Hat-Tip Tuesday
Share your thoughts, maybe win a free hat...
Share a tip, trick, technique, or tool that makes your sailing, boating or trailering better, in the comments below, and we’ll choose one response at random and send that lucky reader the new SCA hat for free. —Eds
For the stich-and-glue construction method, buy a pair of safety wire twisting pliers and your wrists will thank you. Designed for installing safety wire through bolt nuts in high vibration areas, they are perfect for tightening up the copper wire "stitches" that temporarily hold the hull panels together. Just clamp the jaws onto the wire ends and pull on the base. The pull makes the pliers spin effortlessly, which twists the loop as tight as you need. Be gentle. The mechanical advantage of the design can tear right through the plywood if you pull too hard or fast.
I always tell crew or guests on multiday cruises beforehand that all upcoming land-based appointments are null and void once we leave the dock. This ensures that there will be no arguments or disagreements that compromise the safety of the crew or the boat due to the need to travel during potentially dangerous weather or sea conditions. Makes cruising more relaxed, fun, and safe. Though one needs to be sure to have enough food and brew aboard.