Here's a community resource newsletter about the Caribbean - available online for $30 a year.
http://www.caribbeancompass.com/
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Rules of the Road
Here is a website with pictures depicting the rules of the road on water and in races. Pretty sweet:
http://www.wayfarer-international.org/WIT/race.related/RacingRulesOfSailing/Rules.in.Pictures/Rules_in_Pics_index.html
http://www.wayfarer-international.org/WIT/race.related/RacingRulesOfSailing/Rules.in.Pictures/Rules_in_Pics_index.html
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Maintenance And Mechanics
Sailors don't tend to be gear heads like most motor boaters, that's why we are sailors. But if we are going to go anywhere far in our sailboats we will need a smooth and reliable diesel engine to fill in all the gaps between breezes. That means we also need to be diesel mechanics of some sort. Those who are talented in the engine room will know already we what we'll be saying here. Those who are not may want to pay a bit of attention... a new diesel will run $8,000 to $12,000 if you have to replace the old, neglected one.
Very few things go wrong with modern diesels – usually problems crop up in the fuel supply or the cooling loops. But the long term health of the engine all depends upon the crankcase lubricating system and the oil you run through it. Engine manufacturers will recommend a class and weight of oil for their engines-- usually 30 weight. We like Rotella from Shell and suggest, strongly, that you do not mix grades or brands except in an emergency. Synthetic oils like Mobil One have had good long term results and if well filtered through clean oil filters, will give hundreds of hours of life. No matter what oil you use, if you overheat the engine because of a cooling problem, you will need to change the oil right away.
Every 100 hours... that's what most mechanics and engine manufacturers recommend for the time interval between oil and filter changes. If you do not have a hand pump installed to pump out the old oil, you will want to look into installing one because it makes oil changes much easier and much cleaner and therefore will make it more likely that you will in fact change the oil and filter on schedule.
Every 1,000 hours, you will want to have your oil analyzed for stray chemicals or metal filings both of which will give you a good idea of how the engine is running and where it may be experiencing excessive wear.
Look after your engine by using a top-grade oil, changing that oil every 100 hours and keeping an eye on the oil's chemistry and your engine will look after you for thousands of hours of operation.
Very few things go wrong with modern diesels – usually problems crop up in the fuel supply or the cooling loops. But the long term health of the engine all depends upon the crankcase lubricating system and the oil you run through it. Engine manufacturers will recommend a class and weight of oil for their engines-- usually 30 weight. We like Rotella from Shell and suggest, strongly, that you do not mix grades or brands except in an emergency. Synthetic oils like Mobil One have had good long term results and if well filtered through clean oil filters, will give hundreds of hours of life. No matter what oil you use, if you overheat the engine because of a cooling problem, you will need to change the oil right away.
Every 100 hours... that's what most mechanics and engine manufacturers recommend for the time interval between oil and filter changes. If you do not have a hand pump installed to pump out the old oil, you will want to look into installing one because it makes oil changes much easier and much cleaner and therefore will make it more likely that you will in fact change the oil and filter on schedule.
Every 1,000 hours, you will want to have your oil analyzed for stray chemicals or metal filings both of which will give you a good idea of how the engine is running and where it may be experiencing excessive wear.
Look after your engine by using a top-grade oil, changing that oil every 100 hours and keeping an eye on the oil's chemistry and your engine will look after you for thousands of hours of operation.
Diesel Engine Repair
Sailors don't tend to be gear heads like most motor boaters, that's why we are sailors. But if we are going to go anywhere far in our sailboats we will need a smooth and reliable diesel engine to fill in all the gaps between breezes. That means we also need to be diesel mechanics of some sort. Those who are talented in the engine room will know already we what we'll be saying here. Those who are not may want to pay a bit of attention... a new diesel will run $8,000 to $12,000 if you have to replace the old, neglected one.
Very few things go wrong with modern diesels – usually problems crop up in the fuel supply or the cooling loops. But the long term health of the engine all depends upon the crankcase lubricating system and the oil you run through it. Engine manufacturers will recommend a class and weight of oil for their engines-- usually 30 weight. We like Rotella from Shell and suggest, strongly, that you do not mix grades or brands except in an emergency. Synthetic oils like Mobil One have had good long term results and if well filtered through clean oil filters, will give hundreds of hours of life. No matter what oil you use, if you overheat the engine because of a cooling problem, you will need to change the oil right away.
Every 100 hours... that's what most mechanics and engine manufacturers recommend for the time interval between oil and filter changes. If you do not have a hand pump installed to pump out the old oil, you will want to look into installing one because it makes oil changes much easier and much cleaner and therefore will make it more likely that you will in fact change the oil and filter on schedule.
Every 1,000 hours, you will want to have your oil analyzed for stray chemicals or metal filings both of which will give you a good idea of how the engine is running and where it may be experiencing excessive wear.
Look after your engine by using a top-grade oil, changing that oil every 100 hours and keeping an eye on the oil's chemistry and your engine will look after you for thousands of hours of operation.
http://www.bettermarineservices.com/articles/drives.htm
Drive System Maintenance and Repair - How to keep your engine, shaft, and propeller in good shape.
Very few things go wrong with modern diesels – usually problems crop up in the fuel supply or the cooling loops. But the long term health of the engine all depends upon the crankcase lubricating system and the oil you run through it. Engine manufacturers will recommend a class and weight of oil for their engines-- usually 30 weight. We like Rotella from Shell and suggest, strongly, that you do not mix grades or brands except in an emergency. Synthetic oils like Mobil One have had good long term results and if well filtered through clean oil filters, will give hundreds of hours of life. No matter what oil you use, if you overheat the engine because of a cooling problem, you will need to change the oil right away.
Every 100 hours... that's what most mechanics and engine manufacturers recommend for the time interval between oil and filter changes. If you do not have a hand pump installed to pump out the old oil, you will want to look into installing one because it makes oil changes much easier and much cleaner and therefore will make it more likely that you will in fact change the oil and filter on schedule.
Every 1,000 hours, you will want to have your oil analyzed for stray chemicals or metal filings both of which will give you a good idea of how the engine is running and where it may be experiencing excessive wear.
Look after your engine by using a top-grade oil, changing that oil every 100 hours and keeping an eye on the oil's chemistry and your engine will look after you for thousands of hours of operation.
http://www.bettermarineservices.com/articles/drives.htm
Drive System Maintenance and Repair - How to keep your engine, shaft, and propeller in good shape.
Getting Off-Shore Experience
How do you get offshore sailing experience if others are reluctant to take you aboard if you have not been offshore before?
One great way to get offshore sea miles and experience is by volunteering to crew for others. A company called Offshore Passage Opportunities (OPO) has been helping sailors get offshore since 1994. Delivery skippers and boat owners call OPO for their crew needs. Since you are helping sail the boat you go sailing for free. If you still have a job and need firm dates you can sign up for a paid passage on a great boat with a pro skipper. OPO offers a one-week introduction to offshore sailing aboard a Swan between NY and Bermuda in June starting at $1300. After your first offshore passage you should be ready for the many other opportunities that OPO offers all year long. Call 1-800-4-PASSAGe (800-472-7724) or www.sailopo.com for 2009 schedule, free brochure and membership application. Introductory Winter Special Trial membership for only $100 to be a full active member from now until Oct 1st 2009. Active delivery skippers wanted.
One great way to get offshore sea miles and experience is by volunteering to crew for others. A company called Offshore Passage Opportunities (OPO) has been helping sailors get offshore since 1994. Delivery skippers and boat owners call OPO for their crew needs. Since you are helping sail the boat you go sailing for free. If you still have a job and need firm dates you can sign up for a paid passage on a great boat with a pro skipper. OPO offers a one-week introduction to offshore sailing aboard a Swan between NY and Bermuda in June starting at $1300. After your first offshore passage you should be ready for the many other opportunities that OPO offers all year long. Call 1-800-4-PASSAGe (800-472-7724) or www.sailopo.com for 2009 schedule, free brochure and membership application. Introductory Winter Special Trial membership for only $100 to be a full active member from now until Oct 1st 2009. Active delivery skippers wanted.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Anchoring
Tip #1
Ride Easy At Anchor
In windy conditions most modern cruising boats will tend to sail back and forth on their anchor rodes as the wind puffs. This can be serious enough to disrupt a night's sleep or even cause the anchor to drag. Anchoring with an all chain rode will help but won't eliminate the problem. Setting a second anchor at 45 degrees to the primary anchor will hold the boat steady in a settled breeze but won't be a help if and when the wind shifts more than 45 degrees.
A riding sail is one traditional answer to the problem. Yawls and ketches have built in riding sails in their mizzens. Hoist the small aft sail and you will hold the boat's bow into the wind no matter how it puffs and shifts. But split rigs are increasing rare these days so most of us have to rig a riding sail on the back stay. Banner Bay makes a very clever riding sail that has proven to be effective in a wide range of breezes. You can check out their Banner Bay Pointer online at www.bannerbaymarine.com.
Without a second anchor, a mizzen or a riding sail, you can still reduce the amount the boat sails on her anchor rode by rigging a bridle to the rode that will hold the bow at an angle to the wind and keep it sailing in only one direction instead of tacking back and forth. Using a spare docking line, tie a rolling hitch around the anchor rode and lead the line aft, outboard of the stays, to a mid-ships chock and cleat. Make it fast and then let out some rode until the boat is at a 10 degree anchor to the wind. It will lie like this comfortably and will stop sailing back and forth while you have a pleasant night.
Ride Easy At Anchor
In windy conditions most modern cruising boats will tend to sail back and forth on their anchor rodes as the wind puffs. This can be serious enough to disrupt a night's sleep or even cause the anchor to drag. Anchoring with an all chain rode will help but won't eliminate the problem. Setting a second anchor at 45 degrees to the primary anchor will hold the boat steady in a settled breeze but won't be a help if and when the wind shifts more than 45 degrees.
A riding sail is one traditional answer to the problem. Yawls and ketches have built in riding sails in their mizzens. Hoist the small aft sail and you will hold the boat's bow into the wind no matter how it puffs and shifts. But split rigs are increasing rare these days so most of us have to rig a riding sail on the back stay. Banner Bay makes a very clever riding sail that has proven to be effective in a wide range of breezes. You can check out their Banner Bay Pointer online at www.bannerbaymarine.com.
Without a second anchor, a mizzen or a riding sail, you can still reduce the amount the boat sails on her anchor rode by rigging a bridle to the rode that will hold the bow at an angle to the wind and keep it sailing in only one direction instead of tacking back and forth. Using a spare docking line, tie a rolling hitch around the anchor rode and lead the line aft, outboard of the stays, to a mid-ships chock and cleat. Make it fast and then let out some rode until the boat is at a 10 degree anchor to the wind. It will lie like this comfortably and will stop sailing back and forth while you have a pleasant night.
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