Lil Walkabout - sailor's blog

Book: "At The Mercy Of The Sea" by John Kretschmer

2008-11-09T17:35:00.004-06:00

I have read this terrifying true story of three sail boats in just a couple of days. It shows how insignificant the human effort can be in the eye of the nature's fury, how heroic the character, how precious the life. The book is also a riveting and informative guide on heavy weather sailing. It is a great book, very well written, and a "must have" on the sailor's bookshelf.

Transatlantic Minis 6.4 Metre class

2008-11-05T22:26:00.000-06:00

http://www.solochallenges.com/race.html

Last day of the season

2008-10-29T22:21:00.000-05:00

Sailing on Sunday

2008-10-18T10:35:00.001-05:00

Paweł and Lili sailing

2008-10-14T21:59:00.001-05:00

DSC_4256.NEF

Last Thursday on Lil Walkabout

2008-10-11T10:43:00.001-05:00

log

DSC_4228.NEF

First sail out of North Point

2008-10-09T14:25:00.001-05:00

I am at
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=42.505138,+-87.780633

Sailing today

2008-10-09T09:32:00.000-05:00

This week plans

2008-10-06T22:27:00.002-05:00

I might take time off work Thursday, or Friday for sailing if the weather is

nice. Check this blog for updates, I really want to get out few more times this season.

DF920 Trimaran Demo Video

2008-10-05T21:09:00.000-05:00

Sailing 37 foot Jeanneau out of Monroe

2008-10-04T16:27:00.009-05:00

This trip was courtesy of John.. Thanks a lot!

Me, Uki.

The wind was very light, at most 7 knots South-East, no waves, so there was not much work on the boat, but to relax and soak up the sun.

Jeanneau 37 is a beautiful boat inside and out.

It is set up for charters with all the running lines to the cockpit and with the in-mast furling mainsail that makes it very easy to operate.

You can get this perspective on Chicago ONLY from water, people who are not yachties miss the point of living in this town.

This is as far as we sailed today, the turning mark, from, and to the Monroe Harbor. Not far, but again there was barely any wind.

hereIam

2008-10-04T13:56:00.001-05:00

I am at
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=41.924547,+-87.539964

Saturday sailing

2008-10-03T21:48:00.000-05:00

So far it look like Saturday may be OK to get out and sail.

Let me know if you would like to join us - we need a helping hand!

Plan on warm windbreaker jacket and pants.

10 AM in North Point Marina, Winthrop Harbor, IL, peer I.

Lake Huron, Georgian Bay, Canada picture

2008-10-03T16:07:00.001-05:00

Why someone would like to sail the Great Lakes? Just take a look!

Stitching the sails

2008-10-01T12:15:00.000-05:00

Occasionally, every sail has to be re-stitched, especially around the edges and batten pockets.

Crew

2008-09-28T07:24:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, I finally have hung the sails and the boat is read to go out.

The interesting thing is that as much as I always want to sail, I have hard time getting people to go.

Swaging wires

2008-09-27T07:55:00.001-05:00

On the photo you can see me thightening the bolts of the swaying tool to crimp down the sleeves on the wire loop. I did this way all 3 halyards that raise the sails. The process is very simple really. I cut the excess wire using a grinder with cut-off wheel after I crimped it, this way I am assured that it will be flush. To assure the I don't cut the wrong wire I put a piece of steel sheet between wires.

There is another type of swage tool that looks like a big bolt cutter, but the one I have works perfectly
and tales very little space.

Fort Myers

2008-09-20T19:30:00.001-05:00

Ft. Myers

2008-09-20T19:29:00.003-05:00

The waters around south Florida are very shallow and only narrow channels permit sailboats to pass.

Fort Myers - sunset

2008-09-20T18:29:00.002-05:00

Liliann watching sailboats coming back at the sunset by Fort Myers Bodwitch Point to Estero Pass.

New engine

2008-09-20T10:14:00.003-05:00

i forgot to post this picture before, but here is the new engine Johnson 9.9 hp. I have put the high thrust propeller on it to help move the heavy boat (3,000 pounds of lead in it). The high thrust pro and relatively small engine will not get me anywhere fast.

Quote - persistence

2008-09-17T09:40:00.000-05:00

Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence.
Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent.
Genius will not: unrewarded genius is almost a proverb.
Education will not: the world is full of educated derelicts.
Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.

Chay Blyth, sailor

Close to the wind

2008-09-17T09:37:00.000-05:00

Raphael was 160 miles away to windward in this atrocious conditions.
But I had to go, I knew that.

The decision had been made for me a long time ago by a tradition of
the sea.

Pete Goss

Quote

2008-09-16T20:27:00.002-05:00

IT IS NOT BECAUSE THINGS ARE DIFFICULT THAT WE DO NOT DARE...
IT IS BECAUSE WE DO NOT DARE THAT THEY ARE DIFFICULT.
SENECA

Steel boat with the telephone pole masts

2008-09-12T14:49:00.009-05:00

I had a real "Wow!" moment while finishing Bernard Moitessier's book "Tamata and Alliance".

To make a long (but good) story short he lost his boat "Joshua" in the storm while in port at Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, 25 other boats were lost that day. After digging in tons of sand and gravel they excavated the boat on the beach and found out that despite the total loss of mast, rigging and rudder the 21 old steel hull was intact and watertight and was afloat the same day.

This is the first lesson I have learned, if I ever go to the big blue Pacific for some serious time I will make sure to have a "tank" of a boat made of steel with a full length keel that will allow me to beach and paint the boat in the low tide on the sandy beach anywhere in the world.

Later on, in the book, his friends have built him another boat, Tamata. After buying the steel sheets and welding the boat within weeks according to a design plan, he used telephone poles for the masts which they smoothed with a simple electric plane!

Now, cheap boat like that will not win any speed races, or beauty contests, but think about it... no super-expensive aluminum masts just a common sense set up that have worked for him time-and-time around the world thru the lifetime at the sea.

The picture is of a nice wooden-mast ketch in the Kenosha Harbor.

Swaging the wires

2008-09-10T18:57:00.000-05:00

One of the last things left for Lil Walkabout to happen is swaging the halyard wires...

Here it is how it is done "Thimble and Ferrule Swaging":

Bernard Moitessier "Tamata and Alliance"

2008-09-08T19:50:00.001-05:00

See articles I wrote about this book:

Steel boat with the telephone pole masts

Guam

Masthead installed

2008-09-08T10:04:00.012-05:00

Art installed the mast head which was welded at the break, then the aluminum plates on both sides were added and welded for additional support. This fix cost me several hundred dollar, but I figure it was still cheaper than ordering a new one that is approximately the same size and trying to customize it to the mast.

George from "Boat Farm" did a very good job machining the aluminum.

Guam

2008-09-01T00:15:00.002-05:00

Reading of the book by Bernard Moitessier "Tamata and the Alliance" makes you think about the Pacific and its islands.

Pacific has always been a realm of dreams for me. As a child I have read Julius Verne and watched "Dolphin Oum" cartoons. Later, in life I visited some of these places.

The coast of Washington and Oregon are by far the most beautiful places I have ever been to. California carries its dreamy spirit where I have spent many evenings sitting on the beach looking at the balmy sunsets. I lived in Okinawa for three years and dove countless times on the coral reefs. I visited Hawaii twice in transit, but I have never been to the South Seas.

The closest I have ever gotten to the equatorial paradise on Earth was Guam.

My visit to Guam was brief, just a long lay over on the flight from Hawaii to Okinawa. I was on the military flight in the enormous Air Force C-5 Galaxy cargo plane, I don't remember anymore if Guam was a scheduled stop, or not, but I remember vividly that our plane broke down and we had an emergency landing and evacuation on some back-strip of the Andersen Air Force base in the middle of the night amongst tall cane, or grasses. The evacuation was brief, we were not to take any personal things with us, we stood some few hundred feet away from the plane, and I just remember seeing some kind of hydraulic fluid shooting up in the fountain from the port wing. When I asked on of the crew if that happens often, he said "Every time you get on it..."

To give you some idea about what it means to realize that your plane broke over the Pacific you have to imagine that the distance from Hawaii to Guam is twice as far as California to Florida and there are only couple of small islands between: Wake Island and Marshal Islands far to the south and absolutely nothing between, except sharks. Okinawa is another New York to Denver distance away.

Next day, I needed to find some other arrangement to fly to Okinawa and that would not happen for the next 16 hours, so I hitchhiked to the beach.

For someone who spent 3 years in Okinawa, you might think another island will not make much impression, but Guam was different. It is not so much for the climate (Guam is about 12 degree north of the Equator), but rather for the coconut palms and the people. I remember walking the sandy groves of the coconut palms and watching the absolutely cute brown skinned local kids playing between the palms and on the white sandy beach. Absolute paradise.

I did not see much of the island but my trip to the beach showed me enough, it planted in me a desire to come back to South Pacific.

Since I was really shaken about flying the military craft so soon again, especially since I know that our own Marine jets are old and held together on duck tape and chewing gum, I was glad to jump on a small slick looking medical jet only to find out that I was the only passenger there that wasn't on the verge of dying.

Two Happiest Days of The Boat Owner's Life.

2008-08-30T20:21:00.012-05:00

Many people told me that there are two happiest days in the boat owner's life: when they buy the boat and when they sell it.

I am not sure it is true for the real sailors, I have seem many happy long-time owners, but there must be something to it since this truism is repeated so often.

So far the ownership was nothing but an extreme stress to me. I mean extreme.

Below are some of the problems I was dealing with since I bought her.

After I put her on the water she was was leaking. I was worried: Will she sink? Will I come back in the morning and see the mast top breaking the surface? The bilge pump is not automatic, should I visit/pump her every day? (1 hr. trip, each way). I just talked to a guy whose boat sunk in the port. Two weeks later I realized that she is tight, the water particles tend to plug up any small cracks. She does not leak any more. I did install an automatic bilge pump.

The masts had to be taken down for the bridges in Chicago, I had to pay for taking the mast down, then wait in Belmont for a week, step the mast back up, pretty expensive adventure.

The engine transmission does not work. Should I look for a mechanic to fix a tranny, or to install the outboard?

The first outboard did not work. I made many trips from Chicago to suburbs and back, each time installing, removing and carrying the heavy (85 lbs.) engine. The second, new, engine is very expensive!

The masthead broke off with the backstay, the fix is VERY expensive and time consuming. Will the mast on supported halyards alone fall and break some other boat, sink my boat?

Most of all every daily trip to the store seems to cost $250, like magic, always.

- outboard bracket $230

- new wire-to-rope halyards $250

- new shackes and exit plates $250

- new mast head fix $300 + much headache

- rigging labor $400 + $300 + $180

- mast up/down/up $400

- battery-to-engine cables and misc stuff $250

- automatic bilge pump and wire $100

- engine $3200

TOTAL SAILING: 1.5 hours!!!

I don't want to scare the potential boat owners, but this sport is not for a faint-of- heart. Be aware, and rather become a crew (I really need a good crew), then drown all your savings into a boat.

I will keep the boat because I have dreams of sailing to Canada, 30,000 islands of Georgian Bay, maybe Lake Superior in next couple of years.

Later, if I still like cruising maybe Caribbean, Azores, Mediterranean, Malta, Croatia, South/East Africa Mauritius, Reunion, Pacific, French Polynesia, Galapagos ...

spices: line-to-line, wire-to-line, eye-splice

2008-08-27T14:41:00.003-05:00

braided rope splicing:

3-braid rope splice:

wire eye splice:

wire-to-rope halyards

2008-08-25T20:53:00.000-05:00

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|118|75227|753823&id=75388

2008-08-24T16:59:00.000-05:00

Broken Masthead

2008-08-24T14:46:00.001-05:00

O'Day Sailer

2008-08-24T14:44:00.000-05:00

Irwin 28 masthead casting has cracked...

2008-08-24T11:39:00.002-05:00

I am still in limbo about the masthead, the new pieces are over $400 and they don't even are that good.

http://www.pearsonariel.org/discussion/archive/index.php?t-47.html

This was posed by Theis:

I too had the problem with the masthead casting being broken. In my case one the "ears" had broken off.

The prior owner put a plate, perhaps it was 1/4" thick, on the side of the masthead fitting with the broken ear, and bolted the plate to the side through the solid center of the masthead casting. That worked for more than a decade, although I don't know if it was by luck or because of engineering design.

When I redid my Ariel, I removed the masthead casting and had a plate welded by my local steel supply house to cover the full length of the casting. That fitting is too important to take any chance on corrosion or something else not benign. So I did it right.

The plate is the approximate shape of the entire side of the casting, including both ears on the one side, so it totally overlaps the flat side of the casting. Additionally a smaller plate, with a thickness and shape similar to the broken ear, was welded to replace the missing ear, so that the gap between the port and starboard ears remained approximately what it was originally.

He also welded a plate similar to the full plate on to the good side of the masthead, just to be sure nothing on the other side broke. The way it is now, I don't think one of those Daisy chain bombs they used in Afganistan would break the casting - which is the way it should be! Hope that helps and makes sense.

Cleaned and oiled the hatch boards

2008-08-22T18:15:00.000-05:00

Zion, IL

2008-08-19T20:50:00.002-05:00

This beach is really hidden and probably only locals know about it. I came to it by walking south from the North Point Marina, IL where my sailboat is staying. Today, there were strong waves from the North East and the beach was churned, but the swim was very good.

2008-08-19T20:49:00.001-05:00

Here is Lili chasing seagulls on the empty beach south of North Point Marina, IL. THe walk was very long and very refreshing, the water was very nice.

Lil Walkabout

2008-08-18T19:49:00.001-05:00

Backstay broke

2008-08-18T19:23:00.000-05:00

Walkabout out of Chicago

2008-08-18T14:39:00.003-05:00

This is about half way between Chicago and Winthrop, IL (North Point Marina).

You may see how much smog there is over Chicago, part of that was caused by hundreds of boats and the air show.

The trip took from about 1:30 PM until 8 PM, average speed was about 5.8 knots.

The water was almost flat all the way.

Steve on his Pearson sailboat

2008-08-18T14:38:00.001-05:00

Steve is doing the usual great job of single handling his Pearson sailboat. This is just outside the Belmont harbor.

Jim "Posh" on Walkabout

2008-08-18T14:36:00.002-05:00

Buying iPhone 3G with GPS

2008-08-13T19:23:00.004-05:00

Despite of the fact I already have an iPhone, I wanted to get the iPhone 3G with GPS to use while sailing (iNavX app) or mountain tracking. My wife would perfectly happy to use my previous model.
I don't believe in "hiring the carpenter to fix the plumbing", so I drove 40 minutes to the Apple store to get it, instead of local AT&T store. There, I learned that Apple went entirely away with the idea of the register and with many people in the place getting any attention without elbowing the neighbors took me 15 minutes. Finally, I flagged down a store clerk who directed me to another one as if selling the item was too difficult for the local "geniuses" in that bar. The sales person, to my astonishment, has put me in waiting line behind a tape. There in waiting line I happened to be the only waiting person, but I guess that made no difference to the sales person. The salesperson asked me diligently if I want an 8 Gb, or 16 Gb phone, black, or white then told me they have only white 8Gb models. Once I made this convenient selection, he wrote a small slip of paper and gave it to another sales person. Now, that I was served by 3 very nice people, each in a different color T-shirt we got down to business. I answered FBI type of questions and after there was nothing else personal about me they could get I gave them my credit card. After running the card they told me that they cannot sale me the iPhone because I have a corporate discount with AT&T and that is blocking the transaction. Fuming, after wasting 2 hours of my time I left without the phone.
Next day, I gave a try the local AT&T store. This time more luck: a local store and the clark waiting in the door -- great, I thought! The nice lady with a notepad asked us if I want to "order" the iPhone, I asked if "ordering" is the same as "buying", she said no, they don't actually have any in stock and that the waiting period if "only" 10 days, which apparently was a good deal comparing to previous 20 days.
I was not surprised when she took my name and asked me to wait.
The salesperson could as well drop the "sales" from his title, he was just a person. To order the iPhone it took him 15 minutes of fumbling with the computer keyboard, listening to the conversation of the girls next to us and asking me another set of FBI questions (Do they really need to know if my place is a house or apartment building?)
Finally, I asked him if he would recommend me a better minutes plan to which he said my plan is fine. I asked him, what about the $600 bill last month. He said "Oh!". $20 addition to my bill fixed the issue.
Why do I write this?
I hope that iPhone gets a real competitor really soon. I hope that Google Android phone operating system will be awesome.

Heavy Weather Sailing

2008-08-13T09:21:00.004-05:00

Observe weather report:

- if wind is over 15 mph prepare the mainsail reef

- if wind is over 30 mph say in harbor

Observe the waves:

- if waves are too big (4+ feet) and short in length (NE wind on Lake Michigan), try to run with them at the angle, this makes the waves longer.

- you may not be able to sail against the tall waves, which is also a very uncomfortable roller-coaster ride

When the boat heels over 20 degrees (look at the compass, it has a tilt scale on the bottom)

- furl the jib to about 20% or hankerchief, do not fold it all the way as it will help maintain the balance of the boat

- tighten the Cunningham to flatten the mainsail vertically

- tighten the outhaul to flatten the mainsail vertically

- tighten the boom-vang so the boom is not lifted up when the wind puff blows

If sailing towards the wind:

- point closer to the wind and release the main sheet, this will spill the wind and reduce the heel

- keep the mainsail tighten only slightly past the fluttering (loose)

- move the traveller to the lee (lower side)

If sailing with the wind (running):

- bring the main sheet and traveller in to lessen the angle of the mainsail and to spill the wind

Reefing the main:

- have a reefing line prepared BEFORE you go sailing

1) easy the boom vang

2) easy the main halyard

3) put the reef grommet on the reef horn

4) pull in the reef line and secure the new clew

5) tighten the main halyard and Cunningham

6) tie in the excess sail

7) tighten the boom vang

Articles:

http://www.sailingusa.info/weather_and_reefing.htm

"Kudos" change name to "Lil Walkabout"

2008-08-12T10:45:00.006-05:00

lil (ly'l)
1) a little,
2) or short from Lili, my daughter's name

walk·about (wôk′ə bo̵ut′)

In Australian aboriginal cultures, a "walkabout" is a ritual in which a young man goes on a solitary journey through the wilderness in an attempt to learn more about his own character and strength.

Australian: A temporary return to traditional aboriginal life, taken especially between periods of work or residence in white society and usually involving a period of travel through the outback.

Walkabout is an Australian English word originally referring to the belief of non-indigenous Australians that Aboriginies were prone to "go walkabout" - a pidgin expression meaning that they would stop doing their jobs and wander through the bush for weeks at a time. This was a time of reflection and a chance to connect with nature and to rediscover one’s self.

This has lead to a modern usage, whereby someone who has wandered off (for a few minutes or a few months) is said to have “GONE WALKABOUT”. It can also apply to a missing item, for example, "Have you seen my pencil, Jack? It's gone walkabout again."

Genoa for Irwin 28

2008-08-12T10:32:00.001-05:00

Link to the sailmaker

Sailing with Fairwinds' Dragons

2008-08-12T09:02:00.009-05:00

Two new Beneteau used by Fairwinds:

Large cockpit:

Beautiful interior:

Delivery of "all-important" toilet paper to a another sailboat in the open water, Lake Michigan:

Irwin 28 sailboat interior pictures

2008-08-12T08:43:00.005-05:00

Folding table on the bulkhead

Nav station is a little unstable and needs to be move about a foot to the right:

Moby Dick by Herman Melville

2008-08-12T02:39:00.001-05:00

Here is another maritime classic to read or listen to for FREE:

http://librivox.org/moby-dick-by-herman-melville/

Support this blog and buy it from Amazon:

First sail after stepping the mast

2008-08-10T22:05:00.007-05:00

I got up early and drove to Chicago, it usually takes about 1.5 hours, but today, on Sunday morning, it was a breeze.
I went all the way to the south side to pick up Art, the "professional" boat guy that was supposed to help me set up the rig. Since I got there too early, I parked and waited politely until 9 AM, the time I was supposed to call and wake him up.
Art picked after a few redials, he said he is passed out on his boat after drinking and smoking until 3 AM in Belmont Harbor. He also said he is going back to sleep. I asked him is he wants breakfast, but he said no.
I turned around and drove to Belmont, some 50 city blocks.
Once I arrived I realized I am stuck without any means of getting on my boat parked on the "star" dock in the middle of the port -- Art had the dingy and was asleep.
The Harbor Master office told me that Belmont does not have a tender service, the girl at the desk did not even know what it means. I offered to one of the workers $20 for a ride, he refused to take it, but was nice enough to give me to take me to the boat.
I decided not to wake up Art until 30 minutes before our appointment at 1100 with the Harbor Master at the crane. After some knocking on his boat he finally answered, later he asked me to postpone the appointment a little, I did not think that was cool, but there was no harm.
Setting of the rig went pretty well and amazingly quickly. Art was upset with me that I did not have any bigger pliers then the one I usually cary with me on the sailboat. He did so drinking another beer.
I could not help but to mention that he called himself a professional (rigger) and he did not bring any tools.
After setting of the sails we decided to go out for a short sail to see how the boat will do, which was a part of the deal. He was supposed to show me the ropes. Konrad, my brother and Steve a neighboring boat owner joined us.
Even before we go out from the harbor Art went below to rest, I was thinking that is cool, but soon I asked him to come up because the waves were huge because of the North-East wind that pushed them all the way from Canada (well almost). Art did not surface, but rather passed out on the settee.

We got a real beating. We had too much sail for the wind, only about 15 mph true, but with an awfully choppy sea it threw us around. Spray was breaking on the bow and hitting us on the face, which actually felt awesome. Finally, we got the mainsail down and sailed on the jib only. Since we went out straight East on the port tack I wanted to come about and sail back West, it was supposed to be only 30 minute sail and we were out much longer. Well, coming about in heavy seas is difficult, the waves push you right back. Art thru his sleep told me to gybe, which did not cross my mind since I sail on the small boats and that would definitely capsize a dingy.

The gybe went very smooth to my surprise and it became a little more comfortable. ABout half a mile of the shore we tried to start an outboard motor that I borrowed from Art and it died on me few times.
Finally, we made it back to the harbor on the jib only and with the motor in idle.

The story ended all good, but I realized few things. First, do not expect too much of people. If all that Art doing is drinking then it is expected that he will get drunk and passed out. He has done it before and he did it this time, thanks to Steve who has been sailing these waters and he helped us bring the boat back. Secondly, maybe I should not have Art on the delivery to North Point Marina, as he probably will repeat the act.

In Belmont Harbor

2008-08-10T09:56:00.000-05:00

I have been staying in Belmont harbor since Friday August 8, 2008.
Need to step the mast (Sunday at 11 AM) and get the outbord Envirude
15 HP on Tuesday.
Next weekend is the "Air and Water Show" in Chicago, thinking to stay
and see it before sailing up to North Point Marina.

Wow! what a view and calm water.

2008-08-09T20:38:00.001-05:00

Art on the "Creep Show"

2008-08-09T18:30:00.002-05:00

Approaching Chicago, off North Beach

2008-08-09T17:50:00.001-05:00

Dark clouds passed us to the south

2008-08-09T17:49:00.003-05:00

Belmont harbor

2008-08-09T01:46:00.001-05:00

I am at
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=41.938766,+-87.637375

MacENC & BU-353 GPS

2008-08-07T10:00:00.001-05:00

Sea bags from Ace Hardware?

2008-08-06T10:58:00.001-05:00

One of the necessities on the sailboat (limited space and possibility
of getting wet) is having a good, water resistant, sea bag.

Ace is selling a nice size "Laundry Bags" that fit that description
perfectly and relatively cheaply.

http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2463028&cp=2568443.2568448.2626069.2627773&fbc=1&cp=2568443.2568448.2626069&fr=StorePrice%2FACE%2F00000000%2F00002500&categoryId=2627773&fbn=StorePrice%7CUnder+%2425.00&parentPage=search&searchId=36685900564

It is a hot air ballon gondola!

2008-08-06T10:25:00.001-05:00

Chicago Tribune reported a UFO landing near the Canal St.

On the water

2008-08-06T10:11:00.001-05:00

Irwin 28 sailboat out of the water pictures

2008-08-06T08:48:00.001-05:00

Boats.com - How To: All About Anchors

2008-08-06T01:52:00.000-05:00

http://www.boats.com/news-reviews/article/all-about-anchors

North Point Marina

2008-08-05T17:52:00.002-05:00

North Point Marina is one of the most beautiful places to bring your sailboat to, the surroundings are serene, natural preserve all around, the grounds are neat, spacious and taken care of.

Google Maps

O'Day Day Sailer for sale $900 o.b.o.

2008-08-05T13:07:00.005-05:00

http://www.sailboatlistings.com/view/10430

more pictures:

http://flickr.com/search/?q=day%20sailer&w=19039588%40N00

Day Sailer is a relatively stable boat for learning or for protected waters, we sailed it many times with a 4 year old daughter on board. Small cubby up front, great to stow gear and a place for a child. The mast SWINGS backwards (custom set up) when putting away, making it easier to step it. 6 ft. benches are very roomy for 4 adults.

Rigging hardware, lines, jib and main sail in very good condition. Fresh water only. Swing keel. Trailer included. Anchor 8 lbs included.

UTC and other time standards

2008-08-04T12:33:00.000-05:00

http://leapsecond.com/java/gpsclock.htm

Lee Cloth

2008-08-04T08:42:00.004-05:00

In addition to the pipe berth, lee cloth is a great addition:

- prevents you (or your kid) from falling off the bed,
- protects you from getting hit by things (or people) falling down from windward
- adds privacy
- when not used folds over the berth and protects the mattress

Pipe berth

2008-08-04T08:38:00.005-05:00

I have been reading about pipe berths in books, there are many good things about them:
- light,
- easy to clean/dry
- comfortable (comparing to hammock or narrow mattress)
- hold you better in the waves than a mattress
- easy to stow away

Irwin 28 "Kudos": to do list...

2008-08-03T21:23:00.005-05:00

- install the controls for the outboard motor (start key, gears and throttle)
- drill and screw in the motor to the bracket
- check the thru-hull fittings for leaks (old engine water intake)
- finish the bright work (teak)
- spray the "Helmsman" polyurethane into the coaming boxes
- swim ladder

Chicago River bridges

2008-08-03T20:40:00.002-05:00

Picture from Wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_River

Joshua Slocum - Sailing Alone Around the World.

2008-08-03T20:16:00.001-05:00

Audio Book on Librivox.org (highly recommended):

http://librivox.org/sailing-alone-around-the-world-by-joshua-slocum/

Canal Street Marina, Chicago , IL

2008-08-03T14:44:00.009-05:00

+41° 51' 1.01", -87° 38' 2.74" (41.850281, -87.634094)

View Larger Map

Anchor 28 foot Irwin

2008-08-03T07:53:00.000-05:00

Recommended size:
Danforth 12 pound
Plow 20 pound

Nylon rope diameter: 7/16in (11mm)
Chain 1/4in (6mm) x 16-46 feet

Line scope: 30 foot depth x 7 = 210 feet

GPSNavX iNavX

2008-08-02T02:54:00.004-05:00

It is finally available!

First observations:

1) The chart of the Lake Michigan is pretty large scale and I cannot zoom in to see the particular harbor (entrance). I am sure that can be fixed by uploading specific charts, I just did not figure out how (Lake Michigan uploaded automatically).

2) I did not figure out how to sync the Routes and Waypoints with MacENC yet, but I've seen the functionality is there.

3) I would like my iPhone to be able to tell my MacENC where I am.

Sailing on Amazon river? - No, not really.

2008-08-02T02:50:00.001-05:00

This video is not related to sailing on great lakes, but it is amazing and worth seeing...

Fast Sailing video

2008-08-02T02:34:00.000-05:00

MacBook Pro power on 12VDC sailboat

2008-08-02T01:47:00.004-05:00

In order to run your charts on the sailboat for 8 hours you need to plug it in.

MacBook Pro operates on 18 VDC.
There is a possibility it would run on 12 VDC, but I don't want to try.
The MacBook Pro 110VAC power supply uses 85 Watt.
Draw: (85 Watt/110 Volt) = 0.77 to 0.9 Amps (conversion waste)
So the basic alternator with 2 Ampere charging should sustain it when motoring.
Of course you need a 12 VDC to 110VAC inverter (100W) that costs about $35.

Winthrop Harbor - turn

2008-08-02T01:09:00.000-05:00

Canal St. Marina to Winthrop Harbor

2008-08-02T00:29:00.006-05:00

iNavX™ - Marine Navigation for iPhone (3G with GPS)

2008-07-31T21:54:00.005-05:00

This software will be available soon, it is already submitted to the Apple Store.

The cost is anticipated to be about $50.00 which together with iPhone $199.00 beats any decent handheld GPS offering (Colorado costs $600.00).

There will be no additional cost for charts as NOAA US waters coverage is included.

I cannot wait!

http://www.inavx.net/

Links: GPS + Apple Mac + iPhone

2008-07-30T22:38:00.000-05:00

http://www.macgpspro.com/?id=0

http://www.inavx.net/

http://www.thegpsstore.com/US-GlobalSat-BU-353-USB-port-GPS-Receiver-P869C270.aspx

http://www.gpsnavx.com/MacENC/

http://www.gpsnavx.com/

Electric Motor Conversion

2008-07-28T12:57:00.004-05:00

http://www.solidnav.com/explorer.htm

http://www.thunderstruck-ev.com/sailboatkit.htm

http://www.electricvehicleswa.com/boats.php

Contract for the boat sale

2008-07-24T22:23:00.008-05:00

BILL OF SALE OF BOAT / VESSEL (Sold "As-Is" without Warranty)
STATE OF ILLINOIS COUNTY OF ________________

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS:

THAT I, ________________________________________________ [seller's name], ("Seller"),

of ____________________________________________________ [seller's address],

County of ________________, Illinois, in consideration of

payment of $ ____________________________________________ dollars
($_________________), do hereby sell and transfer

to __________________________________________ ______ [buyer's name], ("Buyer"),

of ____________________________________________________ [buyer's address],

County of ____________, Illinois, his/her successors and assigns, the following boat ("Boat"),

which is located ___________________________________________[yard/marina]
in the County of ________________, Illinois:

Make:
Model:
Year:
Length:
Previous Title (# and owner name on title):

Registration #: IL

Serial or Hull ID (HID) #:
General Boat Type:
Engine Number:
Engine/drivetrain description:
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________

INVENTORY OF EQUIPMENT. The Seller represents that the Boat contains the following equipment:
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
[In the lines above, include a description of the Boat's equipment, such as any deck equipment, electronics, navigation equipment, safety equipment, sails and rigging.]

To have and to hold the same unto Buyer and Buyer's executors, administrators, and assigns, forever.

WARRANTY OF OWNERSHIP. The Seller warrants that the Seller is the true and lawful owner of the Boat, and that the Boat is free of any and all legal claims, encumbrances, and offsets by others. Further, the Seller warrants that the Seller will defend the Buyer against any and all lawful claims and demands
whatsoever in relation to this bill of sale.
DISCLAIMER OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES. OTHER THAN THE SELLER'S WARRANTY OF OWNERSHIP STATED ABOVE, THE BUYER TAKES THE BOAT, ENGINE(S), AND EQUIPMENT "AS-IS" WITHOUT ANY WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO THEIR CONDITION. THE BUYER HAS PERSONALLY INSPECTED THE BOAT, ENGINE(S), AND EQUIPMENT AND ACCEPTS THEM "AS-IS".
ADDITIONAL TERMS OF SALE.

The Seller and Buyer agree to the following additional terms in conjunction with this bill of sale:
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________

Seller:
Driving license number:

________________________
Signature

Printed Name: _______________________
Buyer:

________________________
Signature

Printed Name: _______________________

STATE OF ILLINOIS COUNTY OF ________________

SWORN TO AND SUBSCRIBED BEFORE ME, this the ____ day of ________________, 20____.

____________________________
NOTARY PUBLIC

My Commission Expires: ________________

learning Sailing: jib & genoa

2008-07-24T21:21:00.001-05:00

roller-furling system overview:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzg0Z6_tAuI&NR=1

Learning Sailing: mainsail

2008-07-24T21:10:00.004-05:00

raising the main sail:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5byPfsCmd8M&NR=1

adjusting the sail shape:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZ7tmosvPTI&feature=related

boom vang:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9cmwySbS2g&NR=1

Learning Sailing: hiking out

2008-07-24T21:03:00.003-05:00

This short video mentions that even on the keel boats like Irwin 28 (3,000 lb. ballast) it may be beneficial to "hike out" and sit on the "high" or "windward side".
It shows the idea of cross-sheeting and a nice combination of the winch and the cleat.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kf8ihMZEAGc&feature=related

Lake St. Clair, Michigan

2008-07-23T22:31:00.002-05:00

can you say: a boating party?
http://www.aerialpics.com/J/jobbienooner07.html

Lake Superior pictures

2008-07-23T22:09:00.003-05:00

http://www.aerialpics.com/H/greatlakesshoreline.html

Another great picture and place:
http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=729

Lake Huron, Georgian Bay, Canada picture

2008-07-23T21:58:00.006-05:00

I found this picture by Rolf Hicker on this site, I thought it is beautiful and worth visiting place.

another:

front hatch replacement

2008-07-23T20:47:00.001-05:00

West Marine sells these hatches that I might use as replacement to the old leaking wooden one.

sealing the deck of the sail boat

2008-07-23T20:45:00.003-05:00

Sealing the hull-deck join, toe rail:

- 3M 4000UV adhesive sealant around the screw hole perimeters
- 5200 caulking

keep in mind that caulking does not adhere to stainless steel

Bibliography:

http://www.yachtsurvey.com/DeckLeaks.htm

Learning Sailing: Coming About or Tacking

2008-07-23T19:58:00.000-05:00

Coming about: turning thru the wind, about 90 degree.
The main sail changes sides on it's own, don't touch it, watch your head. The boat hast to have momentum (be moving) to execute this maneuver.

1) say "Ready about?!"
2) the crew answers "Ready!"
3) move the tiller and say "Hard to lee!" (opposite of the wind)
4) release the leeward Jib sheet (line)
5) straighten the tiller, once past the direction of the wind
6) tighten the leeward jib sheet (wind switched sides)

watch the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTZw2mPm5FU&NR=1

Learning Sailing: Heave to

2008-07-23T16:52:00.001-05:00

Learning Sailing: Stopping the boat upwind.

2008-07-23T16:41:00.000-05:00

This video demonstrates how you can stop the boat by steering upwind:

Portable GPS

2008-07-23T10:02:00.001-05:00

I am looking for a GPS unit that would serve me both for marine and mountain trips.

Listings:

Garmin® Colorado 400 BlueChart GPS

Please provide recommendations or reasonably priced units.

Also, is anybody working on marine software for iPhone 3G?

Irwin 28. Electric Motor

2008-07-23T09:07:00.000-05:00

This topic is being updated, visit soon.

Bibliography links:

Elco Electric Launch

Etek Electric Outboard Motor Project

Electric Drive Systems

Parts links:

E-Tek electric motor from Briggs and Stratton 50 VDC, 12 HP peak, 2.7 HP sustained, $680

Perm Motor PMG 132, 15 HP peak, 6 HP sustained, $925

Irwin 28. Converting to outboard?

2008-07-22T22:10:00.001-05:00

My transmission needs rebuild, the engine is the original gasoline Volvo from 1974.

I found couple of pictures of Irwin 28 with the outboard motors.
This admittedly does not make the sailboat any prettier, but it helps with:

- no oil in the bilge,
- no fumes inside,
- no noise inside,
- lots of extra room for additional batteries, sails even future electric motor

I found these articles:
http://www.onlineoutboards.com/article_choosing_outboard_hp.html

http://www.stewartfam.net/arlyn/outboards.html

Seems like 9.9 hp should be plenty with these features:
- 4 stroke
- 2 cylinder
- 12 volt charging

- high thrust prop
- deep (long) prop

Parts:

Outboard bracket from West Marine

Do you have experience with outboards on Great Lakes? I will really appreciate constructive comments...

UPDATE (August 13, 2008):

1) I have delivered the boat with a loaned 9.9HP 2 cycle up Chicago River, Chicago Harbor to Belmont Harbor.

2) We sailed and motored in very heavy winds with the same 9.9 HP and it was sufficient.

PS: I hate to lean over the transom in heavy seas and cord-start the motor. I rather have the battery starter the cockpit.

What are your sailing dreams?

2008-07-21T22:34:00.002-05:00

Click on the image to enlarge:

Explore on Google Maps

28' Irwin 1974

2008-07-21T21:43:00.006-05:00

Here are a few details on this model.
This info is for people like myself who spend a lot of time researching the web and finding very little on this particular sailboat.

L.O.A 28.5 feet
L.W.L 22.6 feet

Hull Speed = square root ( LWL ) * 1.34 = 6.35 knots

Draft with keel 4.5 feet (my boat)
Draft with keel/centerboard 3' to 7'3"
Sail area 394 sq. ft.
Hull fiberglass
Displacement 7,900 lbs.
Ballast with keel 3,000 lbs lead (my boat)
Ballast with keel/centerboard 3,200 lbs lead
Headroom 6'2"
Number of berths 5
Engine Universal Atomic 4 - 30hp
Engine Volvo Penta 2 cylinder (my boat)

Please post any corrections. I will be happy to hear for all the owners, I will be very happy to post any stories realted to the Irwin 28, Great Lakes, or sailing in general.