Pete McCrary

Chick,... I think it was simply that I thought that was the design. Also, now that it's done, I like it. Might be less trouble to create a slot in the bulkhead rather than two slots in the mast. And wouldn't a "crush" block inside the mast be a complication?

I called the keel strake for "Chessie" a keel "batten." Its cross section was only about 1 x 7/8. I permanently glues it on using 1.25" drywall screws -- which were removed after the cure. However, the 3/4" hollow half oval was bedded. The profile of the batten was shaped to fit into the hollow part of the half oval.

Jay,... Take it to a good body or truck shop. They might be able to straighten the mast. It'll be somewhat weaker, but maybe a welded doubler strip on the foreward side could restore enough strength. A good structural engineer should be able to figure out if it can be properly repaired. That would cost a bit unless you could fine an sailing engineer who would do it for a nice afternoon sail. Don't feel too bad. Our memories are far from perfect. I once pulled a rigged catboat under [a hot] electric cable -- breaking the cable and bending the aluminum mast into a 20 degree massive kink. It couldn't be repaired. Lucky I wasn't electrocuted!

Just a little more progress. If you mount the mainmast's retainer bolt to the mast with its threaded end going into the cabin thru the tabernacle and Blk #1, then [if you are raising the mast "solo"] you have a problem. How to hold the mast upright (actually raked aft by 2 degrees) -- while threading the retainer nut onto its bolt [which is inside the cabin]? Here's a simple solution: a jam stick. Here it's jammed against the faux mast (used when trailering). Proof of concept. Stowed out-of-the-way. Always available. I've verified that while standing in the foreward hatch, I can reach the stowed jam stick and jam it between the mast bolt head and the breast hook. Here are photos of the breakwater (for the forward hatch) fabricated out of a left-over oak stair tread. This week I may have her ready for the paint shop. We're expecting about 5 or 6 days of relatively warm weather. Ok for epoxy work.

At the bottom right of your posting there is the word "edit." It is faint, but if you click on it you will be able to edit and preview your posting, including the title. You may have to go to your first posting in order to fix the title.

A little gets done every day on "Chessie." I'll get her into the paint shop (for primer coats) by the end of January -- but she won't be sailing-ready until (probably) late February. The cabin fwd hatch is fabricated and the garage / companionway rails are epoxied in place. The cockpit and hatch coamings will be next. Here are some pixs. Companionway rails epoxied in place. Hatch [covers] dry fitted. Neat epoxy to raw plywood surfaces. The last photo shows my sketch for determining the size of the "cut-out" on the aft edge of the fwd hatch cover -- allowing a 1/8" space between the rotating aft edge and the hatche's aft coaming -- when the hatch is rotating to the open position. Hope it's right!

Amos,... That's just awful! These terrorist acts sadden us all. With six-degrees of freedom we'll all soon know someone who has really been hurt if not actually oneself.

Amos,... Check out my posting of 10/9/2015 at: http://messing-about.com/forums/topic/9758-motor-mount-suzuki-25-cs203-4/ Be sure to check my last posting (on that topic [11/11/2015]) and view the photos of the finished motor-mount. I had my new Suzuki 2.5 on hand before designing the transom interface. Take note that the Suzuki shaft has about a 5 degree slant (in its lowest adjustment) -- then 5 degree notches for 5, 10, 15, 20 ... degrees tilt. There is no position for 0 degrees tilt. And the transom for the cs20.3 is about 5 degrees negative. So, the motor's clamping block needs about 10 degrees positive tilt (with respect to the transom) in order for the prop shaft to be parallel to the surface of the water. And, depending on how far out-from-the-centerline you mount the motor, you'll need to lower the clamping block (down from the transom top) by about an inch -- in order for the cavitation plate to clear the boat's bottom when in the reverse position. That will require a "motor mount well" (into the deck) to allow for the clamping screws and the motor space when tilted out of the water. I had to do a "proof-of-concept" mock-up with the motor itself to clearly understand all the interface problems.

As suggested, I posted the "Tattoo" cruise story on "Boating and Cruise Stories" with photos of the CLC PockerShip. http://messing-about.com/forums/topic/10128-a-solo-cruise-in-tattoo-a-clc-pocketship/

"Remembering the good times on the Shallow Water Sailors (SWS) 2012 Spring Cruise on the Chesapeake Bay’s Chester River – I planned a 3 to 4 day cruise from the Centreville ramp to Davis Creek and then Chestertown and return. That would be about 32 nm total. My plan was to overnight on Davis Creek, then on to the town wharf or a marina in Chestertown the night of Thursday, October 11. I was looking forward to dinner ashore and a cozy bar to watch the vice presidential debate. Not needing a “designated driver,” I was sure to have an enjoyable evening. The weather was predicted to be pretty good with just a few showers from Wednesday thru Saturday and Sunday. Daytime temps in the 70s, 50s at night. "Leaving Manassas, Virginia, on Wednesday, October 10 at 5am I missed the morning commuter traffic and breakfasted at the McDonald’s on US 50 just west of the Bay Bridge. I launched Tattoo from the Centreville ramp, leaving my “float plan” on the dashboard of my pickup. There was a nice breeze from the west and after many tacks arrived on the south side of Spanish Peninsula at the Corsica River Yacht Club’s dock at just after noon. Tied up for a little lunch. "After lunch the wind had picked up a bit, so I tucked in a reef, and set out for Davis Creek. When the wind let up some, I shook out the reef and made good time until the outhaul came loose! It was my fault. When putting in the reef, the outhaul line was somehow looped on another cleat when securing the reefing cringle on the leech. She sailed fine when reefed, but when shaken out, the outhaul was a bit slack (I didn’t notice it) and after a few minutes, the line (no longer taught when coming about) shook itself loose from its cleat. Tattoo’s mainsail is loose footed. That left me trying to sail with just a big trapezoidal flag flapping in the breeze. "Sailing solo required that I start the engine, find an anchorage and set things shipshape. By the time I got it all right – I just motored on up to Davis Creek. I found a beautiful and quiet anchorage and deployed Tattoo’s canopy and side panels. (Tattoo’s inside cabin is very tight for sleeping and I usually sleep in the cockpit.) That job done – I took a break, enjoyed the onset of a quiet evening with a beer and chips. I was looking forward to a hot dinner and a quiet evening. Looking West. All so peaceful. A little later looking WNW - Storm clouds building (I didn't notice them before). "But it was not to be. A hardboiled egg and bottle of Rush’s Two-if-by-Tea would have to do. Contrary to the weather reports, the wind came up very quickly and strong from the north. Checking my VHF marine weather (for the first time), they gave “small craft warnings” until the next morning and predicted nighttime winds of 20 knots, gusts to 35! Tattoo was swinging on her anchor wildly in almost a 180 degree arc. The canopy and side panels were fluttering like mad making lots of noise. And the temperature was dropping fast. I noted my position by the parallax between far shore lights and the closer tree-line silhouette. The wave action, while not gentle, was also not alarming. The anchor held tight throughout the night. The wind remained strong and didn’t let up until past 3am. By early morning twilight the wind was light at my anchorage. "I had a good sleeping bag and had brought an old army blanket as reserve. It was needed as the temperature dropped into the 50s. I kept warm except for my head. I finally tied on my floppy hat with its chin strap. I have to admit that, if not frightened, I was very concerned during the night. Waking frequently to check Tattoo’s position and the weather, I was relieved each time that the anchor was holding fast and, at least, the wind wasn’t getting any worse. And though the wind and canopy were making a lot of noise, the canopy held fast. Also, it was a beautiful night: very clear, and I’ve never seen stars so bright. And the moon! It rose at about 2am as a waning crescent. At first I thought it was a head light of a car on shore. The VHF weather report was still predicting strong winds through Sunday night. During the night I decided to end my cruise as soon as possible. "My Davis Creek anchorage was peaceful at first light. I prepared a first class breakfast: coffee, bacon, pancakes (with butter and maple syrup), and 2 sunny side up eggs. The pancakes were “left overs” stowed in a zip-lock bag. Feeling much better, I considered stowing the canopy and sailing off the anchor. But I decided to see what it was like “on the outside” of protected Davis Creek. Good thing! Although it wasn’t “wild,” the wind (from the north) was very strong and as Tattoo came out of the entrance to Langford Creek, the waves began to build up. Giving up any thought of continuing my cruise, I proceeded (by motor) directly to Centreville with the wind behind Tattoo. Making better than 5 knots, we were almost surfing down some of the waves. "Arrived at the Centreville ramp by about 10am. Recovered Tattoo on the trailer and was on the road in time for lunch. Home by about 4pm. Slept to supper time and endured the vice presidential food-fight safely at home. "Lesson learned: check the VHF Marine Weather and don’t rely on regular weather reports." Previously posted on the CLC PocketShip Forum in October 2012. At Saint Michaels for the evening. Rain & no wind, Chester River. End-of-day. Lowering the colors. An alternate yawl rig. I liked it better than the sloop [rig]. Her maiden voyage (South River) in October 2010. I sold "Tattoo" in February last year (2016). Presently I'm building a Core Sound 20, Mk 3 and hope to launch her in February. Started construction in May 2015.

Ten oz / sqyd.

We're just 4 hours from 2017 -- and "Chessie" is almost finished !!! Here's the list of tasks remaining (before trailering her to the paint shop) that I should be able to finish in the next couple of weeks: ___ Foredeck: .........__ design, fab anchor roller. ___ Assemble cabin roof components: .........__ forward hatch (leave solar panels or later), .........__ garage. ___ Install cockpit coamings and caps. ___ Prep entire boat (above side plank & sheer strake) for two prime coats to be applied at local body shop. ------------------------------------------------------------- ___ Trailer her to Reed Robbins Body Shop for primer coats (final paint coats to be applied March time frame). ___ Mizzen: .........__ install the partner and thwart, .........__ install step (setting rake at 2 degrees). ___ Road-transport requirements: .........__ main & mizzen masts cradles, ___ Install all deck hardware and sailing rigging. ___ Install minimal ground tackle. ___ Prep OB motor for sea trials. SEA TRIALS ... (Target date !? --- sometime in January 2017) ___ Arrange for photo & video shoots ... I hope to trail her to Bayboro for checkout by B & B and her maiden voyage sometime in January or February.

OK, Chick. Let's try this: "Remembering the good times on the Shallow Water Sailors (SWS) 2012 Spring Cruise on the Chesapeake Bay’s Chester River – I planned a 3 to 4 day cruise from the Centreville ramp to Davis Creek and then Chestertown and return. That would be about 32 nm total. My plan was to overnight on Davis Creek, then on to the town wharf or a marina in Chestertown the night of Thursday, October 11. I was looking forward to dinner ashore and a cozy bar to watch the vice presidential debate. Not needing a “designated driver,” I was sure to have an enjoyable evening. The weather was predicted to be pretty good with just a few showers from Wednesday thru Saturday and Sunday. Daytime temps in the 70s, 50s at night. "Leaving Manassas, Virginia, on Wednesday, October 10 at 5am I missed the morning commuter traffic and breakfasted at the McDonald’s on US 50 just west of the Bay Bridge. I launched Tattoo from the Centreville ramp, leaving my “float plan” on the dashboard of my pickup. There was a nice breeze from the west and after many tacks arrived on the south side of Spanish Peninsula at the Corsica River Yacht Club’s dock at just after noon. Tied up for a little lunch. "After lunch the wind had picked up a bit, so I tucked in a reef, and set out for Davis Creek. When the wind let up some, I shook out the reef and made good time until the outhaul came loose! It was my fault. When putting in the reef, the outhaul line was somehow looped on another cleat when securing the reefing cringle on the leech. She sailed fine when reefed, but when shaken out, the outhaul was a bit slack (I didn’t notice it) and after a few minutes, the line (no longer taught when coming about) shook itself loose from its cleat. Tattoo’s mainsail is loose footed. That left me trying to sail with just a big trapezoidal flag flapping in the breeze. "Sailing solo required that I start the engine, find an anchorage and set things shipshape. By the time I got it all right – I just motored on up to Davis Creek. I found a beautiful and quiet anchorage and deployed Tattoo’s canopy and side panels. (Tattoo’s inside cabin is very tight for sleeping and I usually sleep in the cockpit.) That job done – I took a break, enjoyed the onset of a quiet evening with a beer and chips. I was looking forward to a hot dinner and a quiet evening. Looking West. All so peaceful. "A little later looking WNW - Storm clouds building (I didn't notice them before). "But it was not to be. A hardboiled egg and bottle of Rush’s Two-if-by-Tea would have to do. Contrary to the weather reports, the wind came up very quickly and strong from the north. Checking my VHF marine weather (for the first time), they gave “small craft warnings” until the next morning and predicted nighttime winds of 20 knots, gusts to 35! Tattoo was swinging on her anchor wildly in almost a 180 degree arc. The canopy and side panels were fluttering like mad making lots of noise. And the temperature was dropping fast. I noted my position by the parallax between far shore lights and the closer tree-line silhouette. The wave action, while not gentle, was also not alarming. The anchor held tight throughout the night. The wind remained strong and didn’t let up until past 3am. By early morning twilight the wind was light at my anchorage. "I had a good sleeping bag and had brought an old army blanket as reserve. It was needed as the temperature dropped into the 50s. I kept warm except for my head. I finally tied on my floppy hat with its chin strap. I have to admit that, if not frightened, I was very concerned during the night. Waking frequently to check Tattoo’s position and the weather, I was relieved each time that the anchor was holding fast and, at least, the wind wasn’t getting any worse. And though the wind and canopy were making a lot of noise, the canopy held fast. Also, it was a beautiful night: very clear, and I’ve never seen stars so bright. And the moon! It rose at about 2am as a waning crescent. At first I thought it was a head light of a car on shore. The VHF weather report was still predicting strong winds through Sunday night. During the night I decided to end my cruise as soon as possible. "My Davis Creek anchorage was peaceful at first light. I prepared a first class breakfast: coffee, bacon, pancakes (with butter and maple syrup), and 2 sunny side up eggs. The pancakes were “left overs” stowed in a zip-lock bag. Feeling much better, I considered stowing the canopy and sailing off the anchor. But I decided to see what it was like “on the outside” of protected Davis Creek. Good thing! Although it wasn’t “wild,” the wind (from the north) was very strong and as Tattoo came out of the entrance to Langford Creek, the waves began to build up. Giving up any thought of continuing my cruise, I proceeded (by motor) directly to Centreville with the wind behind Tattoo. Making better than 5 knots, we were almost surfing down some of the waves. "Arrived at the Centreville ramp by about 10am. Recovered Tattoo on the trailer and was on the road in time for lunch. Home by about 4pm. Slept to supper time and endured the vice presidential food-fight safely at home. "Lesson learned: check the VHF Marine Weather and don’t rely on regular weather reports." Previously posted on the CLC PocketShip Forum in October 2012.

Chick & Steve,... Miss Annie and Miss Debbie must be virtrial sisters. Miss Annie and I have been married almost 58 yrs and she's just like Miss Debbie -- except now she won't even do a day-sail. It wasn't always so. The first 20 yrs or so, she would day-sail with me on our SailFish. plywood dinghy, Crocker cruiser, Aqua Cat, or whatever. But as the kids left home she just won't get on a boat smaller than a big ferry boat. Even holding a line is a problem if she has to stand on a dock (floating or not). But that's ok -- I've come to really enjoy my solo sailing. These smart phones are fantastic. We stay in touch with photos like these: . Evening time, Grapevine Cove, Wye River. . Sunset at Grapevine Cove. Two days later, sunrise at Saint Michaels, Maryland.

Remember, Steve, that I'm retired 15 yrs and have also graduated past heavy child raising duties. As a self-employed family provider -- you can't possibly keep up. It's important to keep it fun. You will get there in good time.

This is what she looks like after pealing off the release fabric. I was so pleased I took the day off and had lunch with a friend I haven't seen for several years. Hatch work is presently just "dry-fitted." Fairly warm weather predicted here for next 10 days or so. Might have it all done and ready for the paint shop to apply two coats of AwlGrip 545 primer by mid January.

Today I applied neat epoxy (with release fabric) over all bare plywood -- from Blk 3 forward and the sheer line up-and-over the cabin roof. For new builders -- if I'd known the advantages of using a release fabric I would have applied neat epoxy with release fabric on the surfaces of every piece of plywood BEFORE the start of construction, EXCEPT those surfaces that would require the application of fiberglass fabric. In those instances I would use the release fabric when laying on the glass. My good neighbor and sailing friend helped in the process which took a good 3 hrs! I couldn't have done it alone (or even with Annie's help). BTW we learned today that she won't need surgery and the cast could be off in 3 more weeks. Then physical therapy. I really feel like it's downhill from here on ....

My shop and garage are not heated, but with about 2 x 1500 watts of electric space heaters I can usually up the inside temp by about 15 degrees F (maximum). So, with outside in the 30ies, I can get almost 50 inside. More if I build a plastic tent over the work. The weather here has been and predicted in the 50ies over the holidays -- so I'm getting a lot done. Here are a few more pixs: . Three-quarter inch blocking to support deck hardware. You can see that my breasthook is a solid 4" or so. That's so that I can attach an anchor roller with either machine or anchor bolts. The next photo will show the roller "dry-fitted." I think it looks a bit clutzy. But it will be easy to pull in the anchor. I mounted the rollers at a slight angle to the hull centerline so that my pull on the rode (from the starboard side of the tabernacle) will be lined up with the rollers. When trailering I'll have the anchor in its well.

So as to not waste time during the "too-cold-to-epoxy" weather -- I stiffened the CB catcher with a 24" two-by-six and cut a dado groove with a bottom that's level [i.e., perpendicular to the CB]. The one-by-six sagged a lot and I was worried that the 18 lb CB weight could overload it on a violent road-bump. Here are a few views: looking aft from underneath ... Looking aft & forward. While Annie's recovering -- I'm occasionally called for small tasks. Like rolling hair over hot curlers. Reminds me of that ancient movie "Shampoo" with Warren Baety. My "rolling" technique is wanting, but I've proven myself as a fried egg cooker: . That's all for now ...

AmosSwogger ... "Does this support hold the weight of the mizzen mast and prevent the cockpit sole from sagging?" Probably "yes" to both. The mast partner/thwart helps some. The aluminum mizzen weighs 22 lbs -- even more with sail & rigging. And when trailering greater stress with the crutch [for both masts] and road bumps, potholes, etc.

Amos,... Here are a couple of photos showing the support bracket for the mizzen step. It's on the wrong side of Blk 5. I removed [distroyed] it and fabricated another on the proper side.

Steve,... The mizzen step & support consist of a vertical piece the aft edge of which is epoxied to the fwd side of the bulkhead and its bottom to the bottom of the tank. Its height should be such that the horizontal piece can just fit on the top of the vertical [piece] so as to be flush with the top edge of the bulkhead and bottom surface of the footwell sole. The two pieces [with 3" holes] will be epoxied to the top of the footwell sole in a position just over the "T" support within the tank. Small possitional adjustments [of the two top pieces] are made so that the mizzen mast has the required rake and is parallel to the main mast. I think I have that right. Alan can confirm it for sure. I first put the support on the wrong side of the bulkhead.

A slowdown here. Saturday as Annie was coming out to help with "Chessie," she slipped on ice and suffered a minor Collis fracture of her left radius. She's out of commission as a helper for 4 to 6 weeks. And I have extra duties as nurse, cook & chief bottle washer. But I still get a little done each day. The only major job remaining (before taking her to the paint shop for the primer coat) is to epoxy the cockpit coamings & caps inplace. This week we are expecting a few warm days. I'll have more progress and pixs in a few days.

Steve,... Good idea about extra lights. Maybe [also] hang one off the end of the mast. Also, I like the 4-way flasher approach. You'd have to train yourself to turn them off when signaling turns or passing. Any [known] legal prohibition using the flashers all the time? Reflecting tape is also a good idea -- especially on the road. The reflectors are actually tiny transparent spheres with a index of refraction that turns each one into a very efficient "corner-reflector." But it only shines back to the illumination light source. So, maybe, not so useful on the water.

Drew,... While the hull was upside down, I found it necessary to occasionally climb up on the bottom while installing [what I call the keel batten] and its 3/4" half-oval. Mainly to drill pilot holes and drive screws. If you have to do that, be careful !!! Watch out for stability regarding the wheels.