Reader and pro builder Rick Pratt wrote to us about Graham Byrnes’ article on transom sterns vs canoe sterns: “I have designed a few boats and built and sailed many, which called for a lot of learning and study. John Gardner was one of my teachers…In all that time I have never encountered a better, more concise explanation of the forces at work on a small displacement hull.
Our shop built a CS 20 which now sails Lake Michigan in great style and speed. It is one fine design.
Rick Pratt
Director, Farley Boat Works, Retired”
After our article on Kickup Rudder Strategies, reader Donald Stover wanted to share what he thinks is the best ruder design going: “Good review. However after 80 years of sailing and contact with dozens of kick-up rudders, some good—most mediocre, I find the rudder on my Vivier designed Beneguet to be virtually flawless. The most important feature is use of a quick release camcleat (CL257) on the line that lowers and holds the rudder in down position. In 8 years of cruising and trailering my Benequet this rudder design has never failed or given me a moments frustration. Copy of Vivier's rudder design is attached. (Editors note: We didn’t want to publish his photo of the actual plans without permission, but you can see the idea from prevoiously published articles on Vivier boats. Here is one article.
Reader Les McKeon sent a note regarding our article on Sanding Boards: “I bought a sanding board about 15 years ago when I was panel beating. It is adjustable for the curves to go either way to sand a concave or convex surface. I have at times made my own by using a long piece of wood especially when sanding door skins. The same could be used on all types of water craft for preparing surfaces.”
Reader and contributor Tom Luque wanted to share ideas about using medical equipment safely aboard on overnight cruises: “Because of a lung problem, I require oxygen to be fed into my CPAP for sleeping. I feel confident I will be able to use a small oxygen generator (found on Amazon) that draws 1 amp @ 120VAC = 120W. My CPAP draws 1 amp at 12VDC.
I installed a 94 amp hour DEEP Cycle battery and a 350W DC to AC inverter. This should provide for my 6 hours of sleep. As an added backup, I also carry a 350W gas generator.
I hope this will be of use to other sailors who want to extend their quality of life.”
Search Function
Did you know that every article we publish here at our Substack is archived and searchable? Many articles are categorized (see the categories along the top of the homepage: Tech Bights, Event Calendar, etc.).
But to search for a particular topic, simply click on the little magnifiying glass icon and type in your search term. For example, below is a screenshot of our search for “epoxy.”
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