Day 9 towards Panama – the Dashews have emailed a few photos and notes via Iridium.
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 23, 2008) | Comments (0)
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Dashew Logs
Steve and Linda write a regular column for SetSailors from wherever they happen to be. Join in as they cruise the world and discuss topics of interest to sailors everywhere. Here you’ll find their articles dating from 1996 to the present.
Cruising Compromises: Air Conditioning
Air conditioning on board: The logic behind the compromises.
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 21, 2008) | Comments (0)
Cool Running: Managing Heat in Interior, Fridge, & Engine Room
The stop in Acapulco was brief. Eighteen hours to clear out of Mexico with the port authorities, top off the fuel tanks (again at US$2.40/gallon) and check the engine room.
The latter revealed that the raw water pump on the port engine had begun to leak sea water and oil from its shaft seals. This is just a couple of hundred hours after the starboard pump was changed, so we now know to rebuild these after 2000 hours. There is a spare on board and the R and R took half an hour. Everything else looked fine.
We’re crossing the Gulf of Tehuantepec as this is being written. Conditions are perfect, four to eight knots of breeze from the aft quarter and calm seas (just as predicted by our Expedition routing software and GFS weather model GRIB files). Water temperature has been between 85 and 87 F (29.5 to 30 C), air temperature the same in the evening and a little warmer in the sun.
The heated environment stresses systems and potentially crew, unless the correct precautions are taken.
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 21, 2008) | Comments (0)
Mexico to Panama: Stop in Acapulco or Keep Going?
Stop or Go? Almost halfway to Panama, with Acapulco near by, the Dashews use routing software to help make the decision.
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 20, 2008) | Comments (0)
Mexico to Panama: Welcome to the Tropics
Mexico to Panama Passage Report: Welcome to the tropics!
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 18, 2008) | Comments (0)
Wind Horse Communications Update
We have a love/hate relationship with our comms gear. We really do like to stay in touch, especially with family and friends, but we don’t like the complexity. And the options keep changing. Prior to leaving for Panama we went through an analysis of what was currently available, our needs, and played this off against our tolerance for hassle (low). Here is what we found.
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 18, 2008) | Comments (0)
Mexico to Panama: Back in the Groove
En route to Panama. Getting back into the groove after a day and a half at sea.
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 16, 2008) | Comments (0)
Routing for Cruisers
We’re headed for Panama now, and while this route will generally have winds from the aft quadrant, we are using a combination of tools to look ahead and see what the weather gods are planning.
Using programs like SailMail, UUPlus, and Ocens we are currently getting used to the new GFS weather model and getting reacquainted with NOGAPS as well.
Then there is a new routing tool being developed for cruisers. This is an offshoot of one of the most successful ocean racing programs, Nick White’s “Expedition”. The racers need all sorts of complex calculations with a variety of ways of playing “what if” games. For cruising we want it much simpler and easier to use. That’s one of the things we have been working with Troy Bethel on, an example of which is above.
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 16, 2008) | Comments (0)
Logging Weather Data
Those of you who have been with us for a while know we have a passion for and about weather. Weather affects everything we do when cruising: our comfort, passage speed, security. Obviously this applies at anchor as well as on passage.
Although the latest generation of weather models are better, they still have problems resolving the data on a micro basis, where it affects all of us. That’s why there are still so many weather-related “surprises” when cruising.
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 15, 2008) | Comments (0)
Wind Horse Ethernet Update
Last spring we set up (with the help of a Best Buy “Geek”) a wireless network on Wind Horse. With a Verizon broadband card on one PC, a printer, and a second PC, this seemed like the right way to go. But then we needed to allow for the Furuno Fax 30 network weatherfax which is connected via an ethernet cable, which forced our Geek into all sorts of contorted computer logic.
Now things are even more complex. We wanted to add a high gain WiFi antenna and amplifier so we could use WiFi at a long distance once we leave the world of Verizon. In addition, we now have an Imac (Apple) computer. This makes six items to connect to the network.
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 11, 2008) | Comments (0)
Antenna Connections: Keeping Them Secure & Dry
A couple of new tricks we’ve learned from Troy Bethel, who has been helping us with updating our SSB e-mail system and installing a high gain WiFi antenna.
To begin with, secure, dry antenna connections are a must, albeit not easy to do on a seagoing vessel.
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 11, 2008) | Comments (0)
Fresh Water Pressure Switch
If you have played with boats much, you know that the least reliable item on board is likely to be the pressure switch on the fresh water pump. To make matters worse, these are usually difficult to change.
We have been averaging a year of use on our pressure switches, and a year ago decided to install an industrial pressure switch. But it wasn’t until a recent failure during Steve’s evening shower that action was initiated on this long overdue project.
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 10, 2008) | Comments (0)
Ship’s Stores
Linda is filling up Wind Horse’s fridge system and basement with a huge amount of groceries, as they’ll be cruising in areas where their favorite food is hard to come by.
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 10, 2008) | Comments (0)
Victron Inverter Chargers: Is This Revolution for Real?
When we designed the systems for Wind Horse, a key component was the theoretical ability of her Mastervolt inverters to work in phase with the generator so that if necessary, the inverters would handle excess load. In theory, this allowed a smaller genset (our is just 8kW) which would be run at load most of the time.
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 2, 2008) | Comments (0)
Wind Horse Hauls Out at Ventura Harbor Boat Yard
In Wind Horse’s four days hauled out at Ventura Harbor Boat Yard, a huge list of projects were accomplished. This is how a boat yard ought to be run!
Posted by Steve Dashew (March 27, 2008) | Comments (0)
Wind Horse’s CV Axles after 2600 Hours
With 2600 hours on our CV Axles (between transmission output flange and prop shaft thrust bearing) and 8000 miles of travel in the offing, we figured it prudent to have a look at this important gear.Removing these is not easy. They reside in the very tight space between transmission and hull. But with the help of Dave Wyman, and expert suggestions from Tom at Ventura Harbor Boat Yard, we had them sitting in the shop after a couple of hours of grunt work. It will be easier next time as we know the system now.
Posted by Steve Dashew (March 21, 2008) | Comments (0)
Cool Tool: Crimping Heavy Cable Lugs
Here is something that can have a big impact on your cruising plans. It is a hydraulic crimping tool, used to properly affix electrical lugs on heavy cables. If the correct dies are used, this makes a perfect job. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (March 21, 2008) | Comments (0)
Bottom Paint Maintenance
It has been 17 months and 12,000 or so miles since we last hauled out at Ventura Harbor Boat Yard. We were probably good for at least the trip to the UK before needing another coat of paint, but with some other maintenance projects to do we figured to get a jump on this chore (at half the cost of doing it in Europe). So we are back at our favorite haul-out site.
Wind Horse has basically been sitting since mid-September, with a couple of brief forays away from the dock. This has been in a canal, with lots of growth potential. The grass is on a spot which has been rubbed bare of anti-fouling. Most of the rest of what you see here would polish off if we went to sea for a few hundred miles. Being close to the waterline this area gets a lot of sun, which makes for more growth. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (March 20, 2008) | Comments (0)
Testing “Prop Shield”
Not all underwater metal surfaces are good candidates for anti-fouling paint, so the Dashews test a product called "Prop Shield".
Posted by Steve Dashew (March 20, 2008) | Comments (0)
Marine Insurance in Remote Cruising Grounds
When we launched Wind Horse we went with a new (to us) insurance carrier, Pantaenius. This is a German firm which acts as a broker, using various insurance markets. They appear to have a large percentage of the Eurpean cruising boat market.
What impressed us were the comments we read on folks who had dealt with them on losses, and the fact that they would cover us for areas off the beaten path, with just two of us aboard.
With the FPB 64 program coming along we’ve been getting questions about insurance, so we checked with Peter Kelly, who represents Pantaenius in the US. He said insurance rates are currently about seven tenths of one percent. The exact amount varies with which of the coverages are selected. We apparently get a very efficient rate due to the double bottom, water tight bulkheads, high factors of safety, and emergency systems aboard.
A couple of weeks ago, as we started to think about “Plan B” (heading to Europe via Greenland and Iceland) we asked Peter what the difference would be in our insurance policy. He checked with the home office and we were advised that there would be no increase in charges. However, our deductible would be increased while we were in Greenland waters to what works out to four tenths of one percent.
We were pleasantly surprised to find coverage was available and the increase in deductible seems quite fair, considering the remoteness of Greenland’s cruising grounds.
If you would like more information on Pantaenius from the US contact Peter@Kellyagency.net .
Posted by Steve Dashew (March 13, 2008) | Comments (0)
Details for Yachts Crossing Panama Canal
Fees, traffic jams, and other details for yachts crossing the Panama Canal in the spring of 2008.
Posted by Steve Dashew (March 11, 2008) | Comments (0)
Beowulf Jury Rig Details
The Dashew’s old friend Beowulf recently raced from San Diego to Puerto Vallarta. Along the way, the crew made a couple of clever jury rig repairs at sea. They’ve sent in photos.
Posted by Steve Dashew (March 9, 2008) | Comments (0)
Maptech UK/Ireland Charts Update
We mentioned earlier we had ordered a set of British Admiralty electronic charts from Maptech. The price was US$150, and to be frank, we were dubious about what we would get for this modest cost. The folks at Maptech said it was the complete portfolio, but they did not have a list.
Posted by Steve Dashew (March 9, 2008) | Comments (0)
Affordable Choice for UK Electronic Charts
A surprisingly affordable option for UK electronic charts.
Posted by Steve Dashew (February 29, 2008) | Comments (0)
Dinghy Tent/Awning
We have always thought of a properly prepared dinghy as a better option than the life raft in most situations. Our dink on Wind Horse always has its outboard spares/tools of course, along with ground tackle and abandon ship gear packed in watertight backpacks. There is a five-gallon (19 liter) water jug, and two six-gallon (22 liter) gas cans stored aboard as well.
Posted by Steve Dashew (February 28, 2008) | Comments (0)
Testing an Induction Cooktop for Wind Horse
We have been testing an “induction” (magnetic) cooktop on Wind Horse. In theory, this takes a fraction of the power of conventional electric units, and we will be using these in lieu of propane on the FPB 64s.
Result – this technology works really well. Linda was able to make a Sunday morning breakfast (boil water for coffee, cook bacon, and fry eggs) in just under 14 minutes of cooking time. Average draw off the inverter was 1300 watts during this time. This works out to 330 watts for a rather large (for us) breakfast which otherwise would have been cooked with propane.
Posted by Steve Dashew (February 26, 2008) | Comments (0)
Plan A or Plan B?
Plan A or Plan B? The Dashews are planning to take Wind Horse to Europe, and debating two radically different routes for getting there.
Posted by Steve Dashew (February 20, 2008) | Comments (0)
Aluminum Hull Maintenance (AKA the Grind)
Last summer we spent a few days hanging out on the dock in Anacortes, Washington, seeing some friends and checking out the local boat building scene. It so happens the dock to which Wind Horse was securely affixed was the perfect height for touching up our topsides.
When you consider Wind Horse had been on the go for the better part of 24,000 miles without our once having done any maintenance, it became apparent that the time had come for some serious cleaning.
Posted by Steve Dashew (January 4, 2008) | Comments (0)
Mechanical vs. Electric Engine Gauges
The photo above of the oil pressure gauges on our two engines was taken last summer as we were working our way through British Columbia. On the face of things, the oil pressure on the port engine is a little low and that of the starboard engine alarming. Is this the result of low oil level, a true oil pressure issue from bearings or oil pump, or a bad sensor?
Posted by Steve Dashew (December 14, 2007) | Comments (0)
Dealing with a Melted Exhaust
Dealing with a melted exhaust (without an exhausting meltdown).
Posted by Steve Dashew (November 18, 2007) | Comments (0)
Visibility at Sea
We asked all the SetSailors to share their tips for maximizing visibility at sea. The Dashews write about lighting, paint color, and reflective tape.
Posted by Steve Dashew (November 9, 2007) | Comments (0)
Strobe Lights for Visibility
Years ago we fitted a strobe light to the masthead of Intermezzo, to serve as a warning light to make sure we were seen by shipping. Later we heard this was not such a good idea, because it was difficult to determine distance off when viewing strobe lights.
Posted by Steve Dashew (October 9, 2007) | Comments (0)
Knipex “Plier Wrench”
This tool is ideal for working where a standard crescent is too bulky or thick, and a channel lock does not have the grip power you need.
You can order these in various sizes from most tool suppliers. Googling “Knipex” will get you a bunch of websites to check.
Posted by Steve Dashew (October 3, 2007) | Comments (0)
Collision Avoidance
Collision avoidance: Why ARPA is not foolproof.
Posted by Steve Dashew (October 1, 2007) | Comments (0)
PAR Bilge Pump Repair – Jury Rigging Check Valves
The air vents for the water tanks empty into the forepeak and engine room. We rarely fill these tanks, but when we do, we just wait until the bilge pump starts to cycle, indicating the tanks are overflowing, to turn off the hose.
You can imagine our surprise when we heard the high water alarm sounding. We turned off the hose, and then checked the engine room. There was four inches (100mm) of water in our usually dry bilge. The big PAR diaphragm pump was running, but it wasn’t pumping (and as a result was quieter than normal).
Posted by Steve Dashew (September 28, 2007) | Comments (0)
Putting Wind Horse Into the Barn
Wind Horse is ensconced in a spider web of dock lines at Marina del Dave-and-Diane in Ventura, California. As she is a hair too long for one dock, Dave and Diane’s neighbor, Henrietta, has been kind enough to allow us straddle her abode as well.
This is a quiet, private spot, totally protected from the elements, and our friends who dwell shoreside here can give Wind Horse a pat now and then and make sure all is well with her.
The process of leaving the boat is one with which we are familiar. We’re looking forward to a brief change in venue, but also excited about our next cycle of cruising – wherever that may end up (and there are lots of options).
Posted by Steve Dashew (September 27, 2007) | Comments (0)
Cuyler’s Anchorage, San Miguel Island
San Miguel in the Channel Islands – lots of interesting critters, and some interesting boats too.
Posted by Steve Dashew (September 12, 2007) | Comments (0)
Point Arguello: Turning the Corner
Eureka!
Eureka! The Dashews revisit the small Northern California town where Linda taught school 40+ years ago, and discover it to be one of the best cruising stops on the Pacific Coast.
Posted by Steve Dashew (September 10, 2007) | Comments (0)
Testing Cape Mendocino
We are just getting squared away to start surfing off Cape Mendocino when a pod of porpoise come by to share the fun. Three of them leap from the face of a wave in formation, surfing down the steep wave front with Wind Horse. A first for us in 35 years of cruising.
Posted by Steve Dashew (September 8, 2007) | Comments (0)
Surf’s Up: Fall Gale off Cape Mendocino!
Surf’s up – time to boogy! Getting ready to test Wind Horse in a fall gale off Cape Mendocino, California.
Posted by Steve Dashew (September 5, 2007) | Comments (0)
US Customs Procedures
Most of the time when we clear into a US port after being outside US waters, the process is quick and easy. In all the years we’ve been doing this it has also been pleasant, with just one exception. Clearing into Roche Harbor in the San Juan islands from Canada was no different.
Posted by Steve Dashew (September 2, 2007) | Comments (0)
Interesting Boats, August 2007
Interesting boats to ogle at the end of the summer.
Posted by Steve Dashew (August 31, 2007) | Comments (0)
Musical Propellers
Occasionally propellers will “sing”. This high-pitched whine is the result of blade harmonics and the blade interaction with surrounding structure. If you have an even number of blades there is more chance of singing occurring. Typically this does not happen through the full RPM range, but it can be extremely annoying.
Prop manufacturers deal with this by putting on a wavy anti-singing edge. In our case, the current set of propellers have a wavy shape to their trailing edges. Our previous props did not have this and were very noisy. So, we removed them and had a slight cup added which got rid of the singing and effectively added a bit of pitch.
When we put on our latest set of props they were quiet except for the starboard prop at 1300 to 1500 RPM. Since we do not operate in that range we ignored the issue. But we found that at heavier displacement the singing would move up to the 1700 to 1800 RPM range and we do occasionally run at this speed.
Not wanting to remove the starboard wheel and take it to a prop shop we asked John Hall of Premier Propellers if there was anything we could do on the boat.
“File the aft side of the trailing edge for four or five inches (100 to 125mm),” was John’s reply.
Although we have a dry suit aboard for cold water maintenance, we waited until we were in Desolation Sound, with its “warm water”, to do the job. Using a medium coarse flat file we took six light passes at each blade. The amount of metal removed was minuscule. You could see the bronze colored flakes in the water and there was not much material. However, we figured it was best to do this a little bit at a time to see what would happen.
We picked up the hook and went for a test run and were pleasantly surprised to find no more singing.
So, if you have a singing prop, try a little underwater filing, on the aft side of the trailing edge.
Posted by Steve Dashew (August 21, 2007) | Comments (0)
More on Anchors and Sizing
This is a radar image of one of the anchorages we’ve visited in British Columbia’s Desolation Sound. The radar is on quarter mile range, so each range ring is 300 feet (90 meters). We’re in the center of the image. There are 36 boats showing radar return!
Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (August 20, 2007) | Comments (0)
Desolation Sound, Part 2: Waterfalls!
Desolation Sound – Summer ’07
Blind Channel Walk
Cordero Cove: A walk in the forest, and learning firsthand about the logging industry.
Posted by Steve Dashew (August 8, 2007) | Comments (0)
Dealing with Rapids
Techniques for riding the rapids in Central British Columbia.
Posted by Steve Dashew (August 7, 2007) | Comments (0)
Rainy Weather Has its Benefits
Broughton Bay: Rainy weather has its benefits. (Don’t miss the photos at the end of this article.)
Posted by Steve Dashew (August 5, 2007) | Comments (0)
Alert Bay
Ultimate Radar Mast
We’re anchored in Gowland Harbor on Quadra Island, across from Campbell River in British Columbia. The harbor is pleasant, and most important, our Verizon cell phone and broadband Internet connection are working. We’re here for a few days staying connected, catching up on a backlog of work.
We can’t, however, spend all day online. At some point we usually take a tour in the dinghy. This time took us to a small marina to see if there was anything of interest. We mainly saw powerboats, plus a pretty Vancouver 27 at anchor; and there was one sailboat with the nicest looking radar mast we’ve ever seen.
Posted by Steve Dashew (August 3, 2007) | Comments (0)
A Bug Zapper that Works
Here’s a cool tool that Linda first spied on a Canadian boat. It looks like a small tennis racket, with metal strings. There’s an electronic circuit in the handle which runs on a pair of AA batteries that puts a high voltage charge into the strings.
All you have to do is touch an offending bug, and ZAP, it is toasted. We picked one up in the super market in Prince Rupert for $3.95 and it really works. We’re guessing these are available all over.
Posted by Steve Dashew (August 1, 2007) | Comments (0)
Queen Charlottes, Part 4: True Cruising Stories
Queen Charlottes, Part 4 of 4: While sitting with new friends in the salon in a beautiful anchorage, swapping stories of cruising wildlife encounters, the Dashews have a surprising encounter of their own.
Posted by Steve Dashew (July 29, 2007) | Comments (0)
Queen Charlottes, Part 3: Back in Louscoone Inlet
Queen Charlottes, Part 3: In an unnamed cove in Louscoone Inlet, the Dashews find the magic they’re always seeking. Here’s a photo montage.
Posted by Steve Dashew (July 28, 2007) | Comments (0)
Queen Charlottes, Part 2: Sperm Bay, Flamingo Inlet
Queen Charlottes, Part 2: An interesting piloting approach into Sperm Bay, where the detailed Canadian chart shows no soundings.
Posted by Steve Dashew (July 27, 2007) | Comments (0)
Queen Charlottes, Part 1
Report from the lovely, isolated anchorages of British Columbia’s Queen Charlotte Islands.
Posted by Steve Dashew (July 25, 2007) | Comments (0)
Cooking Aboard: Microwave Baking
As you may know, the galley tends to be a key element in our cruising. And in the galley, the oven is the most important piece of gear. This is particularly important on passages where an inventory of home-made cookies is an essential component of our routing.
You can imagine, therefore, our chagrin when our Seward stove’s oven started to act up in Alaska. Discussing the symptoms with the guys at Sure Marine in Seattle led us to the belief that our “mercury valve”, which controls the oven, was again acting up (we’ve already replaced this once). What to do?
Posted by Steve Dashew (July 24, 2007) | Comments (0)
Pacific Coast Communications – Summer 07
We’re not much into watching TV, except for sports. But sports are important, especially college basketball, so we’ve been carrying a Direct TV system coupled with a “FollowMe TV” antenna tracker. The tracker works well in smooth water at anchor in the mid-latitudes, but it has a harder time maintaining its aim as we get to the fringes of reception. We’re using a 24″ dish and we’ve watched Wildcat basketball as far south in Mexico as Cedros Island. We’ve also watched parts of the NBA finals, in Cordova, Alaska. However, at 61 degrees north, with the dish depressed to the maximum, looking through a forest of steel fishing boats, reception was more off than on.
Posted by Steve Dashew (July 23, 2007) | Comments (0)
Craig, Alaska
Partaking in 4th of July festivities in the small community of Craig, Alaska.
Posted by Steve Dashew (July 19, 2007) | Comments (0)
Trollers & Trawlers
The difference between trollers and trawlers (and purseiners and gill netters, for that matter).
Posted by Steve Dashew (July 19, 2007) | Comments (0)
Devil Fish Bay
Tempting the ghosts in haunted Devil Fish Bay.
Posted by Steve Dashew (July 18, 2007) | Comments (0)
Southwest Coast of Baranof Island
Peace and quiet on the southwest coast of Baranof Island.
Posted by Steve Dashew (July 17, 2007) | Comments (0)
Sitka: A Unique Blend
Sitka: A unique blend of town dwellers, commercial fishermen, interesting boats on the dock, citified bald eagles, and a bit of tourism.
Posted by Steve Dashew (July 16, 2007) | Comments (0)
Survival Training Part 6: Testing the Life Raft
Survival Training Part 5: Immersion Suits
Fugitives in the Kenai Peninsula
Kenai Peninsula: The Dashews discover that Wind Horse is on “Wanted” posters. If you’re a foreign-flag vessel planning to visit Alaska, you’ll want to find out why.
Posted by Steve Dashew (July 10, 2007) | Comments (0)
Survival Training Part 4: Man Overboard
Survival Training Part 3: Fire Fighting
Survival Training Part 2: Flare Training
Anchoring Techniques for Worst-Case Scenarios
We’ve learned our anchoring lessons the hard way, by being caught at anchor, with ground tackle which was less than adequate, in situations where we wished we were at sea. That’s why we now carry such big anchors (and specify them on our clients’ boats). Our approach puts together an anchoring system that is designed for the worst possible scenarios.
What are the types of situations you need to allow for? In the tropics you will often be anchored in thin sand over coral. This does not allow burying anchors, like CQRs, to dig in. Holding is not the best for any type of anchor, but the Bruce, Spade, and Rocna types work best based on our experience. The water can be deep. It is not unusual to anchor in 60 to 100 feet (18 to 30m). And protection is often from the southeast to east (typical for trade winds) but exposed to the southwest (where convergence winds come from).
Posted by Steve Dashew (July 5, 2007) | Comments (0)
Prince William Sound – Part Two
Prince William Sound, Part 2: Putting the SONAR to work, thanks to sketchy charts.
Posted by Steve Dashew (July 2, 2007) | Comments (0)
Prince William Sound – Part One
Prince William Sound, Part 1: Sensory overload.
Posted by Steve Dashew (July 1, 2007) | Comments (0)
Survival Training – Introduction
In Sitka Steve and Linda take a fascinating survival training course, which leads to a 6-part series of articles. Here’s the first installment. Check back soon for the subsequent survival training articles.
Posted by Steve Dashew (June 29, 2007) | Comments (0)