Ugly Cockpit

During the months of October to January, I started work on refreshing the cockpit. Everything would come out of the area. I took a few pictures so viewers can see how ugly the cockpit had become.

There were many voids, scratches, chips and cracks in the gel coat. The sun had also played a nice part in helping to make the cockpit look terrible. The wood that surrounded the cockpit was always adding time to the sanding and vanishing. Moist air form the cockpit lockers would permeate through the screw holes (holding the wood to the cockpit coaming) that the varnish would lift up from the wood. I decided to remove the troublesome wood.

The binnacle had been removed and it was not too easy. Bolts and cables were removed, and the boat was already on jack stands so easy does it when hoisting down a ladder. One can see the condition of the gel coat from the picture. Upon closer examination, I was able to see many pin holes from voids on the sole of the cock pit. Each void would require close inspection to determine if it traversed under the gel coat to other areas. I had no desire to revisit this area as a result of voids that I missed at this time of the work.

Of course when looking at a job like this one starts to ask the question "What have I gotten myself into?" I knew the if I could take the unit home, I could work on it in my garage. I would need to sand the paint off and paint new. Inspect the compass for leaks and replace or repair.

Here is the binnacle ready removed and resting on the cockpit seat.

During the winter month I did polish the ss wheel and U-Bar, cleaned the compass, replaced the wiring and cables, and repainted it. The plastic parts that were caps, or lids were repainted black.

A future update will display a reconditioned unit. Please keep checking back here. I have been so busy lately that the posts have stopped; however, I have taken many more pictures and will share more very soon.

Side note - If one were to pay someone to re gel coat an entire cockpit the labor costs alone would be very high. The amount of grinding, sanding, body work, and finally spray gel coat process demands a lot of time. I did the work because I am able, and when I sit in my boat I do not wish to be reminded of all the things that need attention. Once pictures of the finished job is posted, one may appreciate the "labor of love" aspect.

Binnacle Work Update

The previous post displayed pictures of the condition of the binnacle. After removing places and mounts each part was cleaned and wire stripped or sand blasted of paint and dirt. Some of the plates were pitted and they needed the indentions to be filled with filler in order to create a smooth surface for the primer and paint.

I discovered several parts that needed to be improved, fixed, or replaced. The list below indicated the areas need of attention:


Compass had a Bubble - may need to replace if can not fix leak.

Throttle Cable Worn in Protective Cover - replace cable.

Compass Light Wire Splices - too many splices discovered. Replace wire.

Steering Mechanism Lubrication - Apply new grease to gears.

Binnacle Metal Plate Pitted - lean, prime and repaint.

Fasteners Distorted - replace screws

Binnacle Guard Dirty - clean and buff the rail to a shine


While I apply effort on the above list, I have ordered a new cable and have spent time repairing cracks and chips in the cock pit ice box lid. Three other cockpit lids are getting scrutiny as I make plans for work on them.

Cleaning for a New Direction

The work in the cockpit has taken a pause on account of the weather, I have been working inside where heat is easier to apply to the work area. My work shop is filled with epoxy type work and some of my projects are in the garage. I took the binnacle off Great Ketch and hung it from the beams in the garage. Note how it is suspended so that I need not require hunching over the project.


Objective: Clean the binnacle, remove the flaking paint, clean the throttle mechanism, repair any issues in the throttle/gear box, paint the aluminum parts, polish the stainless steel guard, lubricate moving parts, and add fluid to the compass.


The pictures show the areas where the paint starting flaking off the aluminum. When the paint is scratched, chipped, or worn then water can easily find its way between the metal and the paint. When water becomes trapped under the paint you can bet that corrosion will be the result. The best way to avoid the flaky popping bubble type of paint flaking is to try to prevent it from happening at all. Typically areas where metal has attachments points (Screws, bolts, or other) it is common for paint to be scrapped off or chipped. Once that tiny hole is available for water, its only a matter of time before water works is way under the paint.


On Great Ketch, one can see the most damage at the base, where there were many dents, and scratches and on the plate, where water sat and found its way through tiny holes where screw holes were. I took a wire brush to the base and the paint flew off just from the breeze caused by the rotating wire spindle. Seriously, the paint was in very poor condition.


Removing the stainless screws that held the plate onto the binnacle post was a challenge. The screws where frozen in the aluminum mount and it required two days of penetrating fluid and large screw driver and impact driver to coax and tease the screws out. The key is patience and vibration.

Once the cockpit has been completed in the spring -- I will gel coat the entire area -- then the refreshed binnacle will be placed into the boat and cables connected.

These 33' cat ketches were originally designed for a tiller. Note how the transom hung rudder extends higher than the cockpit. Hull #1 has a tiller and I believe Hull # 2, The wheel was an option during the build from order.

The picture toward left shows the binnacle without the compass, compass mount, stainless steel support mounts, and the throttle and gear box. Once I have completed this project I shall post the final project.

Happy New Year 2017

Happy New Year 2017. 

Great Ketch has is on the hard and been getting much attention; all in the winter project category. These projects are separated into three main areas.

1) Cockpit Refresh: bodywork to fill dents, gauges, scratches, and voids, and sanding as part of preparation for a new spray gel coat finish – to be sprayed during the warmer months of spring. This project requires the most hours of labor. There is much sanding to be done, shaping, and prep work before any gel coat is applied. One can see the amount of voids the cockpit possessed. I suspect that these cat ketches were not vacuumed cured. Helm steering binnacle will be cleaned and painted where appropriate. 

2) Stanchions: two new stanchions were fabricated so that I can fix a gate on starboard and port side of Great Ketch; old stanchions will be refreshed. New lifelines and appropriate hardware.

3) Miscellaneous: these projects include, hot water removal clean and refixed, new thermostat and new hoses. cockpit locker bilge area to be cleaned and repainted, cockpit locker lids reinforced with fiberglass/epoxy and new vents for waste tank and propane locker, new shorepower electrical wire inside boat, replacement of 30amp shorepower plug with SmartPlug, and electrical work. Varnish work on cabinet door and cabin sole bilge panel.

Three areas of project work is plenty when one considers the amount of work required for any one specific task; therefore, my future blogs will address the different projects and progress made. This blog entry is to provide readers with advanced notice of the content to expect within the next few weeks. These projects will each be assigned their own blog posting. 

Although not a movie trailer, the pictures below represent part of the three project areas that are worked interchangeably and intermittently during the winter months.

 

Holding Strong - Mantus Anchor Helps One Sailor to Sleep Better

What a difference an anchor can make in improving one's ability to sleep when spending a night on the hook.

I enjoy the experience of being on the hook during the night. Relaxed in the cockpit as the sun sets and feeling its warmth slowly temper to a calm coolness; laying on my back looking toward the glittering wonderment sparkled about the deep blackness, and the feeling with eyes closed of the gentle sway underneath my spirit; all has always been my enlightenment.


For years my Bruce anchor has treated me well, yet, I knew it was an old style designed anchor and my research has prompted me to purchase one of the new design anchors such as a Mantus anchor.

There is much information about the new design anchors compared to old style anchors, and readers must  form their own judgments pertaining to anchors. My intention is to not commence another anchor war debate - as there are many already about on the sailing forums - rather to share with readers my experience using the Mantus anchor.

A visible comparison of the old style and new style anchors is worth noting, and for myself, I see the difference plainly when I compare the design of the Mantus with the Bruce. The most obvious difference is the "roll bar." The Mantus has a "roll bar," and the Bruce does not.  The advantage of a roll bar is that it helps the anchor to set quickly. The negative of the roll bar is that it may pose a challenge for some pulpits when mounted.  My set up places the roll bar forward of the bow pulpit and avoids contention for space.

In order for the new Mantus to set well on my pulpit I purchased a Mantus bow roller.  The bow roller allows the Mantus to sit securely on the pulpit in the roller while placing the anchor forward of the pulpit. In the picture one notes the roll bar clear of the puplit and forward. Interestingly with humor, one of the fellow sailors in my marina thought the roll bar to be made as a handle so I can carry the anchor about easily -- It does make a nice handle, and that may have been a side benefit of the roll bar; however, I suspect it was not the primary reason to design such a "curve" appeal.

Setting the Mantus is very easy and she grabs quickly. My Bruce would drag slightly before finally setting; in contrast, the Mantus grabbed quickly, and, if it did drag it was too slight for me to notice.

In addition to the bow roller I added the optional Mantus mate. The mate hangs below the roller and offers additional stability to the anchor as well. The roller and mate are adjustable to accommodate different angle of bows and anchor placement. The system is a complete easy to install, easy to use, and easy to adjust system.

Conversations and emails with folks at Mantus Anchors was great. My emails were answered promptly, my calls always led to someone to speak about the product and related matters; moreover, they provided advice and ideas to mitigate any potential problems I might encounter in setting up the roller, mate, and anchor. Excellent customer service.

After several overnights on the hook,  I feel the Mantus has improved my boating experience; I look for more opportunities to anchor out overnight, I sleep better while on the hook, and am able to handle the gear easily with my manual windlass without issues.

Side Note - I have not had an opportunity to test the Mantus in winds over 20knots --- I am not a tester or reseller by profession, nor am I paid for my opinions and comments on any product in my blogs.

I am the first owner of a Mantus at my marina, and it has brought the attention of others. I have a hunch that others will be acquiring a Mantus anchor as well. Some have talked about purchasing a larger anchor and then stowing it apart and taking it out, -- connecting the parts together, the anchor plate to the shank, and then the roll bar-- for times when they may need more security. One of the nice things about the anchor is its ability to be taken apart for stow.

Picture toward left is of Great Ketch at anchor with the Mantus down below at the bottom of the lake, the Bruce anchor rests in its roller in the pulpit. This picture was taken at 6am in the morning.

2016 Launch

The slight hints of spring draws me with anticipation of sailing; the wind caressing across my skin, the smell of water, and the sparkle of sunlight dancing with broadway fashion of the New York City theatre district off the lake. Spring is where the beginning of life starts as the winter is nothing more than a retreat from having to mow the lawn. Oh sure, winter provides time to think about boat projects, and to save money for those boat projects, but when one is almost forced into a hibernation on account of freezing temperatures, little sunlight, and food exposure of the high carb kind, it is difficult to have the inclination of the sorts to feel like spring will ever take it turn. Kidding aside, winter does make the spring and summer so much more appreciative for us northerners that we do make the most of it during summer.

 Oh but brrrr,,,still winter months are nothing but the slow torture of denial for any sailor or wanna-be sailor. Those who share the slips in the marina with me must also endure looking at their boat on the hard; the loneliness of our boats sitting without a word or sound of their nature, no creeks, no pings of halyards against the mast, no howling of rigging, no flapping of sails, nothing,,, but silence.


Great Ketch waited more patiently than I, and she stood her ground under her tarp blanket. She had been tucked in during the month of October, and endured the cold days and nights. The frigid frost, snow, and rain made did not awaken her; rather,  only the warm spell in March that soaked across her bow did she call out.

The blanket came off, and her winter frame was removed. Enjoying the sun and warm days, she received a washing, polishing and waxing to good shine that she displayed a look of readiness. Alas...it wasn't long after her exposure to the sun when the cold winds came back to remind everyone that old man winter is alive and kickin'.

When I could, I would make my way to Great Ketch during the winter weekends to work on boat projects, I did remove a few cabinet doors to varnish, and other trim pieces as well (Another blog coming soon.)


It wasn't until the month April, after the first weekend that Great Ketch was was paraded to the launch by the travel lift and splashed down into the lake. Checking for leaks and priming the driplass before she was set afloat ensured a good beginning of the season. Starting the engine proved to effortless and the management and care of her engine was returned in the easy startup. Her Yanmar GM20 heart pumped healthy and smoothly

Every year, she performs such a ritual, and every year, it is new to me. A sailboat simple does not look like a sailboat until she is in the water. It is only upon boarding Great Ketch that the dreams of sunsets, morning sunrise, and waves feather against the hull does it feel like spring has truly come to be.

For some folks, a sailboat does not look like a boat until the masts are up and completely rigged; for me my initial satisfaction is when Great Ketch is in the water.


***** Future post will show the wood work, varnish of cabinet doors, sole varnish work, and trim work****

Transporting Masts

As part of my routine for preparing Great Ketch for winter storage as well as readying here for Spring time launch, I unstep and step the masts. 

To unstep the masts: The removal of the masts require the removal of two stainless steel rods at each mast located at the base its base. The rods prevent the mast from any upward movement -- in case of a knockdown, or roll. After the rods are removed and all wire connections have been disconnected from the mast, the mast boot is loosened. With the prep tasks completed, one merely wraps a thick line several times around the mast just below the gooseneck track and securely ties off the bitter end; the remaining line is connected to the hoop of the lifting crane. After both ends are secured, the cranking of the crane handle lifts the mast out of its plug and up it goes.

Transporting the masts on land: In order to move the mast from one location to another, I use a homemade dolly.  This dolly is made from wood purchased at local big box store, and the wheels are thin spoke style. The wheels make it easier for me to move about the boat yard. Using .5 inch metal rod as an axle the wheels are held on with two nuts locked together. 

Before I made the dolly, the mariner owner used a front loader to lift the mast and move it from one location to another. I thought it was a waste of his time to move the mast when it could easily be done by other means: the result is a simple dolly.  I have used the dolly every year, and learned that placing the dolly not at the end, but one third up from the base it is easier to lift and move the mast.

With the dolly strapped to the base end of the mast, one person can lift the other end of the mast and push it along. The Carbon/S-glass masts are not heavy, and make simple task for transporting by land -- without the aid of heavy equipment of multitude of men.

In the picture toward your right, one may note that the mast is riding on the dolly while a person lifts the other end. Moreover the viewer will note the flex in the Carbon/S glass mast -- an attribute that allows the mast to spill wind when its speed changes; thereby, acting as shock absorbers. The result is a smooth even heal ride when sailing. Great Ketch rides like a luxury yacht in shifty winds.

Transporting the masts on water: Another mode for transporting the masts is having them on the boat. When I purchased Great Ketch I needed to sail her on Lake Ontario on the New York State border to the canal entrance located in Oswego, New York. Transporting Great Ketch on our canal system made me feel like a modern Huckleberry Finn because there were many locations on the canal without any signs of civilization; just trees, bushes, and nature all about, 

The masts are placed on the center line of the boat and are supported by wooden frames. With straps securing the masts from rolling, -- I have no shroud branches to prevent the masts from rolling, but because the masts are elliptical they do not move much anyway  -- I am able to navigate the waterway with confidence. 

The viewer will note the calm waters, the peaceful sky line, and the seemingly never ending invitation of the waterway.  

To Step the Masts: Stepping the mast task is the opposite of unstepping the masts. Once the masts are lowered into the boat the Spartite ring on the mast ensures that the mast aligns exactly as it did upon their removal. The holes that the stainless steel rods are placed align accordingly.

Stepping and unstepping the masts is a two person operation, but having a third person is preferable. 

Why do I perform unstep and step the masts every year? The process allows me to clean, polish, wax and inspect the masts and all lights and hardware. The time and effort required to perform such a task is worth it. I also am able to wrap the masts in tarp tightly to protect is from the foul winter weather and UV. The masts are easy enough to move about and having them stored on wooden stands that are three feet high makes performing maintenance task easy.