Messages

1

General Discussion / Re: Boatswains chair: $200... rock climbing harness.. $40..

« on: February 25, 2014, 08:14:10 PM »

My suspicion is the harness is designed for climbing which is to say its support is concentrated at the waist as opposed to the chair which allows long periods of sitting comfort while you swear at the mess you are trying to straighten out (whatever precipitated a trip to the top). On the other hand if I had steps or some other foot support while aloft I would consider it. Maybe find one of those outfitters with a rock wall (REI has them) and try it out first

Just my 2 cent opinion and probably worth a lot less,

2

Engine and Drive Train / Re: Yanmar operating temp

« on: December 12, 2013, 12:29:33 PM »

The shakedown cruise was uneventful and the engine offered up no surprises. 

I did use an inexpensive IR Temp Gun and as it was definitely confusing and so I am not sure. After troubleshooting some other gauges on the boat I have decided to replace the temp gauge on principle if for no other reason. I am thinking the gauge is old and unreliable. 150 - 160 at 2700 would make me very happy.

I can borrow an uber expensive thermometer from a friend and see.

Thanks for the great feedbak as always,

Marcus

3

Standing & Running Rigging and Fitting/Tuning / Re: Name That Genoa Car

« on: November 26, 2013, 06:00:27 PM »

Wow! you guys are the best.

That Barton looks awful close doesn't it? I would buy new but these whatever-they-are are in good working order in spite of their age. I will contact Barton and let you know what I find. Maybe they can supply me with the insert I need.

Thank you for the help.

Marcus

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Standing & Running Rigging and Fitting/Tuning / Name That Genoa Car

« on: November 25, 2013, 07:37:00 PM »

Hi everyone. My Starboard genoa car is missing the nylon insert. What this means is that the car pops loose and slides back on the traveler. I have no idea what brand of hardware this is. Anybody have an idea. I sure would like to find a replacement insert.

Thanks for looking,

Marcus of Lucky Dog

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Sails and Canvas / Re: Bimini Frame Finger Capture Danger

« on: November 16, 2013, 08:43:20 AM »

Holy Smokes! I would not have imagined. Thanks for the warning.

6

Sails and Canvas / Re: Props to SailCare

« on: November 16, 2013, 08:32:23 AM »

They did find some issues after I had my initial quote. But I really didn't feel like they were making unnecessary suggestions. They called to discuss what they were finding and then gave me my options and the price. At no time did I feel they were pushing for more than was reasonable. I basically ended up with two crisp clean North sails that will last for years for less than 2 grand. As for your genoa I can't say about the price. Check the price of a new or clean used one from a reputable  company and balance that against fixing the old one. If the price is too close you can always buy new and then keep the old one for a back up.

Cheers

7

Sails and Canvas / Re: Props to SailCare

« on: October 21, 2013, 07:37:47 PM »

I don't mind: Shipped them UPS in 2 boxes.

On the Main: cleaned then they sewed new telltales, restring the leech line, resewed a grommet and a slug (first slug was torn out of the sail), repaired a tear on the luff, reset the bolt rope. Entire leech overlay.

Jib: Cleaned and resewed the draft stripe before using their Lemauney process to breath new life into the fabric, new telltales, replaced the spreader patch, overlaid the luff and hot knifed it, replaced the leech and foot with Dacron and replaced the old sun-band (roller furling) with Royal Blue Tweed Sunbrella to match my Mainsail cover.

$1,770

8

Mast and Spar Issues / Re: New mast step

« on: October 07, 2013, 10:32:55 PM »

Here she is. Alum.

Marcus of Lucky Dog

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Sails and Canvas / Props to SailCare

« on: October 07, 2013, 10:22:38 PM »

Just a little note of satisfaction with a vendor: Lucky Dog came to me with serviceable but old and even a ripped suit of North Sail sails. After seeing a video of Bob Bitchin interviewing the SailCare folks I sent them my sails. All I can say is WOW. They are awesome. Better than new really as these were basic sails and things like the batten pockets were redesigned. The company kept me apprised every step of the way and when they felt a change was needed they always called for my approval. I finally told them "treat them as if they were yours" and they clearly did. I am more than satisfied with the results.

Marcus of Lucky Dog

10

Sails and Canvas / Re: Upholstery fabric for interior cushions

« on: October 07, 2013, 10:12:12 PM »

Thought I would weigh in since I just did Lucky Dogs cushions. My wife chose Sunbrella. 25 yards from Sail Rite. Best price hands down. After she got them back from the upholsterer I treated them with 303 fabric guard. Crazy expensive stuff so buy a gallon and crank up the low pressure bug sprayer. I expect these cushions to outlast me. We'll see!   

Marcus of Lucky Dog

11

Engine and Drive Train / Yanmar operating temp

« on: October 07, 2013, 09:57:35 PM »

Hi everyone. Proud to say Lucky Dog is getting close to a shakedown this weekend to Ocracoke. My 3gm30 wants to run at 165-175 at 2800 RPM. At 3200 she jumps to 180-190 and stays there. I have completely cleared and reworked the fresh and raw water side of things. Even replaced the thermostat after I ran out of options. My surveyor stated he thought she should run at 160 or so at 2500 RPM.

Starts on a bump. Runs like a clock. Throws water like a hose. Runs 160 - 175... What do y'all think?

-Marcus of Lucky Dog

12

Cruising / Re: Exhaust goes under

« on: October 07, 2013, 09:37:54 PM »

Hi Dick,
Lucky Dog seems to squat at speed. I noticed a dark exhaust smear even with the exhaust outlet. Haven't noticed it going under yet but I am sure with a following sea she might easily do so.

Boat is still in Belhaven but all of the heavy lifting is done so my fix it list is down to port lights and cosmetics. I have a shakedown to Ocracoke this coming weekend. Still planning on bringing her to Georgetown in December.

Fair Winds, Marcus

13

Standing & Running Rigging and Fitting/Tuning / Re: Another new owner and a question.

« on: August 26, 2013, 03:30:23 PM »

Alma,

Thanks for that excellent  post. I Am pulling the boat in a couple of weeks and will be finding out how deep my glass runs before I hit lead. I am going to decide at that time which route I go for lightening protection. Nigel Caulder has a pretty good chapter on this topic but at the end of the day I find the idea of putting a copper plate to the hull problematic. I will pick a system and go withit when I pull her out. Seems the real big issue is the side flash which, should it jump through a person to get to ground, is the fatal part. That and not sinking. Ugh.

14

Standing & Running Rigging and Fitting/Tuning / Re: Another new owner and a question.

« on: August 14, 2013, 06:16:49 PM »

Thanks everyone! To answer Dragonstar: I had my chainplates made from 304 stainless out of 1/4 by 1.5 inch bar stock. four are 12.5" long and 3 are 15"long. I am drilling the bolt holes myself but I did have the metal guy drill a 1/2 hole 1" down from the polished end and radius the corners like the pictures on this site. I am having the top 3" polished. I will have the forestay reworked when I can pull the fitting and take it to the shop so they can use the original as a pattern.

I am going to do as Dolce Vita and ground to the lag bolts when I replace the step. If I do get hit by lightening I will let ya'll know how that all works out. I agree it all seems like pay your money, take your chances!

Frayed Knot: I live and work in Georgetown. When I bring her down we will get together and compare notes. Did you race?

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Standing & Running Rigging and Fitting/Tuning / Another new owner and a question - Lightning ground?

« on: August 10, 2013, 10:42:15 AM »

Hi all. I purchased Lucky Dog in May in Oriental NC. Totally pleased with the boat. I have already replaced running rigging, Plumbing, Engine parts and Electrical. I have the Seaward 3121 stove at the house for rebuild (really I am done but considering new guts to bring it to code). LOTS to do but what fun. I have sailed since third grade when my pops brought home a home made El Toro dinghy and stood on the dock shouting instructions. Been infected ever since. After a lot of research I selected the 323 as my next boat. The boat is in Belhaven, NC but as as soon as I replace the thru hulls and paint the bottom I am moving her to Georgetown, SC which puts me right down the road from Frayed Knot. I am having chainplates made and will replace them along with the mast step when I pull her in October. So much of the things I am doing and my knowledge base has been a product of this site. Thanks to the group for that! Hopefully I will be able to contribute a little something to this site.

My question is: Is anybody grounded from the mast to the lag bolts holding down the mast step?
Is this a reasonable thing to do? I read a research article from the coast guard site that suggests a lightening strike to ground through the lead keel would possibly blow off fiberglass from the keel but would not hole the boat. Any thoughts?

Not sure how to insert an image so I will try an attachment... Cheers, Marcus of Lucky Dog