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Herschel Payne

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Everything posted by Herschel Payne

  1. Thank you Mike. I am coming to the same conclusion. I tried to attach a photo but my internet speed is too slow. ( rural area with only dialup ) I will send a photo when I go into town where I can access high speed wireless. Best regards, Herschel
  2. I launched my new weekender almost 2 weeks ago and I've been sailing it everyday. I only have tarp sails and the winds were so strong yesterday that I think I found a way to reef that seemed to work and had the added benefit of raising the boom higher at the same time. I lowered the first mast hoop and tied that part of the sail to the gooseneck bolt. Then I rolled up the sail at the aft end of the boom and tied the roll so that the leech started about 2 feet forward from the end of the boom. This also raised the boom at the same time. It's probably not good technique ( Is it?) but it seemed to work and my wife was happy not getting hit in the head as much. PS: Frank, that topping lift works ok but it seems to shape the sail in a scoop that can't be flattened. Thanks all.
  3. Thank you for all the answers. So far the boat has exceeded my expectations. It motors well with a 55 thrust Minkota, plus it rows very decently. I built a rowing seat just aft of the seat box in the companion way and I can use the back of the boat to brace. Not fast but it works and is a fun (for me) option.
  4. Thank you Frank. That was a great help. One more question. It seems to be that once the gaff is up supporting the boom there would be little or no need to adjust the gaff when sailing because of the constant tension of supporting the boom. Is that correct?
  5. I launched my Weekender for the first time today. The boom was really low, but I found a way to get it to a comfortable height: First don't raise the main sail all the way. Then get the gaff as high as possible and this raises the boom. Does this sound right? Has anybody done the same thing? Am I missing something?
  6. Thank you, Frank and Andrew. I purchased 8' oars today and am determined to make this work. I will have to omit the splash coaming. Do you think this will have any negative effect?
  7. Does anyone know where or how I can install oar locks on my weekender? The splash guards seem to be in the way. It would be nice to have a rowing option. Thanks
  8. I read about one builder on this site who made his keel out of 2 sheets of 3/4" plywood. I was thinking of doing that but I've gone with white pine because of my easy access to it. Because it is relatively soft I'm thinking of putting a strip of metal on the length of it, sort of like a bang plate on a canvas canoe.
  9. Thank you Frank. That was very helpful.
  10. Hello Everyone, Frank, I was viewing the photos of your rigging lines for a tiller setup. Are the blocks swivel or non swivel. I am at the point of ordering them at Duckworks. Many thanks. PS: Any extra advise is appreciated.
  11. Rick, Is 15 inches for the wheel a correct size. The plans say 20" circumference. Does the wheel work out to 20" with the spokes?
  12. Thanks Bud. I can't stop laughing! Does anyone have anything more positive to add?
  13. Although my Weekender will not be finished until the end of June, ( I'm kayaking in the Carolinas this winter and I'm from Canada ) I'd like to hear from those of you who have set up Weekenders for rowing. How did your boat handle? Was the rowing performance (sort of) satisfactory? It is obvious of course that this is not a rowing machine but will it move along respectfully under decent conditions? I like to be able to row/paddle a couple of hours on every outing. I have a double sailing kayak but I still enjoy the workout with a paddle. Best to all, Herschel
  14. I found Graham's site and I will give him a call. Thank you.
  15. Many thanks for all the great feedback. Will the 3 gallon kit be enough to do the Weekender?
  16. Has anyone used RAKA epoxy and does it work well? Is the three gallon kit and 20 yards of 38" wide 6oz cloth enough for the weekender? The price is unbelievably low compared to west system. Thanks and Happy New year
  17. Many thanks! I'll be ordering dacron sails from the Stevenson's first thing tomorrow morning.
  18. I was wondering if anyone has had experience with both types of sails, particulary, does the dacron sails really make a significant difference in light air? I feel that one of the strong points of Weekender is to be able to ghost along in close to windless conditions, so if there is really a difference I'll spring for the expensive dacron. Thanks, Herschel payne
  19. Thanks for all the great feedback. I live in Canada, but I'm leaving for the Carolinas later this month to kayak away the winter. ( Too much snow and ice to paddle here ) So, I've planned to pick up my epoxy and cloth in the U.S. and glass my boat when I get back in the spring.
  20. Thank you everyone. I'll be fiberglassing.
  21. Has anyone built a Weekender without fiberglass, finishing with just a quality paint? What were the greatest negatives? I am considering doing that. I have built several strip canoes with West System so although I know the application is fairly easy, I want to save on the cost, particularly as I am planning on another boat when I finish this and can only devote so much funds to this hobby. Thanks in advance. Herschel
  22. Thanks Jake, A wetsuit is part of my standard equipment. I always have it on hand since I spend alot of time in northern waters. (Ontario, Canada) I'll be Paddling in North Carolina this Jan, Feb and March and I use it almost full time. The conclusion I've come to with Weekender is: Dress for Immersion.
  23. Thanks for the note Wes, I think I've already found my next project. The Spray 22 designed by Bruce Roberts. A very nice looking boat, almost as pretty as Weekender.
  24. Thank you for your feedback, I'm inclined to agree with you. What I have decided to do is use the Weekender for good conditions and save the rough stuff for my kayak. Much of my paddle/sail has been done on Lake Superior. The water is cold and conditions change quickly, so I will not feel too comfortable with Weekender. However I will be looking out for another sailboat to build that will have self righting qualities.
  25. Thank you for all of your comments. What do you think about the idea of putting amas/akas ( outriggers ) on the Weekender for times when an open crossing is necessary or possible rough conditions would develop. Would this not effectively turn Weekender into a stable trimaran? Thank you again, Herschel
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