This book review over at Duckworks soundslike a book we all should read. Especially Andrew since he is in the thick of Small Boat rigging right now. ...
Andrew As I said in my other post, a Jib luff Must Be Tight to work well. A loose luff will sometimes sail Off the wind OK, but won't let the boat point to...
Oh, But Don't Over Do it. They broke an America's Cup Boat in Two from too much rig tension and too much downward mast pressure a couple of years ago. I'll bet...
Andy, Your story reminds me of when I was building my first boat. I was attaching the rubrails near the starboard bow and putting my left arm inside the boat ...
The wire forestay will be the luff of the jib. I got confused by some additional blocks one of the builders had added - I'll put it on the back side of the...
Good news. My daughter and I are getting close to buttoning up our first boat build. a 10'10" kayak built of 1/4" plywood (it would only have taken two...
So, who's coming? John, we know where to find you almost anytime, but hope you'll take a break at 10:00 am Saturday to come to the Otter Crossing Cafe? We've...
Ahoy All, Thanks to all for the kind words, both here and in private emails. I just this evening finished selling off equipment and moving the rest of my shop...
Craig, Isn't it cool when that happens? I've had several similar reactions when hauling Sisu on top of the van. I think part of the appeal is whimsical. That's...
I just ordered my good quality hull numbers from -- www.lakegrafix.com -- Actually through Ebay. They will make up a pair, correct size and spacing in an...
Thanks for the update I quit E-ing you because you don't reply and I don't have your # so PHHHHHHH but it is good to see the good deeds you did for other cooks...
Bob Larkin launched his Birdwatcher II today, probably the first true Birdwatcher II to touch water. He didn't have her ready to sail, but she performed very...
Alan W says he can help with the booth, and Charley and Bob Mitsch have volunteered too. Charley volunteered Bill Dunaway, but I don't know if Bill knows yet....
Very cool! And as usual a super job by Bob! Bob or John, what is the purpose of the little wing like platforms that extend out over the rudder with the side...
David, Sorry to hear about the demise of your shop. Just think of it as a step to the next level of business/life. We hope the landing won't be too hard ...
Andy R. dropped by yesterday with a load of trailer parts for me, and I had just raised the mainsail for the first time - Oh, she was a glorious sight, yard...
No, we're going first class this year. Maureen is coming with me and we and another couple have booked rooms(s) at the Tides Inn on the waterfront, about half...
Thanks much, John, for posting the collection of photos. Great photography, as usual! And special thanks to all that came down to the lake for the fun of ...
I figured it would. <g> The first few times I had Pickle out she didn't sail very well either, it was all due to operator error. I hadn't sailed at all for...
Andrew, Do you have a commerical type sewing machine or a regular old home- maker model? Joe ... and I ... glorious ... to ... is ... proper ... out ... mast ...
Just a regular homemaker model. The Janome 450 Mechanical - it does straight stitches and zig-zag stitches. It cost $150 (regularly $200) and has a 5 year...
Thanks for the references, John. Interesting reading. I wish I knew more about the whole subject of displacement hulls. For instance, there is energy loss in...
Yes, the boat is tacking better now. I found it takes a little more wind and momentum to swing the bow over to where I want it. I'll practice tomorrow ...
Is still on for next weekend, for those who are not traveling to Port Townsend. Weather looks great! 70 during the day and 37 at night. These temps usually...
Bob, I wish you could have seen your "Wave Watcher" from where John and I were. Really looked great going through the water. Very nice bow wave all along the...
Hi Pat, The "thing" under the bow is a Bolger idea that is on the Birdwatcher-2 plans. It is a "forefoot anti-slap pad" that is supposed to be mostly out of...
