The Cape Dory Board

Neil:
You must mean "bikini waxing," no?
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Thanks, guys.
I'll try to knock the shells off, and leave the glue.
I'm hoping to avoid doing a complete bottom job for another year or two. If anything, my topsides is in need of refinishing.
Sail on.
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What's the secret to removing barnacles from a dry hull? The boat yard power washed the bottom, when hauling out in October. The Interlux ACT ablative paint (one coat) kept the bottom very clean for six months in salt water. But, I just noticed that I have an area of barnacle growth on the bootstrip...

The basic fluxgate compass is a simple electromagnetic device that employs two or more small coils of wire around a core of non-linear magnetic material, to directly sense the direction of the horizontal component of the earth's magnetic field. The advantages of this mechanism over a magnetic compas...

FRANGIPANI Family: Plumieria rubra This small ornamental tree is named after a French word meaning ‘coagulated milk’. The caustic milky sap that flows from a cut branch has been employed in folk medicine. It is a native of the West Indies. John, you don't really seem like a "frangipani-kind-of-...

"A small inexpensive tiller pilot, with low power consumption, can be hooked up to the Monitor counter weight or to a 10 inch (25 cm) stump substituting for the regular airvane. Instead of having an autopilot turn the boat’s large rudder you are only asking the autopilot to turn the small semi ...

"A small, inexpensive, electronic tiller-pilot can be rigged up to the counterweight of the auto-helm windvane. Instead of the airvane moving the trimtab, the electric autopilot will move it with minimum power consumption. To minimize interference the airvane is reefed to a horizontal position....

"A small, inexpensive tiller type autopilot, using minimal power, can be rigged to control the Saye’s Rig. The Saye’s Rig in turn drives the main rudder. Steer by the wind or by compass. "

www.selfsteer.com

"The most challenging direction for a windvane or autopilot is downwind. The most common complaint about autopilots is that they are not fast enough. If they work in tough downwind conditions, they use a great deal of electricity, requiring a good deal of charging. Not all windvanes work in the...

Hi John & Chris:

Just went over to the boatyard, to knock the snow and ice off my Typhoon. Only three short months 'til launch for me...

Have a great new year.
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http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/pdrake/DSC00015.jpg Steve Laume's CD30, December 30, 2005. http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/pdrake/DSC00006.jpg Peter & Steve enjoying a brisk 25-35 knot wind, off Noank, CT. Fully reefed and tethered. http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/pdrake/DSC00...

Capt. Tricky Dick, aboard S/V Dream Weaver. Jamestown, RI (2005).

Hi guys: Winthrop, I like the idea of a pump in the cockpit. Dick Barthel and I got pooped so bad on his CD25D, in Narragansett Bay, that it would've sent the Typhoon to the bottom of the sea. It was a 75' luxury yacht going way too fast, creating a monster wake that just curled up and broke on our ...

Hi Tim: I think the bigger issue would be getting pooped by a monster wake, or whatever. Those two small cockpit drain scuppers, hoses, and seacocks don't move a large volume of water very quickly. That Whale Urchin pump is nice, but won't drain the cockpit. I do have a manual hand pump. I only use ...

Hey Steve & Dick,

I've got a great idea!
How about you go in together on my gift this year. Easy on-line ordering from Defender, only $500 each, plus 6% CT sales tax. Just think of the joy you'll bring.

Then, I'll be able to use the coal to heat my house. Brrr...

God bless you both,
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