http://cruising.stuffiminto.com This site is an online forum centered around boats, sailing, cruising and travel. en Mon, 06 Sep 2010 15:57:48 GMT vBulletin 60 http://cruising.stuffiminto.com/images/misc/rss.jpg http://cruising.stuffiminto.com http://cruising.stuffiminto.com/europe/1360-hawaii-europe.html Sun, 05 Sep 2010 23:07:23 GMT My daughter started High School this year that means no more pulling her out of school and going on winter trips on the boat. That effectively stops... My daughter started High School this year that means no more pulling her out of school and going on winter trips on the boat. That effectively stops the Mexico trips before they could become routine. We could just do So Cal for the summer but . . . . I came up with the plan to go to Hawaii. The family all thought it was a good idea. :thumb: I would sail the boat over. :welcome: They would meet me. Then I would sail the boat back. :noidea: Sounded like a good plan to me. Then my son wanted to know if he could visit his cousin in Spain. "If we go to HI then we won't be able to afford both trips," I explained to him. He said, "Why don't we sail to Spain?" I pulled out the globe and showed him the difference. I tried to figure out if I could make it for a quick trip thru Central America and then up the East Coast and across the Atlantic and realized that there was no way I could take that much time off of life. Everyone was disappointed that we were only going to Hawaii and I was in one of those moods about, "Unappreciative @#$% Kids." when I remembered that it was possible to truck boats across the US. In fact I knew two people with Sceptre 41's who had done that recently. I added up prices and after looking at it I realized that it was possible though not feasible. I mean hell the cost to ship the boat across the US unstep the mast step the mast etc. That is a big chunk of change.

Problem was every in the family was very excited about going to Europe. Keegan wanted to go to Spain Portugal France Italy and Finland. Marina was excited about Spain. The Admiral said that sounds good except for Finland and she had heard that the Greek Isles were great. I couldn't sleep one night . A trip to HI was going to cost X. A trip to Europe was going to cost 4.5X. The boat prep costs were about the same to either destination. OTOH this was one of those life long dreams that I have wanted to do since before I got married. I wanted to cruise with my family for extended periods of time. Everyone wants to go. I need a way to rationalize this trip!

There had to be an answer out there. I just couldn't figure it out. I mean 4.5X is a lot of money. At work I was figuring depreciation schedules when the answer hit me. Frequent Flyer Miles and depreciation. If the family agreed to go to Europe for the next four summers we could spread the cost of going to Europe over the next four years so the cost of the trip would be 1.125X per year but we would have to pay for it upfront. We have enough FF miles for the 14 trips to Europe. We use our credit card for business so the prospect of collecting an extra two trips to Europe over the next four years are pretty good. From next summer there are five more years of High School (the kids overlap two years).

Now I'm trying to figure out the logistics. The biggest problem that I see is finding crew to sail across the Atlantic. Otherwise it is a matter of boat chores and boat bucks. I can't afford to hire a delivery crew. So I have to find people who are willing to do it for the adventure. I have one maybe. I think a crew of three would be a good size to take the boat across. I'll have a windvane and an Autopilot so with any luck we won't be hand steering across the pond. The boat is in reasonable shape but I figure I have at least 150 hours of work to do on her before April. It's going to be hard work but I am going to try real hard to make it happen.

If things just don't work out the boat will be ready for a nice Hawaiian holiday but -- I already bought the tickets to Europe. I lose $400 if I have to cancel. I don't want to lose that $400 bucks!!! ]]> Europe Charlie http://cruising.stuffiminto.com/europe/1360-hawaii-europe.html http://cruising.stuffiminto.com/western-southern-africa/1359-you-adventurous-type.html Sun, 05 Sep 2010 19:49:00 GMT You may want to take the Congo off your list of travels. There is little regard for the human life there it would seem. My Way News - Congo... You may want to take the Congo off your list of travels. There is little regard for the human life there it would seem.

My Way News - Congo boat catches fire, capsizes; 200 feared dead ]]> Western and Southern Africa RTB http://cruising.stuffiminto.com/western-southern-africa/1359-you-adventurous-type.html http://cruising.stuffiminto.com/electrical-system/1358-isolation-transformer-europe.html Sun, 05 Sep 2010 18:29:07 GMT I am looking at purchasing an Isolation Transformer (IT) for my upcoming trip to Europe. It would be a step down IT to bring the 240v down to 120v. ... I am looking at purchasing an Isolation Transformer (IT) for my upcoming trip to Europe. It would be a step down IT to bring the 240v down to 120v. I will also want a few outlets in the boat that run 240/50hz. In order to do this my intention purchase a transformer that will allow me two different inputs either 120 or 240. 240 for Europe and 120 for when I bring her home. If I could change the input by a switch that would be great if I have to change jumpers that is OK. If there is something more complex that would read the input and change it accordingly I would consider that but would prefer to keep the electronics to a minimum. I am going thru my electrical requirements and the only 120AC equipment I use on a regular basis is this:

Battery Charger Iota DLS 55 operates on 108 to 132 and 47hz to 63hz.

The rest of my equipment runs off of the 12v system. I have no microwave or any other equipment like that except for power tools. I guess I should check to see how they are rated but if I had to use those I could run them off of my genset. Refrigeration runs off of 12v power. To my mind it seems like a standard IT such as this Marine: C-Power Iso Guard Isolation Transformers would work fine. What I am trying to do now is to find out what specs are important and then will decide which brand suits me best. Can anyone check my homework for me and let me know if I am on the right track. ]]> Electrical System Charlie http://cruising.stuffiminto.com/electrical-system/1358-isolation-transformer-europe.html http://cruising.stuffiminto.com/diversions-ashore-onboard/1357-live-webcast-burning-man.html Sun, 05 Sep 2010 17:37:44 GMT burningman-webcast, Ustream.TV: 2010 Art Theme: Metropolis Great cities are organic, spontaneous, heterogeneous, and untidy hubs of social... burningman-webcast, Ustream.TV: 2010 Art Theme: Metropolis Great cities are organic, spontaneous, heterogeneous, and untidy hubs of social interaction. At...


http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/93558...corded/9355812


temp page as it shuts down in a couple of days ]]> Diversions Ashore or Onboard First Mate http://cruising.stuffiminto.com/diversions-ashore-onboard/1357-live-webcast-burning-man.html http://cruising.stuffiminto.com/engines-outboards/1356-diesel-itch.html Sun, 05 Sep 2010 00:22:09 GMT No, it's not a disease you get from working on your engine! :D

Here's the thing. I've been driving around a lot in my Sprinter and have come to realize I like diesel engines.

However, I don't like a lot of junk hanging below the boat slowing me down sailing. I also don't want metal below the waterline that will require zinc anodes.

I have a lot of time before I need to install engines, but I was thinking about it while I was taking a rest today. I also need a tender that will be good for ferrying a lot of people back and forth.

Is there any way to solve all of these wants?

Wants:

• No permanent metal below the waterline
• No "brakes" slowing me down dragging in the water while I am sailing (props have to retract)
• It would be nice to have a single diesel engine
• Tender for ferrying 6 pax plus luggage
• It would be nice if the tender could plane
• Simplicity in design
• Reasonable expense
• Reliable
• Simple and low tech

You can think way outside the box because the boat isn't built yet and there will be nothing in the engine room/s or on the hulls when I install this propulsion system. ]]> Engines and Outboards Sully http://cruising.stuffiminto.com/engines-outboards/1356-diesel-itch.html http://cruising.stuffiminto.com/hull-interior-maintenance-refit/1354-storm-windows.html Thu, 02 Sep 2010 18:47:57 GMT I am getting ready to mount storm windows. My deck is Balsa cored so the idea that I had was to drill a hole in the cabin top. Use an allan key to... I am getting ready to mount storm windows. My deck is Balsa cored so the idea that I had was to drill a hole in the cabin top. Use an allan key to remove some of the balsa, fill it with epoxy, and finally insert a "threaded insert" Item # 1032A8-12SS, Standardized Type A Molded-In Insert - US Threads on Yardley Products Corp. These are knurled so that they will grasp the epoxy solidly. It is my thought that these will do well b/c they are closed on one side and thus will not allow water into the core. Once the inserts are set I would use some sort of plastic window either polycorbonate or acrylic that is 1/2" to 3/4" thick. I will add a neoprene gasket about 1/4" thick on the inside of the plastic storm window, predrill 3/8" holes in the plastic and then fasten the windows with 1/4 20 pan head screws. The windows that I am covering are 36" wide by 14" tall. I am looking for a critique of my idea. The purpose of the Storm Windows is not to keep water out but to be there in case of big waves etc. ]]> Hull and Interior Maintenance and Refit Charlie http://cruising.stuffiminto.com/hull-interior-maintenance-refit/1354-storm-windows.html http://cruising.stuffiminto.com/hull-interior-maintenance-refit/1353-boring-boat-building-question.html Wed, 01 Sep 2010 20:27:42 GMT Does anyone know a good source for biaxial and triaxial cloth? I need 24oz biaxial knitted cloth tape with no mat and... 34oz triaxial knitted... Does anyone know a good source for biaxial and triaxial cloth?

I need 24oz biaxial knitted cloth tape with no mat and...

34oz triaxial knitted cloth tape with the warp at 0deg and the other layers at 45/45, no mat also.

Everyone I talk to can only find this stuff with mat attached. Mat is a waste of epoxy and will make my boat heavy.

Any ideas?:pop2:

(Sorry for the boring question about boat building, but I can't find the answer on any of the boat building places) ]]> Hull and Interior Maintenance and Refit Sully http://cruising.stuffiminto.com/hull-interior-maintenance-refit/1353-boring-boat-building-question.html http://cruising.stuffiminto.com/everything-else-boats/1352-florida-should-pay-sully.html Mon, 30 Aug 2010 22:47:44 GMT Funny now that Sully is in Florida, the hurricanes are steering northward (for now anyway). It looks like the guys on the upper East Coast are... Funny now that Sully is in Florida, the hurricanes are steering northward (for now anyway). It looks like the guys on the upper East Coast are scrambling to prepare for EARL. Did you really think you would be safer in Florida for hurricane season, Sully? Is SanderO up in the danger zone? Good luck up there, guys!

So now I am confused. I thought after sailing the Bahamas, it would be cool to go up the east coast for hurricane season. Guess not? ]]> Everything Else Boats RTB http://cruising.stuffiminto.com/everything-else-boats/1352-florida-should-pay-sully.html http://cruising.stuffiminto.com/diversions-ashore-onboard/1351-seagulls.html Sat, 28 Aug 2010 21:36:39 GMT why didn't someone tell me these !#@$!#@$ creatures stay up all night long and party on the breakwater??

noisy! worse than roosters!!!

could someone please come out here and do some target practice on them! Plus the varmints keep dropping those clam shells all over the docks and making a big mess.

Any legal - or otherwise - tips on how to exterminate these wretched animals?

Just kidding. really. they are so darned cute....:1239::1239: ]]> Diversions Ashore or Onboard First Mate http://cruising.stuffiminto.com/diversions-ashore-onboard/1351-seagulls.html http://cruising.stuffiminto.com/off-topic/1346-fitness-liveaboards.html Sat, 28 Aug 2010 01:13:12 GMT As a liveaboard I found there is little room for the traditional fitness routines, but I can do yoga and while there is a dock available I can also... As a liveaboard I found there is little room for the traditional fitness routines, but I can do yoga and while there is a dock available I can also practice Tai Chi which are both benificial, but in an endevor to stay fit I continue to search for new and exciting methods to exercise. My latest find is utilizing the mast for something close to a gymnastics routine...check it out! :thumb:

Indian pole gymnastics. [VIDEO] ]]> Off Topic shu http://cruising.stuffiminto.com/off-topic/1346-fitness-liveaboards.html http://cruising.stuffiminto.com/safety-your-heath-aboard/1344-fires-marinas.html Fri, 27 Aug 2010 06:10:56 GMT While searching for boat insurance for our purchase of a 30 year old boat, I learned that marinas are requiring anywhere from $300,000 to $1,000,000... While searching for boat insurance for our purchase of a 30 year old boat, I learned that marinas are requiring anywhere from $300,000 to $1,000,000 of liability insurance on boats entering the marina.

The reason one broker gave me is that there was one spectacular fire in a marina in Puget Sound around Seattle that destroyed 40 boats. I was incredulous.

This evening I did a quick Google search: marina fire boats lost. The link for this search is below:

seattle marina boathouse fire - Google Search

This is a rampant issue everywhere. The 40 boats lost is not particularly unusual. I'm stunned. I'm surprised there is not a loss of life related to these fires. Maybe there is. I've not researched the hundreds of articles.

This is an unacceptable risk to us boaters. Forget the insurance companies for a moment and consider the liveaboards at risk of life and limb. Liability insurance payoffs are a pitiful replacement for burned skin or loss of life.

Also consider just how happy you would be to have your boat destroyed with all your treasured goodies on it and receive the standard insurance payoff. Where would that really leave you? Read the fine print in your policy. Likely it is that you would not be really happy.

It appears the source of this problem is inadequate water side fire fighting from the fire department - politics and budget as usual, inadequate on dock marina fire fighting equipment, gasoline on boats ignited by electrical sparks and exacerbated by having the boats in a boathouse. Apparently boathouse fires are particularly vicious, fast, and spectacular.

Has anyone on the forum been affected by a marina fire and would care to share their thoughts on addressing this situation? Any suggestions on how to protect yourself from rampant fast spreading fires in a marina while living aboard?

I'll be staying at a city marina in northern WA soon. If something like that happened in the middle of the night, I guess if I woke up in time to find my own vessel irretrievably on fire and the dock blocked by fire from other boats in a very fast moving fire, the spouse and I could jump off the boat with our elderly 14 year old cat and into the 42 degree Fahrenheit waters in the marina and hope no gasoline on fire was floating in the water.....I hear there are fire hydrants in this marina. I'll be checking that out a bit more tomorrow. ]]> Safety and Your Heath Aboard First Mate http://cruising.stuffiminto.com/safety-your-heath-aboard/1344-fires-marinas.html http://cruising.stuffiminto.com/multihull-sailboats/1343-speaking-tenders-dinghies-dinks.html Tue, 24 Aug 2010 20:41:18 GMT I'm looking for some advice on a tender for the new boat.

I am trying to find one that will:

*carry 6 people plus their luggage
*look sharp at the dock
*have some fuel efficiency
*have the potential to be used to entertain guests, maybe
*be light enough not to affect performance of the big boat when hung on davits


Any ideas or input? ]]> Multihull Sailboats Sully http://cruising.stuffiminto.com/multihull-sailboats/1343-speaking-tenders-dinghies-dinks.html http://cruising.stuffiminto.com/everything-else-boats/1342-calm-before-storm.html Tue, 24 Aug 2010 02:01:18 GMT Man, don't you just love bad weather while on the boat?


Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Galveston County, TX
until 9:30 pm CDT, Mon., Aug. 23, 2010

Local Radar MapWhat's This?
Updated 23 Aug 2010 8:45 pm Local TimeEnlarge Map | Weather in Motion®

Get WeatherReady
•Watches & Warnings Explained
•If a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is Issued
•Protect Your Home from Hail Damage
•Lightning Myths
•Video: Storm Watch
Issued by The National Weather Service
Houston/Galveston, TX
8:39 pm CDT, Mon., Aug. 23, 2010

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN LEAGUE CITY HAS ISSUED A

* SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR... EASTERN CHAMBERS COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST TEXAS... NORTHEASTERN GALVESTON COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST TEXAS...

* UNTIL 930 PM CDT

* AT 835 PM CDT... NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A LINE OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS CAPABLE OF WIND GUSTS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH. THESE STORMS WERE LOCATED ALONG A LINE EXTENDING FROM 10 MILES EAST OF ANAHUAC TO 6 MILES NORTH OF HIGH ISLAND... AND MOVING SOUTHWEST AT 20 MPH.


I just checked all the lines and just waiting for it to hit. ]]> Everything Else Boats RTB http://cruising.stuffiminto.com/everything-else-boats/1342-calm-before-storm.html http://cruising.stuffiminto.com/monohull-power-boats/1341-pearson-424-ketch-cutter-rigged-sail-boat.html Mon, 23 Aug 2010 05:43:37 GMT We have put escrow down on a very nice cutter rigged ketch in Blaine, WA for our live aboard home. With any luck at all, will close the deal by... We have put escrow down on a very nice cutter rigged ketch in Blaine, WA for our live aboard home.

With any luck at all, will close the deal by Friday.

Have been waiting 3 years for this purchase. Can't say we haven't been careful or turned over every stone.

Plan to cruise the San Juan Islands and southern Canada till mid November, then put it on the hard for the winter. Next spring and summer, maybe Alaska will be in our sights.

Sea trials are Monday and Tuesday.

The fat lady hasn't sung yet, but she is humming. :1992:

Any Pearson owners care to share your thoughts on new ownership of one of these classics?

best regards,

First Mate ]]> Monohull Power Boats First Mate http://cruising.stuffiminto.com/monohull-power-boats/1341-pearson-424-ketch-cutter-rigged-sail-boat.html http://cruising.stuffiminto.com/off-topic/1340-fda-declares-gulf-seafood-safe.html Sun, 22 Aug 2010 16:19:12 GMT Good news guys!

The FDA says the fish from the gulf are safe ... because they don't require testing for mercury, arsenic or other toxic heavy metals. :confused:

source ]]> Off Topic Maren http://cruising.stuffiminto.com/off-topic/1340-fda-declares-gulf-seafood-safe.html