Recent content by bluemoongaffer

I used these people for a one-off carbon gaff: http://www.aardvarkracing.co.uk/about/ V helpful. No connection except as satisfied customer. I made my own CF bowsprit using a section of windsurfer mast and some flexiply round the outside to stiffen it. Mine's a small boat though so I doubt it...

Some of us do get these projects finished! 8 years it took me and it was only a 20ft boat. Never again though. Enjoy the sailing too much to want to go back to building. Only one really important thing kept me going. The walk-in / walk-away factor. If what you're building isn't beautiful to you...

You could look into a lighter weight mast and gaff (make them hollow) plus lightweight rigging, like dyneema. I saved about 18kg of rig weight on my 19ft gaffer. It has made a big difference to how stiff she is. Collars made the new hollow mast and I used carbon fibre for the gaff (I accept you...

I think a solid, single piece of Douglas fir should be fine for this length of sprit. Robbins (Bristol) will send you a piece by carrier. Fairly straightforward to turn into a round sprit. If you want one making, Collars have been excellent for me for a mast and might be persuaded to make a...

All of their mailings about harbour fees lack tact and courtesy - just wait until you get the renewal notice. It would help if they could give them a bit of a polish to take the rough edges off. The staff are great though when you speak to them.

I'm surprised the Wolfson unit is prepared to make such sweeping generalisations. A feathering prop made a noticeable difference in sailing speed on my long keel yacht. In the order of 0.25 to 0.4 knot, depending on overall boat speed. That was against the old 2 bladed fixed prop.

Will see you there - we'll be in Bluemoon

I have a similar set up but probably much smaller boat (19ft). I just tighten the bottle screws until only a small amount of movement when I hold onto them and so that the leeward side doesn't fall loose when tacking. I also try to get them so that the staysail doesn't sag excessively - perhaps...

from Wikipedia: Reliable caliper-type disc brakes were developed in the UK by Dunlop and first appeared in 1953 on the Jaguar C-Type racing car. Actually, disc brakes per se were invented in the 1890's, apparently

20ft waterline length, gaff cutter, long keel (not particularly deep). 4.3kn at 95 tacking angle from compass. Flat(ish) water. No real change when wind increases. Rather not talk about leeway

My next boat will be called "Frankly my dear..." (Wish I could claim it is my idea but originally seen on motorboat in Sparkes)

Followed this thread with a lot of interest - it has all been really helpful - thanks

Newish (2006) but classic looking

I realise money is tight but Northney is really the best place. Excellent toilets, plenty of parking, easy to find, nearest marina to A3 / A27. Pretty well all tide access. Easy run to East Head

I have the Simrad TP10. Was quite a bit cheaper than the Raymarine entry level model when I bought it last year. I've not used it a lot yet but it seems to do the job - a bit noisy though.