Andy B

Over the weekend my boat was stored the masts raised, and there was significant rain. When I took the masts down, a bit of rain came out at one of the epoxy/fiberglass joints between two sections. That joint has a bit of give, just enough to notice--you can move the tube sections apart just a bit, but could not pull them apart by any means. Question 1--how serious is this? To my thinking, the danger is water intrusion, which is only occasional, but maybe still concerning. I don't think there's enough upward pull on the mast when in use to actually lift a section out, right? Question 2--What would be a good fix? Just add some epoxy? Question 3--these masts are 20+ years old. When is it time for new ones? One reason for asking question 3 is that I have the old-style sails. They are in good condition but of course they can't compare to the newer style (battens, rounded roach) in light air. And I have the annoying old-style external mast track that always seems to be getting stuck. So at what point does it make sense to upgrade everything (hold my wallet!) instead of bit by bit? Bonus question: Do the rivet spaces in the modern mast track line up with the rivet spaces in the old mast track?

Alan, how did the trolling motor do? Did you test it going against the wind and waves at all?

Alan and others, thanks for making the drive, it was a great event. I really enjoyed seeing so many Core Sounds in such good shape, it gave me good ideas for things to improve on my boat. I'll share my favorite moment. We have 5 kids. The oldest are the best and most enthusiastic sailors, but they couldn't get time off work. Only the youngest two came. My daughter, 12, has enjoyed coming on the boat but hasn't shown an interest in sailing it. On our way back from Manilla Bay to the marina she asked to steer the boat. She did, and then we had a safety lesson on how to "park" the boat. From there she sailed all the way back to the marina. It was a good wind, and some chop, and she did amazing! I thought she would be done when we turned into the wind and started tacking, but she kept it up. She was trading tacks with a very large tall ship! She wanted to learn how to start the motor, and even steered us through the marina into our slip. Then, to my amazement, she asked why we weren't planning on sailing after dinner. We walked back to the marina as a drizzle started. I asked her if she really wanted to go out, and she said yes. I put a reef in each sail and we motored out--we had the lake to ourself. She was initially hesitant with the larger waves that had kicked up, but when she saw how the boat handled and that she was in control, she loved it. The rain stopped after 15 minutes or so and I was so glad we came back out. Graham and Alan, and others who have contributed knowledge, thanks for designing a safe boat and a platform for watching my kids grow and learn.

Meredith knows how to make an entrance! It was great to meet her (I learned she is up my way sometimes) and see Chessie.

I can't figure out that article. First, they say that acetone-mixed epoxy delivers the epoxy and acetone right through your skin and into your system. I don't know that that means and they don't give proof. Second, their proof that acetone is bad is to "google Bob Ross and acetone." I did, and the only thing that comes up is that Bob Ross never used acetone because it would ruin his good brushes. Further research needed.

I will be at the Catawba launch Friday, likely mid-morning. I have a cell number for Ted and Steve; if others want to send me their number I can organize a group text.

I am still in. I might be rolling to the launch with trailer wires duct-taped on and epoxy still curing on some repairs, but I will be there Still a week out, but the forecast looks good.

Thanks for all the replies, I was out for the weekend. Tentative Friday morning(ish) from Catawba State Park sounds great. We can fine tune things as the weather reports take shape over the next week. Steve, you don't need a ferry reservation if you aren't bringing a vehicle. (also, not sure if there are any still available, you could call). So a tentative back up would be leaving your vehicle and boat on the mainland on Friday, taking the ferry over yourself. Then on Saturday if the weather is better, take the ferry back, get your boat, and sail over that day. I'm hoping the smoke clears; it was horrible here in northern Michigan Wed-Friday, but this weekend it broke and today is much better. We are staying Thursday night 1-2 hours away and will come over Friday morning. I have a 1:15 ferry, but if the weather is good I will be in the boat and my wife will take the boat and trailer over then.

Hopefully it's not too annoying for others if we do some trip planning here .... I just made ferry reservations for Friday at 1:15 to head to the island. However, if conditions are good to sail over I'd like to do that, and could leave earlier. Thursday night we will be staying within 2 hours of the launch areas. It would be fun to go over in a group. Conditions will need to be good for me to sail to the island, as my oldest 3 boys are my best crew and they can't attend, so it would be me solo or with one of my younger ones as crew.

Wow, wonderful!

Forgive the possible stupidity, but can someone explain some of these areas need epoxy? I'm thinking under the gunwales, seats, even the deck. It seems to me they get wet so little that primer and paint, or varnish, would be enough. What is the deciding criteria for whether epoxy is needed or not?

I'm going to post this here before announcing to the larger group, just in case someone can join Raid Erie last minute. I have extra dock space for anyone who wants to attend last minute. If you're unaware, this marina lets multiple boats use the same slip, as long as the total is under the dockage feet. The catch is I have only 15-16 feet available. I have a CS-20 and a 36' slip. In the off chance that you want to bring a CS-15 or Lapwing 16, or any other smaller boat, let me know ASAP!

First sail of 2026! A Father's Day treat, all kids (and wife) on board! With the older ones leaving the nest this fall, this might be the last time this happens, so I cherished the day for sure! Also, I didn't raise or lower a mast, I never touched the tiller, and the one time I adjusted a line I got a scolding from the captain I've either reached peak Dad-mode or I've become obsolete, I'm not sure which! If you're wondering, yes, the CS-20 mark 1 can handle 7 passengers in moderate winds. No one even needs to touch anyone!

Thanks for all you do, Frank!

The fiberglass went on much easier than I thought. For anyone making it, my suggestion is to be aggressive with cutting darts in the cloth, both in the number of darts and how high up you cut them (into the area where you are wetting the fiberglass). It made it much easier. I just did the thick coat of epoxy last night and I don't like how it turned out. I think I had the epoxy too thick (Alan's video says make it like honey; maybe we have different honey jars!). It will be okay, I just have some more sanding to do. At worst it is just cosmetic on something that is usually seen from 20 feet away.