire) Simon making sense, counting birds, and Robert Redford weighs in on Bristol Bay...

On the project front, I have a little more grinding to do on the hole in the transom to make pretty and then I get to play with some carbon and glass fiber... Fun stuff!

For a fact, I'm already loving the open transom for a variety of reasons. The chief bonus is that next time I haul the boat I'll be able to lose four through hulls of the cockpit drain variety which have always been worrisome and not nearly effective as needful.

Of course, CAL purists are shaking their heads at my depravity and desecration but I'm pretty sure that if Bill Lapworth was still around he'd be in grok mode on the project.

Now, off to make some potato salad and a pineapple cake...

Listening to The Cranberries

So it goes...

Anyone looking for a West Coat CAL 34?

Just a quick note to mention there's a pretty nice CAL 34 looking for a home...

...by the name of Moonrise and there's a lot more information about it on the excellent Little Cunning Plan blog.

Check it out!

A perfect balance...

Fatally flawed, about factory bison hunting, and a different approach to water-making...

Yesterday I was reading a blog about film and video production that made a really, really good point that applies just as much to boats, cruising, and suchlike as it does about video post-production...

"Don’t think of good enough as settling for something inferior or imperfect, think of it as striking a perfect balance."

CAL 34

In my own case I could use the example of the Bill Lapworth designed CAL 34...

As it happens, a 34-foot boat is a good size for a couple to cruise on. Not too small, not too big, or as Goldilocks might have said, just about right. Sure, a couple could handle a bigger boat or make do with a smaller one but the CAL 34 is pretty comfortable and pretty much meets all our needs in a positive manner.

There are a lot of things it could have, more headroom for instance, but when I scan plans of other 34-foot boats with 6'6" or greater headroom I tend to say to myself "wow, great headroom, too bad about the looks..."

While our "So It Goes" does not have the same sort of extreme shoal draft abilities that either of our Loose Moose sharpies had, at around 5-foot, there are so few places we can't go that it is hardly worth worrying about.

Then, there's the cost... Last time I checked prices on CAL 34's, the most expensive one I could find was all of $30K and there were many in great shape and pretty much turnkey ready to go for around $15K. There is a lot to be said for a comfortable, well performing boat, that can take you around the world for not a lot of money.

Hallberg-Rassy 34

Sure, you could pay more, in fact a lot more! Just the other day I saw a very nice 12-year old Hallberg Rassy 34 (a much beamier boat so actually bigger than the CAL 34) going for right around $211K. I'd be lying if I did not admit that looking at the pictures induced some serious teak envy that had me checking the current rate for teak down Trinidad way...

That said, the Halberg-Rassy is no more capable than our CAL 34 in getting us where we want to go in safety and comfort so, I have to ask myself, is the slightly better build and prettier interior worth the nearly $200,000 difference?

The answer all depends on what you need and works for you. A matter of factors and how they all balance out. In our case, the CAL 34 is more than good enough...

Listening to Madeleine Peyroux

So it goes...

What's another project when you're on a roll?

Something to think about next time you're at the market, Just a little bothersome, and, apparently Pat never met any of my scoutmasters from the way back when...

I'm kinda excited... I just sent a check off to Tad Roberts for some serious design expertise and, as such, added yet another project to the list!

The project in question?

A new rudder for our CAL 34 "So It Goes"!

The reason for a new rudder is partly because the original rudder stock in 304 stainless has been in the water for nearly 44-years or, to put it another way, when this rudder first hit the water "Proud Mary" by Creedence Clearwater Revival was a brand spanking new song... So, more than time for a replacement.

The other reason behind the new rudder is accepted knowledge of foils and suchlike has improved and a new rudder will improve handling and make the boat just that little bit faster. For those in the know in the CAL fraternity, the CAL 40's with the more modern Schumacher rudder kick some serious ass and give them a definite edge..

Anyone interested in picking up a slightly (cough) used CAL 34 rudder... cheap?

Listening to Frank Turner

So it goes...

the old boat two-step and a new rudder for a CAL 34......

Tick, tick, tick, it's not just tuna we have a problem with, and this is really a must watch...

Anyone with an older boat knows that at some point or other there are some jobs that are just going to happen...

Part of this is simply a matter of age and material fatigue but some of it is that just about every boat I know has some designed in issue of the "What the hell were they thinking of" variety. For instance, every CAL 34 owner, at some time or other, is going to have to deal with the dreaded beam problem...

The old beam from "So It Goes"

Which is a combination of bad design and choosing the wrong material. The fix is actually very simple and not overly expensive but it is something that needs to be addressed at some time or other.

The same thing goes with any number of bits of stainless steel on the boat whether it be rigging wire, chainplates, or rudder posts. Any of which, I might add, can seriously screw you up big time.

So, since I've dealt with the dreaded beam, replaced my mast, chainplates, and rigging, the remaining likely source of catastrophic failure is the rudder...

That rudder post has been working hard since 1969 which, in my opinion, is way past its sell by date or to put it into more real terms... Nervous making.

Some year back, folks in the CAL 40 fleet got together because

A) A lot of CAL 40 rudders were failing.

and

B) They all wanted to go faster and be more competitive.

So, they got together and hired the late Carl Schumacher to design a more modern balanced elliptical rudder which improved speed, handling, and balance greatly. Which makes sense and if you have to replace something why not improve it while you're at it!

More on our new rudder project soonish...

Listening to Jillette Johnson

So it goes...

On not striking when the iron is hot...

Some depressing news from Maple leaf land, a little common sense, and someone's rightfully pissed off over at Crooks and Liars...

I almost bought a boat this week...

Not, in fact, the project I have been hinting about but a boat that simply seemed like a real good deal. I figured I could fix it up as part of a book and DVD project then turn around and sell it for a small fair profit.

Seemed like a plan!

As it happens, the boat in question was a very nice little CAL 27 which, is a fairly interesting Bill Lapworth design.  Well actually, the term CAL 27 covers four different designs (CAL27, CAL 2-27, CAL 3-27, and the T2) all pretty cool variations on a theme in the minimal blue water cruising on a budget niche.

The first CAL27 is similar to the legendary CAL28, a flat top with a pop-top for added head room...

Not quite the boat that the CAL 28 is but it still has a lot of great points and, as it is not a "classic CAL", is just perfect for someone who is not inhibited by the idea of making some serious changes to stuff that might involve a Sawzall!

The CAL 2-27 & 3-27 are more normal in the CAL 29 and CAL34 mold... Good boats with no vices... What's not to like?

The T2, on the other hand, tends to be a little freaky at first but, in my case, I found the modified for the half ton rule + cruising design changes really grew on me. An odd look for sure but it just may be one of the all time great pocket blue water cruisers that no one knows about...

Anyway, while I thought, pondered, and rethought the pros and cons of buying the boat someone else who knew what they want when they see it picked it up for a song. A reminder that life is short and excellent opportunities don't hang around very long!

Listening to Dan Bern (seemed apt today)

So it goes...

Some short list musing...

A note from the real world, on the fiction of 100 years of oil, and some food for thought...

Remember I talked to Tad Roberts recently and how he's working on a new series of frugal Future Cruisers in 28 - 54 foot...

The 28-foot Future Cruiser is everything a couple needs but, I expect, most folks would be more interested in the 34 or 38 foot versions.

Personally I expect the 38 footer would be on my short list (all those guitars have to go somewhere) but I'll admit that the concept of a really simple 54-foot design along these lines has me some kind of interested...

That said, in the 38-foot Future Cruiser I'd more than likely make some changes (which is half the advantage of building your own boat as nothing is set in stone as long as you're willing to accept the possibility of getting it wrong)!

What changes would I make? Well for one, I'd look seriously at bringing out the coachroof to the hull sides as I've always wanted a flush deck boat (White Squall, the one-off CAL 40 is, and has always been, in my top five favorite boats) and the added strength would be no bad thing. I like the rig as drawn but I can't help thinking that a high aspect balanced lug schooner with jib would seriously rock the house and surprise a whole lot of folks on a performance level... That said, just as it is, it is some seriously awesome boat!

But, nothing goes on the short list till I've seen what Mr Roberts has in mind for the 54-foot Future Cruiser!

For those who want a glimpse at the wonderfulness that is White Squall...

Listening to Frank Zappa

So it goes...

Sail power and suchlike...

On blaming the victims, Kunstler muses about a window yet to be broken, and for those thinking things can't get any worse, think again...

Way back when, Tom Colvin said that a good rule of thumb for an auxiliary engine in a sailboat was about one HP per ton... Over the years I've come across no compelling evidence that Mr Colvin was wrong, so for the moment let's just say that one HP per ton is a good starting point.

So here is a question you might want to ask yourself... What sort of HP does your sail area produce?

In our case, the CAL 34 with its Simplicity rig (basic working sail area of 592 sq feet) horsepower figures look something like this...

8.5 HP @ 10 knots of wind, 11.5 HP @ 14 knots, and 23.5 HP @ 20 knots

For what it's worth the rig as designed by Bill Lapworth (basic working sail area of 515 sq feet) works out like this...

7.5HP @ 10 knots of wind, 10 HP @14 knots, and 20.6 HP @ 20 knots

Right around 20 knots of wind is where "So It Goes" tells us she'd be happier with a reef so, for all practical purposes, our rig tops out at 23 HP.

For those keen on checking their rigs HP the formula is HP at 10 knots of wind = .015 X square feet (use .020 for 14 knots and .040 for 20 knots). Not perfect but it is accurate enough to tell you what you need to know.

The CAL34 having just a kiss less than five tons of displacement would, under Colvin's suggestion, need a five HP engine though our Electric Yacht motor delivers 8HP @48V and the Atomic 4 it replaced produced  about 15HP in normal use (30 HP @ 3000 RPM) and due to it's ill performing stock prop I doubt it actually ever delivered more than 10HP of thrust.

So, when all is said and done the actual HP for the standard Atomic 4 is not all that out of line with what Colvin suggested... In fact, we have powered "So It Goes" with a 5HP outboard on several occasions and found it worked just fine...

The conclusion that I draw here is that 1HP per ton works but there is nothing wrong with a "little" extra oomph but that exceeding the horse power of your sail rig does not make a heck of a lot of sense unless you really want a motor boat.

The French, who know a thing or two about sailboats, call motorsailers "50's" (seldom used as a positive) to designate that they share sail and power at a 50% ratio. These days, with cheap HP available, nearly all modern sailboats would qualify as motorsailers... Something to keep in mind.

By the way the books "The Propeller Handbook" and "The Nature of Boats" by Dave Gerr have all the needed info to help sort out your rig, engine/prop, and HP questions.

Listening to Spirit

So it goes...

Almost bought a new boat the other day...

The other day someone emailed the blog and asked me if I thought that $50,000 was too little to spend for a boat to learn to sail on. I won't bother with my reply but the question did get me wondering about a couple of things...

I learned to sail on a Sunfish (back when Shonisaurus were the catch of the day in Avalon) because my dad picked one up as a leftover prop from a commercial shoot. A lot of my friends have learned on other various and sundry small craft, and in my mind nothing beats a sailing dinghy for learning basic sailing technique.

That said, I can understand the desire to get a "real" boat to learn on but then I often have really stupid desires...

But it did get me thinking about the cost of used boats, so I did a few searches and found so many scary cheap deals that I was seriously tempted to buy a second boat as I found a sister ship to "So It Goes" on Craig's List for $2000...

I do realize that a 42-year old CAL 34 for $2000 will have an issue or two and require some serious TLC to make it cruise ready, but even if you had to gut the interior, put in new bulkheads/interior/dreaded beam, replace the motor/rig/what have you... it still comes out a deal. Fact is, I'd prefer a boat of this age to be a complete rebuild project than doing it on the installment plan as we have been doing with "So It Goes"... Working through stuff is a heck of a lot easier than working around stuff!

Of course, I don't need another CAL 34 but having one would allow me to do a lot of testing of systems and having a control "stock" boat to compare it to... Wouldn't that be great for testing various rigs, or what? Imagine being able to apply real science to something like the junk or balanced lug rigs... Just being able to put the windward performance issues of the junk rig to rest once and for all would make it a worthwhile investment.

Truth is, since the boat is in San Francisco, I won't be getting it but if it were down here in the Caribbean or even on the East coast I'd be hard pressed not to jump on it (it would also be perfect for a DVD project I have in mind) in a New York minute...

Listening to the Wailin' Jennys

So it goes...

A moment of clarity...

Yesterday was spent partly looking at our two battery banks. While checking the water levels and making sure all of the connections were good I had a minor Eureka moment about moving the banks to be a kiss more accessible and getting better tool storage as a bonus!

Things are looking up!

Life gets even better as the weather system 92L which a couple of days ago looked like it would become a hurricane with our name on it fizzled out.

Doing the happy dance...

What's more, I woke up with a very strong moment of clarity for just how great a boat the CAL 34 happens to be. Which over the last few weeks I have lost sight of with "So It Goes" getting a new mast, sewing sails and all the other associated ongoing projects which has our boat looking more akin to a bomb site than a proper cruising boat...

Life is good!