A Gift From Polson Bay

 The first time I ever sailed the boat I now call my own was on Polson Bay. And in two years I've never been back. But today marked my return. It's not that I haven't tried to sail in Polson. Far from it. But at the height of summer the dock is full of ski boats, fishing boats and PWC's. All of them want to get in and out as quickly as they can and it's nothing but motorized mayhem. Not the type of environment that cares about the needs of a fourteen foot boat powered by wind. The winds in the bay can be feast or famine and the chop builds up quickly. All of these factors make it a very challenging place to launch and sail a small boat.
 Quite recently I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. The flare up that led to my diagnosis seems to be fading but I was left with a real fear about my future as a solo sailor.Would I have the strength to sail alone? It's true that the amount of work it takes to get a sailboat on the water increases by the waterline foot but there is still plenty of work in a fourteen foot boat. And just yesterday attempting to the boat ready for sailing left me feeling utterly fatigued after only a few hours of doing things very slowly. What would happen on the ramp?
 Even as these thoughts were swirling around in my head I woke up and finished setting up the boat. It was today or May. The weather here in Western Montana is turning fall as if a switch has been thrown. It's going to go downhill for sailing very, very quickly. Looking at the forecast today was the only day with hope. How much hope? Tomorrow we have a wind advisory. Fresh breeze with gale force gusts. And then rain.
 The drive north wasn't bad. My destination was Big Arm. I had promised to stay in the bay and that was fine with me. I could go and give imaginary broadsides to my buddy Kirk's marina and call it a day.  I just needed a quick sail to finish the season. Deep down I was wondering if I could even manage that much. As I crested the hill and Flathead Lake spread out before me I wondered if maybe I could save half an hour and just go sailing in Polson.
 The signs were not good. The flags hung limp and the water glassy as I drove along the waterfront. I was resigned to the gas usage when just before the turn off to the Polson marina I saw an advertisement flag fluttering in the wind. I made a very quick left, found a spot and parked.
 The water was perfect. Just a touch of wind and no activity at the dock save for fisherman on the pier. I could still drive to Big Arm but why waste such a rare day? You don't. Not when you have your health and a boat.
 I took longer then usual to set up and launch. This was on purpose. With no timeline and not yet understanding my limits it seemed prudent. The dock at Polson is very much the same as at Georgetown. A huge gap between ramp and dock. I have no idea why they do this. At Big Arm it's a straight shot. At Dayton it is too. And the public dock there that ranks as one of the worst docks I've sailed off of. A gentleman on the pier was kind enough to take my bow line so I could get the truck parked once again. The sails were bent, the rudder attached, lines cast off and with the jib doing most of the work we sailed off the pier.
 There is something that amazes people when a sailboat leaves I've found. There is no roar of a motor and thrashing prop. Kids young and old stop what they are doing and marvel that the boat moves at all. And when your audience is used to powerboats it's a bit of smug satisfaction that accompanies the action of departing under sail alone. With the skipper whistling a sea chanty, a jaunty yachting cap on his head and tiller in hand Esmerelda and I headed for deeper water.
 The wind was light. Almost no wind but enough to make obvious way. I've often driven through Polson and wondered what the waterfront looks like from the water. Well I found out.

Looks just like the backside of a resort.

 I've been doing a lot of reading lately on sailboats. Mainly books of an instructional bent and I wanted to sail close hauled as much as I could. The appeal being that once my sails are set I have less to worry and fuss with. So I sailed from close hauled tack to close hauled tack. I worked on passing the rudder behind my back to keep facing forward. Keeping an eye on my telltales and sails and putting it all together. And I thought. A lot. About what sailing in the future could be like. Where I wanted to go. And time and time again about how time on the water beats a day at the office. And that helped.
 No matter what in the moment, right then I was sailing. My boat. By myself. And only the setting sun directing my actions. The sense of confidence and freedom given me was almost euphoric. I always feel good when I'm sailing but this time it was different. I had something to prove to myself and I proved it in good fashion. The worry and doubt went way replaced by focus and learned skill. I set mini goals of location and angle and carried out my own shouted orders. Had I the time and the wind I have no doubt I could have gone anywhere. And that alone was more then worth it.
 But eventually the sun, so much lower these days, beckoned me home. So I did something that while obvious was a new action to me. Well off the the breakwater I lowered my sails an motored in. And I make no excuses. Could I have sailed in and docked? I have no doubt I could, I've done it before. But the factors that dictate my actions lead to this decision. And I'm okay with that. I don't need to be the super uber sailor all the time. Nor should I be. I have my electric motor for a reason.
 I tied up at the far pier, pulled the sails off and made ready to get the boat out of the water. As I was doing this the rumble of an American V8, the sound of Godzilla gargling with marbles, entered my consciousness. The craft making this noise is what I can only call achingly gorgeous. She must have been twenty feet long, twin cockpits and cut through the water like a destroyer. I stood in awe in silent tribute of this wonderful craft. And I know without a doubt this was a motorboat with a soul.

Built in 1997 and powered by a 454 big block.

 So what did I learn on this trip? I learned that the present is where I am and to take things one day at a time. That dock designers in Montana have issues. That having a second line to tie a boat is a really handy thing. That sometimes even with the best of intentions you still get wet. And that your limitations are only found and explored through action. Whether of body and or mind. I'm so glad that the day before gale force winds Flathead gave me a gentle day on the water. As if to remind me that perfection can come when we least expect it and when it does show up to sit back and take it all in. Oh, and that in the right light or even the wrong light I have a very, very beautiful boat. And a wonderful companion on this new and continuing journey.

 

Sometimes you just get wet.

Looking Ahead

Sailing In Hand on Flathead Lake. September 2014

 The sailing season is winding down and it's time to take stock and make plans. Although I missed a huge part of this years season it was well worth it to have a boat in good repair and enjoying the company of friends. But as I look forward to the next season I have work before play. The list is short but definitive and I'll try and address each in turn.

•  Hull Issues-This issue actually has a name and it's crazing. The topsides of my boat look like alligator skin. This is a common enough issue in a boat of this age. The best thing to do is to apply two coats of epoxy primer, sand with 120 grit sandpaper, then two coats of a two part polyurethane. The issue most likely will not be getting worse at this juncture but it sure is not getting any better. So that will have to be looked at.
• Sail Issues-I need new sails. The jib is a bit worse off the main but both need at a minimum to be sent off to be cleaned and repaired. This will be started when the boat is done for the season. In the meantime a bit of sail tape will have to do.
• Transom issues-I need to encapsulate my transom. Fiberglass cloth and resin. And paint.

 Those are the really big ticket items. The rest of my list is making my boat mine. Now for a long time I've harkened in my head the idea of doing a full restoration of the boat to it's 1962 glory with all the hardware as it was then. After this last sail I've abandoned that idea. I don't want to sail a half century old boat to say I do. I want to sail a boat that will take me where I want, when I want. With a minimum of fuss and less worry about how the past worked. I need the daysailer of today with a bit of nostalgia and class.  To that end I hope to make the following adjustments.

• Updated Standing and Running Rigging-I need to get some new shrouds and halyards. The shrouds will be ordered new stock but I'm thinking of going modern on the halyards. Right now they are the classic wire/rope mix. In looking at what racers are doing I'm thinking that going with Spectra may be the way to go. Using a singe material for ease of maintenance and less to go wrong. I'm not sure how to rig it but it does intrigue me. New blocks are also on the list. I love the original Tufnols but getting new Tufnols or going with more modern blocks is a must.
• Updated Main Sheet-As built the Lido main sheet goes from boom block, through the transom block, through the boom block, forward to another boom block and down to a combination block cam cleat on the centerboard. This works great in centering weight but leaves the sheet hanging in the middle of the boat. The Blanchard Jr. Knockabout's sheet comes over the tiller and is a better fit to the type of sailing I do. A wonderful example of this can be found in a demonstration aboard a Blanchard Jr. at the Center for Wooden Boats in Seattle.
• Seat Cushions-I really needs these. Poor hips and knees are not happy on hard fiberglass benches. I want to do extended sails and my comfort is important.
• Motor Option-Either fix my broken gas rig or find a battery for my electric. Goal is sail alone but having an option for no winds or mooring is a luxury I can live with.

That about covers plans. Here to more sailing in 2014!

Dayton Cruise 2014

PDR Madness

 The PDR I'm building is based on the third such boat ever build, named Bucket Ears. Overall plan is known as a a "Simple 18". I got the sides cut out in a day and now I'm working on getting the sides and bulkheads framed and chined. Getting the curve at the bottom is no doubt one of the hardest things about these small boats. But I've done it before.
 The PDR is different in many ways from the simple small boats I've built. The biggest and most obvious difference is the use of inside chine logs. All the boats I've built  and helped build have had outside chine logs. There is some debate in the boat building community about how much putting the logs on the outside really hinder or help performance. My thoughts are if you want performance in an an eight foot boat make it about four feet longer. I'm a bit put off by the mounting of the bulkheads but I have no doubt I'll figure it out.
 The chines are cut out of a 10' 2x6 and are 1x2 or thereabouts. I wet them before bending and with the help of a poor mans spanish windlass got the curve into them. On the second one I ended up using a ratchet strap to get the wood to move right. Nothing like a bit of redneck engineering. I have no idea how class legal this boat is. And right now I don't care. This boat was built to be thrown in the back of a pick up truck for instant and spontaneous adventure. No trailer. No fuss with registration. Just a fun knockabout boat for journeys on inland seas. And I think it will do just that. Even with a crack in the chine and some missing glue.

Why Build a PDR?

  Why not? In a fit of madness and a small paycheck this Friday I find myself suddenly and quite without warning on the cusp of PDR ownership. What is a PDR? It is by my estimation the perfect small sailboat. See my essay here on small boats. The Woman has mentioned that she'd like to learn how to sail and I was in need of a new jigsaw and that is how I've come to having two eight foot hull panels in my bedroom and a host of other cut an uncut lumber littering two boat yards.
 The PDR has a vaunted history and pedigree that cannot be denied even by it's most ardent detractors. It's dirt cheap, dirt simple, sails well enough and better then almost any boat that length and has proven time and time again that just because it's a simple plywood box does not mean it's a boat.
 A huge draw is the whimsey with which sailors are allowed. At this formative point I think I shall paint mine to resemble a frigate of the Napoleonic wars with (painted) gun ports and all. Some buff yellow and tan interior I think. A four sided sail of some variety. Side mounted leeboard.
 Time line calls for completion around mid August. Then it's off the pond for sailing. And why not, what building a boat is for.

SV Blue Flower Video Update

Accident or Incident

An expensive fiberglass flowerpot.

The first time I looked at my boat in around two weeks she had plant life growing from her centerboard slot. How this came to be is quite a story. During her last time out at Big Arm Esmerelda struck the bottom hard while still at the dock, forcing the centerboard through the slot and cracking the board in the process. The vessel was for all intents and purposes unusable.
 However with the help of The Typesetter, we are now bringing my Lido back to sailing shape once more. The first task was to get a piece of wood suitable for a new centerboard. Mahogany was chosen as that was the wood used in the original construction. The basic idea was to recreate the board we had minus the dents, dings and general abuse the old board had received.

 First step was using a plane to get the general shape of the foils right. This requires a bit of omph and when using a work table that is not nailed down can get exciting for the onlookers. After marking out the general dimensions and finding them class legal shaping began. It took about 30 minutes of planning a side to get the shapes rough. Now comes the sanding and the varnishing. And the varnishing. And the more varnishing.

 Not to shabby for an hours worth of work. Still have the final shaping and riveting to go. Many would buy a new centerboard but why buy it when you can build it? Also on the list of things to accomplish is adding a mast carry set up like that seen on Lido #53 which serendipitously ran into at my work and changing the trailer lighting to a light bar. The motor should be ready for testing in the next two weeks as well. If all goes as planned, Esmerelda should be back in action, and out of The Typesetters back yard in two weeks. Here is hoping!

If You Have to Ask What Boat Stands for...

Cromwell Island to starboard 2013

 The Lido and trailer need a bit of touch up work after only two sails this season. But what's another thirty or so? Which in my case it what boat stands for as I've not quite spent a grand on my fiberglass hole in the water I'm throwing money into. Today the prime expense is a new tiller. The Typesetter built a very pretty laminated tiller to replace the one that came with the boat. It's worked well but we've had consistent cracking problems at the rudder end and after this last sail it's to the point I can't really trust it anymore. Nothing like hearing the crack of wood when you come about. So I bit the bullet and ordered a new H and L Marine tiller off of Ebay. I did some research on H and L and they come highly recommended, having made tillers for production boats for years. They may have gone out of business recently so I figured why not, the price was the same as from the Schock website. Should be arriving in a few days, I'm quite excited.
  My trailer is very slowly giving me reason to want to a priest to bless it. There is a ground fault that enjoys blowing my trucks taillight fuse randomly. The Harbor Freight trailer jack refuses to stay put. And the bolt that holds the knob style hitch went missing during the last transit. Today I completely dissembled it to make it work better. Bought a new bolt at Ace Hardware and spent an hour on my back trying out various forms of profanity to see if one word or another made the job easier or if a combined string had any effect. I should just put a proper hitch on it but it works for now. Added a lock nut so the bolt shouldn't disappear so easily.
 And with that I'm done sailing for at least a week or more until the new tiller shows up. At some point soon I need to get a new centerboard and a new rudder, as both are showing their half century of service. The rudder has a bit of a twist along its lower sections and both are pitted and worn. The centerboard has seen numerous rocks, trees, monsters in it's life.If I want to keep sailing I need to replace them.
  I think part of owning an object is making sure that's it's done right to the best of your ability as soon as  you can. If something is wrong or off or doesn't work right, fix it as soon as you can. Don't wait, don't hesitate. Objects we like and cherish deserve this treatment. And besides a boat you can't take out today because of something you should have done yesterday does you no good tomorrow. Or something like that. 
 While looking over the forums and then looking over the boat I see that the mainsheet block was moved aft about six inches from it's original location, a modification that is recommended for racing boats. There are four plugs where the old screw holes were. I'm guessing it was moved during the time it was a saltwater boat. Maybe when it was listed on the class register 1964-65. Makes me wonder about Esmerelda's first owner. Was she purchased to race? How did she do? And what journey did she take that caused her to end up sailing fresh water in the Big Sky Country?
 I've been looking over the internet for video's of other Lidos and I must say I'm not a fan of the 6000 series. They lack a certain texture that appeals to me in my boat. Gone is the wood and "brass" accents that highlight various parts. Where do you store stuff for a day sail with the fo'c'sle all boxed in? And the rudder is now pure pintles and gudgeons, the the elegant solution provided by the classic boats. I can't fault it for what it is, a modern sailing dinghy but it's nice to know it came from classic roots, although fiberglass it's easy to see my boat in wood. And I'm more then okay with that.

Soul of a Thoroughbred

Waiting for the starting bell

  The Woman went looking for a a truck, which happened to be about thirty miles from my favorite sailing spot so SV Esmerelda, my truck and herself went to go look at it. The weather was forecast to be a bit heavier but "good sailing" according to most charts. I figured if it was too much we could bail and go explore Polson or something. It was a fine plan.
  Surprisingly the weather seemed fine upon our arrival at Big Arm State Park. After looking at the water and feeling the wind I judged were I at the local scum pond I'd take a Teal out there we got the boat rigged and ready. Now it should be noted that we have no true sailboat docks anywhere on the lake. To my knowledge not one public dock was set up with sailboats in mind. The wind was blowing parallel to the dock, stern on from the launch. I managed to get the boards down and the mainsail up in such a fashion as not to alarm the crew. With everything ready, I let go the lines and we started toward the shore, tiller hard over.
  You know how in a disaster things happen really quickly? Thankfully I have seen the events before. First I discovered that at low fill I can find the bottom with the centerboard pretty easily. However it does not get caught it just makes a very expensive sounding noise. If you've been bored enough to read this blog in it's entirety you know I had a bit of an issue with snap jibes and boom skying on the SV Blue Flower. Well turns out a Lido 14 does it pretty well too. Due to the wind I left the dock on a run, and turned up. There was an immediate snap jibe followed by the boom skying and the top of the sail wrapping itself around the mast. Unlike my Teal I can shift weight a bit better and got the boat stabilized and headed into the wind while I set about fixing the issue.
  A tug on the sail got the main unwrapped and set and I set about finding a close hauled course while I got the jib up. I can't say enough good about the crew who followed my hurried orders and help to keep the boat balanced. After sorting out what was moments ago nicely placed and ordered lines we were on a beam reach and headed out into the lake. With a chance to look at the sails I noticed there was a deep draft and figured I'd flatten it a bit to get the power down. It didn't work.

The Deep

  I asked the crew to get the GPS and keep track of our speed and course. Now the hull speed of a Lido 14 is about five knots. We maxed out at 5.5kts on our run out. It seems the boat only wanted to race. "Settle down Esmie" "No! Let's go fast this way!" "I don't want to go fast right now I'd like to figure out how this works" "No! Go fast!" "I appreciate the sentiment but I'm not sure that's the best idea right now. I'm trying to figure out sail trim and-" "Fine. You're not listening, hold on. We're going fast. GUST!!!!!" (With apologies to Tom Pamerin and Jagular. My boat talks too.)
  I'm not ashamed to admit I was a bit nervous. Once more the boat never felt that she was going to go over or anything but being in rather large and very cold water I wasn't as brash as I would be in a small pond with the shore a swim away. So there was much feathering and air spilling and somewhat frantic orders at times. In the end we were out for about thirty minutes and other then a rather interesting start, the sail was a good one.
  I'm learning to sail all over again with this boat. It's obvious she's got a mind about and that mind involves thoughts of speed. I'm not sure what kind of sailing was done with this boat in the past half century but I'm now certain it involves racing and lots of it. On the water the years fall away and this boat just wants to go fast. There was a kayaker on the bay with us and I'm now certain the idea was to go faster then the kayaker could have gone.  However her current skipper isn't quite ready for fast. And I'm not quite sure what to do about that. I have purchased a boat with the heart of a racehorse. Never mind the slightly misshapen sails, the missing trim pieces, the bare fiberglass on the floor and the questionable transom. I'm certain given some courage and a good breeze I could go anywhere I wanted at a speed I've not experienced under sail.
  It's a bit intimidating but I'm excited for the future. I need to fix the trailer and get another tiller but so help me I'll sail for a 3/4 of an hour but June. And maybe go a bit faster. Or a lot.

All the Fun Before Noon

  I now know what to do if I loose my forestay with the jib up. I could write it up in an epic post but it turns out I did a short video shortly after the event and will let myself do the talking.

It was a good day, if an eventful one. I learned a few things and I'd like to pass them on.

• Rig Tuning. Rig Tuning. Rig Tuning. The recreational tuning for a Lido is to have little or no movement of the mast. That can't be overstated if you're cruising in a Lido.
• The importance of good line If the turnbuckle had broken or the crimp come undone I was in a position to jury rig a new forestay with the paracord I keep in the anchor bucket. Having that 20' of line is important in so many ways.
• Doing one thing at at time. I was suprised in how easily and naturally my triage of the boat was. I took it one step at a time, not rushing and working through the problem. I think my experience and preparation through running steam boilers and years of martial arts training have given me a set of problem solving skills that befit a solo sailor.
• In looking back at the event I never felt that the situation was spiraling out of control or that I was in immediate physical danger. Yes the water was cold but my forethought as far as the weather and conditions meant the boat was stable and upright throughout the the monkeying on the foredeck. As a matter of fact the only water that entered the boat was the spray from intentionally beating through waves and the ice that fell out of the cooler. 

  I couldn't ask for a better first sail when something goes wrong. I remember yelling at the lake as I held my forestay in one hand behind my head while trying to get the clevis pin in with the other hand that it didn't get to win. The commentary alone must have been interesting. "Oh no you don't! Give me that. Fine. There. Okay what's next. Damn sail.  GET UP THERE!!". 
  The Typesetter and myself plan to go out again in two days time. I'm glad I had this chance to figure it all out. Because it'll only get better.

A Pleasant Change of Plans

Yard Sailing Esmerelda

 The 2014 sailing season will be starting early if plans go right. I have to days this week to go sailing and I intend to take them both. Wednesday I'll be heading out with a never sailed before buddy of mine to shake off the rust on a low wind sunny day. And Saturday, the first official sail of the season, The Typesetter and myself will make a go of it in a bit saltier conditions. I couldn't ask for more of a week that's for sure. Well off to make plans.

A New Life

The Whomper.

  When Lido #1280 came to me originally she bore the name Geronimo. With the figure of warrior on her side. I now know she was named for the greatest 12-Metre yacht in all cinema, the come from behind kid of the 1992 America's Cup movie, Wind. The name was removed as even without this knowledge it did not fit the boat. But with the boat in my driveway I feel I can reveal her new identity as the 14-Foot Lido SV Esmerelda and the beginnings of her new career as a sail training, expedition and cruising vessel. But it's good to know that somewhere in the last thirteen years someone thought enough of the vessel to think it worthy of such a namesake.
  I just finished Wind and it's a classic example of early nineties cinema. I know Matthew Modine from one of my favorite movies, Cutthroat Island and I'm not sure he carries dramatic as well as he does comedic straight man. In the end I really wish there was more focus on the Cup, the boats and the sailing and much less on the interpersonal relationships of the crew of Geronimo. There is so much history and legend surrounding the Auld Mug that a movie with that as it center would have been a find movie indeed. But I guess they needed to sell to a mass audience.
  As for the sailing those 12-Meters were amazing boats. If the next America's Cup were to go back to the 12-Meter Rule I think I would watch it. I understand better now the drama of sailing changing and how the tactics although similar to what was seen in AC34 were much better defined over a longer course and harrowing sea states. I'm a huge fan of the AC72's and the amazing amount of techonolgy and human effort put forth by those boats but seeing monohulls battleing it out in San Fransico bay would have been an equal spectacle.
  Racing may not be in the close future for Esmerelda but I'm certain at some point we'll sight a buoy in the distance and the former Geronimo will once again pick her skirts up in pursuit of the mark and do the big red boat proud. Esmerleda, welcome home. 
 

Plans

A good clean boat.

   Needed to fix a bunk on the trailer so went over the The Typesetters today. After plowing our way through some pizza's we got the boat off the trailer, repaired the bunk, and go the boat back on the trailer. I then hauled up the main to see if the topping lift worked. And it does. As we chatted about this and that I sat up in the cockpit, yard sailing and dreaming. There is something amazingly comforting about sitting in the boat, even on the hard an feeling the wind and watching what the sail does. I fiddled with the boom vang and the outhaul to play with the sail shape. I watched a great video on sail trim and saw how the draft was effected. The fact I can't center my traveler still bugs me.
  So in our discussion The Typesetter and I discussed a long held idea of starting a boat building/sailing program for teens. It went back and forth but the end result was I am building a puddle duck this year. The Woman has expressed interest and the Lido needs a tender so it'll work well for the season. In addition we can itemize what a PDR would take in time and money in preparation of pitching the project. It is possible that nothing will really become of this but in the end the Lido will have a fine tender and I get to build a boat this summer.
  This next weekend is dedicated to another hobby of mine, running steam traction engines. The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula has a sawmill powered by a 1916 Case steam tractor and I'm licensed to operate it. The Typesetter is too. But before we go out to begin work on the engine I'll make the final payment and monetarily the 1,280th Lido will be mine.

A Wonderful Day

Fresh from the wash. Not half bad for half a century plus.

  It was a wonderful day here in Western Montana. So after dropping The Woman at work I decided to head over to the boat. I'm not quite sure when the idea to take her to a car wash and clean her came about but that's what happened. Trailering for the first time this year was uneventful. I forget how wide a Lido is, a full three inches wider then my truck on each side. One surprising thing was how much dirt came from behind the gunwale guards. Attention was paid to the fo'c'sle as this is the first time it's gotten a really good cleaning.

The interior as clean as it ever has been.

  Then it was back to the boatyard with a very clean Lido 14. One thing I've been meaning to figure out is how to get the mast up single handed. Single handing is not something that is talked about much when it comes to the Lido 14. I plan on doing a lot of single handing this summer so knowing how to get the mast up is important. There is a method of throwing the mast in the air and catching it with a rope but that seemed likely to lead to disaster. A more reasonable solution was needed and was found.

  One thing I've been thinking about a lot lately is a method of holding the mast up while at dock or while using the motor. Lazy jacks or a topping lift are methods of achieving this. A topping lift is mentioned in the Cal Sailing Club Lido Manual, the Cal Sailing Club has since transitioned to the the JY-15, and I figured how hard could it be? Quite simple really. I used 1/4" nylon line from the top of the mast which thanks to the design for the wire halyard has a good attachment point that should be free from sail interference. At the boom end the lift is shackled for easy release. In theory when the sail is raised, it should lift the boom enough to slack the lift and allow for it's use during sailing. We'll see how that pans out.

With the topping lift.

  The jam cleats on the centerboard that control the centerboard uphaul and the boom vang are designed for 1/4" inch line, not the ancient 5/16th lines I had been using. It was a simple enough fix using the left overs from the topping lift. I also fashioned a permanent bow mooring line from my old mainsheet. In many of the illustrations  I've seen you moor a Lido bow into the wind, perpendicular to the dock. Now when you have 90° sailing only docks that's a great way to moor. But when power boaters are using the dock that is set up for ease of those with a motor and a recommended time limit, things get more interesting. I'm not sure how many power boaters we irritated our first time out at Polson but it was a few. But the fact of the matter is we've needed a dedicated mooring line at the bow and now we have one. I also replaced the 5/16th line on the trailer winch with the rest of the mainsheet.

Clean interior. Just needs sails and water.

  All in all a very productive day. Getting the boat ready for the season has been frustrating at times but as launch day draws near it seems as if things are falling together as they should. Of course today was not all sunshine and roses. The tiller, which I managed to damage on the last sail of the season, still needs to be made ready. The rudder pin, which I've managed to drop into Flathead Lake at least once, needs to be semi -permanently attached so it'll be harder to lose. A new Fish, Wildlife, and Parks sticker needs to be obtained for the year. The motor needs a prop and a test. The portside bunk on the trailer is misaligned causing the fender to rub against the bottom of the hull. And there are electrical gremlins to track down. There are always electrical gremlins to track down.

Could be dockside or at anchor.

  I'm afraid to say not much as been done on the Teal front. I've moved the trailer and boat to my yard and once the Lido is good to go work for the season shall start in earnest. The front combing needs to be replaced and the new sails set up. In addition a new dagger board needs to be made as the current one takes water.
  Boats are a great distraction. Time flies when you're working on a boat and it's a pleasant change with the weather and all from the cold grip of winter. The lake is still cold though.  
 

Spreading Her Wings

Adventure in a tarp.

 It was an eventful day for the captain and crew of the Lido #1280. As I have mentioned in a previous post getting new lines was at the top of the list and with those lines being delivered two days ago, today was the day to get the boat rigged. In addition to replacing the rope sections of the main and jib halyard and a new mainsheet, the downhaul and boom vang were installed.

Mast raised for the first time in 2014. The new halyards are still white.

  The first order of the day was to raise the mast. That done it was off to lunch. Raising a mast on a 14' dinghy is hungry work! Once back in The Typesetter's boat yard work began in earnest. Replacing the mainsheet was easy enough having purchased line specifically for that purpose. The main halyard was a different beast. On our last sail of 2013, an epic voyage from Big Arm to Dayton to photograph the end of a SFYC yacht race the wire crimp on the main halyard gave way. This necessitated a temporary fix that served well but with the danger of temporary fixes becoming permanent it was time to do it right. Or if not right better. All in all it was done fairly quickly. After the correct size crimp was purchased the rope section was attached, put in a hitch and whipped in place. Nothing fancy but a good solid job. The jib halyard was much easier as we did not have to replace the crimp.

Currently the vang is as it would have come from the factory in 1962. A multiple purchase set up may well be in the works. As is a rework of the downhaul system also currently factory.

  The downhaul was simplicity itself, using one of the old halyards and a bowline knot. That done it was time to see if we could rig the boat and get some trailer sailing done. After accidentally  backwinding the jib we got it all figured and the little boat seemed ready to go.

What I can only imagine is the order number for our sails. They are not in bad condition for being over fifty years old.

Sails set and drawing nicely in about 5kts of wind.

  There is always work to be done on a bout and ours is no exception. The tiller needs to be repaired and strengthened.I have chosen an appropriate name for the vessel and I will need new name decals to let the rest of the world know as well. Adding some non slip to a few spots may not be a bad idea either. But for all intents and purposes we have a boat for the upcoming season. I can't wait. 

Closer Still

Capri 16.5 on it's way west.

 It was a serendipitous morning for those of a nautical mindset. As I pulled into work I noticed a small sailboat. I hailed the owner and he informed me he had purchased the vessel, a trim Capri 16.5 from an owner in Helena and was heading back to Washington. I mentioned my vessel and he remarked he owned a C-Lark and was looking for something a bit bigger. A C-Lark! Those were built in Seattle during the time my own boat was being built. Carrying a bit more sail area but filling the same niche you can normally find one or two for sale in the Seattle Craigslist. They weigh a bit less and are bit finer but I can only hope to sail one someday.
  Seems our line has arrived, I'll head over on Wednesday to install it. Prop for the boat has been ordered and should arrive in time for our sailing date. Now comes the cavalcade of little things. Making sure the dry box is ready. Seeing what extras can be purchased and stowed. Giving the boat a good cleaning as well. The weather should hold if not be downright decent for the next few weeks. All in all we're just a little bit closer!

Sailing Daydeams

  There is perfect sailing weather at Big Arm at the moment. Almost seventy degrees, light to low moderate winds all day long. Perfect. Save for the 36.6 degree water temperature. I may be daft when it comes to sailing but I'm not that daft. So I sit and daydream about sailing and do what I can to keep life on the hard interesting.

Mariner 2.5 two stroke of unknown vintage. Weighs about as much as a vacuum cleaner.

The outboard motor that came with the Lido has been sent along with a good friend of mine, some kind of mechanical wizard to be looked at. Seems I need to find a propeller for it. I originally wanted an electric outboard for the boat, and own one just for this purpose, but after some soul searching an and learning the motor came with the boat,  the stinkpot won out. I don't have unlimited time to sail. During the scheduled sailing time my schedule is my own. But I need to be back work at a time not set by me. And on a giant lake in a sail only boat I need to do what I can to ensure I make it to the dock before that time. Although the Sail and Oar purist may knash their teeth, the fact is I don't own a sail and oar boat. So we all make sacrifices. On the bright side the motor is older, contains none of the modern Mariner 2.5's safety and comfort features and should annoy a certain class of people. I'm okay with this.
  Just down the street from The Woman's house is a motley collection of various watercraft spread out haphazardly about a side facing yard. There is what I'm guessing an 18 foot long production sloop on a trailer with flat tires. The cabin has been left open to the elements so who knows what the true shape of the boat is. Besides I don't think my truck could tow it over Evaro Hill. There are a few drift boats piled on a trailer but what really caught my eye was a little blue hull of a sailboat.

She's a Koralle Jr. 12 LOA sloop.

  The boat reeks of potential so I snapped some photo's of it. This caught the attention of the owner who after going out of his way to ignore me as he smoked a cigarette on his stoop asked me what I'd pay for the boat. I countered with what he wanted for it. We looked the boat over and there are a few problems. The bottom of the hull needs some fiberglass attention. I asked him again what he wanted for it.  He came back with $2,000 dollars. This is about three times what I'm getting the Lido for. I countered with $250 and asked if it came with anything. I remember using terms like sail and mast, spars and  rudder. "It comes with some things" the owner drawled between drags. He sounded out my offer, tasting it and came back with $400. And that broke the bank. I'm sure I could swing it but that's taking money from the boat I really want and Kenny Rogers was right. But I did say if the boat was still sitting there at the end of the season we might talk. And we might. But don't as a non sailor try and dicker over a price I see as outrageous. Even if it is a relatively rare boat imported from Germany. I'm not paying you for what the boat could be, I'm paying for what the boat is. Especially if I don't know you.

Gotta know when to walk away

  I picked up a copy of the Orange Coast College Lido Manual entitled Sails in the Sun (or: Masts in the Mud) off of Amazon. Wow what a great resource! From how the centerboard downhaul is rigged to how to get on and off the boat this book covers quite a bit. So after reading it I decided to head over to the the Typesetters and get the center board rigged "right".
  #1280 is from the fourth year of Lido Production so she has a few of the early fittings that make her unique. I thought I would share a few of those with you here.

Movable Jib Cars. Most are replaced with a fixed cleat and fairlead system. I like that I could have more headsail options. 

Here is the rerigged centerboard up haul with the line on the starboard side. The original single block set up for the boom vang will go on the port side.

Here is the set up for the outhaul. Now replaced on most boats with a jamcleat on the mast.

Traveler car for the mainsheet. The cars with stops to allow for setting the position of the sheet are missing.  Replaced in later Lidos with a rope bridle system.

That sticker will have to be replaced with an up to date one  I think.

   My goal is to sail #1280 in an as original configuration as possible. I want to know how the boat handles as designed because I'm guessing that is harder and harder to do with the 6,100+ boats in the Lido fleet. The only thing I'm planning on changing is the gooseneck setup from the original configuration. In that the sail is hooked over a horn on the gooseneck which in turn attaches to the downhaul. In a more modern set up the luff tension is controlled without placing stress on the gooseneck by bringing the downhaul through the grommet in the tack.
  The Typesetter and I also ordered the new line for the main and jib halyards, outhaul, boom vang and mainsheet. The mainsheet will be of nylon, the others of polyester. Although the lines that came with the boat seem to have some life left we feel it is prudent to spend the money and start the season with new line.
  And splash date was finalized. The 1,280th Lido 14 built will hit the still cold waters of Flathead Lake on May 3rd, 2014 at Big Arm State Park. I think I shall bring a cake.

Here Be Dragons

  Hold Fast is a documentary by Moxie Marlinspike detailing the refit of a Pearson 30 and it's eventual sail to the Bahamas. While some might not agree with the methods in the movie, none can argue it's message. I'm not quite sure how I came across it but I remember thinking that finding a boat and sailing it on fantastic adventures was something I wanted to do in my life. Of course it's a bit harder when you've tied yourself to the pier of routine and live in a state with no ocean coastline. But why let that stop you?
  I've never had small plans. I guess part of me has never seen the point of small plans. And now on the verge of ownership of a 14' foot dingy I have some big plans. And as it turns out I have an inland sea to do it in. Flathead lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. It's 196 sq mi. of water that can kill you carved out by the Glacial Lake Missoula. To call it a sea is no exaggeration either when you figure the Sea of Galilee is currently only 167 sq mi. The lake even claims it own monster. But here in the Big Sky Country it is the mecca of all things water sports during the warmer months.
  Most of the activity is centered to the south around the resort town of Polson. I've sailed there, when we first took #1280 out, it was out of the Polson city dock. That was not the best experience I've yet had. Power boaters it seems have little patience for those new at the sport and even less patience for those not using internal combustion to enjoy the water. We did manage to dock under sail twice and one of those times was in full view of the sight seeing boat. But I digress. Due to the nature of Polson Bay and it's depth even light winds will bring up a decent chop. Well decent if you're in a 14' dingy with 3 people aboard. But in a pinch I would do it again and most likely will. Only way to get better is to do it right?
  Currently we sail mainly out of Big Arm. The dock is well situated, we can tie up on the end and fuss with things and people nod understandingly and the semi-sheltered bay is great for day sailing. The west shore of the lake is famed for it's thermals producing pretty reliable wind for most of the day and it's a popular spot for racing. Just north of Big Arm, past the invisible town of Elmo, is Dayton, home of the South Flathead Yacht Club a good destination for a day sail.
  Across the lake and slightly south is Finley Point, home of the first WMHBBA messabout. We've sailed a Teal out of Finley but the winds can be really good or non existent. Water out in the depths get's a bit rocky too. The dock set up however is excellent and the camp ground is decent.
  I bring these up because I want to sail to all of them. I read The Log of the Spartina and decided long ago that that was the kind of sailing I want to do. Now I don't have a Welsford Pathfinder and even if I could have a boat that size I would want a Oughtred Caldonia Yawl but what I do have is a more capable boat then what I've been used to. And I think it's good enough for what I'm planing this summer.
  There are people who take human powered craft all over the Flathead Lake. As a matter of fact there is a published marine trail for them to follow to get from civilized point to civilized point. Why couldn't one, with the proper planning and preparation, do it in a small sailboat? There are many other types of small sailboat adventures out there. The Texas 200, Everglades Challenge and RAID's all over Europe. The idea being to take boats a bit out their element and sail a course untraveled. I have thought of joining the Texas 200 but after consultation with The Typesetter five days in the desert heat of Texas in a constant downwind run does not sound like our idea of fun. But 50 or so miles circumnavigating Flathead does. Of course to some this is crazy talk but so was the Texas 200 and this will be it's seventh year.
  At this point circumnavigation over a week is pretty much out. But weekend or over night journeys are in the planning.  But even now there are areas of the map marked Here Be Dragons. I've yet to sail out of the shadow of Wild Horse Island. What are the winds like as you head north? Can I keep up a decent rate of advance trying to stay a pistol shot from shore? What would an east west crossing be like? Baby steps. Undertaking a plan of this magnitude will take a willingness to bite off small chunks at a time and to learn all I can during and between those chunks. It's going to take a lot of sailing. And that's the whole point.
  Outfitting #1280 for these voyages will have to commence as well. The rig needs to be better put together for fine tuning and proper trimming. I need to come up with a boom crutch and tent for over nights. I'm thinking that cushions for the bench seats may not be a bad idea either. I'll never race my Lido against other Lidos so modifying the boat for comfort and livability can trump class racing for the time being. Although adding the forward brace and hiking straps may not be a bad idea even in a boat I'm planning on sailing on an even keel more often then not.
  Of course these ideas sound great in the middle of a graveyard shift or over coffee with a semi
-like minded individual at Break Espresso but as the saying goes "Everybody has a plan until the first one ton shell hits your admirals bridge". And that shell will hit no doubt but I'd like to think at least I'm in the fight. Because it gives me something to reach for and a bit of a challenge. The lack of small sailboats in my neck of the woods is a bit disheartening. I know we have a few Lasers and I think the North Flathead Yacht Club has a juniors racing series but no one that I've seen is out gunkholing in small sail boats. And that's a shame. Because for all it's terrors Flathead holds some wonders too. And I think it's high time they were explored.

Motor Mount Work

Notice the concentration, the focus!

Today the weather was fine enough to get some work done on the Lido. As mentioned in a previous post there is a motor mount at the rear that begs for a bit of work. So in between graveyard shifts and questionable weather The Typesetter and myself tackled what we could.
The first order of business was to get the rotten piece of plywood off the back of the mount. This proved both more difficult and far easier then we were expecting. More difficult because the nuts holding the mount were well and truly seized. Far easier because instead of taking just the nut off The Typesetter ended up twisting the entire end of the bolt off. Then it was off to hardware store for replacement bolts as I had picked up the 3/4" plywood the day before.

Old on top. Notice the old bolt in the middle. Good thing we replaced that!

The work is designed to last a season until a more permanent solution can be found. But I think you'll agree it looks far better then what was on there originally and will do the job that is needed of it. Now on the rigging and trailer work and we'll be ready to hit big water in 2014.
On a final note, here is the spring newsletter for The Western Montana Home Built Boat Association.
 Spring Newsletter
"Hello fellow boat builders and sailors, founder here. It's been a rough winter here in Western Montana but there are undeniable signs of spring. Mainly that the calender says it's April! But with spring hopefully right around the corner that means we'll be on the water soon.
The WMHBBA has recently acquired a 1962 Lido 14 for the purposes of sail training. Although not made of wood this will be an excellent craft for members to refine their sailing skills. We'll keep you posted on training events, meetings and messabouts as the season gets underway.
One major change this year will be a water arrival and possible departure for the 3rd Annual Finley Point Messabout, held at Finley State Park on the shores of Flathead Lake. The Board is discussing sailing from Big Arm with the overnight itself at Finely or possibly the other way around.
I hope some of you are ready to tackle those spring boat chores. Repainting, new hardware, sanding, or the dozen other things that keep a wooden boat sailing every season.
This year look for WMHBBA tee-shirts and burgees as the season gets underway. Design and prices should be up by the messabout so you can show your WMHBBA pride. There may be a possibility of IP&NCo. gear as well. And we'll continue to provide the finest opportunities and resources to build and sail small wooden boats in Western Montana. That is our charter you know. And we'll even let those other small boats along for the ride because there is nothing, absolutely nothing half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. So until next time keep your peak up! JDM-Founder"

New year, new possiblities!

Tacking out of Polson Bay

It's been an eventful year here for boats and such. And since it's been ages since this blog has been updated I figure the three of you following this blog deserve and update. And with the weather showing signs of lifting for the thaw thoughts have turned to sailing. The big news for 2013 was the acquisition by The Typesetter of a 1962 Lido 14 (#1280). A real one class racing boat. 14' LOA and a 6' beam mean we have now have a means of tackling the Flathead in decent weather and of taking two or more in comfort out on the water. We did several trial sails in the fall and the boat sails wonderfully, trailers well and it opening up many weekends of time on the water. At the present time I am in the process of purchasing the vessel and we are making all necessary preparations for it's return to the water in 2014.

It's a fairly easy list this year. 

1. Inspect, repair, or install new lines, halyards and sheets. The combination wire and rope halyards are in need of work, the main halyard suffering a minor failure last year at dock. The jury ring we came up with worked but we need to get proper length and secured halyards. 
2. Inspect, repair, install new exterior and interior fittings. The upper works are in generally good order. The interior could stand some creature comforts, primarily in storage department. Just need places to stow things to make it a good daysailer.
3. Renew the motor mount. Mounted to the port stern is a solid steel motor mount of unknown vintage. After some brief discussions about its removal "I'm thinking we're not going to get to it this year." "Okay" it was decided that renewing the wooden pad and cleaning and oiling the mechanism was good enough.
4. Motor work. The boat came with a gasoline motor for the mount. At a minimum the motor needs to be tested and tweaked for possible re-installation. The other option is a an ancient trolling motor I picked for seven dollars at a garage sale before I even had a boat. That would require the acquisition of a battery and charger.
5. Finish off interior appointments. The boat needs a good dry bag with most things that might be needed day today. Tools and the like as well as the nautical appointments of a small boat. Might want to pick up a proper compass for the centerboard too. 
6. Trailer inspection. We have recurring ground issue that plays havoc with the trailer lights.

We've also joined up with the South Flathead Lake Yacht Club in Dayton, Montana. They have a wonderful clubhouse, host races which we can crew for and provide a good location for sailing and fellowship. Now it should be understood that our boat (PHRF 263.4) will most likely NOT be participating in the races as we'd have to start the day before but we plan on providing camera boat and other such nonsense.
The S/V Blue Flower will be receiving work this season start as well. She now was a wonderful new set of stripped sails courtesy of the indomitable Andy Linn and steps are underway to get those rigged up. Two major pieces of work lay ahead, the replacement of the front combing and the manufacture of a new centerboard. The combing took damage from an errant ratchet strap and upon inspection revealed itself as not wood as we originally thought but MDF. The plan is to remove it,build a steam box and shape a new wooden replacement. The centerboard, being hollow has been taking water for a year or so. I may try and epoxy along the edges and see if that works but more then likely building a new one is a better bet.
We are right now about a month and a half from doing any sort of sailing at all but it'll be faster and more expensive then we can think right now. I leave this post with short video of the Lido sailing in Dayton Harbor after making the passage from Big Arm, some eight or so miles. The weather did hit us but it was brief. Immediately following the rain the water of the bay was warm to the touch. The worlds largest hot tub. It was amazing. I'm looking forward to more such adventures in 2014!