IsZataRock

Good luck, Carla. I'll be pullin' for ya!

Hi Folks, I'm a newbie to this forum so perhaps I should introduce myself. Hal Link. Sailor since I was able to find and fix up my first boat (a semi-rotted out Snipe) at the age of 15. Scars on my right hand to remind me that I'm somewhat inept with tables saws and other power tools. Long time multihull guy who has, in recent years, found that having a decent place to sleep on board is more important than going fast. I've jousted with Dawn Patrol and her intrepid crew on more than one occasion in the Everglades Challenge And I was impressed with her ability to stay with my faster and considerably less comfortable cats and trimarans. So when Doug told me about the Mark 3 series, I thought long and hard about it for about a week. Then began the conversations with Carla to get a kit for the 17'. The kit arrived in November last year and I'm currently gluing seams and bulkheads. Not a particularly fast or efficient builder, I guess. I plan to name my boat "Just in Time" because I'm hopeful that it'll be done in time for me to have a few good years cruising around before I retire to my rocking chair. And that would fulfill a dream I've had ever since I crossed Lake Mendota the first time and had to turn around. It is SO much better to be able to keep going, don't ya think? OK, now to my current dilemma. Can you help me understand the water ballast system on the Mark 2 and Mark 3s? We are to fill and empty using an Anderson bailer accessed through the hatch that is forward on the cockpit sole. With the boat still and well loaded, the ballast tank fills. When the boat is moving faster than, what 3 mph?, or perched on the trailer, it drains. No pumps are needed. The ballast tank is comprise of only the forward section of the cockpit module. The section behind Bulkhead 5 is dry but not accessible after construction. Is this correct? What else should I know about it? Also, what thoughts have been suggested for battery placement? I'd like to carry a healthy battery for lights, navigation, and steering. Seems appropriate to dedicate room adjacent to or in the ballast tank. I know that Graham has thought all this stuff out. But I'm hoping to minimize my questions to him and make good use of this forum. You folks have already given me a wealth of information. Hal

Graham, I LIKE it! Is this the cake we can have and eat too? Access to the forward mast and anchor well, good ventilation, ability to stand in the cabin, AND waterproof? Oh, and not as pricey as the very sweet design that Doug worked up. Looking forward to more details. And, since your boat is likely to be the first one with this design to be rained on, let us know if the weather stripping/combing configuration works as well as we hope. Hal

It pays to check the general, "messing-about" site once in a while rather than just reading about your Carlita build and gawking at pictures. I was just about ready to send a message to Carla when I noticed the posting about her surgery and recovery. Very sorry to think of her struggling with pain and infection when we would all like to think of her as being out and about and enjoying the summer. I pray for the best, quickest recovery possible for her and for the patience to deal with the difficulties in the meantime. Please continue to keep us updated on her progress. Hal (aka IsZataRock)