Dave Williams

Thanks Mike and Frank for the quick replies. As far as short range. I only picture running the motor for short times but if that happens several times during multiple days of cruising and there is no shore power to recharge then--well you get the picture. I do not like the idea of running the generator in a quiet anchorage. I have been angered by that to many times. Peace and quiet and all that. I have maybe a space 3' x6' on the cabin top that could hold solar panals. I havn't researched what that would buy me as far as charging. Suppose there were times when I was traveling using the motor and I ran the generator at the same time just to help support the batteries. How close would I be to keeping up with power loss. Wouldn't be anymore noise that running a fourstroke? Also get a little help from solar during those days. Otherwise use battery power only for in and out of the dock. I defy anyone to show me a trickier slip than mine for getting into; but it's cheap and the only show in town. I really do use oars and sail whenever possible and since thats all I've had in the past I must have been pretty successful. Nothing more satisfying than sculling along out in the straits with a little current to help you along, listening and watching whats going on around, maybe dragging a fishing line, not really caring if you catch anything. Now that's living! I am however getting old! Anyway thanks for your thoughts. I havn't been around this forum much but it looks great. I'm heading for the Queen Charlotte Islands tomorrow ,be gone for maybe six weeks, so I'll check in before then and otherwise all the best to you all. Here's to kindness, Dave

Hello all, This is an interesting thread. I have been mulling over electric power for the boat I am rebuilding and hope to relaunch soon. She is probably at least twice the dissplacement of a Weekender, double ended and no good place to mount an outboard. She does have nearly 20ft of waterline length and a very slippery shape. I thought it may be easier to hang an electric off a bracket than a fourstroke, and easier to stow when not needed. I suspect I'd need more thrust than the motors being disscussed here. I sort of came to the conclusion that it wasn't a real option since I am typicaly out for multiple days, although right now I have no power other than a big yuloh. Then I recently came across a REAL steal on a little Honda generator and it got me thinking again. Hmm. Maybe a little solar panal also. Lots of sun in the San Juans in the summer. I don't expect to motor against much current around here. Timing the tides is the game and if I'm out for several days I can wait for favorable current. Use it only if there is no wind and only then if my arms are tired out. It's amazing the distance you can cover with oars and favorable current. Any thoughts. Capt. Jake and Stump, I have spent a lot of time around the San Juans and further north and I can tell you that there many places where 3 to 4 knots of current is not uncommon. Some of the narrower passes can run faster. Anyway, thanks all. I've enjoyed the conversation. To kindness, Dave

I laminated a stem once with gorilla glue. It was as normal made too long and I used the offcuts to do some testing. Everytime I stressed the joints they failed at the glue line. I rebuilt the stem with epoxy. It may be gap filling but that is not the same as saying that it structurally fills gaps! That's what I think. Good luck, Dave

Tom, I would ask again or try another yard. I think maybe they made a mistake on price. Although I am in the NW. Good luck, Dave

Benjamin, Great to have you here buddy! The world is a better place with more watermen. Good luck, and keep us posted on how your're doing. To kindness, Dave

This is wonderful; really, Really, Wonderful! Thanks folks and specially you young folks! Here's to kindness, Dave

Ray, Thank you very much for your generous thoughts. They are very useful especially as you say the insurance issues. Sorry about the mixup. You obviously spent some time getting that together and we wouldn't want to see that kind of generosity get lost. I appreciate it very much! My wife and I often comment that boat people are just about the nicest bunch of folks there is. Here's to kindness, Dave

Oyster, I actually took it off myself because after doing some looking around the B&B site I realized Graham had good information right there and I felt a little silly. I can post it again if you think others would be interested in adding their 2pennies. Kinda new here and just didn't want to use up space unneccessally . Thanks for your interest.

I should have added. For smaller spars and oar looms the only real good use for power tools is maybe to saw out the four sided tapers. A bandsaw is the tool of choice for this, but long tapers can be done well with a circular saw. Only problem, with a small stick there is not much width to register the saw table. If it is a big spar, then power may be useful to take it to eight sided and then sixteen, but it's a matter of scale and the hand tools are more satisfying. That's what I think, Dave

If you enjoy using the drawknife you wil LOVE a sharp spokeshave for fine work! My favorite tool by far. Here's to kindness, Dave