Battery Basics pg16 | DIY Innerspring V-berth Mattress pg43 | Review: Gulfstar 39 pg8 GOOD OLD BOAT Inspiring hands-on sailors

04 Issue 131: March/April 2020 | GoodOldBoat.com $8.00 US $8.00 CAN 04

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GOOD OLD BOAT Issue 131: March/April 2020

FEATURES DEPARTMENTS Taking Charge Review Boat 16 Knowing battery basics and 8 Gulfstar 39 Sailmaster Mk II: A technologies empowers battery Raised-Saloon Cruiser for Two choices. by Gregg Nestor by Drew Frye Design Comparison All Things Being Equal 14 Gulfstar 39 Sailmaster Mk II and 22 Equalizing batteries can improve Two More Bright, Solid Cruising performance and extend lifespan. Performers by David Lynn by Rob Mazza

26 Counter Intuitive Simple Solutions 36 With Corian countertop material 25 An old instrument’s housing as a core, a new centerboard provides a platform for its takes shape. replacement. 36 by Art Hall by Jim Shell 40 A Sense of Directions Short Voyages Writing a cruising guide provides a 26 A singular voyage leads to new perspective on home waters. the Gulf of Saint Lawrence’s by Brian Fagan stunning Mingan Archipelago. by Benoit Fleury 43 Sleeping Beauty Clever surgery on a standard bed Sailing Tales mattress improves a V-berth’s 31 An evolving passion for sailing sleepability. helps define a path forward. by Jim Shell by Elizabeth Masserang

Sole Mate Simple Solutions 46 A recycled plastic vinyl overlay 34 A vertical windlass, reimagined, brings new life to a worn-out fulfills dual duty as an automatic cabin sole. furler. by Gary Gerber by Tamara Watson

Hot Stuff Reflections 48 A simple, low-cost stovetop 61 A chilly morning at the edge heater takes the edge off a chilly of autumn foretells the longer cabin. journey. by Drew Frye by D.B. Davies 43

On the Cover 48 During the calm of an early morning in late June, preparing to head out for a sail from Pine Island Bay in Groton, Connecticut, Paul Rezendes looked out over the mooring field, saw this beauty of a sunrise, and grabbed his camera.

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Good Old Boat Mar_Apr 2020.indd 1 1/3/20 11:17 AM Websightings

CEO / CFO / PUBLISHER Karla Sandness EDITOR Michael Robertson Tally Ho Reborn [email protected] SENIOR EDITOR Wendy Mitman Clarke BOAT REVIEW EDITOR Dan Spurr ELECTRONICS EDITOR David Lynn COPY EDITOR Amy Jo Woodruff CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kelley Gudahl ILLUSTRATORS Rick Beddoe | Tom Payne | Fritz Seegers CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Drew Frye | Rob Mazza | Connie McBride | Cliff Moore Fiona McGlynn | Gregg Nestor | Allen Penticoff Robin Urquhart | Tom Wells | Ed Zacko ADVERTISING SALES TEAM Behan Gifford | Nica Waters [email protected] DIRECTOR OF CIRCULATION & BOAT CLASSIFIEDS Leo Sampson Goolden is a self-described but that’s really the extent of my wood-boat Brenda Ellingsen boatbuilder, sailor, and writer from Bristol, interest—until I discovered the Sampson [email protected] | 701-840-6137 England. But these days, he’s living in Boat Co. YouTube channel. I can’t stop FOUNDERS the Pacific Northwest on the Olympic watching. Goolden is a fantastic narrator Karen Larson and Jerry Powlas Peninsula, rebuilding Tally Ho, a 1910 gaff and personality, and the production value of cutter that won the Fastnet race in 1927. the videos is exceptional (and has improved 131 – VOLUME 24 NUMBER 2 He’s been working on the project for the with each episode). GOOD OLD BOAT (ISSN 1099-6354; USPS 019327) past two-and-a-half years and has captured The project is of epic proportion and PUBLISHED BIMONTHLY BY all the adventure on video—64 episodes watching Goolden work, I’m in awe of his Good Old Boat, Inc. and counting as we go to print. I (along stamina. Because he’s not just getting this with 146,000 subscribers) am hooked. little ship built; he’s entertaining and sharp BUSINESS / EDITORIAL OFFICE: 1300 Evergreen Dr. N.W. | Jamestown, ND 58401-2204 And that’s a weird thing because I’m not and philosophical while he gets this little Phone: 701-952-9433 an old-wood-boat guy, not even close. If ship built. It’s educational; among other [email protected] you asked me, I’d have told you my interest things, I recently learned from Goolden GoodOldBoat.com in this channel would be nil. I’ve thumbed what an adze is (check out episode #59). through Woodenboat magazine, and I’ve To watch, go to youtube.com and search SUBSCRIPTION RATES (1, 2, 3 YEARS): US and Canada – $39.95/$74.95/$110.00 US drooled over a restored J-Boat (Endeavour), “Tally Ho” or “Sampson Boat Co.” Overseas – $49.95/$94.95/$139.95 US DIGITAL-ONLY SUBSCRIPTION RATES US, Canada, and Overseas – $29.95/$54.95/$79.95 US

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March/April 2020 3 HEADSAIL FURLERS . MAINSAIL FURLERS This boat has a furler, does yours?

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photo by @mikeydetemple Mail Buoy The View from Here The Next One BY MICHAEL ROBERTSON

o you miss living on job from aboard a 39-foot boat our interests and passions, is something I’ll always be a sailboat?” sailing the Pacific, it’s impos- replaced the uniqueness and grateful for. “D We traveled to sible to do this full-time job vibrancy that characterized And it’s the reason we’ll visit extended family over the and enjoy all the fruits of living our lives afloat. We succeeded. have another boat, someday. holidays, and I was asked the aboard a 39-foot boat sailing The pangs of longing I feel It’ll be our fourth. I’m already question a few times, in some the Pacific. for the boat we left behind yearning for the good times she form. The question was small But still. just means that we did it promises. And at some future talk that made sense, because for To most family and friends right, seven years on a tiny holiday gathering, the question the first time in seven holiday and acquaintances, we’re the private island with my family. will come: “I heard you bought seasons, we were boatless. The only sailors they know. For The beauty and magic of another boat.” boat that had been our home more than a decade, it’s been that, especially in retrospect, “Yeah, it was time.” belonged to someone else now. who we are, first as the “No, not so much, it was family with the crazy time.” plans to sell everything Nine years ago, the Robertsons woke from the American dream and took off to sail full time. Now There was some truth in and move onto a they've found a desertscape near the sea to make their home. that answer. Also, I knew it sailboat, and then as was an answer that would the family that lives on make sense and satisfy, so the a boat and is always conversation could turn. But visiting from exotic each time I said the words, places. That boat life my mind went straight to two was our identity. weeks prior, early December Leaving the boat in Mexico, where we took an behind meant we impromptu trip across the needed new short border to bid farewell to our answers for who we friends, the crew of Totem. We are. “I live on a boat and caught them at the fuel dock, travel,” had been easy. all ready to cast off in the wee It begged questions for hours the following day. which I had pat answers Stepping aboard, the deck guaranteed to impress. I rolled ever-so-slightly and rarely had to explain or comfortably under my bare define myself further. It feet, the large upper shroud was my skin and it was familiar in my hand. My eyes comfortable. Our sailing closed. I could have been lifestyle was the why of aboard the boat I no longer everything. owned, and I felt pangs of Now I’ve molted, longing. I missed her and I and I’m just another guy missed living aboard her. who lives in a house, But practically, it had been with a wife, with kids time to move ashore and sell in school. I’m boatless. the old gal when we did, and I And that’s okay. don’t have any regrets. That’s Thankfully, I haven’t the truth in my answer. My kids had to fall back on, have spent the bulk of their “I used to live on a lives as sailing vagabonds, and sailboat, exploring the my oldest daughter was ready Pacific.” I’m too busy for a change. I’d taken on this for that. Our challenge role as editor, and while it’s was to find lives possible to do this full-time ashore that provoked

March/April 2020 5 Mail Buoy Babies and Bathwater, Boatyard Magic, and an Unsung Multihull Pioneer

Going Astray? Old Boat; that’s the point I tried to make in sisterships from all the other sailboat manu- I subscribe to a number of the sailing my editorial in the same issue, “The Rule of facturers? I would. I also found it interesting to magazines—Sail, Sailing, Coastal Cruising, Three.” Our goal for the new tagline is to learn that Columbia was back in business, and and Practical Sailor—but Good Old Boat convey a more tangible message that reinforces that Dick Valdes’ son is the guy at the helm. I has always been my favorite because it has the community we’ve built, not align ourselves was excited to learn that at least one example of always seemed to live up to its long-running with other magazines. The fact is, we’ve always this gorgeous good old boat is being saved. tagline, which I always interpreted as refer- sought to inspire hands-on sailors ring to middle-class sailors. I am hoping that and we aim to keep doing so. the changes I am seeing in the January 2020 We who make Good Old Boat issue are not a sign of things to come. have owned many boats and This cautionary buoy marks the entrance to the harbor at Victoria, I'll start with the "Inspiring Hands-On have always been hands-on in British Columbia, on Vancouver Island. The harbor entrance is also a very Sailors" tagline. To my mind, this de-dif- our approach to maintaining, active runway, and boats motor in parallel to large commercial seaplane ferentiates Good Old Boat from its compet- improving, and sailing our boats. traffic. That’s the control tower on the right. itors. "The Sailing Magazine for the Rest I appreciate your perspective Got great shot of an unusual aid to navigation? Send it to Michael_r@ of Us" made me feel part of a community. on the Columbia 50 story in goodoldboat.com. If we use it here, we’ll send you a Good Old Boat hat "Inspiring Hands-On Sailors" doesn't really Websightings. I can assure you or shirt! tell me anything. Anyone interested in it was not a paid advertisement sailing is a hands-on sailor; unless you have or promo piece for anyone—I’m a paid captain and crew. sure the folks at Columbia Yachts The Websightings column, "Buy a were surprised to see it, assuming Columbia 50," also struck me as off-brand. they’ve seen it. For the past couple What exactly is this? Is it a paid advertise- of years, Websightings has been ment or editorial? An article on the history the place where I share things or care of a Columbia 50 would seem very I uncover online that I think on-brand, but a promotional piece to drum readers will be interested in, up interest in a re-boot doesn't. Also, at because I’m interested in them. $335K, the boat seems about out of range I find what Columbia is doing of the Good Old Boat readership. fascinating and wondered aloud I don't have any agenda, only a wish to why others aren’t doing the same. share my thoughts as a fan of the old Good (This happens in the auto world, Old Boat magazine. I thought the editorial where they take old cars and was always excellent, and I loved the folksy restore and modify them with writing. I hope that in making the changes a current engine, suspension, you need to make you don't throw the and brakes such that the car still baby out with the bathwater. looks old on the outside, but is all I don't want you to write me back. I'd new under the skin—they call it rather you spent the time on the magazine! restomod. Check out what Singer —Peter Nesbett, Washington, D.C is doing with old Porsches: singer- vehicledesign.com). Wouldn’t you Michael Robertson responds: rather have a modern-working, Peter, I sincerely appreciate your letter. I like-new 1980 Catalina 30 can’t help but write back to assure you that than a 2019 Catalina 315 that is nothing material has changed here at Good indistinguishable from all the new

6 GoodOldBoat.com Last April, during a sunset while anchored off Allen’s Cay in the northern Exumas, Bahamas, Carolyn Del Guercio grabbed her iPhone to capture her view from atop the pulpit of Andiamo, a 1989 Brewer 44 she and her husband own. Chris, since the 1960s, more fiberglass boats For four days, they snorkeled with a hammerhead shark and strolled the beaches with iguanas. have been built each year than have been lost to the seabed or to the crusher (or to coastal marinas that have been known to empty the We didn’t make the design changes you see sailed a bit, but none of them ever inherited tanks of derelict boats and scuttle them in the because we had to, we made them because we my bug. My hopes of ever owning my own dead of night to free up slip space for paying wanted to—and I can assure you they are cruising boat were diminishing every year tenants). Law of supply and demand means a sign of things to come. And we couldn’t be until I started reading your magazine. Good that there has never been a better time in more excited. There’s no baby being thrown Old Boat stoked the fire with every issue. human history for an eager-to-sail young out with the bathwater, there’s no change to This summer, having finished helping both person of modest means to acquire their own our editorial focus or mission. We are still, and our kids through college, we stumbled boat, and even to voyage long distances. In our always will be, a group of sailors making the onto a blue 1993 Catalina 30TR. I wasn’t so 20s, we sailed our $8,000 Newport 27 from magazine we want to read, for the rest of us. sure we should make the financial plunge, California to Florida via the Panama Canal. And if the content between our covers ever fails but my father reminded me that I wasn’t While crossing the Pacific in our 40s, we met to inform, inspire, and entertain, for you or for getting any younger, and my wife convinced many young people, from French Polynesia to anyone, I welcome constructive feedback. me that it was our time. The final push Fiji, sailing under-$10,000 good old boats— came when another Good Old Boat showed including Good Old Boat contributing Pudgy Pic up with yet another beautiful boat on the editors Fiona McGlynn and Robin Urquhart. Beautiful shot of a beautiful boat on the cover! Since this summer, we have been It’s a beautiful thing. cover of the November 2019 issue. Just the proud owners of Blue Shire and are —Editors curious what kind of dinghy you have. enjoying every minute aboard her, sailing Looks like a cross between lifeboat, RIB, on Lake Erie. Keep up the great work, your Missing Jeremy and yellow submarine. magazine helps dreams come true! I was very moved by your touching tribute —Paul Skene, Gatineau, Quebec —Thomas Huygen, Grove City, Ohio to Good Old Boat senior editor Jeremy McGeary. Your words helped me under- Michael Robertson responds: Affordable Sailing stand what a loss this has been for all of us Thanks Paul, it’s a Portland Pudgy, built I just finished reading the November issue, in the sailing community. up in Maine and definitely a cross between going in the conventional direction, front —Bob Allenick, Beachwood, Ohio a dinghy and a lifeboat—and we used it for to back, for a change. And right there at the both…rather, we used it as a dinghy, but we end of the magazine was the revelation: This continued on page 52 were prepared to use it as a lifeboat. She served really is a golden age for inexpensive sailing our needs for over six years, never let us down. fun! The classified ads were full of cool boats Unfortunately, she and the boat she’s hanging for almost any sailor, most very reasonably from are no longer ours, not since 164 days ago priced. Most good old boats are fiberglass We Want to Hear from You (but who’s counting?). and if they are maintained can last a very long time. My own Seafarer is 58 years old Send your letters to michael_r@ Dream Realized and my Cal 20 is 52. This longevity and low goodoldboat.com. If we can't run your I grew up in the Netherlands cruising resale value are blessings for anybody who letter in this space, we'll try and get it with my father on a good old boat that he wants to sail on a budget. Anybody who into The Dogwatch. Speaking of which, still owns. My move to the United States wants to invest more sweat and less equity are you getting The Dogwatch in your over 30 years ago put me in places that can find a neglected vessel at a giveaway email inbox? It's free and the content were landlocked. Luckily, I married Geri, price in the back corner of a boatyard. is original. If you're missing it, email a woman who had never sailed but who —Chris Campbell, Traverse City, [email protected]. fell in love with sailing. We had kids who Michigan

March/April 2020 7 Review Boat

Gulfstar 39 Sailmaster Mk II A Raised-Saloon Cruiser for Two BY GREGG NESTOR

or 14 years, Rosie and Carl sons, Richard and Brad, joined the Anderson sailed their Bombay company. Though they tended to gravitate FClipper 31 throughout the toward powerboats, Richard taught coastal waters of western Florida. But himself yacht design and drew the lines after an extended trip from Florida to of the 39 Sailmaster. Over a production Maine and back, their cruising dreams run from 1981 to 1984, the company grew. To fulfill them, they realized they produced 60 hulls; The Glass Slipper is needed a larger boat, one designed with hull 59. Around 1987, Gulfstar ceased a cruising couple in mind. They chose a production of sailboats and merged with Gulfstar 39 Sailmaster, naming her The Viking Yachts, a powerboat manufacturer. Glass Slipper, with an eye toward the boat’s unusual, innovative interior layout and Design and Construction easy sailhandling. The most noticeable feature of the Gulfstar 39 Sailmaster’s distinguished History profile is its raised saloon. The boat’s bow After leaving Columbia Yachts, Vince is sharp, the transom almost plumb, and Lazzara spent the next several years of its sheer very flat. Overall, the lines are his non-compete agreement building clean and sleek. The interior is sometimes fiberglass houseboats under the company referred to as a single-stateroom design or name of Sea Rover. Once the agreement a galley-forward design. Both descriptions expired, he sold Sea Rover and established are accurate and somewhat unusual for a Gulfstar Yachts in the Tampa Bay area. beamy 39-footer. His initial offerings were low-priced, Gulfstar built the 39 Sailmaster in two lower-quality boats. This changed after versions. The Mark I has a deep cockpit contracting Ted Hood to design a number locker on the port side and a spirits locker of models. Quality improved dramatically, on the starboard side, just aft of the head and the product line expanded to include compartment. The Mark II replaced the motorsailers. In the mid-1980s, Vince’s port-side deep locker with a shallow locker

Despite the raked bow and counter transom—popular design features during the 1970s and ’80s—the raised saloon and large windows create a contemporary look.

8 GoodOldBoat.com March/April 2020 9 Review Boat

and a quarter berth below and On top of the raised swapped the spirits locker for a saloon’s doghouse is a pair hanging locker. of 12 x 17-inch hatches, Construction of the twin 76-inch teak handrails, Gulfstar 39 Sailmaster is the mainsheet traveler, and a strong and of high quality. The sea hood over the compan- deck and hull are fiberglass ionway. The doghouse is fitted and polyester laminates. The with six large, fixed portlights, deck and topsides are cored three per side, plus a pair of with end-grain balsa, adding large forward-facing fixed stiffness while reducing portlights. weight. Below the waterline, For security, stainless steel the hull is solid fiberglass. bow and stern pulpits are (Many boats built in the 1980s connected by dual lifelines. experienced blisters, and The sidedecks are 18 inches Gulfstars were not immune. wide and rimmed with a It’s wise to carefully check this 3-inch-high teak toerail. Port when buying one.) and starboard 10-inch, open- On deck, the non-skid is throat cleats are mounted molded-in, and all exterior amidships. To protect the wood—including eyebrows, topsides, 8 inches below the handrails, toerails, compan- deck is a teak rubrail capped ionway doors, and cockpit with a stainless steel strip. coaming tops—are solid teak. The roomy cockpit is 7 feet The hull-to-deck joint is an The foredeck is relatively uncluttered. A deck pipe (forward) and a horizontal windlass with long with slightly sloping overlapping design commonly a spill pipe both lead below to a divided chain locker in the forepeak. coamings and a 3-foot-wide known as a shoebox joint. footwell. A 16-inch-deep by The interior is stick-built 16-inch-high bridge deck and utilizes a longitudinal deflects most water coming stringer system. The bulk of for sail changes, anchoring, and stainless steel cowl vents over the deck, and four 2-inch the interior is marine-grade mooring. There’s even enough mounted on top of teak drains, one in each corner plywood veneered with teak room here to stow a dinghy. Dorade boxes. In the topsides of the footwell, disperse any and finished with gloss varnish. Just aft of the cabin trunk’s below this area are four water that does make it into Areas not finished in teak are rise is a 24 x 24-inch centerline opening portlights, two per the cockpit. Stowage consists paneled with an off-white lami- hatch. Following aft are port side. Just before the doghouse of a dedicated propane locker nate. The overhead is off-white and starboard 63-inch teak over the raised saloon is the beneath the helmsman’s seat vinyl, the sole is teak and holly, handrails. Next is a pair of keel-stepped mast. and a pair of cockpit seat and the doors are raised panels lockers. With a quarter berth of solid teak. beneath (on the Mark II), the Joinery rivals that of The large cockpit has high backrests, a raised helmsman seat, and ample room for port locker is shallow. The the most expensive yachts. entertaining. The Andersons have added an array of up-to-date electronics on the pedestal. deep starboard locker affords Gulfstar even held a patent for access to the boat’s batteries a special process for camber- and engine. In addition to ing the corners on interior the helm pedestal, there’s a woodwork. centerline swim ladder and a Hardware is above average pair of 10-inch cleats. quality. All ports and hatches are aluminum, seacocks are Below Deck bronze, and the ballast is lead While the Gulfstar 39 and encapsulated. Sailmaster’s interior at first seems typical, once below its On Deck novel arrangement becomes Beginning at the stem is quite apparent. The boat’s a teak anchor platform forward sections—V-berth, followed by a pair of 12-inch head, and galley—are lower open-throat cleats, chocks, than the main saloon. The and a windlass. The open forward galley is unusual, and foredeck allows a pragmatic, the raised saloon, coupled with uncluttered working platform large side- and forward-facing

10 GoodOldBoat.com The starboard settee measures 6 feet 6 inches, and in the configuration above includes factory option. Stowage is portlights and two overhead a bookshelf behind it. Above right, it's converted to a berth, and the shelf area behind becomes a pilot berth. Both make good sea berths with leecloths. abundant in numerous shelves, hatches create a bright and drawers, and cubbies, and a airy cabin. However, leaking clever in-the-sole compart- in these portlights is one of ment sits in the step-up to the the most common complaints windows, makes for a light and the berth. Port and starboard saloon. At waist height there’s among this design’s owners. spacious-feeling interior. opening portlights, the large a novel grab rail/towel rack. A It’s recommended to rebed According to Carl, the overhead hatch, and a Dorade single opening portlight serves them before leaks damage the boat features several factory vent provide natural light this area. interior teak. options, to which he recently and ventilation. From this The main portion of the Numerous LED lights, added $25,000 in interior and stateroom, one door leads saloon is comprised of an both task and accent, provide system upgrades, including to the head compartment L-shaped settee/berth to port illumination throughout the new refrigeration, air condi- and another opens to the and a straight settee/berth boat. tioning, battery charger, starter, remainder of the interior. to starboard. Both settees On the port side of the Mark 1 batteries, and refinishing all the Just aft and to starboard is measure 6 ⁄2 feet and can be II, across from the nav station interior woodwork. the head compartment whose converted to cozy doubles. to starboard, is a quarter berth. Just aft of the divided most notable feature is a one- Both have stowage beneath and Beneath is stowage as well as chain locker in the forepeak piece fiberglass shower stall behind as well as bookshelves the water heater. Access to the is a roomy V-berth, 7 feet with integrated seat. above. In addition to the shelves engine can be gained here by 1 long and 6 ⁄2 feet at its widest. Aft to port, basically across above the port settee there’s removing an inside panel. Outboard and above are from the head, is the roomy also a cane-fronted cabinet. Six individual panels in fiddled shelves. Aft and to port, galley, which includes a deep, The eight large, fixed the sole provide access to a his-and-hers hanging locker double, stainless steel sink, a is topped with a bureau, and to top-loading icebox, and a pass- starboard is a complementing over counter that lets the chef four-drawer chest with bureau hand food and drink directly to Looking forward from the companionway, the offset table enables clear passage in the top. The 30-gallon plastic those in the saloon. main saloon. Though not visible, the galley is forward of the settee on the port side, an holding tank, plus three On The Glass Slipper, the unusual location, below left. stowage drawers, are beneath outboard cabinets are a custom To port in the saloon is an L-shaped settee and slightly offset drop-leaf pedestal table. Just aft, in the Mark II version, is the quarter berth, below.

March/April 2020 11 Review Boat

Gulfstar 39 Sailmaster Mk II

LOA 39'7" LWL 32'5" Beam 12'1" Draft 4'9" Displacement 19,000 lb Ballast 8,200 lb Sail Area 684 sq. ft. Displ./LOA 249 SA/Displ. 15.4 Ballast/Displ. 43

ILLUSTRATIONS BY RICK BEDEOE various bilge features, including and horn cleats mounted the 80-gallon aluminum fuel on the mast. The mainsail is tank and the 150-gallon plastic sheeted mid-boom and leads water tank, located above the through a traveler situated ballast. forward of the companionway, terminating at a Barient Rig #21 winch and cleat. On the The Gulfstar 39 Sailmaster’s underside of the boom, just aft rig is simple and straightfor- of the gooseneck, is a single ward. The keel-stepped mast, Barient #8P and a pair of line with outboard chainplates stoppers for two reefing lines. and boom, are aluminum The headsail sheets are led extrusions painted white with aft through cars and 12-foot polyurethane. The single pair tracks mounted on top of the of spreaders is tapered, and all toerails. These sheets termi- standing rigging is stainless nate at Barient #28 winches steel wire. Supporting the on the cockpit coamings. mast are a pair of cap shrouds, Mounted onto the starboard dual pair of lowers, and a track is a stainless steel folding split backstay. There’s also a boarding ladder. topping lift. All running rigging is Underway double-braid polyester line. The boat has a long fin keel, The halyards are sheaved which affords the kind of internally and terminate at a tracking and stability common- pair of Barient #21 winches ly attributed to a full keel but

(top to bottom) The commodious head features pressure water at the sink and shower stall, nicely executed wood trim, and adequate ventilation. In addition to LED lighting, there’s an opening portlight and a Dorade vent. A second door leads to the galley and saloon. Across from the head and extending aft 8 feet is the L-shaped galley. Features include a Formica countertop with a large top-loading icebox; two-burner, gimbaled, propane stove with oven; and a double stainless steel sink with hot-and-cold pressurized water. Aft of the saloon and on the starboard side is the aft-facing navigation station with its dedicated swivel chair. In addition to the boat’s electrical panels, there’s a small space for instrumentation, a shelf, and a large work surface. By removing the companionway ladder and the housing beneath, one gains nearly full access to the engine. For a quick peek and to conduct some minor service, there’s a section of the navigation station’s counter that lifts up.

12 GoodOldBoat.com without as much drag-inducing The boat’s best point of sail is heel, this design mistake allows on the market at any given wetted surface area. Its rudder a reach, and the helm balances water to enter the boat. Carl time. Expect to pay $50,000- skeg provides excellent direc- well. heightened the housing and $80,000 for a good one. tional stability and keeps the The boat’s auxiliary is a eliminated the leak. rudder from stalling at extreme 50-horsepower Perkins 4-108 Gregg Nestor is a contributing ed- angles. diesel with a Velvet Drive Conclusion itor with Good Old Boat. He has The outboard chainplates transmission connected to The Gulfstream 39 Sailmaster authored four books on sailing: affect the boat’s upwind its propeller via a V-drive. is a unique and comfortable Twenty Affordable Sailboats to abilities by limiting sheeting This drive train is more than sailboat that can be sailed Take You Anywhere, Twenty angles, but this boat is adequate to punch through a or comfortably cruised by Comfortable Sailboats to Take designed for cruising first tough sea. two people. She’s well built, You Cruising, The Trailer Sailer and foremost, not necessarily The Glass Slipper suffered well laid-out, wonderfully Owner's Manual, and All Hands performance to weather. It from leaking at the rudder shaft appointed, and sails well. on Deck. He became a snowbird can carry its full complement seal. The fiberglass housing Her styling is not dated, and a few years back, after relocating of sails up to about 20 knots around the shaft is too short, with 60 hulls built, there’s a his boat from the Great Lakes to or so before calling for a reef. and depending upon angle of good chance that a couple are Florida.

Comments from Owners of the Gulfstar 39 Sailmaster

A dream to sail. It’s not a great race boat, we can put out the genoa alone and Great sailing quality, easy helm, but it is heavy like a bluewater boat. average 6-6.5 knots for an easy sail. The comfortable interior with adequate Overbuilt to the extreme. The construc- mainsail is heavy and takes some effort storage, roomy V-berth and head with tion was top-notch. We did have some raising. The boat is solidly constructed separate, large shower stall. Good blisters and a soft spot on the deck that and our bilge is dry. The interior crafts- ventilation with hatches and opening was due to the leaky windows. Look at manship on the wood detail is fabulous. ports. The large portlights leaked the inside wood. Make sure the windows She is very spacious and open feeling. when the boat was sailed hard, and have not leaked and ruined it. I wish We had a party where 12 friends were space behind the steering wheel was there was a second bunk. The water dancing in the saloon! The Garhauer tight. Specific problems: the V-drive tanks and fuel tanks most likely need tackle is top-notch. The top three things was on top of the stuffing box with to be opened and cleaned. We added a we like most: her design/look/line; the little room to service; the raw water Racor filter. The water tank screws go spacious layout on the interior; and most pump was difficult to service with the lefty-tighty, righty-loosey. No idea why importantly, the quality of the build. engine facing aft; and the rudder post they did that, as this is a horrible way to Least: storage is limited; the windows leaked seawater into the bilge and do things. leak, and the aluminum frames are lazarette. Check the rudder post for —Derek Fronabarger etched from the elements; the windows leaks, 108 Perkins diesels are known to Annapolis, Maryland are big for being at sea. The aluminum have a problem with rear seal leaks, and rubrail was streaking the hull. We check the V-drive for oil leaks. Excellent all around. Sails well on all removed the stainless steel trim on top —William Misenheimer points, especially in heavy weather. to uncover a thin, disintegrating sheet of Fort Myers, Florida Stable, hardens up. Fine also in light plastic between the stainless steel trim air. Top-quality hardware and wood and aluminum rubrail. The two dissim- The main reasons we chose the Gulfstar workmanship. What I like most: open, ilar metals were reacting. The aluminum Sailmaster 39 over 30 years ago are how roomy galley and saloon. Nice size rubrail was pitted so badly we removed it performs and how it is laid out. The head with walk-in shower. Small but it. The blackwater holding tank is under forward galley has been perfect for us adequate V-berth. Nice size cockpit. the bed—holding tanks do permeate! since we don't do much cooking “at sea” Large water tanks. What I like least: We had two through hulls replaced for and it allows for a very open saloon. We hull fiberglass layup issues—water the cockpit/deck drains. At 36 years old, had a full blister repair with epoxy coat saturation. Inadequate fridge insulation. they were scary thin. Access underneath in ’87. Another issue for us was chain- Difficult to go astern. the cockpit is a challenge. The back of plate leaks, which got into the deck core —Robert Olshan the electrical panel is in the starboard because the core had not been cut away Lottsburg, Virginia lazarette. All of the wiring is uncovered. far enough and glassed, surrounding the Our rudder shoe is rusting from age. chainplate penetration slot. She sails like a dream! Responsive, —Krissy Nichols —Cameron Foster well-balanced. In 10- to 15-knot winds San Diego, California Bainbridge Island, Washington

March/April 2020 13 Design Comparison Gulfstar 39 Sailmaster MkII …and Two More Bright, Solid Cruising Performers STORY AND ILLUSTRATIONS BY ROB MAZZA

he late powerboat the difference between a Pacific Seacraft Pilothouse that integrates with the chart designer Tom Fexas raised-saloon configuration as (PH) 40. table and the navigation area. Tonce published a in the Dick Lazzara-designed Interior steering also dif- Neither the Gulfstar nor the provocative article entitled Gulfstar 39 and the Bob Perry ferentiates the raised-saloon Mariner shows any option for “Sailing Is Silly” in which, designed Mariner 39, and a true from the pilothouse configura- an inside steering station. The among other digs at sailors pilothouse configuration in the tion. The Pacific Seacraft has raised house in both configu- and sailboats, he snarked that later Bill Crealock-designed a clever inside helm station rations impedes visibility from “the inhabitants of this vessel must live, eat, and sleep in a dark, narrow cave in the water.” These three boats attempt to address that criticism by raising the aft end of the house and the cabin sole to incorporate enlarged windows at sitting and eye level. Combined with the windows located forward in the raised house, these provide a nearly 360-degree vista and bring in far more light than in Fexas’ maligned caves. When I worked at Hunter, Gulfstar 39 Sailmaster Mariner 39 Pacific Seacraft PH 40 we employed half of this LOA 39'7" 38'10" 42'3" concept in boats like the Legend 40.5 by raising the LWL 32'5" 34'4" 31'3" house aft (but not the sole) to Beam 12'1" 11'10" 12'5" allow more light below, while incorporating faux windshields Draft 4'9" 6'0" 6'1" at such a low angle that they Displacement 19,000 19,200 24,500 were more like skylights. Raising the cabin sole also Ballast 8,200 8,400 8,800 means that the cockpit and LOA/LWL 1.22 1.13 1.35 interior soles are closer to Beam/LWL .37 .34 .40 the same level, so you are not descending into Fexas’ cave as Displ./LWL 249 212 358 much, and the raised interior Bal./Displ. 43% 44% 36% sole allows the placement of the engine in this more Sail Area (100%) 684 722 834 accessible and larger space. SA/Displ. 15.4 16.08 15.79 A modest increase in height at the aft end of the house, Capsize No. 1.8 1.8 1.7 for better headroom in an aft Comfort Ratio 30.8 31 38.3 galley more than anything else, used to be called a doghouse. Year Introduced 1981 1981 1997 The degree to which you go Designer Richard Lazzara Bob Perry William Crealock beyond the modest increase Builder Gulfstar Yachts Ta Shing Shipyards Pacific Seacraft of the doghouse defines

14 GoodOldBoat.com a cockpit helm station, but the stretching the published respectively, for the Gulfstar, Mariner clearly ranks her as the taller pilothouse, of course, waterline length produces a Mariner, and Pacific Seacraft, more performance-oriented of most of all. lower displacement/waterline we find a displacement/ the three designs. All three have All three of these boats length and enhances the aura waterline length ratio of acceptable capsize numbers and incorporate modern underbod- of higher performance. This a competitive 249 for the good comfort ratios. ies of split keel and rudder, al- artificial increase is often Gulfstar, an even more compet- The raised-saloon and though each also incorporates achieved by including the itive 212 for the Mariner, and pilothouse concepts certainly a skeg-mounted rudder rather skeg and even the rudder in a more conservative, (and provide an interior that invites than a cantilevered spade this measurement. Just how expected) 358 for the Pacific more use and creates distinctly rudder, reflecting a slight nod fungible these numbers can be Seacraft. non-cave-like comfort, espe- to cruising aspirations. Only is evident when you learn that Each of these boats employs cially on chilly or rainy days. the Pacific Seacraft, however, Bob Perry’s Mariner 39 started almost identical sail plans with However, there is nothing in houses the propeller in an ap- life as the Westsail 39, two headsails on a masthead the numbers to indicate that erture in the skeg for increased whose waterline length is cutter rig with mid-boom sailing performance will suffer protection. listed at 36 feet 6 inches— sheeting. Sail area/displacement accordingly. When you look at the almost 2 feet longer than the ratios are consistent and numbers, note that the published value for Mariner 39, moderately conservative at 15.4 Rob Mazza is a Good Old Boat Mariner 39 has a waterline which is supposed to be exactly for the Gulfstar, 16.08 for the contributing editor. He set out length of 34 feet 4 inches, which the same boat! Mariner, and 15.79 for the Pacific on his career as a naval architect is almost a full 2 feet longer Using the waterline Seacraft, the latter reflecting a in the late 1960s, when he began than the Gulfstar and 3 feet lengths of 32 feet 5 inches, larger sail plan with a bowsprit working for Cuthbertson & Cas- longer than the Pacific Seacraft. 34 feet 4 inches, and 31 feet 3 on a heavier displacement. The sian. He’s been familiar with good I sometimes approach these inches against displacements higher sail area/displacement old boats from the time they were numbers with some skepticism, of 19,000 pounds, 19,200 ratio and lower displacement/ new, and had a hand in designing knowing that artificially pounds, and 24,500 pounds, waterline length ratio of the a good many of them.

March/April 2020 15 TAKING CHARGE Knowing battery basics and technologies empowers battery choices.

BY DREW FRYE

board any boat with an electrical acid electrolyte. This process is normal. takes is a small load that is overlooked system there exists a need to store However, if the charging cycle that follows and no charging source to compensate. A electricity. Enter the battery. But a discharge cycle is not complete (common Overcharging increases corrosion and can unfortunately (or fortunately), a battery when a boat is away from shorepower) boil out the electrolyte. Lithium batteries just isn’t a battery, and choosing the type only some crystals dissolve, and those that can be ruined by overcharging or charging of battery that’s right for you, for your remain can harden and become perma- at subfreezing temperatures. Premium electrical system, and for the way you use nent. With subsequent partial charging batteries will only deliver full value if main- your boat, requires an understanding of the cycles, the condition worsens. This is tained properly. different types of batteries on the market called sulfation. Ultimately, sulfation With a general understanding of the today and the advantages and drawbacks of decreases the amount of chemical available inherent problems that afflict batteries, each. for the necessary reaction and the amount let’s take a closer look at considerations for Without delving too deeply into the of surface area on the lead plates for that each battery type. fine points of battery chemistry or review- reaction to occur, thus limiting the battery ing differences in manufactured quality, capacity. following is some information and expla- Stratification is the tendency for nation to help navigate the battery waters. the denser high-sulfate electrolyte (in a water-acid mixture inside a battery) to Batteries 101 concentrate near the bottom of the battery Lead alloy plates combined with a sulfuric as a result of gravity and lack of mixing. acid/water electrolyte form the basis Stratification can exacerbate sulfation. Both of the most common type of recharge- problems can be addressed with a proce- able battery in use today (and for the dure called equalization; see “All Things past 100 years): the lead acid battery. But Being Equal” beginning on page 22. variations of the lead acid battery have Regardless of sulfation and stratifica- come about as engineers have worked to tion, every cycle causes some wear to a overcome the chemistry’s most common lead acid battery, the severity of which shortcomings. Accordingly, today there depends on the depth of discharge, time Flooded Lead Acid (FLA) Batteries are several subsets of lead acid batteries: to the next recharge, thoroughness of the These are the traditional electron-storage the traditional flooded lead acid battery, next recharge, design category of the bat- workhorses of cars, trucks, planes, and the AGM (absorbed glass mat) battery, tery, and manufacturer quality and design boats. They come in different sizes, usually the gelled electrolyte (or gel) battery, and, details. the bigger the battery the more energy most recently, the carbon foam battery. Batteries are also slowly damaged by it stores. They come in 6-volt and 12-volt The other battery type on the market corrosion on the lead plates. Overcharging configurations, with thin lead plates today—lithium iron phosphate, or LiFe- is a primary culprit, but no matter how (starter batteries) and thicker lead plates PO4—uses an entirely different chemistry. carefully the battery is maintained, every (deep cycle batteries), sealed and mainte- All battery types offer significant ad- battery design has a finite life, after which nance-free, or with caps that allow for lost vantages and disadvantages for the boater. the plates will simply fall apart. For boats battery acid to be replenished. Before learning about the pros and cons of that spend a few nights at anchor, and for each, it’s important to first take a minute to starting batteries, internal corrosion is Negatives: understand two problems inherent to lead often the limiting factor. • The deeper a flooded lead acid battery is acid batteries: sulfation and stratification. Finally, any battery type can be wrecked discharged (reflected as a percentage of As a battery discharges, small sulfate by misuse or poor maintenance. All lead- total capacity in amp hours), the harder crystals form. During the next charging type batteries can be ruined by being left it is on a battery. A flooded lead acid cycle, these crystals dissolve back into the fully discharged for a few months. All it battery will tolerate only a finite number

16 GoodOldBoat.com of discharges in its life (the deeper, the Positives: Negatives: fewer). For reasonable life expectancy, • A well-built, deep cycle flooded lead • AGM batteries are particularly vulner- manufacturers advise that flooded lead acid battery is rugged, widely available, able to sulfation if not brought back to acid batteries should not be discharged and relatively inexpensive. full charge within a day or so (recharge below 50 percent state of charge (SOC) • You can expect a lifespan of 200-600 to 80 percent of charge is not sufficient). and then should be fully recharged cycles from a run-of-the-mill deep cycle AGM batteries do not respond as well within a day or so. Practically, this battery, or as many as 2,000 cycles from to equalization as a well-built deep cycle means that only half a battery bank’s a well-maintained golf cart battery, flooded lead acid battery, and some rated capacity is available for use. If the such as the popular Trojan T-105s. cannot be equalized at all. battery is commonly only 85 percent Starting with a large enough battery • AGM batteries are more expensive than recharged (the result of a diminishing bank and creating an environment in flooded batteries. acceptance rate near the end of the which it isn’t discharged too deeply, is • Just as a flooded lead acid battery, these charging cycle) then only one third regularly returned to a full charge, and is batteries are built with lead and are of rated capacity is available. In other maintained properly can go a long way to heavy, with all the issues that weight words, up to three times the cost must stretching the lifespan of a flooded lead brings. be spent and three times the weight acid battery. The 50 percent maximum • Efficiency and capacity will diminish as carried aboard. discharge is a fuzzy number. A large bank the battery ages. • Compared to how quickly they can that is recharged at only 20-30 percent be discharged, it takes a long time to discharge will last longer, be twice as Positives recharge flooded lead acid batteries. heavy, and cost twice as much. A smaller • Compared to flooded lead acid This is because as flooded lead acid bank, frequently discharged to 35 percent, batteries, AGM batteries accept battery voltage increases, the charge might be 30 percent cheaper and lighter, relatively high recharge currents (they acceptance rate decreases. So while but only lasts one third as long for the can be charged more quickly) because it’s easy to pump a lot of energy into full-time cruiser. It also provides less they have a lower internal resistance. a battery that’s been discharged reserve capacity for long nights and • AGM batteries are completely sealed to 50 percent, once the battery eventual loss in capacity. On the other and can be mounted in any configura- returns to about an 80 percent state hand, the weekend cruiser might not tion, even on their sides. In normal use, of charge, the amount of current it see a huge difference in lifespan, since they don’t vent. will accept drops considerably. After the number of cycles is low and the • AGM batteries are not as susceptible to about 95 percent, the current acceptance battery will most likely die from either stratification. rate drops even more. So, it may take corrosion or a maintenance error rather • Other than equalization for select AGM nearly as long to charge from 95 percent than high cycles. batteries, and keeping tabs on terminal charge to 100 percent as it did to bulk corrosion, no maintenance is required. charge from 50 percent to 95 percent. Is it any wonder that boats untethered from shorepower often fail to fully recharge, thus increasing sulfation and reducing battery life? • A traditional marine battery requires maintenance. This includes routinely replenishing water, keeping the terminal connections clean and corrosion-free, and regularly equalizing to minimize the effects of sulfation and stratification. • Batteries built with lead are heavy. Aside from the drawbacks of concentrating weight aboard, they need to be sturdily Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) and firmly secured aboard a vessel that AGM batteries are lead acid batteries, but rolls, pitches, and could possibly invert. instead of lead plates submerged in acid, • Flooded batteries produce oxygen and they’re built of lead plates separated by hydrogen when being charged, so they thin fiberglass mats saturated in battery Gelled Electrolyte (Gel) need adequate ventilation where they acid. The plates and mats are packed Gel batteries are constructed similarly to are installed. together very tightly, and the battery flooded batteries, but with a silica added • Flooded batteries can spill. Battery boxes case is sealed. There are AGM starting to the battery acid, turning it to a thick, must be able to contain spilled acid. They batteries and AGM deep cycle batteries. gelled substance. The best application should not be located near or below AGM batteries are optimal when they can for gel batteries is a smaller bank that equipment that is vulnerable to corrosion. be quickly and fully recharged: marina will be cycled deeply and frequently, • Efficiency and capacity will diminish as hopping, day sailing, and boats with possibly without the availability of timely the battery ages. substantial charging resources. recharge.

March/April 2020 17 Taking Charge

Healthy Battery Sulfated/Stratified Battery

Usable battery capacity is reduced Full capacity available Sulfation reduces conductive area on plates

ILLUSTRATIONS BY FRITZ SEEGERS

Negatives: advantages over AGM, gel, and flooded • Despite the carbon foam material used • While gel batteries are a bit more resis- lead acid batteries. to replace much of the lead on the nega- tant to the ill effects of deep discharges, tive plates, these batteries are no lighter they are less able to recover from Negatives: than conventional AGM batteries, and sulfation as they cannot be equalized. • More expensive than all other lead so have the same weight issues. • Gel batteries are more expensive than acid-type batteries. That said, if the flooded batteries. advantages are as reported, including Positives: • Just as the previous two types, they’re longer lifespan, they may warrant • The carbon foam material resists heavy. the higher price tag. One internet corrosion and sulfation and provides a forum commenter called carbon much greater surface area (due to the Positives: foam batteries the poor-man’s lithium honeycomb shape of its cells) than the • Gel batteries are highly resistant to batteries. pure lead plates. Accordingly, these stratification. • The technology has been around for a batteries are highly resistant to damage • Compared to similar flooded or AGM relatively short period of time, so many from being stored at low charge states. batteries, gel batteries can tolerate a claims of longer lifespan (compared to • Because these batteries tolerate deeper higher number of deep discharge cycles. flooded, AGM, and gel batteries) have discharges and sustained under- • Though efficiency and capacity will not been empirically proven aboard charged states, ostensibly a smaller diminish with age and use, the effects tend many boats. bank can meet the same power needs, to appear rapidly at the end of a battery’s life, rather than gradually over time. • Gel batteries are completely sealed and can be mounted in any configuration, Battery Sizes—Michael Robertson and in normal use, they don’t vent. At the Annapolis sailboat show refer to battery sizes and the specific this past October, a few of us got dimensions are specified by Battery to wondering about battery sizes. Council International.” Got it. A quick We each acknowledged that 8D check online turned up a chart of batteries were big, and we could BCI group numbers. Indeed, for each identify them by sight. We agreed battery group (there are 81 groups that group 27 batteries were just a bit listed!) there are specific length/width/ smaller than group 31 batteries, and we height dimensions, in millimeters and could identify them too. But some of inches—exact measurements. But we us swore that not all group 27 batteries noticed a couple things that explained were the same size (nor were all 8D the variable sizes among manufacturers. and group 31 batteries the same size) First, the BCI dimensions are maximum and others of us believed they had to dimensions. Second, there are so many be. A quick search of specific battery groups that some of them are broken Carbon Foam dimensions online confirmed that sizes into subcategories, each with a slightly Firefly International Energy Company varied. What was going on? different dimension. For example, a holds the patent on this relatively new Being at the Annapolis show, group 27 battery should measure no 1 13 7 technology: a lead acid battery in which I cornered Nigel Calder for the more than 12 ⁄16 x 6 ⁄16 x 8 ⁄8, but there much of the lead is replaced by a carbon definitive answer. Nigel didn’t even are group 27F and group 27H dimen- foam material. The construction is similar have to stop to think: “Group numbers sions that are slightly different. to AGM batteries but with significant

18 GoodOldBoat.com meaning less weight and perhaps at the University of Texas in 1996—offers good many long-term cruisers, believe comparable cost to other AGM thermal and chemical stability that is they are the most economical long-term options. superior to all the others. That means it’s solution for heavy-duty users. • Carbon foam batteries are completely safest. • Regulation of charging is very different sealed and can be mounted in any I’ve received enough glowing reports from lead acid. Part of the expense is a configuration, and they don’t vent in that it’s about time to recommend complex battery management system normal use. LiFePO4 for widespread use in high-cycle (BMS). Because even a slight imbalance • Carbon foam batteries have less internal applications. Heck, Toyota made the between cells can lead to dangerous resistance than the best conventional switch for their Prius batteries in 2015. overheating problems, control systems AGM batteries and thus accept even However, there are some caveats. Consider are built into the consumer-packaged higher recharge currents (they can be a sudden house-bank failure like I faced a batteries (Battle Born, Lithionics, charged more quickly). few years ago, the result of my misjudging Mastervolt, Relion, Trojan, Victron, • Carbon foam batteries are not as battery health before casting off on a and Valence provide these systems). susceptible to stratification. spring cruise. I made a quick phone call to Marketed to sailors as drop-in replace- a local chandlery and had a replacement ments, these may not be the best route set of group 27 flooded lead acid batteries to go. Lithium batteries are better left delivered dockside within hours. Had I slightly below full, but all of the smart been running LiFePO4 batteries at the chargers on your boat will take them to time, I’d have waited a week and spent float and leave them there. To get the thousands. In my case, the bill was a few full value of rapid charging and long life hundred dollars, replacement took less you will need an integrated manage- than an hour, and we were on our way the ment system installed for another next day. $1,000 to $1,500, and you will want to

Negatives: • The first thing that will strike Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) you is the price, at There are many lithium-ion battery nearly 4 times that chemistries on the market in batteries of premium lead powering laptops, phones, cars, and more. acid batteries. Even But this particular chemistry—lithium iron so, their propo- phosphate, first described by researchers nents, including a

A Word of Warning About Undersized Banks—DF

Manufacture life expectancy you start with a bank sized versus depth of discharge with 30-40 percent average tables are misleading in discharge in mind, with MADE IN U.S.A. two critical ways. First, occasional dips to 50-60 the test protocol requires percent discharge, within a that the batteries are fully few years that will become Lifeline, a pioneer in AGM technology, was developed in recharged after each cycle, 40-50 percent average 1985 for military aircraft. Lifeline’s series of maintenance a practice that extends the discharge with occasional life of lead-acid batteries dips to 70 percent discharge. free deep cycle batteries has been the leading AGM by minimizing sulfation. In That’s workable. On the other battery in the Marine and Motor Coach industry for the the real world of the cruiser, hand, if you designed the bank past 15 years. To learn more about Lifeline Batteries, getting back to 85 percent for 40-50 percent average contact us or visit LifelineBatteries.com charge is good, and sulfation discharge, that will soon be will progress faster than the 60-70 percent discharge with LIFELINE BATTERIES, INC. charts suggest. dips to 80 percent discharge, 292 E. Arrow Hwy Second, battery life and the bank will be spent always declines with age in just a few years. Design San Dimas, CA 91773 and the corrosion that goes conservatively with aging in 800-527-3224 with it, no matter how well mind. Only a racer will be www.lifelinebatteries.com a battery is cared for. If happy with cutting it thin.

March/April 2020 19 Lifeline Batteries SAIL BOAT AD 3.312x4.875.indd 1 2/24/15 11:36 AM Taking Charge

work with a qualified installer, following compromises best align with your regularly discharging a lead acid battery factory guidance. anticipated use? Ask yourself how often below 60 percent state of charge, conven- • I recommend having a good talk with a you foresee sleeping on the hook over the tional wisdom would indicate it’s time to lithium battery specialist before buying next five years. How much does battery increase the size of the battery so that its any drop-in system as a replacement weight matter to you? Will you charge your life isn’t reduced. How important is this for an existing lead acid battery bank, batteries rapidly with a generator, or will reduction in lifespan? The batteries on because they aren’t the same thing. Do you push the electrons in more gently with a boat that is very seldom anchored out not buy naked cells (without a built-in solar power? Do you have enough charging will die of corrosion and old age before BMS) off the internet and try to build capacity to fully recharge the battery the cycle life becomes important. On the your own system; this is a good route within a day or so of a deep discharge? other hand, the long-distance cruiser may to either short battery life or a fire. How much reserve capacity do you need? be irritated when batteries fail within a Carbon foam has some similarities (fast Are you motivated to properly monitor few years. A racer may not mind dropping charging, partial state of charge toler- your battery system and tweak a full life in a cheap battery every few years if it ance) and is generally a better drop-in expectancy from a premium product, or saves 100 pounds. replacement for FLA for most sailors, do you suspect you’ll make mistakes and Reserve capacity is also reduced by particularly if weight is not critical. prefer the premature replacement that using a smaller bank. Some battery tech- • Cold weather charging is a potential doesn’t break the bank? nologies—principally lithium and carbon Achilles’ heel. Lithium batteries Weight is a good place to start. What foam—better tolerate deep discharges, but can be permanently and severely is the cost of carrying an extra pound if your design basis includes discharging damaged by just a few charging cycles for the life of the battery? It’s easy for a battery 80 percent, you have sacrificed a at near-freezing temperatures. If the the heavy cruiser to say that weight and safety margin with regard to reserve power battery can be disconnected for winter performance are unimportant, but a availability. storage, self-discharge rates are very performance trimaran or planing sport Is your auxiliary an outboard motor low and the battery should be fine in boat will find 100 pounds unacceptable with a typical tiny alternator? Don’t bother the spring. However, if the battery and 50 pounds unpleasant. Reducing with the complexity and expense of a must be kept online because of sump weight is likely important for windlass separate starter battery and house bank. pump demands, the situation gets and bow thruster batteries mounted Connect the outboard starter to the house hairy. It’s simple enough to provide forward. bank. On the odd occasion you inadver- charging through shorepower or And if weight is critical, consider tently run the battery flat, use the pull-cord solar panels, but the controller must that weight can be saved by reducing to start the outboard. With one bank, disable charging below about 40° F and the size of the battery bank within the charging and usage are more equal, house disconnect the battery from the load. same battery type. For example, if you’re bank capacity is increased, and battery life I find this a little frightening for boats stored in the water through the winter. The normal solution is installing a lead acid battery to handle sump pump Starter Batteries Versus Deep Cycle demands. Automobiles with lithium Batteries—Michael Robertson batteries use built-in heaters. Flooded lead acid batteries are made often in marine battery banks (as well Positives: with either thin lead plates (starting as in golf carts, electric warehouse • Very low weight compared to lead batteries) or thick lead plates (deep forklifts, and industrial equipment). acid batteries. This difference may be cycle batteries). The thinner the lead This is because the thicker plates are especially appreciated aboard multihulls plate, the faster power can be released less susceptible to corrosion (the in- • LiFePO4 batteries have an exceptionally from a battery. For a car battery that evitable process in which lead sloughs long cycle life, they recharge more delivers a big shot of power to start off plates over time) and can withstand efficiently, they do not require immediate an engine and then lives in a charged many more deep-discharge cycles over full recharge, and they deliver more state (getting power from an alter- the battery’s lifespan. consistent voltage during the discharge nator), a thin-plate starter battery Many boats have two battery banks. cycle. makes sense. But thin plates aren't as One contains a starter battery, used • Because they operate well at a state of robust as thick ones, and they won't strictly to start the engine and then partial charge—in fact, they like it better tolerate repeated long-period, deep recharged soon after, as in a car. The than being fully charged—a battery discharges typical for boat at anchor, other is a house bank, comprised of bank can be about a third smaller in on which lights, fans, and inverters are deep cycle batteries used to power terms of amp-hours, taking some of the used for days with limited charging lights, radios, inverters, and other sting out of the price differential. cycles. things. These two banks should remain Deep cycle batteries, with thicker isolated from each other, as combining Weighing the Information plates and more electrolyte, are the batteries of dissimilar types, sizes, and Just as every boat is a compromise, flooded lead acid batteries used most ages can damage batteries. so is every battery type. But which

20 GoodOldBoat.com is improved. Battery Life Value Guide Much is made of the ability of AGMs, Type Subtype Cycles Per Year Charging Source Best Value Best Choice Gels, and LiFePO4 to withstand flooding and knockdowns, but how important is Monohull Cruise Overnights (0-20) Generator AGM AGM that feature? Any battery, regardless of Solar or Wind FLA AGM type, must be robustly secured to avoid risk of damage and electrical shorts. Shorepower FLA AGM And how much does a flooded lead acid Extensive (21-100) Generator AGM Carbon Foam or LiFePO battery leak when it’s inverted for a short 4 time? The caps will remain in place, and Solar or Wind FLA Gel or Carbon Foam more than a few cars have rolled over Shorepower FLA FLA or Gel without losing more than a few drops. If the boat is flooded to the depth where Full-time (>100) Generator AGM Carbon Foam or LiFePO4

battery acid is likely to float out of the Solar or Wind FLA or LiFePO4 FLA or LiFePO4 cells, it will emerge only very slowly, to be diluted by saltwater. Shorepower FLA Carbon Foam All of these battery types can provide Performance and Overnights (0-20) Solar or Wind Smallest AGM LiFePO4 good value and reliable operation. Size Race the bank appropriately, avoid excessive Shorepower Smallest AGM LiFePO4 discharge, and recharge in a timely manner Extensive (21-100) Solar or Wind Small AGM LiFePO4 with a smart regulator (and a regulator Shorepower Small AGM LiFePO matched to the battery type). Occasional 4 and even frequent weekend cruisers are Multihull Cruise Overnights (0-20) Generator AGM AGM often happy with inexpensive deep cycle Solar or Wind FLA AGM batteries. If they make a mistake and ruin the bank, it’s not a big deal. Others prefer Shorepower FLA AGM AGMs because they don’t have to check Extensive (21-100) Generator AGM LiFePO4 or Carbon Foam the water. Full-time cruisers like the high cycle Solar or Wind FLA LiFePO4 or Carbon Foam

life and robust durability provided by Shorepower FLA LiFePO4 or Carbon Foam golf cart batteries, but these batteries do require attention. Early adopters Full-time (>100) Generator AGM LiFePO4 or Carbon Foam have been thrilled with carbon foam and Solar or Wind FLA or LiFePO4 LiFePO4 or Carbon Foam LiFePO4 batteries; more efficient charging by solar or generator is a strong point Shorepower FLA LiFePO4 or Carbon Foam if you’re living on the hook, and either Performance and Overnights (0-20) Solar or Wind Smallest AGM LiFePO4 should withstand over eight years of daily Race Shorepower Smallest AGM LiFePO use. Racers and performance boat owners 4 like either reduced-size AGM banks or Extensive (21-100) Solar or Wind Small AGM LiFePO4 LiFePO4, depending on whether their Shorepower Small AGM LiFePO heart beats for throwaway simplicity or 4 high tech. My personal favorite? It depends on which boat you ask me about. I liked LiFePO4 in my Kevlar speedster (racing Custom Sailboat Fabrications and a few overnights), flooded lead acid in my cruising cat (extensive cruising), and a Stainless steel chainplates, single AGM in my trimaran (day sailing and stem plates, anchor rollers, a few overnights). Horses for courses. stanchion bases, and more to replace worn out or damaged deck hardware Drew Frye draws on his training as a chemical engineer and pastimes of climbing Davit systems and stainless and sailing to solve boat problems. He cruises swim platforms with precision Chesapeake Bay and the mid-Atlantic coast waterjet cut starboard decking available for most sailboats in his Corsair F-24 trimaran, Fast and Furry-ous, using its shoal draft to venture We take pride in using only North American raw materials. into less-explored waters. He is most recently We ship anywhere in the US and Canada. author of Rigging Modern Anchors (2018, 800-268-0395 Seaworthy Publications). www.stainlessoutfitters.com

March/April 2020 21 ALL THINGS BEING EQUAL Equalizing batteries can improve performance and extend their lifespan.

BY DAVID LYNN

ead acid house batteries aboard begin to decline if this cycle is repeated ygen ion (which makes a water molecule) boats that spend most of their often enough. and releasing an electron. As the electrons Ltime in a slip and connected to That performance decline shows in bat- leave the battery to power an LED reading shorepower—they’ve got it easy. But the teries that appear to charge and discharge lamp or a water pump, the lead sulfate same batteries aboard boats that spend a much more quickly than when they were crystals continue to accumulate on the lot of time disconnected from shorepower new. But the good news is that there is plate, and the sulfuric acid becomes diluted get discharged and then only partially something you can do about it, a process with water. recharged by solar panels and wind gener- called equalization. Charging the battery reverses the pro- ators—they lead a hard life and often die All lead acid batteries, whether flooded, cess, forcing electrons back into the mix, prematurely. Sure, charging current from AGM, or gel batteries, depend on a chemi- and converting the lead sulfate crystals an engine-driven alternator or dedicated cal reaction between sulfuric acid and lead back into sulfuric acid. The battery is fully generator helps, but typically either is to produce an electrical potential or volt- charged when all the lead sulfate crystals run only an hour or two each day, if that, age. When a load is placed on a charged and water molecules have been converted which brings the batteries to only 80 to battery, the lead dioxide plate reacts with back into their two original components: 90 percent of full charge. The performance the acid, leaving a lead sulfate crystal on sulfuric acid and lead dioxide. This is ideal. of traditional lead acid batteries will soon the plate, producing a hydrogen and an ox- And it rarely happens. Instead, batteries aren’t typically returned to a fully charged state, and some of the lead sulfate crystals remain on As sulfation increases over time, more of the battery plate is covered in non-conductive crystals, reducing the conductive surface area of the plate and, thus, the battery's capacity. the lead plates, where they harden with time. Once the crystals are hardened, the charging current can no longer convert the crystals back to sulfuric acid. As this cycle is repeated—discharge, followed by a partial recharge—more and more of the lead sulfate crystals build up, reducing the effective capacity of the battery. This is called sulfation. As the amount of sulfation increas- es, the battery will begin to discharge more quickly and the battery voltage will increase much more quickly during the charging state than when the battery was new. If sulfation ever builds up enough to bridge the gap between any two lead plates, the plates will short and the battery will be a goner. Another problem that occurs with ILLUSTRATIONS BY FRITZ SEEGERS flooded batteries is stratification. Stratifi-

22 GoodOldBoat.com cation happens because the acid is heavier components of the acid mixture. Some alternator and voltage regulator than water and settles to the bottom, Most flooded cell-type batteries can be combinations provide an equalization or perhaps more accurately, the water equalized, as well as most AGM batteries. It’s mode, but as with battery chargers, not floats to the top. In a perfect world, when imperative, first and foremost, to make sure all equalization modes are the same. The batteries are fully recharged each day, the your batteries can be equalized. Check with Balmar regulator we used aboard Nine of water is fully converted back to acid and the manufacturer first to be sure. Cups was quite versatile. It not only had an the mixture remains homogeneous. In a Most manufacturers provide infor- equalization mode, but it allowed me to set battery that is consistently undercharged, mation on how often batteries should be the voltage, maximum current, and time. the water and less concentrated acid has equalized and the procedure for doing so. Another option is to use a manually adjust- a tendency to stratify and rise to the top Some recommend monthly equalization able alternator controller and continually of the solution, separating from the more while others recommend it only when the monitor it for the optimal equalization concentrated acid. The same is true of a battery becomes symptomatic. voltage. battery that isn’t used for a long period If you have a wind generator and/or of time. The symptoms are the same as a Equalization Methods solar panels, you may be able to equalize battery with sulfation. Additionally, The are several ways to equalize your the batteries on a windy and/or sunny day. stratification promotes sulfation. batteries. Most of these methods sound Most of the newer MPPT (maximum pow- Sulfation can sometimes be removed good in theory, but I’ve found some of er point tracking) solar controllers have an via a process called equalization (some them impractical in practice. equalization mode, but it is important to battery manufacturers refer to the There are many battery chargers on the check the specifications to make sure the equalization process as conditioning). market that incorporate an equalization controller will, indeed, provide the correct In this process the batteries are brought mode, but it’s important to check the equalization voltage and current required to full charge, then the charge voltage specs. Some manufacturers claim their for your batteries. is increased to a much higher level than charger has an equalization mode, but Another equalization option is to use usual, typically between 15 and 16 volts, to in reality, the charger does a poor job of a variable DC power supply, which allows overcome the higher internal resistance equalizing batteries. My previous batteries precise setting of the maximum current caused by the sulfation. To prevent cooking were Lifeline batteries, which require, and voltage applied to the battery. This the batteries, the current is limited to depending on the battery temperature, was my preferred method for equalizing between 5 and 10 percent of the battery’s between 15.2 and 16.1 volts over a period batteries before I upgraded to the latest amp-hour capacity. This voltage is then held of 8 to 10 hours to properly equalize the in solar controller and inverter/charger for several hours. cells. My old battery charger was a “smart” technologies. Once the batteries are fully Charging a battery at a higher voltage three-stage charger. Its equalization charged, the steps for using a variable DC causes the electrolyte to produce bubbling mode, however, only provided a voltage power supply to equalize the batteries are that agitates the liquid and helps to remix of 14.8 volts and would only allow the as follows: it. In addition to dissolving sulfate crystals battery to be equalized for three hours. My • Adjust max current of power supply to on the plates, equalization causes the water new Magnum inverter/charger allows me the recommended equalization current. molecules that dilute the acid and lead to to set the equalization time and voltage to • Adjust power supply voltage to the stratification to reform into their original match my battery specifications. recommended equalization voltage.

Lead Acid Battery Chemistry

The liquid in flooded lead acid batteries is a solution of sulfuric acid and water electrolyte.

In each cell, electricity is generated by the chemical reaction of the acid with the positive and negative plates.

With repeated discharging and charging cycles (and especially when the charging cycle is delayed or incomplete), non-conductive sulfate crystals form and accumulate on the negative plates.

With repeated cycles over time, the acid becomes stratified (concentrated at the bottom, diluted at the top), the plates corrode, and material accumulates at the bottom of the battery case.

March/April 2020 23 All Things Being Equal

• Connect to the battery and monitor, batteries. I equalized them once a year, and adjusting the voltage and current as they barely lasted three years. Our second The Devil in the Details—DL necessary. set were Lifeline 4D AGM batteries, and I managed to equalize them about once every Even though it’s good practice to If you decide to purchase a DC power three months (before they began to show equalize batteries (assuming your supply, you will want to make sure it is rated signs of sulfation). Those batteries lasted batteries are the types that can and for at least 20 volts and 15 amps. It should seven years. I know that’s comparing apples should be equalized), it’s a process also be output protected. If you connect a and oranges, but for a cruising boat that that requires care and caution. DC power supply to a battery and it is not rarely saw a marina, seven years of service Before you do it, be aware of the output protected, you will quite likely fry from any battery type was pretty good. following: the output section of the power supply. Given the high cost of replacing batteries, Battery type: Not all batteries I purchased a Volteq model HY3020EX, getting a few more years out of that battery can be equalized. In general, flooded which is a 30-VDC (volts DC), 20-amp bank was well worth the investment of time cell batteries can usually be equal- variable power supply. Currently, the cost and the cost of a DC power supply. ized, as well as most AGM batteries. of this power supply is about $230 from Gel batteries usually cannot. Check a couple of online sources. It is the least David Lynn and his wife, Marcie Connelly- with your battery manufacturer. expensive option I know of for obtaining a Lynn, lived aboard Nine of Cups, their Lib- Ventilation: Equalizing batteries tool that will optimally equalize any battery erty 458 cutter, for 18 years, during which time produces hydrogen gas. Even our that can be equalized. they put nearly 90,000 nautical miles under her sealed Lifeline batteries released Some manufacturers recommend keel and visited more than 36 countries on five enough hydrogen to set off our bilge equalizing the batteries as often as once a continents. They are currently exploring North gas detector if we equalized them month, while others suggest waiting until America in a tricked-out Ford Transit van. They without venting the battery com- the batteries become symptomatic. On Nine blog regularly and maintain an extensive website partment. Hydrogen is lighter than of Cups, our first batteries were flooded at justalittlefurther.com. air and will quickly dissipate if the battery compartment is open, but if it is confined in a closed battery compartment, it can be extremely explosive. “The art of the sailor Equalization parameters: Most battery manufacturers will provide is to leave nothing to chance.” the optimal voltage and current that ~Annie Van De Wiele should be applied to the battery, as well as the length of time necessary to properly equalize their batteries. Make sure whatever method you use to equalize the batteries can be adjusted to meet the manufacturer’s recommendations. Equalization voltage: Equaliza- tion voltages are considerably higher than normal charging voltages, and some equipment cannot tolerate these higher voltages. When in doubt, disconnect any equipment, especially electronics, from the bat- tery during the equalization process. Battery temperature: The opti- mal equalization voltage varies with SPYDERCO battery temperature. The better SALT® SERIES charging systems, whether solar, Rust is the nemesis of all cutting tools— particularly those designed specifically for use in and wind, alternator, or inverter/char- around the water. Spyderco’s remarkable Salt Series tackles this age-old problem through ger, utilize a temperature sensor the groundbreaking use of nitrogen-based blade steels like H-1® and LC200N. The result is a mounted on the battery to adjust diverse selection of knives that are incredibly resistant to corrosion and ideally suited to the the equalization voltage accord- needs of sailors and water sports enthusiasts. Spyderco’s Salt Series—leaving nothing to chance. ingly. If you are using a DC power supply, it is best if you can monitor the battery temperature and tweak spyderco.com 800 525 7770 the output voltage as needed.

24 GoodOldBoat.com Simple Solutions Hole in One An old instrument’s housing provides a platform for its replacement.

BY JIM SHELL

hen we bought faceplate of the Datamarine Phantom, our 1981 instrument, only the bezel, WPearson 365 ketch, housing, and rear plate in 2001, she had old Signet remained. Next, I cut a piece of Marine instruments that laminated plywood to replace needed replacing. As was the original faceplate. After common then, the instruments painting the laminate black, the were mounted on the forward faceplate matched the other cockpit bulkhead, adjacent to instruments and provided a the companionway, in 4-inch nice background for my new holes. We replaced them. instrument, for which I drilled Almost two decades later, with a 2-inch hole in the center. our replacement depth sounder I used three long bolts on the fritz, I went shopping, pushing against the original only to learn that form factors instrument’s rear plate to keep have changed over the years, the new faceplate in place and instruments that fit 4-inch against the bezel, but this might holes aren’t as plentiful as have been a bit of over-engi- they once were. Time to think neering, and I probably could outside the…hole. have used J-B Weld to secure Rather than deal with the faceplate. After caulking, fiberglass work or make a I mounted the depth sounder bulky patch on which to mount into the faceplate. Now, it was my new Faria depth sounder, simply a matter of running the which requires only a 2-inch new wires, installing the new hole, I began taking apart the transducer, then re-mounting non-working Datamarine the “new” display unit in the depth sounder. My plan was to existing hole in the cockpit mount the Faria depth sounder bulkhead. Problem solved! inside the housing of the Datamarine unit. Jim Shell and his wife, Barbara, After removing and sail their Pearson 365 ketch off the discarding the electronics and coast of Texas.

(top to bottom) The Datamarine depth sounder was dead, but Jim could still use its housing to serve as the mount for a new Faria unit. After removing the guts and faceplate of the Datamarine unit, Jim cut and fit a new plywood laminate faceplate, which he later painted black to match the other instruments. Jim cut a 2-inch hole in the new faceplate to accommodate his new Faria depth sounder. The Faria depth sounder, installed into the newly repurposed Datamarine unit’s housing, in place on the bulkhead into the same 4-inch opening that held the Datamarine instrument.

March/April 2020 25 Short Voyages True North A singular voyage leads to the Gulf of Saint Lawrence’s stunning Mingan Archipelago. BY BENOIT FLEURY

t was on the way back from a few miles beneath our keel got us through the next few Marina Saint-Laurent on a trip to Tadoussac—a fun before I was below, contorted days, during which favorable l'Île D’Orléans (now referred Iadventure from Montreal around the engine. As we’d currents and winds carried to as Club Nautique de l’Île on Exilés, my Southern approached the Côte Sainte- us straight on to Quebec Bacchus) to wait for the tide to Cross 28—when my friend Catherine lock (just across City, where I had the exhaust reverse so we could keep riding and crewmate, Robert, casually the Saint Lawrence River manifold replaced. The the strong ebb and not fight tossed me a brochure and said, from Montreal), our engine’s mechanic told me that after we the flow. Despite the dropping “Here. Dream a little.” The exhaust manifold pipe sheared put several more hours on the temperatures of the water and brochure was about Mingan off. Not only did this happen engine, I should check the two the air, Christian and I braved Archipelago National Park on a Sunday, but it was July 1, bolts securing the manifold to a quick swim before bed. To Reserve, a group of spectacular, Canada Day, a national holiday. the engine. catch the ebb, we’d need to otherworldly islands in the Nothing would be open. I Quebec City was the end get back underway at 0300. eastern area of Quebec, Canada, think it was here that Smokie of the first leg, and all that Unfortunately, during the on the north shore of Gulf of added a few more words to her Liuyuan (and Smokie) could night, the winds howled and Saint Lawrence. vocabulary. commit to before returning the boat was uncomfortably It’s a good 600 miles from I made one call to my heroic home. Christian joined me rocky; neither of us slept well. my home port near Montreal, brother, Christian, and he had for the next leg, defined by And at 0230, we were on deck through challenging, chilly a roll of high-temperature-re- the two weeks he could spend in hats and gloves, two guys in waters and across the 50th sistance duct tape to the boat aboard. their 50s retrieving a 35-pound parallel, a not insignificant, before we reached the next Soon after leaving CQR in total darkness and time-consuming bit of sailing. lock. This temporary repair Quebec, we stopped at choppy water. I thought at the time that this was far-fetched and unrealistic, but somehow all the pieces fell into place a year later, and this 1,200-mile, two-month odyssey confirmed for me that little Exilés is suited to take me and my crew anywhere safely and comfortably. It was a voyage marked by breakdowns, record heat, numbing cold, thick fog, overnight passages, strong winds, tidal currents, and busy shipping lanes. From it all, we have great memories and stories to tell, and plans for the next great adventure are already brewing. It began inauspiciously. With my wife, Liuyuan, and our talkative African Grey parrot, Smokie, we’d barely gotten

Benoit enjoying a feisty passage aboard Exilés along the Gaspé Peninsula.

26 GoodOldBoat.com Benoit (left) and his brother Christian pose for a selfie at a beautiful but chilly anchorage near Brandy Pot Island near Rivière-du-Loup, at right. Robert and Benoit so enjoyed the marina at Havre Saint-Pierre they found it hard to leave, at bottom right.

One hundred miles east it’s the people you we stopped at Tadoussac, a meet who stick village at the confluence of the with you, long after Saint Lawrence River and the the memories of Saguenay Fjord. Founded at place recede. the start of the 17th century, it Sylvain, the served as the center of fur trade marina’s attendant between the French and First who looked as if he Nations peoples. In the 19th descended from a century, tourism became the long line of tough- primary draw and remains as-nails seamen, so today, particularly whale turned out to be the watching. The settlement is friendliest and most very small, the area rugged and resourceful guy we rural. met. He connected We’d found getting across us in no time to the river to Tadoussac with Yvan Pelletier, the right timing a tad tricky, an 81-year-old with particularly strong ebb mechanic who cross-currents from both the removed our Saint Lawrence and Saguenay. stripped stud from We were moving backwards the engine on very at one point. It all worked out short notice one in the end, and we rewarded evening, brought it ourselves with a fish-and-chip to his pristine shop lunch at the marina’s restau- overlooking the rant upon arrival. Saint Lawrence, and meticu- (fous de bassans) dive for fish; home, and the next morning, East of Tadoussac things lously machined a new stud for what a show! my friend (and crew for the grew increasingly wild and Exilés’ manifold. We were back From here we could have next four weeks) Robert undeveloped. We’d radio the in business. turned north and headed di- arrived on the same bus. coast guard each morning with The next day, the tempo rectly for the Mingan Archipel- Robert and I left Rivière-au- our planned route. When we increased. Leaving Saine- ago, but Christian had to catch Renard and headed due north arrived someplace for the day, Anne-des-Monts, the Saint a bus home. So, we set our for 50 nautical miles across we’d call and close our plan Lawrence River opens wide Cape Horn self-steering system the Gulf of Saint Lawrence (and when we’d forget, they’d to the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. and continued east, following to reach Port Menier, on promptly call us)—a great As we prepared for a sail along the coastline along the top of Anticosti Island. This was my service! In this part of the river, the northern side of the Gaspé the peninsula, and headed for first experience far enough we saw lots of whales and seals Peninsula, the Canadian Coast Cape Gaspé. It was a real treat offshore to not see land for but also in some cases a great Guard issued a small craft for the two of us to sit com- several hours. I loved it—until number of fast-going sightsee- warning with 20- to 25-knot fortably on the foredeck while the porpoises left and dense ing boats, which tainted the westerly winds and 6-foot Exilés steered herself. fog arrived. At one point we experience. seas. For us, this meant an When we finally arrived couldn’t see beyond 50 feet or In Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, exhilarating sail between at Club Nautique Forillon at so. We didn’t have radar, and I I put a wrench to the two bolts Sainte-Anne-des-Monts and Rivière-au-Renard, we found was busy on the VHF ensuring that attached the new exhaust Grande Vallée. Exilés was in her a colorful and busy fishing our position was known to ship manifold to the engine. One element. Despite being knocked port that included a small traffic in the area. tightened a bit, the other just around a little and tackling marina. Mary-May has looked Anticosti Island is one of spun! The stud was stripped, some carefully controlled jibes, after the marina since setting Canada’s largest, ranking 20th and I didn’t have a spare or we had a blast. After dropping it up 27 years ago and still in size, and, with over 400 ship- the tools to make one. But the hook in Grande Vallée, welcomes all visitors as though wrecks along its shores, it this misfortune served as a we sat and relaxed for hours, they are family. Here, Christian is often referred to as the reminder that on adventures watching the northern gannets boarded a bus for a 15-hour ride cemetery of the Saint Lawrence.

March/April 2020 27 Short Voyages

(top to bottom) Robert greets a local on Anticosti Island. The limestone monoliths, carved by erosion following the last ice age, are among the Mingan Archipelago's most striking geological features. Exilés sailing for Pointe Claire Yacht Club, nearly home.

Only a few hundred people accomplishment was very real, reside on the island, along and we were in a great mood. with over 100,000 deer and a As we approached the healthy population of mosqui- western-most island of the toes. French chocolate maker archipelago, fog shrouded Henri Menier bought Anticosti the islands from view, but Island in 1895 for use as a game all around us we could hear reserve, as well as for logging whales surfacing and breathing. and cannery operations. Port Once we dropped the hook, we Menier was the center of these opened a single-malt scotch- operations and is today the hub whisky that I had reserved for of Anticosti life. Menier was crossing the 50th and reaching a notable sailor who crossed the archipelago. the Atlantic numerous times We spent six days in this to visit his island, on which he unspoiled treasure, a place of kept a 30-room, Scandinavian- spectacular beauty and fasci- style mansion. nating geography and ecology. Robert and I were so taken This reserve is comprised of by the charm and people of about 40 islands featuring Port Menier that we spent an eroded limestone monoliths, extra day there, walking about, rare plant species, fossils, chatting, and learning more and many types of seabirds. about this place’s history. But Standing next to the monoliths the Mingan Archipelago was was humbling and decidedly the ultimate destination for this more satisfying than anything adventure, and we were only one more Gulf crossing away. From Port Menier we rounded the western tip of Anticosti Island before turning north, across the 50th parallel, to the Gulf of Saint Lawrence’s north coast, where the cold Labrador Current runs. It started as a rocky sail with a strong breeze and lively chop, and I didn’t have much of an appetite for our breakfast- on-the-go. I’m normally a fast eater, and Robert chuckled at how slowly I chewed my eggs and bacon. Crossing the 50th parallel, which lies between Anticosti Island and the Mingan Archipelago, was a great achievement for Robert and me. In a way it was just a “5” followed by a bunch of zeros on our chart plotter, and fog was all around us at the time, but the feeling of

28 GoodOldBoat.com Exilés tied to a lonely Parks Canada dock on Niapiskau Island in the Mingan Archipelago. Benoit is dwarfed by one of the limestone monoliths in the Mingan Archipelago, below.

I had imagined looking at the Niapiskau, with friendly and glossy brochure that Robert enthusiastic guides from Parks had tossed at me a year before. Canada. We spent time with We had the chance to the guides before and after the explore two of the archipel- visits and got to appreciate ago’s islands, Quarry and their own perspective of life in this remote area. They explained how the impressive limestone monoliths were formed through erosion over thousands of years following the retreat of the last ice age. The islands’ unique microcli- mate has allowed a rich variety of plant life to thrive here (such as Labrador tea leaves), as well as scrawny evergreens that live to 200 years, twice the lifespan of the same trees on the mainland. Along with the stunning natural beauty, we met wonderful people. We spent a day in Havre Saint-Pierre, a quaint Acadian town of roughly 3,500 people on the Gulf’s north shore in the heart of the archipelago. Proud and welcoming Acadians were quick to share their stories, including Monique, the marina’s attendant at Club Nautique de Havre Saint- Pierre. Membership fees at this club are a fraction of what we’re used to in and around Montreal, so it took (and still takes) some willpower not to settle in Havre Saint-Pierre! The Acadian accent took a bit of getting used to, but I feel all the richer for it, as the Acadians’ colorful history formed an important fabric throughout many parts of North America. I’m not normally a highly social creature, but these interactions were for me far more powerful than any book, magazine, or brochure. We felt especially privileged to be among the few sailors, even from Quebec, who come

March/April 2020 29 Short Voyages

Mingan Archipelago place, meeting new people, 50° challenging myself on the Port Menier water, taking pride in passages completed, and anticipating the next landfall. It is some- Sainte-Anne- thing I could do more of. des-Monts Matane Rivière-au-Renard Fortunately, each of the St. Lawrence River four crew who joined me Tadoussac along the way are keen to Gulf of St. Lawrence return and repeat a similar experience—some wishing to undertake even more ambi- tious exploits—and we are Quebec City already planning new adven- tures. I'm not sure if it would be more thrilling to return to this spectacular area, with so Montreal much more to explore, or to embark on a whole new voyage elsewhere in northern waters, but I’m hooked either way.

Benoit Fleury lives in Pointe- Claire near Montreal with his here to explore. We were a bit with fellow sailors from the to Pointe-Claire. Though we wife, Liuyuan, and their African surprised that all the sailors town’s small but quaint marina. didn’t have far to go, this would Grey parrot, Smokie. During we met transiting via Rivière- For example, we met by far be the longest sailing trip the summer months he can be au-Renard were headed south Pierette and Clermont Paul had been on, and I looked found sailing Exilés, his good old rather than north to Anticosti aboard their impeccably forward to sharing it with him. Southern Cross 28, somewhere on Island and beyond to the Gulf home-built and superbly We made several stops, and the mighty Saint Lawrence with of Saint Lawrence’s north maintained 34-foot wooden then on Aug. 24, 55 days after friends and family (and Smokie). coast. Certainly the climate sailboat Fleurion, which they’ve leaving, Exilés made it through Over the past nine years their there is on the cooler side, sailed for many years, including the Montreal locks and back to adventures aboard Exilés have especially when 25° C (77° F) no fewer than six Atlantic Pointe-Claire by supper time. taken them between the Thousand is considered to be unusually crossings. It didn’t take long for It was bittersweet. On Islands, Montreal surroundings, hot—leading to a lot of fog us to feel at home in Matane; this adventure, living aboard Tadoussac, the Gaspé Peninsula since water temperatures are as in Havre Saint-Pierre a week Exilés came to feel increasingly and the more rugged Côte-Nord. barely above freezing—but before, it wouldn’t have been “right.” Though all my days to us this made it all the more difficult to remain right there aboard were different, they appealing by way of escaping and become “Matanais.” Alas, shared a rhythm. Life was Visit our YouTube channel the heat and crowds of our schedules and other commit- distilled to discovering a new for more on this voyage cities in summer. ments suggested otherwise. It was hard to turn for As we left Matane on our home, but a month had passed way back toward Montreal, Presenting since Liuyuan and I had left Clermont stood at the end of Pointe-Claire. Robert and I our slip waving goodbye until Generation 2 Twin Arm Gin Pole made several small passages— we were out of sight. Memories TAG Pole for raising and lowering the mast alone one 24-hour run, which was from these shores remain, • Available with the hand operated my first overnight sail—as we subliminally but persistently Automatic Brake Winch or the 12 volt made our way from the Gulf tugging me to return as if this is electric winch back into the Saint Lawrence where I belong. • Simplifies the task of stepping and un-stepping the deck-stepped mast. River. The highlight of the Robert stayed with me for • Light-weight aluminum components, voyage home was the village several stops more until we stainless steel shackles, telescoping arms of Matane, where Robert and reached Port of Quebec Marina • MSRP $525 (subject to change) I spent three days immersing where he caught the bus back ourselves in the local charm to Montreal after four great TAG Pole of this historic town, a trading weeks with me aboard Exilés. 218-547-1188 post from the early 1600s. We On his heels, my son, Paul, [email protected] spent many hours chatting joined me for the final leg home

30 GoodOldBoat.com Sailing Tales In Search of a Polestar An evolving passion for sailing helps define a path forward.

BY ELIZABETH MASSERANG

he day my younger To prepare, over the winter we weather had given way to a the helm, in case I need to go brother, Mitch, spent our evenings in his small, misty rain. As we cleared the forward to adjust sails.” Tsuggested that we spare apartment across from a last peninsula that blocked Was he talking to me? I charter a sailboat for a week on gas station and grocery store, the wind, the swells increased. was perfectly fine at the helm Traverse Bay, it seemed like just planning our route. He taught Making our way out onto Lake in 15 knots of wind and sun, a fun idea to get us up and out me how to tie proper knots Michigan, the sky was dark and cocktail in my hand, and the of the rut where we both felt and understand the sailing overcast, which turned the deep songs of summer playing stuck. He’d learned to sail when terminology I’d need. waters an ominous grey. As the on the radio. But this was he was young, on Saginaw Bay Our first charter was wind built, the waves grew. different, and I made my way on an 11-foot daysailer. Later, he Godspeed, a Beneteau 32. We With Mitch at the helm, reluctantly and anxiously to the sailed our dad’s NorthStar 26. stopped at quaint harbors such my book and I perched helm. I yelled over the wind, I was nervous and excited as Suttons Bay, Bowers Harbor, fairly comfortably against “I’m on vacation, and this is about the idea. Nervous and Northport, and for several the cockpit coaming, tucked really stressing me out!” because I knew next to days we enjoyed sun, summer under the dodger and out of Mitch assured me he nothing about sailing. Excited temps, and 15-knot winds. the wind. would stay next to me. He because neither one of us was But by the morning we pulled “I’d be much more comfort- instructed me to take the comfortable with the banality out of Northport, the benign able if you got used to being at swells at a 45-degree angle. of a predictable routine. We had always been close. Years of babysitting and building Mitch easy at the helm of Erewhon on Traverse Bay, heading out toward Lake Michigan. Lego forts wouldn’t explain it; we were just alike. We shared an adventurous spirit, a sense of humor, and a comfortable camaraderie. And, life had handed each of us plenty of strife. At age 50, I had gone through a divorce, lost a job, and was an empty nester when I started spending more time with Mitch. For Mitch, it was even harder. He contended with bipolar disorder that had landed him in the psychiatric ward of a hospital when he was in his 20s. He battled through, worked hard to earn an engineering degree at the state university but then still had trouble finding his way. For the previous five years, Mitch’s life consisted mainly of work and weekends in bed. We had each other but were each adrift, in need of a polestar. Maybe sailing would serve that role for Mitch. We planned a week-long trip for the summer of 2012.

March/April 2020 31 Sailing Tales

Hanging onto the large wheel That first charter led to with a death grip, I grimaced several more aboard different as the boat took a good heave boats. Mitch was extremely to starboard and our rail went competent, and under his wing, under. Having never experi- I was learning. Mitch began to enced this at the helm, I felt like think that owning a boat might I had no control, like we were be a better way to enjoy his going over. I was terrified. growing passion. Watching him “Forty-five degrees into the at the helm, the pure enjoy- waves,” Mitch said. “Relax.” ment on his face, I encouraged I did as he instructed. I the idea. That initial seed grew came to correlate the swells over the winter and took root. with the boat’s motion. She Erewhon caught Mitch’s would heave under a swell, eye. She was a 1986 Tartan 37 but I kept a firm grip on the berthed near Cleveland. She wheel and saw that she’d roll was named after a fictitious back into position like a giant Utopia featured in a Samuel whale, ready for the next swell. Butler novel written in 1872. Things started to feel less scary, Erewhon derived from the Beneteau exuded power as nowhere. Her hull was navy she rolled through each swell, blue, her interior a rich patina Mitch and Elizabeth relax aboard Erewhon. her heavy bow crashing down of dark teak. Mitch saw in and sending spray in the air. Erewhon a vessel he could sail The thrill of it drove away my on the Great Lakes and into anxiety. the ocean on adventures not yet dreamed of. That July, the I stood by with a boat- deal was sealed, and Erewhon hook to fend off, if needed. I was his. waited on the bow as Mitch The day Mitch and I started to maneuver. Backing Total SeaView Shade planned to deliver Erewhon 35 up and pulling forward and miles to her new home port, it out went well, though I was was hot and steamy. I waited busy fending off the close quietly in the shade of boats up boats. The trouble started on jack stands. I did whatever with the backing up and Mitch instructed with as few between the row of docks on A NEW CHOICE IN MARINE questions as possible, to mini- both sides. mize his stress. His first sail on Erewhon has an aggres- WINDOW COVERINGS his own boat was monumental, sive prop walk, and she was Introducing two products that are custom built to for both of us. the largest boat Mitch had fit your boat’s hatches and ports: The winds were not in our ever handled. As I ran from favor, and we thought long and bow to stern pushing off Total SeaView Shade (solar screen) hard about whether to leave. docks and boats, I began to Total Privacy Shade (100% light blocking) Were we ready, and was she? We feel Mitch’s anxiety more decided the answer was yes, and than the heat. Then came • Features a sleek, low-profile design Mitch warmed up the engine. the moment when I knew • Easy installation The marina was a close fit with complete certainty • Washable material for any boat, and Erewhon was that his plan had gone to • Mold and mildew resistant positioned against a seawall hell. I stood watching while • Affordable pricing pointing inward to a dead end, he waited for forward with docks to our left and momentum; there was no boats in front of and behind stopping what happened her. Mitch told me what he next. The timing was planned. We would back up off, and as Mitch geared and out of our current position, forward, Erewhon's reverse Total Privacy Shades then back up into and between momentum kept her going the two tight rows of docks back, crashing into the dock. Designed by boaters for boaters. on either side; pull forward, Everyone around turned Proudly made in the USA. then a sharp right and we’d be at the loud crunching and totalshading.com | 281.241.9447 heading into the main drag of breaking of wood, in time the harbor. to see Erewhon continue

32 GoodOldBoat.com into the boat docked beyond, crashing into her side. Someone from the marina jumped on board and helped Mitch steer us out of the mess, an embarrassment for any captain. With the marina hands at the ready, we uneventfully pulled into the gas dock. I headed for the bathhouse and stood fully clothed under the cold water until I felt myself cool down. I knew too well what was to come. When I came out, Erewhon was back in her original berth, and Mitch was waiting in his car. We drove the two hours Mitch at the helm of Erewhon sailing on Lake Huron, about 20 miles past the Mackinaw Bridge. back to my car without a word. I spent the next few weeks trying to talk Mitch off the ledge. He had lost all faith in specifications, which made Mitch left his little apartment Mitch had her on a northeast- his abilities. I had no idea what him a legend at the marina for and moved aboard Erewhon. erly tack, the wind to his face these feelings of defeat would overdoing an overhaul. He A year later, Mitch single- and the open waters ahead. do to him. now knew her inside and out, handed Erewhon 500 nautical In that moment, I knew with He had contacted an orga- but I knew he still harbored miles to Traverse Bay, with certainty that Erewhon was his, nization that takes donated insecurities. four stops along the way and and he had found his polestar. boats, and I knew he might We spent the next summer one overnight sail. I joined him do it, even though he’d paid sailing on the western shore of on a leg of the trip back. The Elizabeth Masserang was born $32,000 for Erewhon and had Lake Erie. Mitch’s confidence in day I jumped ship, the wind and raised in Michigan and owned her less than a month. docking began to grow, though howled 23 knots and 6-foot has enjoyed the Great Lakes all Eventually, I talked Mitch while pulling out of the slip swells were breaking. Mitch her life. She is a mental health into keeping Erewhon for one wasn’t bad, coming into the confidently pulled Erewhon out professional who works with summer, after which he could dock was always a test of his of the slip and left the shel- combat veterans. In her free time, sell her if he still felt she was abilities and nerve. His uncer- tering waters of the harbor. she reads, writes, and canoes. And too much. He enlisted the help tainties still provoked enough I watched from shore, of course, she sails on Erewhon of his friend, Tom, to sail her to anxiety that at that point Ere- waiting to see him raise the sails, whenever possible, first mate to her new home port. whon’s fate remained in doubt. hearing the loft of them in my captain Mitch, who still resides at That winter of 2014, In the spring of 2015, I took a head until she fell off and the the marina and sails the western Erewhon was stripped down to job in Traverse City, where our wind filled them, and I could shores of Lake Erie and enjoys her shell and refitted to Mitch’s sailing adventures had begun. feel her settle into the waves. many solid friendships.

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March/April 2020 33 Simple Solutions Split Personality A vertical windlass, reimagined, fulfills dual duty as an automatic furler.

BY TAMARA WATSON

stared down at my alterations to Jasamine would foredeck, I’ve got something to the sail quickly furled smoothly university packing list. I make late-in-life cruising a show you and Mom.” back on the foil as he tailed the Ihad been onboard Jasamine breeze. In particular, I’d noticed I followed him topsides. He furling line and eased the sheet. since I was two days old and him lusting after shiny electric had been tinkering all morning I was blown away. couldn’t help but feel that I was foresail furlers on the bows of on the foredeck, running lines, Then he came forward deserting her by jumping ship new Beneteaus and Catalinas. rummaging through bins of and pointed out some of the for college. And I knew that I As they’d parade past us, his collected hardware. Up on design details he’d worked was leaving my dad, the captain eyes would follow like a sailor’s deck, the windlass caught my out. He explained that from and builder of our 54-foot gaze follows a skirt. I couldn’t attention. now on, before sailing, we’d monohull home, shorthanded. blame him: an electric system “Dad, why is the furling line make sure the anchor chain I had grown to become his that obeyed with the touch of around the capstan?” was secured with the stopper, deckhand, and now that he was a button? No strain, no stress, “Here, I’ll show you what I remove it from the gypsy, nearing 70, I felt he relied on no extended vocabulary in did and how it works.” attach the snatch block, and me to keep his sailing dream bad weather? It sounded like a He headed back to the run the furling line as he had alive. I couldn’t imagine him dream! But after my mom and cockpit, uncleated the furling it. He showed us how it was apart from the sea, and yet I’d I priced electric foresail furlers line, and pulled on the genoa important that the line run- seen him struggle lately with one Christmas, Santa brought sheet. The windlass capstan ning from the snatch block to physically demanding tasks, and my dad something way more spun freely, allowing the furling the capstan be below the turn I quietly wondered if the time affordable. line to wind on the drum, and around the capstan that runs was coming for him to turn the I looked up from my the sail unfurled and spilled to the cockpit, as this prevents helm over to someone else. packing list to see my dad skip out like normal. Then, reaching override. My dad had often spoken down the hatch with a grin on down, he activated the remote He pointed out the round, of how certain additions or his face. “Come on up to the switch for the windlass, and flat, (rusted) metal plate he’d

Anchor chain The capstan, above positioned well the gypsy, serves as Snatch block situated clear of the gypsy the furling winch. lower than furling Line angled outboard block to prevent to avoid override Plate to separate override on capstan capstan from gypsy Single wrap on capstan

Block on toerail or Block on foredeck stanchion base

HORIZONTAL WINDLASS SETUP VERTICAL WINDLASS SETUP ILLUSTRATIONS BY FRITZ SEEGERS

34 GoodOldBoat.com installed on the windlass, sep- once again be used for anchor- him whether his new system university thing is over, I may arating the anchor chain gypsy ing. Based on the smile on his furled as well as I do. just have to keep on cruising from the capstan and pre- face, this sailor’s pride wasn’t “Even better, my girl! It myself. venting the furling line from measured by his resources but complains less.” His eyes slipping into the chain gypsy. by his resourcefulness. twinkled. Twenty-year-old Tamara Watson He showed me how to de-rig Maybe feeling a tad I’m glad that my dad’s grew up living with her parents, two the system after a passage so resentful at the prospect of resourcefulness is going to dogs, and a parrot called Captain that the anchor windlass can being so easily replaced, I asked help him continue to live the Morgan aboard Jasamine, a life he loves. This clever bit of 54-foot, ketch-rig monohull, which ingenuity and workmanship her parents built in the 1980s. is an example of the quiet Currently she divides her time determination that has fueled between life at sea and life in a his dreams all these years, and dorm, as she’s studying physics and it encourages me to approach secondary education at university. my future with the same spirit. After graduation she hopes to teach Who knows? After this whole overseas and explore.

When the windlass is set up for furling, the furling line runs from the drum at the headstay through a snatch block, around the capstan, then through the usual furling line block and aft to the cockpit, at left. With the new arrangement, it’s easy-peasy for Tamara’s dad to activate the windlass from the cockpit and furl the headsail, with two hands free for the furling line and genoa sheet, at bottom left Tamara’s dad used a metal plate to separate the gypsy from the capstan, preventing the furling line from sliding into the gypsy. With the capstan set up as an automatic furler, rather than for anchoring, the gypsy is clear of any anchor chain, below.

March/April 2020 35 Counter Intuitive With Corian countertop material as a core, a new centerboard takes shape.

’m one of the lucky few. Not only do I sail a boat with a centerboard, the Icenterboard on my Allied Seabreeze 35 is made of bronze. After 55 sailing seasons that bronze centerboard shows no evidence of degradation. It’s in like-new condition. Unfortunately, my experience is not common. Most centerboards are not made of bronze. My friend owns a sistership. Both of our Allied Seabreeze 35s were built to a high standard, but Allied built the latter half of the production run with aluminum centerboards, probably to keep costs down. As you can imagine, some of these aluminum boards have not stood the test of time, evidenced by significant corrosion issues. The kiss of death is painting an aluminum centerboard with copper anti- fouling paint. My friend needed a new centerboard and enlisted my help. Ideally, he’d have a new board fabricated of bronze, but the cost would be prohibitive, even if one could find a shop to take on the job. Our approach to build a new board was unique. Instead of metal, we decided on fiberglass. Rather than building a mold, we opted to build a one-off board with a core. But what material would we use? Getting epoxy to bond well to any metal is difficult. Wood is cheap and easy to work, but wood is lightweight and subject to rot. After reading an epoxy manufacturer’s technical article about successfully bonding to Cori- an countertop material, we had our answer. I explained to the distributor why we needed the Corian, and they supplied a

The orange fiberglass rods Art used to pin the lifting tang in place were sourced from a broken driveway snowplow marker, at top. After drilling holes in the Corian, Art filled them with lead shot cast in epoxy to add weight. The clamps are holding plastic and plywood under the board to keep the slurry in place until it cures, at right.

36 GoodOldBoat.com lovely pink remnant that fit our project. 1 The material generally comes in ⁄2-inch 1 thickness for countertops and ⁄4-inch thickness for shower surrounds. Because 1 our finished thickness was to be 1 ⁄16-inch 1 maximum, I used ⁄2-inch material. With a saber saw I cut the centerboard shape, though slightly smaller, allowing for the thickness of the glass I planned to wrap around the perimeter edges. Using a 5-inch grinder it was easy, but rather dusty, to taper off the trailing edge and put a bit of a bullnose on the leading edge. 1 The lifting tang is a piece of ⁄8-inch 316L stainless steel. To attach it to the new centerboard, I epoxied it into a pocket I cut with a router. Before routing I measured carefully, because accurate placement of the tang is critical to replicate the function of the original board. When I began the laminating process—which I could only do one side at a time—I used the existing holes in the tang to drill through the new laminate each time I laminated a side. Ultimately, after all the laminating was

h Sa oot iling Need a Sm RuddeR? Foss Foam Products of florida, inc We have over 400 moldS here are just a few of the manufacturers Beneteau endeavour CSY hunter leopard Watkins Catalina morgan Cal Using fiberglass cloth cut on the diagonal was a neat trick to wrap the perimeter of the centerboard, at top. Irwin Caliber o’day One of the first full layers of biaxial cloth is glassed to the board and awaits trimming, above.

As the world’s largest producer Celebrating 1 of rudders, completed, I installed fiberglass rods to pin I used 4-inch and 2 ⁄2-inch hole saws Yrs we have made over the tang in place, avoiding use of another to drill 18 evenly spaced holes through 40 60,000 since 1978! underwater metal to fail. the Corian. Then I covered the underside 1 One square foot of ⁄2-inch Corian of the board with polyethylene sheet www.newrudders.com weighs 4.4 pounds, which is much heavier plastic and a thin sheet of plywood that than water (2.6 pounds for the same I clamped in place. From the top, I now 352-529-1104 volume) but much lighter than the original had 18 pockets that I filled with a slurry [email protected] aluminum (about 7 pounds for the same of lead shot and epoxy. (On the internet I Foss Foam Products of Florida, Inc. volume). So, from the start, I assumed the found a 25-pound bag of mixed #6 and #7 7060 Hwy. 41 North, Williston, FL 32696 new board would come in on the light side. shot. This must have been recycled stuff, I had a plan for that. because it warned that there could be small

March/April 2020 37 Counter Intuitive

pebbles and twigs mixed in. I never saw piece of 6-ounce unidirectional carbon adding a tenth layer of 20-ounce biaxial either.) This step increased the weight of fiber. That worked like magic to stiffen the cloth that covered the entire board. Finally, the Corian board by 25 pounds. board. I used a thickened epoxy compound to fair Though the Corian was in the rough Next, I wrapped the perimeter with two the surface before sanding it smooth and shape of the original centerboard, now it more passes of diagonally cut tape before applying paint. was time to start the fiberglass work that would really do the trick. From 6-ounce fabric, I cut 4-inch-wide strips on a diagonal, which allows the fibers to wrap To provide the board even more stiffness, Art added a layer of carbon fiber, with its distinctive black color, below. around the edge and turn the corners with The board nearing final stages, with the holes filled with lead shot and the layers of fiberglass sanded and faired, ease. This is much, much easier than using at bottom. standard tape with selvage edges. Using these strips, I made two passes around the perimeter of the board. Next, I applied eight layers of 20-ounce biaxial cloth. The first five layers I applied were full width, way oversized. After these cured, I carefully trimmed the edges off. The next three layers were narrower, and I used them to bulk up the center and create the foil shape. At this point, the board had gained a lot of strength, but it still flexed a little more than I wanted. I added a 12-inch-wide

38 GoodOldBoat.com Installing the new Corian-and- lead-shot centerboard in the trunk was straightforward, and it works beautifully. The Allied has sailed some rough bashes to windward, which assured us the replace- ment centerboard can take the abuse. The boat’s owner spent the summer cruising in Maine, sailed down the Intracoastal Water- way, and was in Florida by December. All is well, the board is proving itself, and it will likely deliver many years of service. It’s not bronze, but it may be just as good.

Art Hall sails with his wife, Sandy, on the coast of Maine aboard their 1965 Allied Seabreeze Secret Water, which they have owned for 23 years. Every sailing season there are improvements that make this aging fiberglass classic just a little bit better!

Fully installed and lowered, the board is ready to go to work, at right.

March/April 2020 39 A Sense of Directions Writing a cruising guide provides a new perspective on home waters.

BY BRIAN FAGAN

ust turn right at the lights,” an fective mindset for compiling useful sailing United States as my models. Davidson experienced cruising sailor directions. And, much of my longer-dis- and his surveyors traveled more than “Jtold me when I first arrived in tance cruising off European and Mediter- 50,000 miles in small boats, lead and line Santa Barbara a half-century ago. I was ranean coasts had also introduced me to in hand. They compiled superb drawings horrified how casual he was, having learned 19th-century Admiralty Pilots, which were of anchorages and coastlines that are still navigation in the English Channel with its still in print. Compiled in the Age of Sail by usable today, and gave me an excellent fast-running tides and turbulent weather. young naval officers in small sailing boats blueprint for starting work. There, one found one’s way around with who spent months exploring anchorages, Researching and writing the guide Adlard Coles’ definitive cruising guides headlands, and landmarks, these joined to the Santa Barbara Channel took over firmly in hand. They took sailors up French geographer George Davidson’s 1858 clas- 10 years and many miles of sailing. I vis- estuaries literally yard-by-yard and buoy-to- sic Directory for the Pacific Coast of the ited every anchorage and port between buoy. Their successors still do. 10 and 17 times in different Of course, the Santa weather conditions before Barbara Channel is a rela- Brian's iconic first cruising guide gave sailors a fresh, more thorough view of southern finalizing the sailing directions. tively benign cruising ground California's waters and remains a classic today. This was apart from writing with usually predictable the background essays on winds and no tidal races to weather, history, and so on, contend with. And yet, I’ve which I find to be an essential nearly lost my boat twice in part of a book like this. these waters. There was a sea Writing a cruising guide guide to the Channel Islands, changed my perceptions not lavishly illustrated with fine only of navigational challenges aerial photographs, but but of local geography, of the finding one’s way around the very subtle weather patterns unmarked and unlit coves of that change with the seasons, Santa Cruz Island and further of spectacular spring flowers afield required both caution on normally semiarid islands, and an intimate knowledge of the places where kelp beds of inconspicuous landmarks. flourish, and of the vagaries of Think the grey soil of ancient winter winds off Point Con- Native American middens and ception, often called the “Cape distinctive mainland canyons Horn of the Pacific”—and glimpsed at a distance on a with good reason. I devel- foggy day, and you get the oped a profound admiration picture. At sea level with a for ancient Native American 20-knot westerly and a reef in Chumash skippers, who the main, I soon realized that paddled their unique planked a more nuanced cruising guide canoes as far west as San was an essential companion Miguel Island, where shrieking for sailing adventures here. So, summer winds can beset you I decided to write one. at anchor in Cuyler Harbor in It turns out that my pro- the small hours. Reading an- fessional experience studying thropological accounts of the stratified archaeological sites, canoe navigators, who caught coupled with all those years swordfish in deep water and of sailing with Coles’ guides at often lost entire canoes in the my side, produced a highly ef- windy lanes off Santa Cruz

40 GoodOldBoat.com Island, one is lost in admiration when approaching places like at their stoic seamanship. I also Catalina Island, but there are developed a profound respect other waters where paper and for my more recent forebears, electronics go best hand-in- not least for Richard Henry hand. Try navigating in shallow Dana and the 19th-century waters through the Bahamas sailors who traveled these or making your way through waters without diesel engines Baltic archipelagos where every in weather conditions signifi- island looks the same. The cantly windier and cooler than Swedish government charts today. come in flip format, each sheet As I developed my own lo- covering a few miles. You must cal knowledge—and yes, local always know where you are knowledge is a very special, visually within a half mile or hard-won expertise—I realized less, GPS or not, or you’ll be that a deepened understand- helplessly lost. ing of my home waters added Visual cues are still a immeasurably to my pilotage Point Conception, seen from the southeast on a classically windy day, is one of the necessary element of navi- beautiful and useful images from Brian's first guidebook. The breakers off the point skills and to my enjoyment show an unmarked offlying rock. If northbound, he advises spending the day "at Cojo gating. A good case in point of local passagemaking. I set Anchorage in the lee of the point and go north when (and if) the wind drops after is the low-lying shoreline of out originally to write sailing dark...Southbound, tuck in a reef and enjoy." Channel Islands Harbor and directions. In the end, I wrote Port Hueneme as seen when something much more inter- approaching from the sea. A esting. conspicuous power plant with a I also came to understand that a sober, The machine proclaimed it was single stack lies north of the harbor. Don’t observational mindset is the essence of a 7.1 miles ahead. My friend was suitably confuse it with another power plant with good set of sailing directions. They should impressed, but I had years of looking for two stacks to the south. I found this out on be far more than merely arid descriptions local landmarks informing my navigational a day when a strong post-frontal wester- of landmarks and courses to steer, or GPS understanding. ly was propelling us toward what was a coordinates. I found myself looking at These days, some might ask, why not then-to-me-unknown lee shore at dusk. the coastlines as larger tapestries. Years just rely on GPS? I would argue that apart Or, if you want to explore Lady’s Harbor ago, approaching Santa Cruz Island from from the hoary old caution of unreliable on the north coast of Santa Cruz, you need 10 miles offshore on a day with mediocre electronics, you may know where you are to look for a patch of gray soil—seabird visibility, I gazed at the mountain peaks within a few feet, but you still need con- droppings—on the east side of the narrow high up ahead. As we enjoyed a fine breeze spicuous and inconspicuous landmarks vis- entrance. Call me old-fashioned, but even that carried us inshore, I realized that ible at a distance or close to shore. You can in relatively straightforward waters like the highest peak on the island lay direct- probably rely on just GPS or a chart plotter Southern California’s, I always ship out ly above Fry’s Harbor, one of the finest with a chart. anchorages on the island. This landmark The joy of cruising my home waters works like a charm, as does a low point that lies not only in passagemaking, but also in lies behind Prisoners Harbor, the major the art of anchoring. And I use the term landing place slightly to the east. art on purpose, an art learned by hard-won Call this local knowledge if you like, but experience lying in confined spaces and I learned my coastal navigation and Santa crowded bays, by dragging in the middle of Barbara Channel waters long before the the night, and by setting anchors bow and days of GPS and chart plotters and am glad stern, essential in many Channel Islands I did. I remember once sailing out to Santa anchorages. All the author of a guide can Cruz with a friend with a newfangled GPS do is make suggestions. British Admiralty years ago. Pilots use wonderfully precise expressions. “How far off West Point are we?” he My favorite of their dictums is “anchorage asked. may be obtained.” How true! You obtain “Seven miles,” I replied. an anchorage by careful judgment of local conditions when you arrive, nothing less. No author can do this for you. A boat lies at anchor in a sheltered cove on Santa Cruz Which brings up the final point. Cruis- Island's north coast, under the cliffs just east of West ing guides are, in essence, sailing direc- End. "This little visited, lovely spot with deep water close tions, which are based on the assumption inshore is nice in calm conditions, but don't overnight that the reader will make seamanlike here owing to surge and rocks on the bottom." judgments on the spot. I was criticized for

March/April 2020 41 A Sense of Directions

Directions for Sailing Directions—BF Writing a cruising guide is not as easy to use. as it seems, even with thousands of Keep your style brief, economical, miles under your keel. Following are and logical. Remember that a skipper some hints on writing actual sailing will often consult these directions in directions, not background chapters, less than ideal weather. that I learned the hard way. Be precise. It’s no use saying, Cultivate an enduring curiosity “Anchor close to the beach.” Instead, and a mindset that depends on precise try this: “Anchorage may be obtained observation. Anyone can look up a in 25 to 30 feet with the yellow cliff position or a course these days, but on the east side of the anchorage about what makes the real difference are your 150 yards ahead. Beware of seagrass on observations from sea level, made when the sandy bottom.” All the information you are sailing. the visitor needs is there. Select landmarks that are visible Provide clear drawings and photo- at a distance or when close inshore. graphs, the latter taken from your deck. Many will be unchanging features These are literally worth a thousand like mountain peaks or prominent words and, if well-chosen, will save a headlands. Others will be humanly thousand words. You’re best off if you Brian Fagan sailing in late 2019 in the Santa Barbara constructed, such as a hotel building, a take the pictures on a calm, clear day. Channel, where his well-known cruising guides are conspicuous feature like a freeway tres- If you get several days of ideal photo- based. Credit: Carl Enson tle, a lighthouse, or a factory building. graphic conditions, rent a motorboat Think colors. They can stand out more and try and shoot as many anchorages than the building itself. Small wonder as possible over a sequence of calm days. being “too severe” in the first edition of my that Admiralty Pilots refer frequently Don’t spend too much effort on de- book, but I’m unrepentant, despite soft- to conspicuous structures, shown on tailing modern facilities ashore—they ening the language in the next iterations. large-scale charts as “Conspic. White change all the time. Ask a local for the There are anchorages in our waters that Ho.” But wouldn't you know it, some- latest! But modern navigational aids like are literally suicidal in strong westerlies or one will invariably paint a prominent light buoys and lighthouses are another northeasterly Santa Ana wind conditions. structure once we've all gotten use to matter; emerging from a thick fog as All I can do as an author is remark that navigating based on its color! evening gloom deepens and seeing a such-and-such anchorage is “dangerous” Adapt a relatively standardized flashing light where it should be always in southeasterly gales. It’s up to the sailor format, which starts with general fills me with a profound and inexpress- whether to take my observation at face remarks, then describes the approach ible relief. value. Seamanship is all about judgment. from different directions, followed by Above all, be accurate, as enter- So are cruising guides as basically simple as the entrance to the port or anchorage, taining as possible, and listen to other mine or as elaborate as Adlard Coles’. then anchoring or berthing informa- sailors and critics. They often (but not My guide has been in print in various tion. This makes the book much easier always) know more than you do. editions since 1979 and is still widely used. It has been immeasurably improved by comments from users, who take the trou- ble to make constructive suggestions or to correct the inevitable errors. You have to have a thick skin, for there are readers who get pleasure from abuse and being rude, UltraShade Sun Shade some of them, alas, sailors. Such critics “The Shade is Awesome” forget that these are not books one writes Ultrashade Awnings for money. You write them as a service to Deep, glare-free shade others having earned your experience the with the black side down. hard way. Light, durable urethane-coated ripstop. Packs up smaller than a backpacking tent. Brian Fagan is an archaeologist and retired Nighttime ambience with white side down. University of California professor. He is the Machine washable. author of Cruising Guide to Central and Available online at Southern California, also several other books www.crawfordboating.com on cruising and numerous popular volumes Made in the USA on the past.

42 GoodOldBoat.com Sleeping Beauty Clever surgery on a standard bed mattress improves a V-berth’s sleepability. BY JIM SHELL

hen we bought Phantom, our This time around, rather than a Pearson 365 ketch, in 2001, my single mattress, I planned to make two The boat's original V-berth cushions were too thin to wife, Barbara, and I slept on side-by-side mattresses that fit our provide enough comfort for a good night's sleep. The W first mattress transplant resulted in a single, 4-inch- V-berth cushions so thin and inadequate V-berth. Instead of a single-sided, 4-inch thick mattress shaped to fit the V-berth. It worked well it felt like we were sleeping on bare sleeper sofa mattress, we started with a but made access to storage beneath problematic. boards. Adding a foam overlay was a slight improvement, as was a duvet with several quilts tucked inside, but none of these changes provided a good night’s sleep. We had priced custom-made mattresses that fit our V-berth, but we were reluctant to spend that much money on something we felt would be short-lived in the boat environment. Then one day we saw Ingrid, who worked at a canvas shop, doing surgery on a standard bed mattress. Snipping apart springs and cutting the rectangular shape to fit her V-berth, she repurposed the discarded bits to reshape the mattress and sew it back together. None of it appeared too daunting. I’d seen what was possible and was confident I could do the same. On the garage floor, I laid out a 4-inch- thick queen-size mattress from a discarded sleeper sofa. Directly on the single-sided mattress, I drew the shape of the V-berth with a magic marker. My lines made allow- ances for where I would need material for the re-sewing process, and before cutting I carefully unstitched the seam material I’d be reusing. The mattress interior consisted of an outer cover, foam, padding, and “tubes” of coil springs. I disassembled and discarded the springs that would lie outside the new V-berth shape and securely tied together the remaining springs. After sewing shut the padding and cover, we put the newly shaped mattress on top of the existing V-berth cushions and slept like babies. That was 12 years ago, and all has been well except that in making that big, single-piece mattress, we failed to plan for accessing stowage areas under the V-berth. We’ve lived with it, but it was finally time for a new and improved version.

March/April 2020 43 Sleeping Beauty Tools and Tips—JS

The interior construction of mattresses little oversize if fitting it into a space like a will vary, but a thoughtful analysis of the V-berth; you can always go back and trim standard 8-inch, full-size, double-sided construction technique will determine it down more if needed. Additional foam mattress. Since either side of the new what will be required to arrive at the and batting may be needed to fill any edge mattress could be a top, I could cut it on desired shape. Inner spring mattresses and corner voids; these are readily avail- the diagonal and make both V-berth halves have a pattern of coil springs that are able at craft stores like Michael’s, Hobby from the single mattress by flipping one secured by clips and smaller coil springs. Lobby, and JoAnn Fabric and Craft. half over after cutting the mattress apart. Measure twice, cut once, and have Band- Tools and materials required I created paper templates of each side Aids ready: Those cut spring ends are are: a bolt cutter; side-cutting pliers; of the V-berth mattresses to move around very sharp! I’m unfamiliar with foam wire-twisting pliers; iron wire; foam on a paper template of the full-size mat- mattress construction but no doubt and batting; needle and thread; scissors; tress. I drew the planned shape of the new these can be cut to size as well. rulers; tape measure; marking pencils; V-berth mattress on the double mattress I recommend making the mattress a and magic markers. with a magic marker, and a mark between these shapes became the line to cut the cover open. I made the cut gently to pre- springs together to maintain the shape and serve all available materials, padding, and structural integrity of the mattresses. foam. Carefully, I exposed the springs and Next, I added foam and batting to cut them using a bolt cutter, then separat- create a smooth, comfortable side and Before making any cuts, Jim used craft paper to create ed the two halves. corners. I hand-stitched lightweight cotton a template of the new split V-berth mattresses on the Once I flipped one half over, the 76-inch canvas as the new side panels. shape of the full-size mattress, below left. sides lay together to create the V shape. This two-piece, 8-inch-thick mattress Jim transferred the template to the mattress, using I trimmed the springs and wired them to is even more comfortable than the first markers to outline where to make the cuts, below right. fit into the desired configuration. I bent 4-inch mattress we fabricated to place over and secured all the ends, making sure the boat cushions. It’s still a bit inconve- The initial cut exposes the mattress’ foam; the springs that no sharp metal pieces remained that nient to access the storage beneath—when are beneath this layer, bottom left. could work their way to poke out of the you flip one side up, the bed clothes get Once the foam layer is pulled back, the springs are mattresses. Then I securely wired the messed up and need to be rearranged—but ready to be cut, bottom right.

44 GoodOldBoat.com it’s easier than lifting or removing an entire I’m not a professional upholsterer—and The springs, fully exposed, are ready to be cut to fit the mattress. the finish on the seams and cut sides of new shape of the mattress, at top left. As to whether the mattress would with- the mattress reflect this—these mattress- Once the diagonal cut was fully made, Jim separated stand the boat environment, we used the es are nearly identical to the expensive the mattresses, which already resembled their intended original 4-inch mattress for 10 years without custom-manufactured V-berth mattresses new shapes, at top right. rust, mold, mildew, or water saturation sold today. I’m not a master craftsman, just The newly rebuilt mattresses, waiting to be installed, at issues, and the new mattress is holding a guy handy with common tools. I recom- bottom left. up fine so far. Just in case there are any mend anyone in need of a more comfort- unexpected leaks, we protect the bedding able night’s sleep aboard to get in there and The new, 8-inch, split V-berth mattresses fit perfectly. with a waterproof cover when we are absent give this a try. And, one side can be lifted to access storage beneath the from the boat for any period of time. bunk, at bottom right. Except for the price and the reality that Jim Shell's bio can be found on page 25.

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March/April 2020 45 Sole Mate A recycled plastic vinyl overlay brings new life to a worn-out cabin sole.

BY GARY GERBER

fter 45 years, the Plasteak would be easier to common direction. The cost, at adhesive and spread it evenly teak-and-holly cabin clean and maintain, that’s what $50/linear foot, came to $400. on the floor surfaces, one sec- Asole of Captiva, my 1970 I went with. My Morgan 33 has three tion at a time. With assistance, Morgan 33, was not looking The material—which is separate cabin sole sections, I carefully placed each cut vinyl so great. I couldn’t imagine made from recycled plastic— and all three have canted floor piece and used a pressure hand that refinishing the sole was has a satin finish and promises portions. I did not want any roller to insure good adhesive going to give me the like-new good resistance to water open-joint interfaces that could bonding and no bubbles. look I wanted, and for a while damage while always looking encourage abrasion or water I faced the lift-out bilge 3 I considered replacing the fresh. The manufacturer intrusion, so after testing the access panel ( ⁄4-inch-thick sole with new teak-and-holly sells 6-foot-wide sheets by the idea I determined I could score marine plywood) the same way plywood laminate. Then I linear foot. I purchased 8 linear the vinyl backing with a mat and then used tan plastic T trim learned that for the same feet to ensure that the three knife and achieve a perfect to finish the edges. price I could install Plasteak cabin sole levels would have unbroken angle bend on the Because the 1970 Morgan vinyl flooring. Reasoning the a grain pattern running in a exposed surface. does not have a molded I made full-size, craft-paper fiberglass floor section, I did patterns of each of the three not want the cut vinyl to simply The old teak-and-holly sole next to the new Plasteak flooring. areas and test fit the paper pat- butt against vertical surfaces. terns on the sole. I then laid the To finish these intersections, paper patterns on the vinyl stock I purchased solid teak battens 3 1 and used a mat knife and metal ( ⁄8 x 1 ⁄2-inch ) and ripped the 3 5 rule to cut each piece. I traced lengths in half to ⁄8 x ⁄8 inches. the cant score on the underside I custom cut each piece to fit of the forward cabin piece, the in place as baseboard trim, dining piece, and the main sole covering the entire perimeter of piece. The main sole section also the cabin sole. I secured the trim had a rectangular area for the using flat-head brass screws. lift-out bilge access panel. I finished this installation After cleaning the original three years ago, and the cabin sole with heavy-duty soap, rins- sole looks as good today as the ing with water, and allowing it day it was installed. to dry, I sanded every square inch to scuff the surface. Next, Gary Gerber, a retired industrial I applied blue painter’s tape designer, has been sailing for on the vertical surfaces at the more than 45 years in coastal New floor edges to protect them England, the Caribbean, and from the adhesive I planned the Mediterranean. He lives in to use to glue down the floor. I Annapolis and sails his 1970 Mor- mixed two-part Lonseal epoxy gan 33 on Chesapeake Bay.

(opposite page) Before cutting the new material, Gary made paper templates and test fitted them on the sole. Note the canted sides, at top left. Throughout the application, a pressure roller and elbow grease helped ensure the new overlay was firmly and smoothly stuck, at middle left. The dining area floor is shown installed, before mounting the teak baseboard trim. Painter’s tape protected the vertical surfaces from stray contact adhesive, at bottom left.

46 GoodOldBoat.com BY GARY GERBER

Between the main cabin and forward cabin soles, Gary installed a piece of teak to bridge the joint where the floors met, at top right. To complete the new flooring and protect all the edges and interfaces, Gary installed teak baseboard trim with brass screws, at middle right. The finished floor, with teak trim installed along the sides throughout, at right.

March/April 2020 47 Hot Stuff A simple, low-cost stovetop heater takes the edge off a chilly cabin.

BY DREW FRYE

ew sailboats have a dedi- attached the pipe by slotting cated heating system to create tabs inside and out, Ffor warming the cabin, which I secured with small bolts something built-in and prop- (blind rivets would have been a erly vented. This makes sense cleaner solution). Next, I added because a cabin heater with a 3-inch-high flashing skirt to a flue can be a complicated, accommodate and hold a pot on bulky, and expensive affair, and the top. The skirt also improves something that’s perhaps used the seal around the flue exit. only on occasion. So, when it’s For the flue, I attached cool and we decide to spend 1-inch (ID) corrugated stainless a night swinging on the hook, steel duct to the copper stub away from shorepower, many on the pot, using a cotter pin of us rely on portable heaters, driven through both. There is usually propane. no need to seal this connection A portable propane heater because the entire length is can do the trick, but these under slight suction. This flue heaters also require ventilation The stovetop cabin heater in place on top of Drew’s Origo 2000 alcohol stove. Note the must rise steadily, without low as they consume oxygen and upper pot on top, which increases heating area and also can be used for cooking while spots, and be 3-6 feet long. emit water vapor and carbon the heater is operating. The first season I used dioxide—and produce carbon my heater, I kept the exhaust monoxide as a byproduct of system simple. I cut a 3-inch- incomplete combustion. The rough-and- wide board to fit the aft end of the ready solution is to crack a window, but stove fueled by denatured ethanol. I have companionway slider, drilled a hole in the how wide? And then how much of the heat turned it into an efficient, safe heater by board, and passed the exhaust end of the is lost? using a retired, upside-down stainless flue through it. This way, I didn’t have to There is another approach, a simple, steel soup pot as the heat transfer surface, drill a hole in the boat. non-bulky, low-cost solution that uses an resting atop the burner. Here’s how I did it. But after realizing my heater worked, existing onboard heat source: the stove. First, I cut a 1-inch flue opening in the and that there was nothing to improve, I The stove can’t tip and start a fire side of the pot with a hole saw, into which drilled a hole in the cockpit bulkhead for (unless something combustible falls on it, I inserted a 1-inch copper pipe stub. I a permanent flue, which is just 3 inches which can be prevented by maintaining a clear countertop). And although stoves generally don’t include an oxygen deple- tion sensor like you’d find on a portable Keeping a Clear Head—DF heater, it’s easy to add a carbon monoxide monitor to the cabin. I value my brain cells and will not take days), and both OSHA and NIOSH limit All that’s needed to turn the stove into risks with them; I’ve never been a fan of workplace exposure to 5,000 ppm. an effective, ventilated cabin heater is to portable heaters. I did a few simple calculations provide a heat transfer surface and a way Carbon dioxide concentrations for my Corsair F-24. If I run an to funnel the exhaust outside the cabin. over 1,500 ppm affect thinking and are unvented portable propane heater at In fact, the ubiquitous Sig Marine (now universally considered cause for investi- about 4,000 Btu/hour (what is required Dickinson) Cozy Cabin heaters are not gation and correction. Over 2,000 ppm for a 45° F evening), assuming no much more than this: a simple burner is considered serious by health ventilation other than combustion air below an inverted-can heat transfer space, departments. Ten-thousand ppm is replacement, carbon dioxide levels will connected to a 1-inch stainless steel flue. the threshold of serious problems with reach 60,000 ppm within six hours, The stove aboard my boat is an medium-term exposure (many hours to about the threshold of unconsciousness. Origo 2000, a non-pressurized alcohol

48 GoodOldBoat.com of 1-inch copper pipe. There’s no need to The flue outlet is a short length of 1-inch copper pipe passing through the bulkhead, above left. insulate the pass-through because the flue Drew vented the first version of the stovetop heater through a board he fit into the aft end of the companionway temperature never exceeds 120° F. So far, slider, passing the flue through a hole, below left. rain has not blown in, and I could easily cap it if necessary. If the wind is from For the updated version of the stovetop heater, Drew drilled a hole through the bulkhead and passed the flue hose ahead or the beam as it would be sailing through it. The flue is only hot to the touch for the first 18 inches, and by the cabin roof it is cool, below 80° F, above. or at anchor, the draft is fine, but if there’s a strong wind from astern—for example in a marina—it can blow the draft into the heater uses the same flue size as the 5,000- The pot surface reaches about 290-340° cabin. I keep a 1-inch copper 90 el, which, Btu Sig Marine Cozy Cabin heater, I F. By the time the exhaust reaches the when pointed up, solves that. decided to not exceed that combustion outlet, it has cooled to 80-120° F, proving 1 1 The burner on my Origo 2000 stove is rate and keep the burner valve between ⁄2 high efficiency. I tested the air ⁄2-inch 2 rated at 7,000 Btu. Because my stovetop to ⁄3 open. This will give a heat output of below the lower rim of the pot, curious about 1,500 watts, enough to fully warm whether some of the exhaust was sneaking the cabin of my 24-foot ai157382259039_SpeedSeal Advert NewB.pdf 1 15/11/2019 12:56 Materials boat in 10-20 minutes in cool to cold weather. • 1-inch ribbed duct hose, stainless. If I can feel some of the McMaster Carr 5241K13, $23.80 exhaust backing out for 5 feet from under the invertedC B • 4-quart stainless soup pot, thrift pot and into the cabin,M store or surplus I know the burner is Y • Aluminum flashing firing too high. FORFOR SALESALE • 6 inches of 1-inch copper tubing To confirm the CM L • (1) 1-inch copper 90-degree el heater’s efficiency andMY • Assorted small screws and two safety, I took some I L long cotter pins or nails measurements. I CY L • Plywood or similar to build slider wanted to be sure the CMY L I

insert, or better, install the flue exhaust was leaving theK D D through cabin roof or bulkhead if cabin, so I scanned the A you will use the heater often surface and flue with an [email protected] infrared thermometer.

March/April 2020 49 Hot Stuff

The Flowerpot Heater Myth—DF

The story goes like this: Place a begins to move and circulate). But it’s only really accurate. First, a large pot will flowerpot over a stove burner, and radiant heat that is relevant to the question cool relatively quickly, smaller pots you have an effective, safe cabin heater of whether the flowerpot heater offers a even faster. A 9-inch glazed flowerpot for peanuts. Thermodynamics says benefit. This is because for conductive heat that starts at 300° F drops to 195° in otherwise, but I decided to test this to offer any benefit, you’d have to hold the five minutes, 130° in 10 minutes, and myth anyway, because it would be great pot. Convective heat isn’t very relevant at a half an hour is at 85° F. The same if it were true. Unfortunately, none of it either, because the balance of the heat in pot starting at 450° F drops to 345° in is true, except for it being cheap. the flame would end up mixed in with the five minutes, 280° in 10 minutes, and is Without regard to the efficacy of cabin air anyway. at 110° in a half an hour. The hotter the the flowerpot heater, using one can A 7-inch flowerpot heated to 320˚ F pot, the faster the cooling. be dangerous. About 60 percent of emits about 150 watts (500 Btu) of thermal Second, a large pot that glazed pots and 30 percent of un- radiation. If the pot reaches 400˚ F, the weighs 3.2 pounds doesn’t store a lot of glazed pots I tested shattered violently amount of radiation emitted increases to heat, a smaller pot even less. The spe- at 400˚ F, throwing large, hot pieces about 370 watts, or about 1,100 Btu. In con- cific heat of brick clay is .22 Btu/pound, of pot 2-5 feet. Only by limiting the trast, a naked propane flame is over 1,500˚ and let’s say, for example, that a large temperature to 300˚ F (by keeping the F and the burner grate will reach 400˚ pot cools from a high of 450˚ F to a low flame quite low) was the shattering risk to 800˚ F, depending on location. The of 55˚ F overnight. The heat released by reduced to an acceptable nonviolent radiation rate of the flame and grate alone the pot is 278 Btu. level. Considering that even Corning- is greater per unit area than that of the By comparison, let’s say the cabin ware is not stovetop safe, this should be flowerpot, but the area of the flame and sole, bulkheads, and furniture have all obvious. grate combo is much smaller. The result been heated to 70˚ F during a typical I used small (5- to 6-inch-diameter) is that the pot offers little increase in the day, with the air temperature dropping and large (7- to 9-inch-diameter) clay amount of heat radiated. quickly after sunset. The specific heat flowerpots over a natural gas flame On the other hand, portable propane of pine (for example) is .66 Btu/pound. (bear in mind that propane is a little heaters, like the Mr. Heater line, heat a ce- Assuming there are 500 pounds of fur- hotter, alcohol a little cooler). I mea- ramic grid red hot (about 2-3 times hotter nishings, linings, flooring, and supplies sured pot temperatures and cooling than the flowerpot on an absolute scale), in the cabin, with an average specific rates, and I calculated radiant heat and are thus 20-80 times more efficient heat value equivalent to pine, the heat output of the naked flame and burner at converting fuel energy into radiant capacity of the cabin infrastructure grate, and of the pot and burner grate. heat. However, that does not mean they is about 6,600 Btu. Additionally, the It’s important to note that when the create more heat; the total Btu is fixed by cabin furnishings will cool much more pot is on the burner, any heat radiated the amount of fuel burned and cannot be slowly, because at any given time, the by the naked flame, burner, and grate is increased. temperature difference between the blocked by the pot. It’s often said that the heated pot stores furnishings and the cabin air is very First, some basic physics. All heated and releases heat over a longer period, small. As noted above, hot objects materials absorb and then radiate heat. thus keeping the cabin warm long after cool far more rapidly than cooler The amount they radiate is proportion- the stove is off. This sounds good but isn’t ones. Thus, the clay pot represents al to the fourth power only 4 percent of the of their temperature, as heat holding capacity measured on an absolute Drew busted a lot of pots to bust the flowerpot heater myth. In this case, when heated to of the cabin as it cools scale, either Rankine or 320° F, this pot shattered, throwing bits as far as 6 feet. during the evening (and Kelvin. The hotter they this heat is given up are, the more they emit within a few minutes). A and the shorter the wave- rounding error at most. length of the emissions. Bottom Line: If it is Radiation is just one merely cool, pull on a method of heat transfer; sweater. You can run the the others are conduc- stove for a few minutes tion (the direct transfer now and then, cooking a of heat between solid meal or making tea. This objects in contact with is less wasteful and just as one another, like how a effective as the flower- hot pot heats the metal pot. If it is actually cold, handle attached to it) install a proper heating and convection (the system. The benefits of movement of heat energy a flowerpot on the stove within a gas or liquid, like are at least an exaggera- how a heat source warms tion, and more realistical- the air near it and that air ly, a dangerous myth.

50 GoodOldBoat.com out under the bottom; the carbon dioxide level was barely above background, and One-inch copper el, used to prevent the temperature never exceeded 200° backdrafts if needed F, confirming that essentially all of the exhaust goes up through the flue. The purpose of the flashing rim and upper pot is to add heat transfer surface area and improve heating efficiency. Most One-inch corrugated stainless steel of the time, the upper pot will be empty. duct, 3-6 feet long with steady rise But if I crank the burner to high and add Flue exit hole through two cups of water to the upper pot, the deck, bulkhead, or via water will boil in 10-15 minutes. With the temporary panel in burner turned down—as it should be to companionway slider Saucepan or soup pot, both warm the cabin—it will simmer soup, for cooking and adding without burning or polluting the cabin more heating surface with carbon dioxide. Another advantage my vented, stovetop heater has over a portable propane heater is dryness. Burning propane (or alcohol) produces water vapor. Dry air One-inch copper is nearly as important as warm air to Flashing attached pipe stub, inserted to base comfort because insulation remains more into hole cut in pot efficient. An unvented heater will raise side the humidity 30-60 percent, making for a Inverted soup pot as clammy cabin and causing condensation Boat stove, which heater base on the windows—not a problem with the provides heat vented heater. source This heater will work with stoves burning alcohol, propane, CNG, butane, and kerosene, as long as the firing rate is ILLUSTRATION BY FRITZ SEEGERS similar. The differences in combustion are small. Although the heater is stable enough to be used underway, the pot on top is not. Also, I don’t leave the heater on while I sleep. It’s not designed for that, and I like sleeping under a thick quilt or in a warm sleeping bag. Nor do I leave it on while away from the boat. I run it from sundown, through the dinner hour, until ready for bed. I use a carbon monoxide monitor, and when cooking on the stove, I usually crack the companionway slider to evacuate water vapor. A stovetop cabin heater sure beats cold fingers or a warm, damp cabin. More importantly, it avoids low oxygen and high carbon dioxide, and minimizes carbon monoxide accumulation risk.

Drew’s bio can be found on page 21.

Drew stirs up something yummy in the upper pot portion of the stovetop heater. Cooking takes longer than it would on the flame, but you won't burn anything. When cool, the heater can easily be moved to one side for proper cooking.

March/April 2020 51 Mail Buoy

continued from page 7 California. He had the neighboring booth, refreshment and friendly conversation. selling his surfboards. I introduced him to the Each spring there is a cookout (and one The Right Community Aqua Cat. A while later he called me and said, in the fall) with a flaming barbeque and When you published my Learning ‘You’re going to hate me,’ and said he was going coolers full of cold beer. The turnout is Experience story ("A Squall, a Broken into the catamaran business. I said I didn’t always good. Shackle, and Hydrolock," September 2019), mind. Having another catamaran around I look forward to my time at the boatyard I halfway expected to see letters to the would only help people get the idea that sitting as much as any other part of owning a boat. editor from readers opining that we should on a boat is better than sitting in it.” I take pride and pleasure in the fact that I have done this or that, or questioning our —Editors can keep a good old boat shipshape and in judgment or lack thereof. I underestimated the Good Old Boat readership when I antic- Spring Is Here ipated negative comments. Subscribing Over winter, I store to Good Old Boat means belonging to a Comfort, my 1973 community of sailors who share an interest Grampian 30, at Bert’s in enjoying boats, sailing, and helping others Boat Yard. It’s up the Fore by sharing their experiences. I subscribe to River, on the northern a motorsports magazine that sends a daily shore of Weymouth, email news update. Those readers seem to Massachusetts. use the comment section of that email to Bert’s is owned by the compete to see who is the smartest with South Shore Yacht Club the most expert opinion on motor racing. (SSYC), having purchased Some of them do this by denigrating the the yard after Bert passed expertise of others. The editors are forced away. There is nothing to regularly delete comments. I've stopped fancy about Bert’s, but reading them. Good Old Boat editors should fees are reasonable and take pride in the community they’ve boat owners can work created. on their boats or hire tradesmen. —Ed Lawler, Richmond, Rhode Island Come spring, Bert’s is a hive of activity. Hobie Was Second Boats are uncovered, Regarding Drew Frye’s article on washed, and waxed. multihulls in the November issue (“Good Bottoms are painted and Old Multihulls”), I would like to suggest repairs or upgrades are one correction, assuming my 75-year-old done. Everyone’s eager good old brain is correct. While Hobie to launch. Yet, during Alter had a better press agent, I think the rush, we pause for his catamarans were not the first production small cats. As a sailmaker for Fairclough Sailmakers, then located in Byram, Connecticut, I helped to make sails and canvas decks for the Aqua Cat by the hundreds during the early 1960s. I think the company’s name may have been American Fiberglass, and the Aqua Cat consisted of two fiberglass hulls held together by aluminum frames, over which a heavy fabric deck supported her crew. Production started around 1960 or 1961, first in Connecticut, and later down south, perhaps South Carolina? —Perry Hood, Newport, Washington

Perry, your good old mind is correct. According to sailboatdata.com, nearly 25,000 Aqua Cats were built, beginning well before Hobie Alter got started. In fact, the Aqua Cat’s designer, Art Javes, once said of Hobie Alter, “I met him at a boat show in Anaheim,

52 GoodOldBoat.com Bristol fashion. As Comfort hits the water shorter ultraviolet wavelengths (below portion of its power output is converted to heat each spring, I pause to remember Gordon, 400 nm). Incandescent light has very little energy (though it will reduce the life expectancy a good friend and Bert’s volunteer who has of Robin’s desired shortwave ultraviolet of the filament by 90 percent). And as you since passed away. Each spring, he would light (LEDs even less), and efforts to filter suggested, there are other, possibly better, DIY stand at the launch ramp and call out to out and block everything but shortwave options for identifying pitting, stress fractures, each boat as it was launched, “Have a nice ultraviolet light (also known as UV-A light) or other imperfections in metal. summer, see you in the fall.” must generate heat, possibly a lot of heat. Several backyard science experts caution Drew Frye weighs in: —Jim Donovan, Comfort that the heat generated by blocking strong As a licensed American Petroleum Institute light sources in this way can result in tank inspector (the 200 to multimillion-gallon A Gem fires. I understand being a sailor far from steel tanks you see in fuel farms), I have done I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Lee resources and resorting to all sorts of a lot of non-destructive testing of metal tanks Brubacher's Newbridge Topaz project expedients to solve problems, but perhaps looking for flaws. I mostly use ultrasound, but I (“A Hidden Gem,” January 2020), an there is a safer way. Chemist and Good Old have several thoughts here. First, it’s quite rare unwanted orphan abandoned more than Boat contributing editor Drew Frye might for penetrant testing to reveal a flaw that could 20 years earlier and given away for free. comment on the safer homegrown means not be discerned by close visual inspection. I would say it was more resurrected to color metal to reveal cracks and pitting I recommend cleaning the surface well and than restored. In case anyone missed it, I using vinegar, lemon juice, food coloring, examining it closely with the naked eye and a encourage readers to check the Good Old avocado pits, or urine? magnifying glass in bright, glare-free light. In Boat YouTube channel for an inspiring —Tom Misa, Lopez Island, Washington my experience, effective use of a UV-A light to video of the project. reveal flaws requires light that is exceptionally —Dan Fortson, Portage, Indiana Robin Urquhart responds: bright (possibly dangerously bright) or a Thank you, Tom, you bring up a good and very dark viewing area (often not practical). Visit our YouTube channel for interesting point regarding making "black" Accordingly, a lot of penetrant testing is done more on this restoration. UV-A light. When making a black light, the with non-UV-sensitive dyes. goal is to block the visible light wavelengths so That said, the most important thing is the Mooring Warning that only ultraviolet and infrared wavelengths procedure. The dye must be bright and dissolved In his Learning Experience article, Travis get through. In fact, black lights are often in a solvent that can penetrate. If the part may be Weaver describes tying his mooring known as Wood's Lamps, because the first wet, water-based dyes work (keel bolts). If there lines to the eye atop the mooring ball in black lights were made using incandescent might be oil (engine parts), a petroleum solvent Puerto Escondido (“Blown Away,” January bulbs and a special type of glass invented is better. Note that dye and pigment (paint) 2020). As a heads up to anyone who may by Robert Wood that blocks the visible light are different; dyes are dissolved in the solvent moor there in the future, those buoys are spectrum. As you pointed out, the energy of and will go wherever the solvent goes, but paint designed differently than some others in these blocked photons does not disappear but is pigments are larger suspended particles and will that a boat’s mooring lines should only be converted to heat energy. However, the power not penetrate the smallest cracks. Sharpie dye tied to the pennant line which is attached output of a typical household incandescent bulb (solvent) or highlighter (some are water-based) to a swivel below the ball. The eye on top (especially one in a flashlight like I used) is should work in the field, applied very heavily. of the ball is not suitable or recommended not enough to be a fire hazard when the visible Keep in mind that dye testing can't always reveal for mooring a boat.

—Terry Kotas, Cetus, Puerto Escondido, Department of Corrections Baja California Sur

Black Light Danger? Sharp-eyed reader Michael Richmond We asked John what he thought. I’m a huge fan of Robin Urquhart and caught our only error in the November “I was sitting in the cockpit of my Fiona McGlynn’s insightful writing. They issue. In John Vigor’s story of the Salish Santana 22 when a beautiful old-timer are at the top of their game and kudos to Sea’s Portland Island (“An Island to came ghosting across the entrance to the Good Old Boat for putting them on the Remember”), John named a stately cove we were anchored in. I hopped into my masthead and promoting waterbornemag. boat that entered the bay in which he dinghy and sculled out to get a better view. I com. But Robin’s recent suggestion for was anchored. He identified her as talked to the people on board and noted that creating black light by filtering regular Marigladis. Michael wrote, “Gladimaris she had an unusual name. I had neither incandescent light should be approached is the name of the beautiful vessel a camera nor a notebook with me, but I with care and caution (“Bolts From the John saw. It’s a 103-year-old, 35-foot figured I could remember the name until I Blue,” November 2019). Humans see gaff cutter owned for 30 years by got back to my boat. Apparently, my grey as colors only the middle wavelengths the current owners, my liveaboard matter was not up to this simple task. My of light (roughly 400-700 nanometers, neighbours here in Sidney, British humble apologies to that lovely old cutter or nm), feel as heat the longer infrared Columbia.” and her owner and crew.” wavelengths (above 700 nm), and get —Editors sunburns and skin damage from the

March/April 2020 53 Mail Buoy

the difference between a concerning crack and us have stainless steel water tanks in our Those with aluminum tanks and those who an insignificant scratch. Heavily scratched bolts boats, and I don’t think it’s considered are concerned about the effects of chlorine on and plate parts are hard to examine. Dye is most safe to use bleach-containing products in other materials in the potable water system can valuable in examining larger areas and long stainless steel tanks. Please let me know. use sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC), as weld seams. —Del Grindle, Bellingham, Massachusetts described in my article. In short, it is a buffered Pitting is different from cracks. Cracks are form of bleach, which has shown to be 20 times always serious. Pitting can be very shallow Drew Frye responds: less corrosive. The EPA and WHO approve and does not always correlate to much loss in Hi, Del. It’s okay to apply the instructions in NaDCC for this purpose. The most common strength. Try to determine whether the pits my article to a stainless steel tank. Household product is AquaMega Tabs from Clean Tabs. are shallow and rounded, or whether they lead bleach solutions contain roughly 5.25% sodium into cracks or deep, narrow pits, which may hypochlorite. Sodium hypochlorite is the Sanity Preserved become cracks. The amount of stress is also oxidizing agent that will corrode stainless steel. I want to thank Dave McCampbell and important in evaluating seriousness; pitting The American National Standards Institute his wife, Sherry, for coming up with in a tank or hull plate is probably no more (ANSI) tank sanitizing method I included in such a simple solution to a free spinning important than the reduced metal thickness, my article is globally accepted for sterilizing prop (“Spin Doctor,” January 2020). We but pitting in a seam, chain plate, or keel bolt plastic, stainless steel, and aluminum tanks, converted our Sabre 28 to an electric boat, can be very serious, depending on the location and calls for a solution of about 40 ppm and now sailing over 3 knots causes the and depth. sodium hypochlorite. This is accepted as prop to spin. Although we do generate I’m not up to speed on the avocado pit and harmless for periodic use in tanks made from some power when this happens (1-1.5 urine method. 300-series stainless steels for up to 24 hours. amps), the noise drives me crazy, and In the instructions, the specified standing time I'd rather not have the wear and tear Corrosion Concern is only four hours, after which the tank is happening on the drive. I've thought I read Drew Frye’s article on water tanks rinsed. Continuous exposure to maintenance about how to solve the problem without (“Water Works,” January 2020). He chlorination level (0-3 ppm, depending on the spending a lot of cash on a shaft brake. doesn’t indicate whether his cleaning water) equivalent to what is found in tap water What a great solution, thanks! approach is just for plastic tanks. Many of is known to be harmless. —Bob Jennings, Greenfield, New Hampshire

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54 GoodOldBoat.com Product Profiles

Being Big Brother

Last year, as hurricane Dorian headed for After wiring everything together, it all Florida, I was forced to evacuate, leaving worked automatically. my schooner Britannia to fend for herself FloatHub needs a connection to in a Cape Canaveral marina. For two transmit and accordingly sells two models. days I worried about how she was faring. For boats in a marina with always-on Britannia did fine, and shortly afterward, wifi, the wifi-only model might be a good I acquired a FloatHub monitor. choice. For boats without constant wifi The concept is simple: I connect any access, the wifi/cellular model is the of my boat’s instruments to the small answer. The latter costs a bit more up 1 FloatHub box (3 x 5 x 1 ⁄2 inches), and the front and requires a data plan purchase data from my instruments is broadcast (currently $9.99/month or $99.99/year). to the FloatHub server and then to the FloatHub must be connected to power FloatHub app on my phone or computer. and any instruments connected to it need I connected my wind and depth gauges to be left on, but power draw is minimal, to FloatHub. I also ran the bilge pump and a boat that is connected to shorepower circuits through it so I can be alerted when or a passive charging source, like wind or they run. I connected my batteries to it so solar, should be fine. I can keep an eye on their state of charge. I’m not looking forward to the next In addition, the monitor independently storm, but it will be interesting to see—no measures and reports data like tempera- matter where I am—what is happening ture, pressure, and GPS position (the latter aboard Britannia. is great for tracking a stolen boat, or one For more information, floathub.com that’s drifted from its mooring). FloatHub operates on the NMEA 0183 protocol, and —Roger Hughes, Good Old Boat will reportedly soon support NMEA 2000. contributor

Clean Prop for Christmas

We launched Christmas the first week speed under power this season. Toward of June 2019 and hauled her out late the end of the season, when growth on October 2019. This is our typical five- the prop typically diminishes efficiency, month sailing season on the coast of performance was still tops, even in reverse, Maine. Before launch, I prepped the prop where growth really takes a toll. (which was removed due to shaft replace- At haul out, there was the usual growth ment) for an application of Propspeed, an on the hull and some minor growth on the antifouling treatment for propellers. As prop. (To be fair, I hadn't used the boat for advised by the folks at Propspeed, I sanded more than a week when she was hauled out.) the prop by hand with 80-grit sandpaper. After pressure washing the hull A Propspeed technician visited the marina and prop, I inspected the prop, and the to apply the product, which is what they Propspeed coating looked completely advised for this test. Propspeed appeared intact with no voids. There were a few nearly clear and quite thick after appli- barnacles still stuck on the hub (easy to cation. It feels almost tacky to the touch, remove), but this seems to be an effective although it is quite dry. multiseason coating. During the season, the prop performed For more information: oceanmax.com perfectly. There is no way to tell whether the coating enhanced performance, but —Tom Young, Good Old Boat it seemed particularly easy to reach hull contributor

We present these profiles as a service, as firsthand accounts from fellow boaters. Neither Good Old Boat magazine nor the folks who profiled the products on this page were paid for these profiles. Most products were sent to Good Old Boat for review consideration by the manufacturers. We profile only a small percentage of the products that marketers contact us about, choosing only those we’re interested in, in the hope you’re interested too. A few products we pick up on our own, because we want to share.

March/April 2020 55 Good Old Classifieds

Boats for Sale batteries, many upgrades. Charlie time. 40% remaining. 8hp IB. New Morgan said by phone, "It will sail main, older jib. Sleeps 2, porta-pot- around the world." Sailed Maine to ty. Bronze fittings and rub rail. Miami, so far. Oak Harbor Marina, Canvas-over-plywood deck. Boat MD. REDUCED to $4,000. covers. Very good trailer/tires w/ Michael Thompson spare. Compass/depth sounder. 410-551-3043 Waseca, MN. $6,000. [email protected] Ken Earle 507-835-3452 [email protected] Alberg 30 1966. Well-maintained, Universal Rhodes Bounty II 41 diesel, RF jib, all new teak ('09), 1961. A fine example of early new hull/deck paint and rigging fiberglass Philip Rhodes design. ('13), new working head, sleeps 4. One of about 12 finished by Palmer Cockpit seats 6-8. Much loved! Johnson (Wisconsin) to a higher Annapolis, MD. $12,500. standard. Well maintained. West- Arthur Chotin port, MA. $39,500. Rhodes Custom 43 [email protected] Carl Tripp 1967. CB yawl, custom design, 410-849-2352 508-636-4058 launched 1976. Beam 12', draft [email protected] 4.5'/8', 65hp Volvo diesel (low hrs). Spare rigging set, RF headsail, 4 Mirage 27-2 sails. Annapolis, MD. $30,000. 1979. Robert Perry design. Length Barry Gruber 27'11" Beam 9'3" Draft 4'4" Sail Area [email protected] 313 sqft Bal. 2,200lb Displ. 5,200lb 15hp OMC Sail Drive (Gas). 130 + 150 genoas and yellow/black symmetrical spinnaker w/pole. Imron-painted topsides ’96, still exc cond. VC 17m bottom paint. 2 S2 7.9 1994. Great cond, adj draft w/ reefs, Unit O Harken furler, Harken lifting keel + tip-up rudder. Yanmar main traveler, windward sheeting 1GM10 diesel w/MaxProp. Galv C&C 39 car, and Harken mainsheet blocks. 1974. This is a very special boat, tandem trailer, Raytheon ST 1000+ Placed in several Leech Lake Re- combining beauty, speed, and AP, Harken RF, North Sails. Fixed gattas, winning divisional trophies. outstanding handling. One of Bob Vang, mast and boom refinished, Includes tandem-axle trailer, and Perry's favorites! Well equipped: recent standing/running rigging. Ship Shape Products winter cover. AP, radar, full instrumentation. Interprotect 2000e epoxy barrier $10,000. Bottom redone in 2019. New Allied Seawind MkII Ketch 32 coat + VC17 bottom. Many spares, Mark DeSchane Perry-designed rudder. Canvas 1977. Freshwater ocean boat. West- daysailed and love it w/the diesel. [email protected] recently rebuilt. New "base" erbeke 30 diesel 2,900 hrs, AP w/ Ashtabula, OH. $24,000. 218-732-489 electrical system, including new remote, new Mack sails, running Robert Bollman alternator, smart regulator, batter- rigging new 2014, fridge, cabin fur- 440-812-5616 ies, starter, etc. Well cared for and nace. Schaefer RF 2019, FB main [email protected] ready to sail away. Annapolis, MD. 2017, spinnaker w/sock, D/S/W $29,900. (Data Marine), 4 house batteries, 1 Nikos Singelis start battery (all 12V), 2016 125amp 202-374-3288 alternator. Upper deck spotless. [email protected] Beautiful teak belowdecks. Boat owned, meticulously maintained by current owner since 1994. All records complete. Boat is turnkey Camper & Nicholson 32 cruising ready. Much more! Addl 1966. Restored. Replaced during photos avail. MN. $36,200. a 17-yr dry dock: all rigging, main Harry Mott & 130 jib, t-hulls, and systems. All Islander 32 507-261-7473 surfaces stripped and repainted, 1965. Boat & trailer completely [email protected] wood varnished. New dodg- refurbished w/new Hyde Sails, er, sails, sail covers, etc. Many Cypress Mast, Electric Yacht 10.0 Morgan 25 custom improvements, including E-Drive Auxiliary, full boat cover. 1967. Go vintage! Well maintained. opening bronze ports, 2nd fuel Daysailed 4 months/year San Fiberglass aft-cockpit sloop, LOA tank, feathering 3-blade prop. Carlos, Sonora, MX. An old-school 24'11" Draft 2'9" Honda 4-stroke 9.9 '85 Yanmar w/only 16 seasons of boat w/RF main on the boom. Fun OB. Ready to sail w/new bottom use. 32.75' LOA 9.25' Beam 5.5' boat to sail, perfect size. Includes paint, professionally cleaned sails Draft 13,660 Disp. 6,000lb lead Bal. 3-axle Road King trailer. Amado, (2 sets), RF jib, boom vang, spinna- Faired bottom ready to launch w/ AZ. $12,000. ker, sail covers, new halyards, head, Pettit Vivid. Ashland, MA. $19,500. Peter Burgard V-berth, galley, sleeps 4+, new James Taylor 520-625-3982 custom companionway doors still East Coast Oyster Boat Design 17 774-279-5018 [email protected] in box, 1,900lb lead ballast, dual 1956. Wooden gaff rig w/jib, had [email protected] it 40 yrs. Wife and I restoring 3rd

56 GoodOldBoat.com built between 1974 and 1986. See heater w/cockpit & inside shower, a full description at Boats We NaturesHead composting toilet, 8 Love: tinyurl.com/yx4ghxgo . Also new S/S+glass opening ports, RF featured in Cruising World and w/130 genoa, Raymarine radar/chart Practical Sailor. A sweet double- plotter, Standard Marine VHS w/ ender that loves to play in the AIS, EPIRB, handheld VHS, AP, waves, I have sailed her engineless AC, RIB w/8hp Yamaha OB, 4 solar since 1998. Simple camping-style panels, MPPT solar controller, cabin for 4; gorgeous seakindliness wind gen, new battery bank w/over under sail. RI, $12,500. 400 amps. Destin, FL. $38,000. Atkin Schooner 33 Tim Murphy Charles Fries 1957. Gaff-rigged. 32’9”x9’8”x4’4”. [email protected] [email protected] Restored 2012-2017, new African 401-440-8493 770-331-5860 mahogany plywood/glass deck. Bald cypress deck beams, white oak frames, 3” floor timbers, 7x6” 1 stem, white cedar hood ends, 1 ⁄8” carvel planking, both garboards and 3 planks above. Set of 5 sails in- cluding gollywobbler. Bulletproof Sabb-2 H, 18hp, new rings and cylinder sleeves 2012. 6’ standing headroom, sleeps 3+, July 2018 Hunter 30 1989. In-mast RF jib (2017); survey. Sale includes hurricane Celebrity 19 Fortress Anchor; whisker pole; mooring in Colonel Willis Cove, 1968. Evanson-Built, #655, fiber- Yanmar 2GM (2005 <500 hrs); Full RI. Wishing $60,000, best offer. glass hull/non-cored deck, CB w/ dodger/bimini windshield + side Jim De Reynier slight keel for IB rudder. Mahoga- windows, side/aft screens; cockpit 860-305-1582 ny/teak cockpit and rub rail, Sitka table; Lifesling, gas grill; Draft [email protected] spruce spars, fore and aft and side 4'6", Beam 10'; pedestal steering, Abeking & Rasmussen 61 storage compartments w/floata- compass, AP, chartplotter, MMSI 1964. Refit ‘95, 10'-18. Angantyr tion racks. Decent main w/single radio; 110V AC, TV, microwave; is a beautiful award-winning reef, jib + genoa, new running rig- alcohol stove; head/shower. Sleeps sailing ship/cutter rigged cruising ging. 2019 Sunbrella boom tent w/ 6-7; teak/holly sole; V-berth doors; vessel. At home in any harbor in zippered forward section, lift out Wind Charm has many extras. the world. An excellent vessel for seats for camp cruising; heavy-duty Tolchester, MD. $24,900. fishing/snorkeling/diving. Corten trailer w/new tires, fenders, lights, Margie or Chas Bicking steel hull, excellent shallow water wiring. VT. $3,500. sailboatdata. [email protected] boat. Ready for cruising the bay or com/sailboat/celebrity 302-995-1762 the world. New Volvo D4 180 en- George Little Menger 23 gine, low hr 15kw generator, robust [email protected] 2004. Catboat customized galley and head, Several recent 802-864-4003 for cruising. 6.2’ headroom, surveys, new mainsail. Comfort- 22.6x10x2.6, H/C pressurized ably sleeps 8. Great for parties, water, 55gal tank, heater, AP, perfect for a liveaboard. San Diego, chartplotter, 2 sails, AM/FM radio, CA $175,000. boom tent cover w/windows, encl Bill Peterson head/shower/25gal holding tank, [email protected] Yanmar 2GM20 18hp diesel, sleeps 310-871-1977 2/3, nonpressurized alcohol stove refrigerator/freezer, shore power, solar panel to charge batteries, D/S/W logs, double berths w/ Pearson 26 removable extension, full-length 1971. Sailed out of Warwick, RI cockpit cushions. Aquebogue, NY, Seafarer 31 Yawl for 25yrs. Great sailer, loves her $32,500. Contact broker. 1971. Classic Bill Tripp design yawl. jib! Honda 9.9 4-stroke LS, high- Andrew Galasso Re-powered w/Beta 16 2009. Up- thrust, power-tilt, remote motor [email protected] dated features include: fuel system, control. Foresail RF, teak toe rails, 631-722-3400 exhaust system, F/W system, elec- teak sprit anchor roller. Mahogany tric wiring and panels, shorepower, hatch boards. Dodger, 2-burner bilge pump, running rigging, delta Allied Seawind II 32 Origo alcohol stove, 2 deep-cycle anchor w/20' chain and 8-plait 1976. Bluewater. All gear necessary batteries. Custom trailer, 7’ hard rode w/anchor roller + Samson for extended cruising. Ready to dingy. Northborough MA. $10,000. post. Garmin 545S chartplotter. sail away. Recent refit includes Richard Chouinard Genoa, main, mizzen, spinnaker w/ new custom electric panel, H/W [email protected] sock and ATN tacker. Re-uphol- 508-393-9559 stered cabin seating. New cabin lights. Pasadena, MD. $13,500. All of these classified ads and more appear on our website Daniel Connolly Vineyard Vixen 29 [email protected] 1974. Ave Marina is hull #6 of 30 GOODOLDBOAT.com 301-305-2237

March/April 2020 57 Good Old Classifieds

Pearson 26 Weekender 1976. Great daysailer, exc PHRF racer, heavy-duty gear, spinna- ker-rigged, lots of accessories. Includes LS OB, car trailer, steel cradle. Plymouth, MN. $8,000. Michael Barnes 763-557-2962 Portable [email protected] pressurized water with multiple Products - General spray patterns

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60 GoodOldBoat.com Reflections On the Cusp A chilly morning at the edge of autumn foretells the longer journey. BY D.B. DAVIES

unlight streaming through the port- shoes on my feet. Then the kettle whistles or sail out into open water for two days side window into my V-berth burns at me. against a strong westerly, down the lake to Smy eyes open. Last night’s howling Four large tablespoons of coffee grinds our home port. Last night’s marine radio wind has abated, and Affinity rocks gently go into the strainer straddling the mouth crackled with the promise of snow squalls. on her tether. I release my vise grip on my of the large mug. When I pour the steam- In the end, I hate the thought of leaving sleeping bag collar and feel cold air intrude ing water over the top, the aroma hits, Affinity in a strange yard more than the upon my face and neck. There really is no sharp and clarifying. The worst is over. thought of braving the weather to get her place to go and nothing to do, yet I feel an This day will begin. home. urgency to rise. In the cockpit with my caldron of inspi- I know that if I get a quick start, we As I unzip and emerge from the quilted ration, I take in the small, sheltered cove of could miss some of the weather. I toss the warmth, the cold stings my face. Even the Bay of Quinte. The shore is ablaze in last swig of coffee and grinds overboard wearing fleece, I’m all goosebumps as I color: red, yellow, brown, and green sooth and go below. In the head, I glance at the crawl out of the berth and patter barefoot and excite at the same time. Small birds mirror, lean in to study a stranger. It’s a across the icy sole to the galley; a frigid chatter among the trees, seeming to gather leathery old man with wrinkled eyes, tou- journey to hot coffee. I break up the sheet a collective courage for the flight south. The sled morning hair, and sharp, gray stubble ice in the water jug before I fill the kettle water laps gently on the hull and brushes on sagging cheeks. and fire up the stove. After priming the the shore, whispering the hopes of a million “Who are you, old man? Where did you burner, my hands welcome the warmth of voyages and the hearts of a billion seekers. come from? Where are you going?” the blue kerosene flame. We are very much alone, Affinity and I smile a grizzled smile and speak aloud: Through the scratched Plexiglas I. Gratefully so, for days now. But, like the “I’m going to the same place we’re all going. companionway, I see that the sun has birds, I must make plans, summon the And getting there isn’t half the fun...it’s disappeared behind clouds, portending a courage to either sail to Picton to seek a really all there is.” troublesome day. It must be eight or nine cradle for a winter in a strange shipyard, o’clock. I don’t D.B. Davies is a sail- know. My watch is or and writer who is a back in the V-berth, frequent contributor and I realize I don’t to Good Old Boat. care to check it. I He sails Affinity, realize I can’t feel his 1974 Grampi- my feet. an 30, around Lake I sit on the Ontario. After narrow step to the extensively research- cockpit and try to ing the men and rub some life into sailing schooners of them. Just under Canada’s Maritime the table are my provinces, Don wrote deck shoes where I a dramatic screen- kicked them off last play about the fa- night. Socks are up mous Bluenose and forward, but that’s her skipper, Angus still too far away. I Walters. You can find sink down to the out more at theblue- sole and slide my nosemovie.com.

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