We recently found ourselves on shore at low tide while tied to a pier, giving us an elevated view of some of Wind Horse’s details. As we needed to send a few photos to New Zealand for the FPB 64s, we thought we would share a few with you here.

The top of the forward “mast”. The 1000 watt floodlight is used for three situations. First, to check sea shape at night in heavy weather. Next, it is occasionally used for a few seconds when we are working into a difficult anchorage in the dark (something we always try and avoid). Finally, if we are forced to run at night in debris strewn waters (which we really hate to do), it can play a part.

The light below this is the forward of our two steaming lights, also known as a range light. Range lights are not required on a small vessel, but they help with our visibility and make us seem a lot bigger to other vessels. In theory this engenders a degree of respect which might otherwise not occur.

The plate below the steaming light holds the horn and foredeck spot light.

Now a series of photos on the large dink hoisting gear. The two booms you have been seeing are used for hoisting the dinks (amongst other things). The port dinghy weighs about 700 pounds (320kg), so it takes a degree of care with its rigging. The starboard rowing dink weighs just 125 pounds (57kg) and is lifted with a single purchase halyard.

The big dink halyard system has evolved over time into this three-to-one system, with the block and snap shackle to connect to the lifting bridle (easy to operate with one hand). This leads to the electric winch.

The single blocks on the boom are connected with rope strops. These are held from sliding down the boom by the blue Spectra pennants. This approach makes it easy to adjust the pick up point of the halyard by changing the length of the Spectra pennants.

There is a 3/8″ (9.6mm) 1 x 19 stainless wire topping lift which supports the boom. The pivoting shackle to which this is attached also serves as a connection point for the dinghy halyard block.

The outboard end of the boom. The aluminum tangs to which the topping lift, fore, and after guy attach are welded to the boom. The block at the end (with the rope strop) is for a flopper stopper halyard used at anchor in bouncy anchorages.

Both booms and the forward mast have 3M reflecting tape for better visibility when we are at anchor and in fog.

Finally, a look at the entry door protection. This gives us a place to hang wet rain gear and store our shore shoes.