First single handed race had four boats.
Wind was <5 knots from the east, swirling to the SE.
Full main, 155.
Course was called for 6 short, but at the five minute warning, they postponed the race because of windshifts.
10 minutes later we were racing a shortened 7 short (just a triangle).
I came in last about 10 minutes behind over an hour long race.
Results are now posted, third in corrected time, slightly behind the leaders:
http://www.wyc.ca/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=83
Just enough wind to get around the course.
Trip Odometer: 8.32 nm
Moving Average: 3.3 knots
Moving Time: 02:31:01
Google Earth track: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/12535935/Still%20Time/20110526.kmz
The Crazy Glued autohelm worked great!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Depth Meter
Received a replacement transducer from Norcross Marine in the mail today.
Tried it over the side first, then bedded it in wax under the V-Birth.
I now have a functional depth meter!!!
I bought the unit for $109 with in hull tranducer one year ago.
It has a two year warrenty.
Excellent customer service from Norcross.
They shipped we a new transducer unit within a week.
In the box came a Hawkeye visor, and a coupon for 25% off any of their products.
Highly recommend them!
Tried it over the side first, then bedded it in wax under the V-Birth.
I now have a functional depth meter!!!
I bought the unit for $109 with in hull tranducer one year ago.
It has a two year warrenty.
Excellent customer service from Norcross.
They shipped we a new transducer unit within a week.
In the box came a Hawkeye visor, and a coupon for 25% off any of their products.
Highly recommend them!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
WYC Race Night on French Vanilla
I am crewing on French Vanilla (Mirage 33) in the upcoming Susan Hood in 2 weeks and the Lake Ontario 300 in July. Spending the next couple of weeks getting used to the boat.
Me, Harvey, Denis (Cajun), and Yvan (Sea Beyond) tonight.
Winds were 10-15 from the east.
Course was 7 short.
We sailed a good race, taking up the rear of the fleet, but not far behind.
Not sure how well we did.
Trip Odometer: 12.31 nm
Moving Average: 4.9 knots
Moving Time: 02:30:26
Google Earth track: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/12535935/Still%20Time/20110525.kmz
Me, Harvey, Denis (Cajun), and Yvan (Sea Beyond) tonight.
Winds were 10-15 from the east.
Course was 7 short.
We sailed a good race, taking up the rear of the fleet, but not far behind.
Not sure how well we did.
Trip Odometer: 12.31 nm
Moving Average: 4.9 knots
Moving Time: 02:30:26
Google Earth track: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/12535935/Still%20Time/20110525.kmz
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Newcastle on Red Gypsy
First race of the season at Newcastle.
Got down for the skippers meeting for 6pm.
Crewed with Will and his son Luke on Red Gypsy (Tanzer 26).
Never sailed on a Tanzer before. Very stiff, fast, no creaking.
Will got new sails last year, really nice.
We were in 2nd after the first upwind leg.
On the downwind 2nd leg, we had trouble with the whisker pole.
The pole ends would not clip on the mast attachement point or the clew of the sail.
It ended up going overboard; marked it with my GPS, but after the race, we could not find it.
On the final leg, we tacked too late, making sure we made the finish marks, allowing Idyl Ours and Patricia to finish just before us.
Fourth of five boats at the line, PHRF will change some of that.
Trip odometer: 10.39 nm
Moving Average: 5.1
Moving Time: 02:01:44
Google Earth track: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/12535935/Still%20Time/20110524.kmz
You can see where we lost the whisker pole (MOB):
Got down for the skippers meeting for 6pm.
Crewed with Will and his son Luke on Red Gypsy (Tanzer 26).
Never sailed on a Tanzer before. Very stiff, fast, no creaking.
Will got new sails last year, really nice.
We were in 2nd after the first upwind leg.
On the downwind 2nd leg, we had trouble with the whisker pole.
The pole ends would not clip on the mast attachement point or the clew of the sail.
It ended up going overboard; marked it with my GPS, but after the race, we could not find it.
On the final leg, we tacked too late, making sure we made the finish marks, allowing Idyl Ours and Patricia to finish just before us.
Fourth of five boats at the line, PHRF will change some of that.
Trip odometer: 10.39 nm
Moving Average: 5.1
Moving Time: 02:01:44
Google Earth track: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/12535935/Still%20Time/20110524.kmz
You can see where we lost the whisker pole (MOB):
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Cobourg to Whitby
The drive gear on the autohelm was spinning on the stepper motor shaft.
Thought I would try some lock tight on it.
Left at 2pm, many of the others left earlier in the morning.
Wind was forcast to be 10 knots from the east, but when we got out there, is was only 3-5 knots from the south. Decided to motor sail with full main and the 110. Easily make 6 knots.
The autohelm worked for about half an hour before the gear started spinning on its shaft again.
Tomorrow will make a keyway with a demmel bit in the shaft, and epoxy it.
Trip Odometer: 36.07 nm
Moving Average: 5.7 knots
Moving Time: 06:21:57
Google Earth Track: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/12535935/Still%20Time/20110522.kmz
Wind was VERY shifty S/N/S/SE/N around Westleyville.
Then again, the wind is ALWAYS very shifty around Westleyville.
It was VERY foggy around Oshawa; could only see about 1/2 mile.
Wind started filling in from the east between Oshawa and Whitby.
Motorsailed the entire way.
Arrived at 8pm.
Used about 8 litres of gas.
Thought I would try some lock tight on it.
Left at 2pm, many of the others left earlier in the morning.
Wind was forcast to be 10 knots from the east, but when we got out there, is was only 3-5 knots from the south. Decided to motor sail with full main and the 110. Easily make 6 knots.
The autohelm worked for about half an hour before the gear started spinning on its shaft again.
Tomorrow will make a keyway with a demmel bit in the shaft, and epoxy it.
Trip Odometer: 36.07 nm
Moving Average: 5.7 knots
Moving Time: 06:21:57
Google Earth Track: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/12535935/Still%20Time/20110522.kmz
Wind was VERY shifty S/N/S/SE/N around Westleyville.
Then again, the wind is ALWAYS very shifty around Westleyville.
It was VERY foggy around Oshawa; could only see about 1/2 mile.
Wind started filling in from the east between Oshawa and Whitby.
Motorsailed the entire way.
Arrived at 8pm.
Used about 8 litres of gas.
Cobourg
Diner at the Oasis
Breakfast at the Buttermilk Cafe
Nothing better; LOVE COBOURG!
10 knot breeze at our backs for the trip back
Breakfast at the Buttermilk Cafe
Nothing better; LOVE COBOURG!
10 knot breeze at our backs for the trip back
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Off Darlington G S
Trip Odometer: 35.97 nm
Moving Average: 5.7 knots
06:17:14
Google Earth track: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/12535935/Still%20Time/20110521.kmz
Friday, May 20, 2011
Bilge Pump
After the apres race festivities, I decided I was going to sleep on Still Time.
Got back to the boat a little after 10pm.
Decided to check the bilge; IT WAS FULL.
Checked the back, and there was between four and six inches of water under the cockpit!
The little bilge pump (actually an aquarium pump with a 3/8" line) tooks its time draining all that water.
This little bildge pump does not have a float switch.
I was worried she was taking on more water.
But alas, at 4am, the last of the bilge water went through the through hull.
Checked the port settee, and it had 8" of water in it.
This locker is not connected to the bilge.
Therefore the water is NOT comming up through the keel bolts.
Think I may have a leaky deck joint.
It leaks when it rains and/or is sailed hard.
Installed a proper Atwood 500 GPM bilge pump with a 3/4" hose.
Man this thing empties the bilge in a hurry!
Still need the little one to get rid of the last bit of bilge water.
Also installed a foot valve on the big pump because it would shut off and the 3 or 4 gallons in the line would go back into the bilge.
Still Tim is NUKED, need to spend Friday night cleaning her up for the weekend cruise to Cobourg.
Got back to the boat a little after 10pm.
Decided to check the bilge; IT WAS FULL.
Checked the back, and there was between four and six inches of water under the cockpit!
The little bilge pump (actually an aquarium pump with a 3/8" line) tooks its time draining all that water.
This little bildge pump does not have a float switch.
I was worried she was taking on more water.
But alas, at 4am, the last of the bilge water went through the through hull.
Checked the port settee, and it had 8" of water in it.
This locker is not connected to the bilge.
Therefore the water is NOT comming up through the keel bolts.
Think I may have a leaky deck joint.
It leaks when it rains and/or is sailed hard.
Installed a proper Atwood 500 GPM bilge pump with a 3/4" hose.
Man this thing empties the bilge in a hurry!
Still need the little one to get rid of the last bit of bilge water.
Also installed a foot valve on the big pump because it would shut off and the 3 or 4 gallons in the line would go back into the bilge.
Still Tim is NUKED, need to spend Friday night cleaning her up for the weekend cruise to Cobourg.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
2011.05.18 First WYC Race
Winds were 15 knots from the east with gusts in the upper 20s.
Seas were 2-3 ft.
It was 12 degrees Celsius.
Setup a reefed main and 110.
Went out with The Lovely Rita. In the bay, it was really blowing, I didn't want to scare the admiral, so I put in a 2nd reef, and switched to the storm sail. She was a little cold, and worried about falling in the water.
We were late to get to the start, motoring out, killed the motor, crossed the line 10 minutes late.
Oh well, we were still doing over 5 knots close hauled with a double reef and storm jib.
Heal was less then 15 degrees for the admiral.
Course was 7 medium, just followed the other boats.
Really not comfortable with the short/medium/long courses.
On the 2nd leg downwind, I dropped the storm jib (70%) for the 110.
We came within a boat length of Silver Shadow (Tartan 3100), then immediately had to duck the starboard tacked Sumac (Viking 33). Rita was scared, its was close, but we were in full control.
We came in dead last, but finished.
For some reason, I thought we had one more leg to the medium course.
However, after sailing past the finish line, reading the sailing instructions, I realized we didn't and had to turn back.
KMZ Google Earth: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/12535935/Still%20Time/20110518.kmz
Trip Odometer: 10.63 miles (medium course is 4.4 miles)
Moving Average: 4.6 knots
Moving Time: 02:19:57
Rita is a real trooper for coming out in these conditions.
Could not have done it without her.
Seas were 2-3 ft.
It was 12 degrees Celsius.
Setup a reefed main and 110.
Went out with The Lovely Rita. In the bay, it was really blowing, I didn't want to scare the admiral, so I put in a 2nd reef, and switched to the storm sail. She was a little cold, and worried about falling in the water.
We were late to get to the start, motoring out, killed the motor, crossed the line 10 minutes late.
Oh well, we were still doing over 5 knots close hauled with a double reef and storm jib.
Heal was less then 15 degrees for the admiral.
Course was 7 medium, just followed the other boats.
Really not comfortable with the short/medium/long courses.
On the 2nd leg downwind, I dropped the storm jib (70%) for the 110.
We came within a boat length of Silver Shadow (Tartan 3100), then immediately had to duck the starboard tacked Sumac (Viking 33). Rita was scared, its was close, but we were in full control.
We came in dead last, but finished.
For some reason, I thought we had one more leg to the medium course.
However, after sailing past the finish line, reading the sailing instructions, I realized we didn't and had to turn back.
KMZ Google Earth: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/12535935/Still%20Time/20110518.kmz
Trip Odometer: 10.63 miles (medium course is 4.4 miles)
Moving Average: 4.6 knots
Moving Time: 02:19:57
Rita is a real trooper for coming out in these conditions.
Could not have done it without her.
2011.05.18 Autohelm mount
Got down to the club at around 4pm, and got the key for the workshop to use the drill press to fashion a stainless plate to hold the autohelm bushing. The drill press and metal chop saw made the job easy. The old autohelm bushing had a backer plate the was epoxied to the fibreglass. Under stress the bushing would flex and separate from the fibreglass,spider cracking the gel coat.
You can see the autohelm bushing in the middle.
The backer plate to the left is 2" plastic wood.
The 2" stainless 10/24 bolts will hold the autohelm bushing flush against the deck.
Really need a functional autohelm for Thursday single handed series, to to mention cruises to Cobourg.
The backer plate to the left is 2" plastic wood.
The 2" stainless 10/24 bolts will hold the autohelm bushing flush against the deck.
Really need a functional autohelm for Thursday single handed series, to to mention cruises to Cobourg.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Depth Sounder Transducer Replacement
Now this is good customer service!!!:
Bart,
Thanks for getting that date Code and filling out the form for me. I will ship you a replacement transducer via Priority Mail International. The Item will be shown as a warranty replacement with a value of $1.00 US so customs should not be a problem. Please allow 6 to 8 business days for delivery. I appreciate your patience and cooperation on this!
Regards,
Patrick
Customer Service Department
NorCross Marine Products, Inc
6881 Kingspointe Parkway, Suite 8
Orlando, FL 32819
Whisker Pole
Picked up a whisker pole at lunch to replace that one that went overboard last year.
TWIST LOCK WHISKER POLE ADJ 6-12 LATCH-LATCH ENDS, 1-1/8" OUTER TUBE FOR 22 FOOT BOAT MAX.
Got it from Ron @Nat's Marine.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Depth Sounder
My Norcross Hawkeye depth sounder has not been working since launch.
It just reads "---" which means the transducer is not getting a reading.
Took the transducer out of the wax, and cleaned it off.
It makes its characteristic clicking sounds when held to my ear.
Hung it over the side in the water, and it still reads "---".
With the transducer in the water, power off/on the unit, it reads the correct depth for about 3 seconds, then "---". Hmmm... perhaps the transducer is TOAST.
The manual says that "---" can also be caused by dirty water, or soft bottom.
Sent a note off to tech support.
It just reads "---" which means the transducer is not getting a reading.
Took the transducer out of the wax, and cleaned it off.
It makes its characteristic clicking sounds when held to my ear.
Hung it over the side in the water, and it still reads "---".
With the transducer in the water, power off/on the unit, it reads the correct depth for about 3 seconds, then "---". Hmmm... perhaps the transducer is TOAST.
The manual says that "---" can also be caused by dirty water, or soft bottom.
Sent a note off to tech support.
Friday, May 13, 2011
2011.05.11 Quick Sail
Got down to the boat after work.
Tried in vain to rebed the in hull transducer for the depth meter.
Need to spend more time on this.
The Lovely Rita and I went out for a quick sail.
Had to get back in to meet with the dockmaster at 7pm for another slip assignment.
Rita was a little cold.
Wind was from the East about 8 knots.
Reefed main, 110 jib.
Trip Odometer: 2.49 nm
Moving Average: 4.0 knots
Moving Time: 00:37:30
Google Earth Track: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/12535935/Still%20Time/20110511.kmz
Tried in vain to rebed the in hull transducer for the depth meter.
Need to spend more time on this.
The Lovely Rita and I went out for a quick sail.
Had to get back in to meet with the dockmaster at 7pm for another slip assignment.
Rita was a little cold.
Wind was from the East about 8 knots.
Reefed main, 110 jib.
Trip Odometer: 2.49 nm
Moving Average: 4.0 knots
Moving Time: 00:37:30
Google Earth Track: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/12535935/Still%20Time/20110511.kmz
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Waterline
She looks a little stern heavy
Could be all the s&$# I have on her
The four stroke does weigh 110 lbs
Tuning Mast and Sails
Sunday May 7th
The weather was beautiful; sunny and 20+ degrees.
Tightend up the forestay/backstay.
Tensioned the upper shrouds.
Tensioned the forward lowers for a little bit of mast bend.
Snugged up the aft lowers.
Attached the backstay adjuster.
Attached the traveller lines.
Rigged up the mainsheet.
Attached the boomvang.
Attached the reefing hook.
Hoisted the 110 jib, and bagged it on the foredeck.
Hoisted the main, inserting the battens.
Discovered that one of the jiffy sail slides was missing.
Set the main up for a reef, adding the reefing lines.
Off to Marten's Chandlery for the sail slide; he didn't have one.
Got back to the dock, and was about to out for a sail, but Harvey needed a hand putting his mast up.
Harvey is the skippeer on a Mirage 33, that I crew on.
This took over an hour, but it was a good learning experience.
Sherry Lynn said that getter her mast up was the best Mother's day present she had gotten in a while.
Finally got out for a sail with the jib and a reefed main (because of the missing slide).
There wasn't much wind, really should had the full main and the genoa.
Was only doing 1-2 knots, stayed out for about half an hour before heading in.
It was great to be out on the water!
When back to the dock, there wasn't any water in the bilge; YEAH!!!
The weather was beautiful; sunny and 20+ degrees.
Tightend up the forestay/backstay.
Tensioned the upper shrouds.
Tensioned the forward lowers for a little bit of mast bend.
Snugged up the aft lowers.
Attached the backstay adjuster.
Attached the traveller lines.
Rigged up the mainsheet.
Attached the boomvang.
Attached the reefing hook.
Hoisted the 110 jib, and bagged it on the foredeck.
Hoisted the main, inserting the battens.
Discovered that one of the jiffy sail slides was missing.
Set the main up for a reef, adding the reefing lines.
Off to Marten's Chandlery for the sail slide; he didn't have one.
Got back to the dock, and was about to out for a sail, but Harvey needed a hand putting his mast up.
Harvey is the skippeer on a Mirage 33, that I crew on.
This took over an hour, but it was a good learning experience.
Sherry Lynn said that getter her mast up was the best Mother's day present she had gotten in a while.
Finally got out for a sail with the jib and a reefed main (because of the missing slide).
There wasn't much wind, really should had the full main and the genoa.
Was only doing 1-2 knots, stayed out for about half an hour before heading in.
It was great to be out on the water!
When back to the dock, there wasn't any water in the bilge; YEAH!!!
Raising Mast
After a nice breakfast at the local EggSmart, got to cleaning the deck and cockpit.
It was nuked with all the workers muddy feet when she was put in the slings.
I just did a quick job with a hose and stiff brush.
I gathered up the spreaders, halyards, windex, and antenna and headed over to the mast storage area.
Since I had bought new haylards in 2009, I decided to remove them when storing the mast to keep them nice. Really I should have ran tracer lines, but I grabbed someone's discarded shroud, pushed it through the mast, taped the halyards to it, and pulled the lines back.
I carried the mast to my pier on my shoulder. The 25 ft mast probably weights 50 lbs.
I had put the cotter pins for the spreaders in my pocket, but when I went to get them out, there was only one. Must be something like socks in the dryer! Off to Marten's Chandlery to get some more.
Spent the better part of an hour getting the spreaders on, taping the spreader boots, attaching the antenna and windex. Spent some more time sorting out the shrouds, attaching the shroud tubes, and backing off the turnbuckles.
With the help of Yvan (Sea Beyond) and Brian and Christene (Edisto Blue), we raised the mast at the dock.
The only complication was the backstay had to be thrown over the spreaders.
It was nuked with all the workers muddy feet when she was put in the slings.
I just did a quick job with a hose and stiff brush.
I gathered up the spreaders, halyards, windex, and antenna and headed over to the mast storage area.
Since I had bought new haylards in 2009, I decided to remove them when storing the mast to keep them nice. Really I should have ran tracer lines, but I grabbed someone's discarded shroud, pushed it through the mast, taped the halyards to it, and pulled the lines back.
I carried the mast to my pier on my shoulder. The 25 ft mast probably weights 50 lbs.
I had put the cotter pins for the spreaders in my pocket, but when I went to get them out, there was only one. Must be something like socks in the dryer! Off to Marten's Chandlery to get some more.
Spent the better part of an hour getting the spreaders on, taping the spreader boots, attaching the antenna and windex. Spent some more time sorting out the shrouds, attaching the shroud tubes, and backing off the turnbuckles.
With the help of Yvan (Sea Beyond) and Brian and Christene (Edisto Blue), we raised the mast at the dock.
The only complication was the backstay had to be thrown over the spreaders.
Lauch Update
Still Time went in the water at approximately 3pm.
I drove her over to my slip, and got back to the lauch dock to work.
We finished a little after 5pm.
When I went back to the dock, there was maybe 1/2 cup of water around the aft keel bolts.
I quickly wet vacuumed it up, wondering if it was coming up throught the keel joint/bolts.
After some refreshments, boating chit chat in the clubhouse, I returned, and the bildge was still dry.
What I think happened was she might have been on the cradle at a slight angle forward/aft, and some water may have poolws elsewhere. When she was launched, this water moved to the lowest part of the hull (the bilge).
We stayed on the boat on Saturday night, it was a little cold, but the ceramic heater kept us toasty.
I drove her over to my slip, and got back to the lauch dock to work.
We finished a little after 5pm.
When I went back to the dock, there was maybe 1/2 cup of water around the aft keel bolts.
I quickly wet vacuumed it up, wondering if it was coming up throught the keel joint/bolts.
After some refreshments, boating chit chat in the clubhouse, I returned, and the bildge was still dry.
What I think happened was she might have been on the cradle at a slight angle forward/aft, and some water may have poolws elsewhere. When she was launched, this water moved to the lowest part of the hull (the bilge).
We stayed on the boat on Saturday night, it was a little cold, but the ceramic heater kept us toasty.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Launch May 7 6:30am
Got to the club at 6:30am, the first lauch is at 7am.
"Still Tim" would not be launch until late afternoon.
I didn't get the chance to install the new decal.
I was getting my volunteer hours in on the crane/dock crew in the west yard.
OK, the lower unit pump did not fit.
Luckily Janet from a Grampian 26 called Genevieve had a squirt bottle of lower unit fluid for me.
Thanks Janet!!!
Guess what?
She floated; no leaks!
The motor started on 2nd pull.
"Still Tim" would not be launch until late afternoon.
I didn't get the chance to install the new decal.
I was getting my volunteer hours in on the crane/dock crew in the west yard.
OK, the lower unit pump did not fit.
Luckily Janet from a Grampian 26 called Genevieve had a squirt bottle of lower unit fluid for me.
Thanks Janet!!!
She floated; no leaks!
The motor started on 2nd pull.
Motor
It was launch eve, and I'm mounting my motor.
Filled the tank with fresh fuel; ran the fuel line.
Changed the engine oil.
The old oil was black tar (I hadn't changed it last year).
Drained the lower unit oil.
It was clean, no water in the lower unit.
I then realized that I left my lower unit oil pump at home.
Have to wait until tomorrow.
Torqued the keel bolts to the Catalina spec of 75 ft lbs.
Mounted the tiller on the rudder.
It was 6pm, time for the launch party diner, and much deserved refreshments.
Filled the tank with fresh fuel; ran the fuel line.
Changed the engine oil.
The old oil was black tar (I hadn't changed it last year).
Drained the lower unit oil.
It was clean, no water in the lower unit.
I then realized that I left my lower unit oil pump at home.
Have to wait until tomorrow.
Torqued the keel bolts to the Catalina spec of 75 ft lbs.
Mounted the tiller on the rudder.
It was 6pm, time for the launch party diner, and much deserved refreshments.
Clean and Wax Hull (Still Tim)
Used some hull cleaner that is basically oxalic acid, and is supposed to take any old wax away.
I borrowed a gas powered pressure washer from another sailer in my row, Terry.
 |
| Before Pressure Wash |
 |
| After Pressure Wash |
They still had the design in their computer.
They cut me a new decal for $20, I picked up up at 3pm.
I was able to wax the hull, and touch up the bottom paint.
Keel Joint
I had already cleaned out the keel joint two years ago.
I had ground it out and filled it with 5200.
I was amazed how easy it was to take off.
There wasn't much holding it in there.
Taped either side of the joint with masking tape, and fill the joint with Sikaflex 15 LM.
Faired it out with a putty knife.
In the end it looked like I had some black electrical tape on the joint.
Sikaflx 15LM was recommended to me by Jim from the club.
This product can flex 50% of its dimension.
It is used for sealing window/door frames around masonary in office buildings.
It was $7 a tube from the local building supply company.
I had put a 1" dab on a piece of plywood I had.
After curing for one day, I had a lot of trouble pulling it off!
Time will tell!
I had ground it out and filled it with 5200.
I was amazed how easy it was to take off.
There wasn't much holding it in there.
Taped either side of the joint with masking tape, and fill the joint with Sikaflex 15 LM.
Faired it out with a putty knife.
In the end it looked like I had some black electrical tape on the joint.
Sikaflx 15LM was recommended to me by Jim from the club.
This product can flex 50% of its dimension.
It is used for sealing window/door frames around masonary in office buildings.
It was $7 a tube from the local building supply company.
I had put a 1" dab on a piece of plywood I had.
After curing for one day, I had a lot of trouble pulling it off!
Time will tell!
Sealant and Keel Nuts
I layed down a 1/4" bead of Sikaflex around the keel bolts and every where the stainless plate touched.
Dropped the plate into the sealant, and attached the keel bolts.
I torqued them to 20 ft lbs.
After about 4 hours, I torqued them to 50 lbs.
Dropped the plate into the sealant, and attached the keel bolts.
I torqued them to 20 ft lbs.
After about 4 hours, I torqued them to 50 lbs.
Two More Layer of Fibreglass Cloth
Thursday night; two days before launch!
I dryfitted the stainless flatbar.
Cleaned up the fibreglass with a Dremmel bit, and decided to add two more layers of fibreglass over the entire bilge, this time using an old 2" brush to smooth the resin all out.
The result was a smooth surface, and the flatbar fit perfectly.
I dryfitted the stainless flatbar.
Cleaned up the fibreglass with a Dremmel bit, and decided to add two more layers of fibreglass over the entire bilge, this time using an old 2" brush to smooth the resin all out.
The result was a smooth surface, and the flatbar fit perfectly.
Stainless Plate
I went to a local metal shop in Whitby and got 3/16" thick 2" wide stainless flatbar.
Three feet cost me $25.
I was warned how hard stainless is, and bought a 1/2" cobalt bit.
I bought two from Princess Auto for $20 each, just in case I messed one up.
I made a template using 1/4" plywood, and transferred it to the stainless flatbar.
Using an 1/2" Rigid drill from Richard, I took my time.
Drilling slowly with medium pressure, I could drill for a bout a minute before the bit and piece heated up.
I would let the drill and piece cool for about 10 or 15 mintues, before drilling for another minute.
It took about an hour to drill each hole.
THIS WAS HAPPENING THREE DAYS BEFORE LAUNCH!!!
I tried the club shop's drill press, but even on the lowest speed, it was too fast, and the bit and flatbar were heating up too fast. I was worried about killing the drill bit.
Trimming the flatbar was easy with a hand grinder.
The keel bolts are at a slight angle, so getting the flatbar to sit on the repair required expanding the 1/2 holes out to 9/16 or more using a carbide milling bit that I picked up from a machine shop for $15.
Three feet cost me $25.
I was warned how hard stainless is, and bought a 1/2" cobalt bit.
I bought two from Princess Auto for $20 each, just in case I messed one up.
I made a template using 1/4" plywood, and transferred it to the stainless flatbar.
Using an 1/2" Rigid drill from Richard, I took my time.
Drilling slowly with medium pressure, I could drill for a bout a minute before the bit and piece heated up.
I would let the drill and piece cool for about 10 or 15 mintues, before drilling for another minute.
It took about an hour to drill each hole.
THIS WAS HAPPENING THREE DAYS BEFORE LAUNCH!!!
I tried the club shop's drill press, but even on the lowest speed, it was too fast, and the bit and flatbar were heating up too fast. I was worried about killing the drill bit.
Trimming the flatbar was easy with a hand grinder.
The keel bolts are at a slight angle, so getting the flatbar to sit on the repair required expanding the 1/2 holes out to 9/16 or more using a carbide milling bit that I picked up from a machine shop for $15.
Epoxy, Fibreglass, and Carbon Fibre
With the wood out, it was time to start building up the keel stump.
I covered the keel bolts with electrical shrink wrap.
I first started with about 1/4" of epoxy over the entire keel sump.
I made sure it completely covered any remaining wood.
Next were layers of fibreglass, saturated with epoxy fibreglass resin.
After I got about 6 layers in, Richard came by with some 4" carbon fibre mat.
I probably got 6 layer of carbon fibre, followed my another 6 layers of fibreglass.
I covered the keel bolts with electrical shrink wrap.
I first started with about 1/4" of epoxy over the entire keel sump.
I made sure it completely covered any remaining wood.
Next were layers of fibreglass, saturated with epoxy fibreglass resin.
I probably got 6 layer of carbon fibre, followed my another 6 layers of fibreglass.
Weather and Power
Being the last half of April, the weather was not co-operating.
It was cold, sometimes just above freezing.
It rained a lot; many times I had 6" of water around Still Time.
Yes, that is the electical chord suspended by the cradle!!!
The yard power kept on going out.
The breakers feeding my 100' extension chord were GFI, so I wasn't worried.
At one point I was at my wit's end, and turns out the power was out for much of Whitby!
It was cold, sometimes just above freezing.
It rained a lot; many times I had 6" of water around Still Time.
Yes, that is the electical chord suspended by the cradle!!!
The yard power kept on going out.
The breakers feeding my 100' extension chord were GFI, so I wasn't worried.
At one point I was at my wit's end, and turns out the power was out for much of Whitby!
Repair
With the help of Peter Smith, Dave Rogers, Mark Bachman, and Richard Kierstead, decided to fix it myself, TWO WEEKS BEFORE LAUNCH!!!
The inner liner had a slot with cover that was about 3" wide to allow access to the keel bolts.
We started drilling with a 1" spade wood bit through the inner liner.
The wood underneath was like compost: black, wet, squishy.
Using various spade bits, regular drill bits, chisels, and a dremmel tool with vavious attachements, it took me close to a week working 3to5 hours a night to get all the rotten wood out. The only wood I left was at the ends, where the wood was very solid. Everything around the keel bolts was taken down do the lower fibreglass of the keel sump.
The inner liner had a slot with cover that was about 3" wide to allow access to the keel bolts.
We started drilling with a 1" spade wood bit through the inner liner.
The wood underneath was like compost: black, wet, squishy.
Using various spade bits, regular drill bits, chisels, and a dremmel tool with vavious attachements, it took me close to a week working 3to5 hours a night to get all the rotten wood out. The only wood I left was at the ends, where the wood was very solid. Everything around the keel bolts was taken down do the lower fibreglass of the keel sump.
 |
| Here you can see the initial drilling |
 |
| This is a good shot showing the wood, fibreglass, and keel bolts |
 |
| Here you can see how the fibreglass was cracked!! |
Quote for repair
I got a guy to come out and have a look.
Mike's Mobile Marine from Pickering came out.
The keel would have to be dropped, the core dug out, fibreglassed, and the keel re-bedded.
Three days work at Whitby Yacht Club @$640 day plus materials.
I wasn't going to sink $2.5k into a boat worth a little over $5k
Mike's Mobile Marine from Pickering came out.
The keel would have to be dropped, the core dug out, fibreglassed, and the keel re-bedded.
Three days work at Whitby Yacht Club @$640 day plus materials.
I wasn't going to sink $2.5k into a boat worth a little over $5k
Catalina pre 1988 Wood Keel Stump
I emailed Catalina, and they confirmed that all Catalinas with a fin keel manufactured before 1988 had a wood core to support the keel bolts. They sent me an engineering drawing:
http://newcastleyachtclub.com/2011/bart/Keel%20Stub%20Wood%20Removal%20Pre%201988.doc
http://newcastleyachtclub.com/2011/bart/Keel%20Stub%20Wood%20Removal%20Pre%201988.doc
Winter 2011
The winter of 2011 was hard on me and my boat.
In January, I broke my leg playing hockey, so I was not able to get down to the boat the check it regularly like I normally would. It was impossible to get up on a ladder in the ice and snow with a cast and crutches.
When the weather had cleared and my leg was somewhat healed, I opened the boat to notice that the bilge had approximately 3" of water in it, and water was leaking past the keel joint on one side.
Water had obviously leaked into the core of the keel sump and froze, cracking the fibreglass.
In January, I broke my leg playing hockey, so I was not able to get down to the boat the check it regularly like I normally would. It was impossible to get up on a ladder in the ice and snow with a cast and crutches.
When the weather had cleared and my leg was somewhat healed, I opened the boat to notice that the bilge had approximately 3" of water in it, and water was leaking past the keel joint on one side.
Water had obviously leaked into the core of the keel sump and froze, cracking the fibreglass.
2011 Blog
After having my sailboat and sailing adventures on a private board last year,
I have deciced to use Blogspot to make it more accessible.
My boat is a 1982 Catalina 22 Fin Keel, sail number 10506.
I have owned the boat since August of 2008.
I am now a member of the Whitby Yacht Club.
I have deciced to use Blogspot to make it more accessible.
My boat is a 1982 Catalina 22 Fin Keel, sail number 10506.
I have owned the boat since August of 2008.
I am now a member of the Whitby Yacht Club.
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