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The Treasure Chest

The Treasure Chest is a place in Reports to put those cool sailing, cruising, motoring, boatbuilding or boating tips you have. Send us your ideas... We just need a photo and a short description.

This time we have...

And I didn't even drop it once!

I'm not sure if I thought of this idea or read it somewhere. In any case, here are a couple pics of how I lifted my boat onto my trailer using the commonly available ratchet-type tie-down straps. The trick is to provide a means (I used turnbuckles) for lowering the load after you raised it with the ratcheting straps (they only work in one direction).

The Boat I'm Designing

These are pictures of a boat I´m in the process of designing, the design parameters being cheap, light, and easy to build (notice nothing is said about performance!).

I did a lot of the preliminary thinking while I was in the Hospital trying to stay reasonably sane. I have a friend who wants a boat light enough to carry or drag from their garage to the beach (less than a block). The problem is that this one is 11´10" and is probably too small for both of them, so I´m starting another that will be almost two feet longer and with a plumb bow like Michaels GIS, just to see if I can make one.

They will both use the sail from Jim Michalak´s Mayfly 14, which is about all I have left to do on this one. The sides are scarfed for the next one and the hull should be at the paint stage in a week or so. I´ll keep you informed and send pics of the finished product.

Les Grauer

My Laguna (L3)

My Laguna (L3) is coming along nicely.

Seats are framed and primed underneath. They will be airtight with access hatches. Spars are primed and ready to paint; leeboard is shaped; sails made. We should launch in a few weeks - plenty of time before the Texas200.

Chuck

All About Eve

This is a picture of my model yacht sailed last month on Lake Wooloweyah, Yamba, NSW, Australia (the aboriginal name Wooloweyah means Big Cedar Trees).

This model was built by Lindsay. Lindsay is a retired naval architect who spent most of his life designing large vessels and oil rigs all over the world.

The model is of an Eve 16 by Mike Roberts. It looked something like the 18 below.

The full size hull was built by Ross Lillistone with strip plank bottom and lapstrake sides. The hull turn was a bit tricky for all lapstrake. It is like the Green Island 15 but a more rounded form. Lindsay finished the rest of the boat and sailed it in Moreton Bay.

It is fascinating where some boats end up. Lindsay sold the boat to Warner Bros for the film Nims Island (Movie Trailer) staring Jodie Foster. Jodie rows to safety in it.

The other yacht in the film was sold to Warner Bros. This yacht was about 23' and timber, but it had seen better days. The frames were rotten and broken. It was perfect for the film as it ends up on the bottom, I think. It might have been a computer image of it.

Were boats end up. Next time maybe don't bury that old broken yacht. I wonder what happened to the boats after the film shoot. Maybe someone knows?

Mike John

Here Tiz

Finished up today. Controller is inside and working good. Am getting 3+ amps at about 17 volts. The controller is a pulse type with a LED that flashed with the pulse. Looks like with a full charge on the battery pack it flashes about every 15 sec. It's store bought and unlike the one I built for Sunshine and Sunflower which had a treshold pot this on and off so fast I'm wondering how long it will last. I doubt it has a solid state relay so maybe it will last. Who knows. It finally got up to 70 deg. today! Whoo pee, hot diggity dog. And no rain!

From Mr. Tee Jay.

No! I don’t live in Alaska!

Well My plan was to flip the boat today (Saturday) and start work on the bottom. Mother Nature had other plans though and we have a few inches of snow this morning and it is supposed to snow all day.

Luckily there was a break in the snow so I went out and moved the vehicles onto the street and shoveled the driveway so that I could drag the boat out of the garage and flip it. I don’t think that the snow plow drivers were very happy with me parking my vans on the street and making them plow around them.

Well here is proof positive that I have a Laguna (and snow also).

Now Gordon Barcomb has said that the boat has to be 3D and have bottom panels on it to claim a number. Seeing that Gordon has built Laguna Uno I have no problem deferring to his requirements.

Here you can see that I have the bottom panels on the boat and have claimed “L4” as my hull number.

Chuck, you are right this is one big boat!

John Miller (SailorJohn)

P.S. About an hour after I took these pictures it started snowing again. We’ve gotten well over a foot of snow here so far. If we had gone with the bird names; I think that after today I would have to name her “Snow Goose”.

Latest Project...as if I Need Another

I've been checking out the moorage options up here. We're lucky to have several very safe places to anchor. I might even be able to have my own free buoy right down from the house at the state park. So, if I'm going to put time and money into a project, might as well be a large one...

A guy posted a free Endurance 35 hull on Craigs list right close to here. A Peter Ibold design. It been built in ferro cement, never been in the water. Looks like a professional job. Been sitting for 15 years. A good deal of the interior work is done, but lots to do yet. Needs paint, mast, rig, sails. The owner died before getting it done, his daughter just wants it out of the yard. It has a 4 cyl Izusu Diesel with trans, shaft and all the parts, electrics, guages in the boat. Tons of nice hardware, new head, power inverter, on and on inside. There's a huge wooden mast, but I don't want to trust it.

The daughter says a friend has the sails I can get for $200. Has 5 good stands that come with it. So the only catch was finding someone to move it. I found a guy here locally, been moving boats for 30 plus years. He has a great trailer set up. I'll have to send you picts of the process. The plans spec the boat out at 18,000 lbs. We got it on his trailer friday, but his truck wouldn't pull it. So, we're looking at finding a tow truck comp to do the travel.

So... what I'm wondering, I'm interested in different rig-sail plan options. I know you really like the lug sails on Caprice. And I see the larger Cormorant has a similar rig. I was thinking of maybe 2 mainsail lug rigs like that. I want something that is easy to handle single handed, fast to pull down in a blow. Maybe just use one sail in heavy wind. Even something like a simplified junk rig. I know I can find a sloop rig about the right size up here, already found a few. But I'm thinking of this boat as more of a motor/sail cruiser, not a blue water boat. Even the Magregor 25 was getting to be a handful at Powell in heavier air. I wouldn't want to try and climb out to pull the jib down by myself. There's always furling rigs I guess. Well, just thought I'd get you thoughts, suggestions on it.

I have the '47 Gaff Sailboat up for sale locally, have a couple of people interested. Here's a pict or 2. Hope you are both well, having a great spring.

Tom

Great iPhotos

Here's a boat project by my friend Ryerson Clark.

I met him about 8 years ago in Halifax, N.S. He invited me to come to Nova Scotia to participate in the Mahone Bay Wooden Boat Festival. I went, and had so much fun I couldn't wait to go there again. I did, and bought a small house up in Cape Breton on a small island. I'd still like to go back and spend a month up there again before I cash in my chips! He and his wife Annie moved all the way up to the arctic a few years ago. Great Slave Lake. They've built boats before in Halifax, so they had to start a new project for this arctic region. Check out the sailing videos below.

https://gallery.me.com/ryersonclark#100015

https://gallery.me.com/ryersonclark#100002

Annie Holmes

Not sure this is approved...

Bruce Armstrong

The Romance of Wood. . .

Vancouver, BC Ahoy! Boat Lovers . . . The 23rd annual Vancouver Wooden Boat Festival on Granville Island will take place August 26-29, 2010.

Afloat and ashore, there will be a floating exhibition of wooden boats, displays, hands-on boatbuilding and demonstrations, including knot tying and marlinspike seamanship. Hear some sea shanties (and sing along) or join in the workshops, listen to maritime storytellers, explore our replica of an 18th century Spanish long boat, check out the exquisite kayaks or join in the races on Saturday and Sunday. Family fun will include the ever-popular Kid's Boatbuilding and Family Boatbuilding where families & youth groups will build 12-foot boats. The launch will take place on Sunday Aug 29 at approximately 1430 hours.

The festival runs from 1000 to 1700 hours each day and admission is free. Special events on Saturday Aug. 28/10 include the Alder Bay Classic (rowing race for boats 20' and under), Oarlock & Sail Regatta (sailing race for boats 20' and under) and The Wooden Canoe Challenge (canoe race). On Sunday Aug. 29/10 catch a stunning musical performance while waiting for the family boatbuilding launch or catch the Spruce Cup sailing race on English Bay starting at 1330.

EVENT: Vancouver Wooden Boat Festival DATE: August 26-29, 2010 TIME: 1000 to 1700 hours daily WHERE: Granville Island, Vancouver ADMISSION: Free Full program available www.vancouverwoodenboat.com as it becomes available

Have you ever wanted to build a real boat?

If you want to build a real boat with your family, (Moms, Dads, kids, grandparents, aunts and uncles, (or any other configuration of extended family), you will want to be one of the lucky families/youth groups chosen to participate in this event. You will build your own 12 foot dinghy (Bevin's skiff) during the Vancouver Wooden Boat Festival (Aug. 26-29) under the supervision of a professional boat builder. You will all launch your boats at the same time and be able to go for a row before taking your boats home.

Entry requirements: Write us a short essay describing why your family should be chosen.

Suitable for families/youth groups with youth 11-17-years-old (some exceptions allowed).

Mail, email or fax entries to: Vancouver Wooden Boat Festival, 1490 Johnston St. Vancouver, B. C. V6H 3S1 or Fax (604) 688-9682 or Email: [email protected]

Cost is $400 per family. What a deal! Successful applicants will be notified on receipt of their essay. Limited space - Apply early!

Sherpa Dinghy

Hi Chuck,

I just wanted to send you a picture of the epoxy kit and other stuff I've been buying from you, lol.

I'll bring it to the Messabout after the TX200 if I can get it on the truck/trailer rig with PILGRIM.

Regards,

Travis Votaw

The 30th Annual Urbanna Small Boat Meet May 15-16, 2010

Back on the Piankatank River at Freeport in Gloucester County, Virginia. Informal messabout with rowing and sailing races depending on the wind and whim. Limited primitive camping available. Arrival Friday PM OK.  Saturday night pot luck supper and barbeque.  Sunday is on-the-water until mid-afternoon. If you come early, take a side trip to the Deltaville Maritime Museum  https://deltavilleva.com/museumpark/

Directions: From the intersection of Route 33, Route 17, and Route 198 at Glenns, take Route 198 E (Glenns Road) 6.2 miles to Freeport, Gloucester.  Turn left on Freeport Road; go approximately a mile.

For more information call John or Vera England  804 758-2721  [email protected]       

This is a UCRRA sanctioned event.

For Accommodations if you don’t like camping: All are recommended!

Dragon Run Inn, Churchview www.dragon-run-inn.com/

Ivan and Sue Hertzler:  804 758-5719.  3 rooms with Queen beds.

Located on Rt. 17, 10 minutes out of Urbanna; wonderful multicourse breakfast!

Inn at Urbanna Creek, www.innvirginia.com/search/listing.php?id=279

Suzanne Chewning: 804 758-4661.  3 rooms and cottage.   One king, 3 queen beds.   Centrally located in Urbanna; Full gourmet breakfast.

Atherston Hall, Urbanna  https://www.atherstonhall.com/

Bill and Judith Dickinson (804) 758-2809. 250 Prince George Street. Gourmet breakfast. 

Comfort Inn, Gloucester 804 695-1900. $94-$134. Continental breakfast.

Check out Urbanna at   www.visitUrbanna.com

Urbanna Meet 2009- Madeline's first sail

Perfect day-Urbanna Meet 2009

Sharpie-Urbanna Meet 2009

Canyon Lake Impromptu Messabout

Twelve people and 7 boats showed up for a Saturday sail at Canyon Lake on April that was prompted by Chris Tomsett's email to join him for a day on the lake in his newly acquired Light Schooner. Five of the seven boats were either quite newly built/launched or new acquisitions for their owners. The oldest was built in 1971, the latest was (nearly) finished the day before, and the longest build took 13 years. Quite a collection. Present were 2 PDR's, a Light Schooner, a Bobcat, a Melonseed, a Pelican, and a Clark Craft version of a Sailfish (predecessor to the Sunfish). The weather was great and all had a good time. You can't beat spring sailing in central Texas!

The white PDR shown on the trailer was the 'just finished yesterday' build. It still needed some hatch covers put in. The Bobcat was really nicely done. This was owned/built by a couple who attended the CENTEX Messabout last fall (or the year before) at Inks Lake in an inflatable raft. The Bobcat is quite a step up! The wife of this team took various photos of boats on the water so I emailed her to ask that she send you some of these to be included with any "letters" article you post about this, as obviously my shots of boats on their trailers are not too interesting. The Light Schooner is the same one I sailed on at a Lake Conroe Messabout several years back.

Here are some shots I took (most of them on trailers and thus not too exciting). Hopefully others will send some of their on-water shots in also.

Steve

Simple Steps to Being an Eco-Friendly Boater

DiscoverBoating.com offers boaters quick tips to reduce their carbon ‘wake’

CHICAGO (April 15, 2010) – As Earth Day approaches and marinas prepare for peak boating season around the country, now’s the time for boaters to gear up to ‘be green’ this summer. Choosing to be a responsible conservationist on the water not only positively impacts the environment, but can have a similar impact on your wallet.

The recreational boating industry continues to offer eco-friendly products, including electric and solar-paneled boats, greener engines and recycled accessories. DiscoverBoating.com/green has easy tips for every boater to become more environmentally-conscious this spring, including:

· Clean safely. Look for the EPA-Certified "Design for the Environment" DfE label, which identifies cleaning products that have minimal environmental impact and are safer for you and your family. You can find a list of eco-friendly products at www.greenseal.org.
· Maintain proper equipment. Make sure your boat, engine and propeller are compatible and in good condition to avoid wasting fuel and minimizing emissions.
· Recycle waste. Dispose of paints, batteries, antifreeze, cleaning products, oil and other hazardous wastes at a waste collection facility. Some marine accessories stores even offer a $10 credit on a new battery when you return your used one.
· Reduce fuel consumption. Easily cut down on fuel usage by reducing cruising speeds, properly trimming, regularly tuning their engine, making sure the hull is clean and taking shorter trips.
· Prevent fuel spills. Ensure fuel does not discharge from the vent line as a result of overfilling by avoiding ‘topping off’ your tank. Stop ‘spit back’ from the fuel fill by fueling at a slow rate.
· Chart your course. Study your waterways to prevent boat propellers from damaging sensitive sea floor habitats or injuring marine life. Plan your trip in advance to avoid consuming excess fuel supply and consider using an autopilot when possible.
· Recycle fishing line. Protect marine life by properly disposing of monofilament fishing line at nearby marine accessory stores and shore side recycling locations.
· Stow trash. Never dispose of garbage into the water. Take advantage of facilities on shore and at marinas to recycle plastic, glass, metal and paper.

For more tips and ideas on how to become a more eco-friendly boater and reduce fuel usage, visit DiscoverBoating.com.

About Discover Boating
Discover Boating is a national awareness campaign developed by the North American recreational boating industry and managed by the industry’s trade group, the National Marine Manufacturers Association. Discover Boating programs focus on improving the boating experience and building interest in recreational boating by providing a resource for Americans to explore the benefits, affordability and accessibility of the boating lifestyle. To find out more, visit DiscoverBoating.com.

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