Build Your Own Mast Gates
In order for any mainsail reefing system to work correctly with a mast that has a slug opening for bending on the mainsail, there should be a way to prevent the sail slugs from falling out of the opening when you reef the sail. If they fall out, somebody has to guide them back in when you let the reef out and hoist the mainsail back to full size.
We’re Celebrating Our 1st Anniversary!
It’s hard to believe it’s been a year since I started this blog. The projects alone have been a lot of work, but building this blog has also been worth the effort. It’s gone from an undiscovered notebook on the fringe of the blogosphere to the fastest growing DIY sailboat improvement blog in the world! Well, I can’t prove its the fastest growing, but the global thing is for real. It gets hundreds of hits from sailors around the globe every week. Many thanks to all my international visitors, especially the many Canadians who come by. What are you guys doing up there, expanding your navy?
How to Accurately Locate Hardware on Cylindrical Surfaces
Among several projects that I’m working on this winter is adding some boom rigging to Summer Dance: mainsail outhaul, jiffy reefing line, and topping lift. I’ll dedicate posts to each of those projects later but this post is a tip that I want to pass on to those that might be doing similar projects.
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Crib Board Storage Solutions
I have a love/hate relationship with crib boards. I like their classic functionality and love the look of well-finished natural wood. They’re a pain to remove and replace but they’re more of a pain to store safely when the companionway is open. They’re in the way practically anywhere you set them.
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Make this Simple Winch Handle Holder
The idea for this little solution came to me as I was making the crib board storage solution. The width of the vinyl channel that I fabricated for that project makes for a tension fit with a winch handle.
DIY Rail Mounts for Your Portable BBQ Grill
It amazes me how expensive boat grills and their accessories are. Of all the boating gear, they are the boat jewelry: glittering polished stainless steel grills, covers, and ridiculously priced mounting hardware for every conceivable configuration. But they don’t make the food taste any better. It must be big money for the manufacturers, knowing how much men love to eat and love their grills to cook on.
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How to Replace Worn Tiller Bushings
While I was doing my How To Repair a Rudder project, I noticed that the tiller bushings were worn and loose. At the time, I hoped they would last the season until I figured out how best to replace them. That was wishful thinking. While putting Summer Dance in the water for our last cruise, one of the bushing flanges nearly fell off in my hands. It didn’t keep us from sailing that day, but it meant I was going to have to make the repair sooner rather than later.
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How to Rebuild a Rotten Battery Tray
The battery tray on Summer Dance was heavily water damaged. The nails holding the side pieces to the base had rusted away and the pieces pulled away easily by hand, leaving only the base. It was badly stained and rotted and gave off a very funky smell. Fortunately, the previous owner had installed a plastic battery box and screwed the strap anchors into the base, but it had to be replaced completely.
Ergonomic Hatch Dog Knobs
One of the first things that you learn when you step into a C-22 cabin is to watch your head. With the pop top down, there’s only a little over 4′ of headroom and you will hit your head on something every time you turn around. Every C-22 owner probably has scars on their scalp from the ends of hatch dog bolts. They protrude nearly straight down at you from right over the galley and settee, where you spend the most time!
The $tingy Sailor 