A few months ago, with a bunch of friends over for dinner and Linda busy in the galley, we ran out of propane. Timing is everything in life.
Posted by Steve Dashew (December 5, 2006) | 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.
BGAN + FollowMeTV: The Ultimate Communication Tool?
BGAN is a relatively new INMARSAT service with much higher speeds and smaller antenna needs than what has been available in the past. The service is new, but from what we hear it is working well so far.
The rub for cruising sailors is the lack of an antenna system to track the satellite, and – when these become available – the cost.
We were wondering if the FollowMeTV single axis tracker, like we use for our Direct TV reception, would work. We talked to the guys at BGAN about this and it sounded propitious, so we got Ray Barnard at FollowMeTV to chat with BGAN – tech-to-tech, so to speak.
Posted by Steve Dashew (December 3, 2006) | Comments (0)
Specialty Electric Tools
Our last category of specialty tools deals with with electrical systems on board. These seem to get more use than the general tools – that probably tells you something about where most maintenance occurs on boats.
Posted by Steve Dashew (November 29, 2006) | Comments (0)
Favorite Tools, Part 1
Over the years we’ve accumulated an assortment of specialty tools. Most of these are rarely used, but when required, they have been essential for getting maintenance projects completed expeditiously. Whether you carry these or not depends on your fetish for tools, how much space you have for storage of rarely used gear, and where you’ll be cruising.
Posted by Steve Dashew (November 29, 2006) | Comments (0)
Sonar for Cruising, Part 6: Sea Trials
SONAR for Cruising, Part 6: First sea trials.
Posted by Steve Dashew (November 28, 2006) | Comments (0)
Drogue Testing
For many years we’ve been students of the concept of using drogues in heavy weather, or for holding station when disabled. We did extensive research on this subject – interviewing dozens of users – when writing Surviving the Storm. But in our own cruising experience we never had conditions where we thought the use of such devices was a better option than keeping the boat up to speed.
With Wind Horse, the situation is potentially different. So, we’ve carried a Fiorentino parachute anchor, Galerider, and Jordan Series Drogue. We’ve looked at the rigging of these, discussed how to use them, but until recently have not found the time to actually get this gear into the water (our strong suggestion to you, if you carry any of this equipment, is to become familiar with it before heading offshore). Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (November 28, 2006) | Comments (0)
Sonar for Cruising, Part 5: Installation
SONAR for Cruising, Part 5: The Installation.
Posted by Steve Dashew (November 23, 2006) | Comments (0)
Getting the Stain Out of Stainless
If you’ve messed around with boats for very long you will know there are all sorts of grades and qualities of “stainless” steel. Sometimes good vendors will supply you with poor quality materials, resulting in a continuing battle with rust stains. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (November 13, 2006) | Comments (0)
Binoculars Revisited
A few months ago we did a short report on the three types of binoculars we have aboard Wind Horse. Having 5000 miles more experience with them since that report, we thought we’d update you on our feelings.
First, the image stabilized Canon 15 x 50s. These are excellent in good light and smooth water. We can use them in light chop, but anything that is at all bouncy makes it very difficult to find and then hold an image centered.
(Wind Horse’s compliment of binoculars. Fujinon 7x50s on the right, Cannon 15×50 image-stabilized glasses in the center, and Bausch & Lomb night vision glasses on the left.)
Posted by Steve Dashew (November 11, 2006) | Comments (0)
Sonar for Cruising, Part 4: Deciding upon a System
Coming to a decision on a SONAR system for the boat.
Posted by Steve Dashew (November 10, 2006) | Comments (0)
Aluminum Paint Specification
Aluminum boats are wonderful. The only problem area is with painting. It is not an easy material to get paint to stay on without problems. On the other hand, it is the only material which can be left bare, and that is a huge plus. We like the look, and the lack of maintenance. And if someone messes up a docking maneuver, we ignore the scratches – or if we’re feeling ambitious, polish them out with ScotchBrite pads.
Of course you still have to do something with the part of the boat that is in the water. What is done below the waterline is quite different than above. The system used needs to tie to the bottom paint being used. In the past we’ve always used TBTF bottom paint, but this is no longer available. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (November 9, 2006) | Comments (0)
Outboard Motor: Engine Size vs. Fuel Consumption
For the past 18 years we have had 30HP Yamaha outboards on our dinghies. The 30 was chosen for several reasons. First, we like to water ski and this is the smallest engine with which we can drag start on a slalom ski (tricky, but it can be done). The second reason is that this is plenty of power to push the big boat around should we need it in a tight harbor with lots of wind blowing. In effect, this serves as our “thruster”.
Posted by Steve Dashew (November 3, 2006) | Comments (0)
Poly V-Belt After 1500 Hours
Powerful DC engine-mounted alternators require large doses of horsepower to produce their electricity. This is normally transmitted via V-belts, from the power take off (PTO) pulley on the front of the engine crankshaft to a pulley on the alternator. Traditional V-belts have a hard time dealing with really big alternators, and require careful alignment, heavy duty tensioning hardware, and early replacement (for a lot more on this subject, see Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia).
The John Deere diesels which are aboard Wind Horse use a new (to us) type of drive belt off their PTOs. These are called Poly-V belts, and are ribbon-like in appearance. They are reported to be more forgiving than traditional V-belt designs, but we took a wait-and-see attitude.
Posted by Steve Dashew (October 29, 2006) | Comments (0)
Forepeak Storage
Gig Harbor Rowing Dinghy
We’ve carried a variation of the Catalina Wherry, a 14-foot (4.3m) rowing dinghy, on all our cruising boats going back 30 years. Even Wind Horse had a used version which we picked up in New Zealand prior to leaving. However, we’ve been hankering for something a little more sophisticated, and have been looking at rowing dinghies with sliding seats. A sliding seat allows the rower to use both arms and legs when working the oars.
After arriving in the Northwest we started seeing a lot of sliding seat dinghies built by Gig Harbor Yachts, of Gig Harbor, Washington. There were a number of things about their 14-foot model which appealed to us. Its sloop would fill the need to daysail. And it allows the sliding seat to be fixed in an aft position, and then rowed double. We contacted the factory in June and were told four months for delivery. That was too long as we’d be a 1000 miles south by then.
Posted by Steve Dashew (October 27, 2006) | Comments (0)
Staying Informed with the News While Cruising
We asked all the SetSailors how (or if) they stay informed with the news while cruising.
Posted by Steve Dashew (October 26, 2006) | Comments (0)
Sonar for Cruising, Part 3: Is It Practical?
SONAR for Navigation, Part 3: Filtering through the info to make a decision. Should we get a SONAR, and if so, which model?
Posted by Steve Dashew (October 18, 2006) | Comments (0)
Two Different Sonar Models to Try
SONAR for Navigation, Part 2: Test-driving a Furuno, and checking out a different approach from FarSounder.
Posted by Steve Dashew (October 14, 2006) | Comments (0)
Sonar for Cruising, Part 1
SONAR for Navigation, Part 1: With recent advances in SONAR technology, and since prices have come down, Steve & Linda are investigating whether SONAR is now a feasible navigation tool for cruising. They’ve written an in-depth three-part report about their discoveries.
Posted by Steve Dashew (October 13, 2006) | Comments (0)
Ventura, California: End of a Summer Romance
End of summer’s travels: Ventura, California.
Posted by Steve Dashew (October 12, 2006) | Comments (0)
Organizing Charts
How to organize your paper charts – and why they’re still essential.
Posted by Steve Dashew (October 2, 2006) | Comments (0)
Icemaker Solution
Cruising on the Columbia River
Exploring the Columbia River Gorge, and checking out design details on the tugs, container ships, and a mysterious "stealth" craft.
Posted by Steve Dashew (September 3, 2006) | Comments (0)
Vancouver, British Columbia: City Cruising
Steve and Linda are generally not into cities as cruising destinations, but are pleasantly surprised with Vancouver.
Posted by Steve Dashew (August 18, 2006) | Comments (0)
Second Time Through
Return to Seymour Narrows – passing through in a day where you could easily spend a whole summer.
Posted by Steve Dashew (August 15, 2006) | Comments (0)
Dinghy Set Up
Exploring in cold country with the dinghy introduces an additional set of risks which call for extra emergency preparation. We’re usually off by ourselves, and it is doubtful that anyone would miss us or hear a call for help. So we need to be prepared for a wider range of risk factors than in warmer climes.
Posted by Steve Dashew (August 13, 2006) | Comments (0)
Blunden Harbor
Blunden Harbor on the British Columbia mainland.
Posted by Steve Dashew (August 11, 2006) | Comments (0)
Digital Chart Risks
Electronic charting systems are a step up from the olden days of pencil, dividers, and paper. Used correctly, they reduce workload and offer a higher factor of safety, especially in difficult conditions. However, there are numerous risk factors associated with using electronic charts, so we feel it is wise to maintain a healthy dose of skepticism and double-check the results.
Posted by Steve Dashew (August 11, 2006) | Comments (0)
Local Knowledge
Not trusting the cruising guide, Steve and Linda rely on local knowledge and their own observations in order to make their way through some tricky passages and find a safe place to anchor for the night.
Posted by Steve Dashew (August 10, 2006) | Comments (0)
Heading South (Southeast Alaska)
Heading south from Prince Rupert, and encountering lots of traffic (cetaceous and otherwise).
Posted by Steve Dashew (August 10, 2006) | Comments (0)
Radar Plotter – Approaching Prince Rupert from the West
Radar plotter – approaching Prince Rupert from the west.
Posted by Steve Dashew (August 9, 2006) | Comments (0)
Hunter Bay
With a gale forecast, Wind Horse hunkers down in Hunter Bay.
Posted by Steve Dashew (August 8, 2006) | Comments (0)
Sandy Cove to Craig
Wind Horse makes her way through big swells and a large fleet of trollers from Sandy Cove to Craig, a small tourist-free fishing town.
Posted by Steve Dashew (August 7, 2006) | Comments (0)
Sandy Cove
Sandy Cove, where low tide reveals a surprise.
Posted by Steve Dashew (August 6, 2006) | Comments (0)
Sitka to Secluded Cove
Heading back down south from Sitka to Secluded Cove – more bears!
Posted by Steve Dashew (August 5, 2006) | Comments (0)
Favorite Cruising Grounds?
We asked all the SetSailors to write about their favorite cruising grounds. Not surprisingly, Alaska ranks high on the list for Linda and Steve.
Posted by Steve Dashew (August 4, 2006) | Comments (0)
Warm Spring Harbor and Peril Straits
Teaching 8-year-old granddaughter Emma to navigate in the perilous Peril Straits.
Posted by Steve Dashew (August 1, 2006) | Comments (0)
The Wild Life of Cruising Alaska
Extremely close encounters with brown bears at Pack Creek on Admiralty Island.
Posted by Steve Dashew (July 30, 2006) | Comments (0)
Glacier Bay
Glacier Bay, where the spectacular scenery and wildlife are worth the bureaucracy of getting in.
Posted by Steve Dashew (July 28, 2006) | Comments (0)
Icy Straits – Part 2
More humpbacks – this time they put on an acrobatic display. Also some tense moments when orcas come on the scene.
Posted by Steve Dashew (July 27, 2006) | Comments (0)
Icy Straits – Part 1
Icy Straits – Watching and listening to humpback whales as they feed on the ebb tide.
Posted by Steve Dashew (July 26, 2006) | Comments (0)
Lynn Canal
Taiyasanka
Taiyasanka Harbor – a great spot to hole up in a blow, as long as there are no earthquakes.
Posted by Steve Dashew (July 23, 2006) | Comments (0)
Skagway
Skagway – lots of cruise ships and a furry visitor.
Posted by Steve Dashew (July 20, 2006) | Comments (0)
Juneau
Tracey Arm
Tracey Arm, Alaska – spectacular bergs, and a chance to test the radar in ice.
Posted by Steve Dashew (July 15, 2006) | Comments (0)
Prince Rupert
More cool gear found on boats in Prince Rupert, BC’s northernmost city.
Posted by Steve Dashew (July 15, 2006) | Comments (0)
Princess Reach
Steve and Linda see an interesting variety of cockpit enclosures among their fellow cruisers in northern BC and SE Alaska.
Posted by Steve Dashew (July 11, 2006) | Comments (0)
Khutze Inlet
Khutze Inlet – spectacular views shared with just one other boat.
Posted by Steve Dashew (July 10, 2006) | Comments (0)
Inside Passage
Navigating the tricky currents, weather, traffic, and deadheads in the Inside Passage. Making full use of the Furuno 2117 radar.
Posted by Steve Dashew (July 10, 2006) | Comments (0)
Johnstone Straits
Heading north through BC’s beautiful and fascinating Johnstone Straits. Giving Nobletec software a try.
Posted by Steve Dashew (July 8, 2006) | Comments (0)
Desolation Sound
Warm water, beautiful scenery, and lots of company in Desolation Sound.
Posted by Steve Dashew (July 7, 2006) | Comments (0)
Ganges Harbor, Salt Spring Island
Interesting boat-watching and a great farmer’s market at Ganges Harbor on Salt Spring Island.
Posted by Steve Dashew (July 6, 2006) | Comments (0)
Canadian Customs Regulation
The skinny on dealing with Canadian customs at Pender Island.
Posted by Steve Dashew (July 5, 2006) | Comments (0)
Friday Harbor
Running into additional old friends at Friday Harbor, and the quieter Park Harbor.
Posted by Steve Dashew (July 2, 2006) | Comments (0)
New Propellors
Over the years we’ve worked with Martec folding props, Max Prop feathering wheels, Hundested controllable pitch props, and Gori folders. None of these unconventional (in power boat terms) props have good engineering data. Specifying the correct prop of this type is very much a black art based on experience (for a more detailed look at this subject see Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia).
When we began work on Wind Horse propeller design was high on our agenda. We talked to lots of experts, consulted our various suites of software, and interviewed propeller manufacturers around the world.
Our goals were simple: quiet and efficient operation.
Posted by Steve Dashew (July 1, 2006) | Comments (0)
Choosing an Inverter
We’ve just finished updating the inverters on Wind Horse so we thought it might be timely to discuss the logic of how to chose an inverter.
There are a number of choices available. The question is, which is the right unit with the best features for your intended application.
Posted by Steve Dashew (June 30, 2006) | Comments (0)
Furuno Radar Software Update
One of the cool things about our Furuno 2117 black box radar is that the hardware is secondary to the software. The hardware is basic, robust, and powerful. It is the software, that controls the various functions like signal processing and scanner, which gets out of date. The fact that the software can be easily upgraded is one of the reasons we decided to go with the 2117 in the first place.
Posted by Steve Dashew (June 29, 2006) | Comments (0)
Port Madison – Circumnavigator Magnet?
Port Madison, and a serendipitous gathering of circumnavigators.
Posted by Steve Dashew (June 28, 2006) | Comments (0)
Pulling Propellors in the Water
As we’re still dialing in the props on Wind Horse, we’ve just had the need to remove our new Hall and Stavaert props for some fine tuning. As the water is very cold, not to mention dark, we asked Dwayne Montgomery at Emerald City Diving in Seattle to handle the job for us.
Posted by Steve Dashew (June 23, 2006) | Comments (0)
Cruising the Seattle Area
Some magical spots in the Seattle area that seem to have escaped notice from other cruisers.
Posted by Steve Dashew (June 23, 2006) | Comments (0)
Dealing with Engine Blow-By
When diesel engines operate, there is a small amount of pressure which slips by the piston rings. This pressure gets into the block and rocker arm cover of the engine and has to be relieved in some form. Typically a vent hose is attached to the rocker cover, and maybe one from the crank case. The pressurized air which is expelled carries with it a fine mist of oil. After a while everything in the engine room is covered with oil.
Posted by Steve Dashew (June 20, 2006) | Comments (0)
Engine Oil Leaks
Oil leaks and engines seem to have a symbiotic relationship. The oil leaks provide the engine a chance to vent its frustration at being abused, while the engine allows the oil to escape and spread itself out in the world at large (or at least in your bilge).
Most of the time these leaks are tiny, and difficult to stop. Some years ago we had such a situation on Beowulf. It wasn’t until we ran into a diesel mechanic in Maine that we learned how to deal with these small leaks.
Posted by Steve Dashew (June 19, 2006) | Comments (0)
Children’s Safety – Infants and Toddlers on Board
Linda’s advice for cruising with toddlers on board.
Posted by Steve Dashew (June 14, 2006) | Comments (0)
Savu Savu – Cruisers Crossroads
Savu Savu, Fiji – a crossroads that harkens back to the old days of cruising.
Posted by Steve Dashew (June 13, 2006) | Comments (0)
Laundry While Cruising
To do laundry in the Banks Islands, just south of the Solomons, all you need are some rocks, a source of water, and plenty of time.
I have to admit that I’m a laundry junky. I find it very satisfying to wash, dry and iron. It’s one task that has a beginning, middle and finished product in a relatively short period of time.
What a difference 30 years makes! Looking back to cruising on Intermezzo in 1976, we didn’t even consider what it was going to be like cruising with two small children without any laundry facilities. We had enough on our plate converting a racing boat to a cruising boat for a family of four. We took out the second head and made a pantry, took the forepeak bunks and made an athwartship double bunk for the master stateroom, but didn’t think much about how we would handle laundry. When we went cruising, I paid to store our relatively new home washing machine and dryer for seven years – which was silly, as it would have been much smarter to sell them and buy new ones later on.
Posted by Sarah.Dashew (June 1, 2006) | Comments (0)
Prop Zincs vs. Hull Zincs
When we first put Wind Horse in the water, we did not fit hull zincs. We were relying on the prop zincs, and zincs hung from the rail at anchor for galvanic protection. The zincs were being eaten too fast so we decided to pay the drag penalty (small) and weld plates with threaded holes to which we could bolt large zincs to the keel and near the props (four in total).
Posted by Steve Dashew (May 21, 2006) | Comments (0)
Storm Covers for the Hatches
We’ve been using the same detail for hatch storm covers for years. This includes a tight-fitting cover, some form of lip for the cover to fit over or around, and on Wind Horse, a new feature. In the photo below you will see a series of lashings over the cover itself. These are to help hold the cover in place in truly awful conditions.
Although we’ve never had problems with covers coming off in the past, this detail is more suited to the type of weather we may encounter with the new boat.
Posted by Steve Dashew (May 19, 2006) | Comments (0)
Port Townsend
If there was ever a place for boat lovers, it’s Port Townsend, Washington.
Posted by Steve Dashew (May 12, 2006) | Comments (0)
Gone Cruising…Finally
Gone cruising…finally! From Santa Barbara to Neah Bay in Puget Sound.
Posted by Steve Dashew (May 9, 2006) | Comments (0)