Vlog 3: On the Water

We made it on the water for the last time in the year. Something nice to remember at the end of December!

Design Considerations (Or Lack Thereof)

S/V Kat Boat on a beautiful fall day. Polson, MT

 Big Sky Sailing Season 2018 is firmly astern. The vessel is cocooned under her tarp at the rear of the house. My thoughts are firmly planted on next season and the big plans that exist there. And of the volume of work I have to achieve before July. And this line of thinking brings me back to how I found the boat and how design choices lead to making this boat, a fine boat in it's own right, a better catboat.
 The Fatcat2 certainly looks like a cat boat. It's design cues are unmistakably that of those stout, working craft of the eastern seaboard. But when you look closer and more so when you sail her do you understand the whys and hows of what makes a catboat tick. And where for all of it's wonderful visual cues  the Fatcat2 fall short. But all is not lost and that is what this post is all about.
 I know I've touched on my history with catboats but it's short enough I will recap it here. They have always been my favorite sailboats. And I've spent an hour at the helm of a Beetle Cat in good winds with a man who knows these boats. And fell in love all over again. Then I bought the plans for a Fatcat2. And then I bought one. So that's my knowledge and history I have with the type. And in that short time here is some of what I learned.
 The catboat as a type evolved into what we know today for very specific reasons. Nothing exists without a reason for a vessel that fished in shallow waters with a minimal crew. The work it did shaped it and when looking to recreate that I fell you must draw from that well. And here is where perhaps we can bring the design of the Fatcat2 closer to that goal. If that is in fact the goal you're looking for.
 We'll start with one of the hallmarks of the breed, the rudder. Catboats are known for their long, barn door rudders. Absolutely out of place in just about every other boat you'll see it's my understanding the sail plan and work dictates this. The bottom of the rudder is even with the skeg so no kick up is required when working in shallow waters. And the enormous length and leverage works to counter act the force of the large sail placed so far forward. The Fatcat2 comes with a standard Michalak kick up rudder, a slightly enlarged version of what you find hanging at the stern of my previous Piccup Pram. I've now found several times that there wasn't enough waterline length on the rudder, especially at the slow speed coming out of a tack, to put the boat where I needed it. Now coming mainly from a marconi rigged Lido 14, a boat that will give you change on a dime turn this is a surprise. I had my suspicions that a short rudder may be the culprit,due mainly to the fact that kick up didn't look right on the stern of what was so clearly a catboat.  So I hauled on the kick up line a bit to see what the response was. Wasn't quite night and day but it was close. The extra leverage from more rudder in the water lengthwise meant better response, especially at slow speeds, and a much better feel. Going forward I plan on a redesign that will lessen the depth of the rudder while slightly increasing it's length.

Full and by in light winds on Polson Bay.

 The warped boom is also another problem. But the replacement is going to have to be a different scope all together.  Catboats have a relatively heavy boom. This keeps the boom down and lessens the need for a vang, something no self-respecting catboat has aboard. Now the Fatcat2 is designed with a boom of three laminations to finish 2-1/4" round and includes a stout vang line. By my reckoning the only reason for the vang is because the boom as designed isn't as heavy as it should be to ensure this oft touted feature of a catboat. The S/V Kat Boat did not come with a vang installed and due to the heavy purchase of the mainsheet to the boom gallows I have not noticed any major problems to be solved by adding a vang even in a slightly worrying blow. That replacement boom though will ensure further that the sail stays were it should. One of my hobbies involves the operation of a steam powered sawmill a few times a year. It is my goal to mill out a new solid boom 3" square and shape it to fit. There may be an upgrade in hardware needed to accommodate the new boom but that's one of the joys of an online chandlery.

Final day on the water.

 There is a also a laundry list of smaller things I'd like to do to improve the catboatness of my craft. You can see one in the above picture, using a gaff bridle instead of the single point to attach the gaff. I'd like to add a wire forestay to keep the loads off my mast on certain points of sail. It's a common design element for this type and it makes sense, especially if I'm going to be adding low down weight with the new boom. It's these small things that as I sail and observe more about this vessel that makes me wonder why they were not included from the get go. There is a century and a half of design work on building a better catboat. I love how this vessel is very much it's own design but I feel in some ways it misses the mark on the sheer utility of type if not the character. Hopefully when I'm done with the next stage of work she'll have a little bit more of both.

Master and Commander. Ready for new adventures.

Vlog 2: Sea Trials

Just touching on some of the things we learned and some plans we have for the future.

Welcome S/V Kat Boat

S/V Kat Boat. Big Arm State Park, Flathead Lake, Montana

 With a christening party planned for two weeks out, it was time for sea trials. Up to this point I have done everything I know how to do to make the boat ready. Chased down minor but important issues. Made it a properly legal boat in the state. Read everything I could on catboats and sailing them. Until there was nothing left but to load the boat onto the trailer and head north. We arrived on time, 0930 just in time for my friend and co-worker Josh to show up. We rigged the boat in about fifteen minutes and made our way down to the docks. And there to greet us was Jim and the S/V Desdemona, as well as a Missoula built fiberglass sailboat. The glass boat was hauled out because the slip they were renting was too shallow for the full keel boat. Thankfully not an issue the two Michalak designed boats had. We slipped her into the water and I parked the car.
 I walked back to see the prettiest boat I think I've laid eyes on floating next to the dock. Now the Lido was pretty but in my eyes nothing compares to this little catboat. A true pocket yacht. The first test of any new boat is simply getting aboard. As I stepped down onto the side locker an into the boat my first feeling was of astonishment. I looked up at those assembled and commented how stable she was. And the leeboard was up! For the last five year or so getting into a boat meant scrambling to get the centerboard down to make simply moving about as stable as possible. And here I stood, on the side of this craft, the major point of balance not in play and she didn't even feel my weight. Well maybe a little.
 Rig up, crew aboard, give a push. And we were off. Not quite drifting but not quite sailing yet. But the eastern wind shadow is predictable and then it happened. A simple, gentle puff. The sail filled and we were off. A wooden boat has a certain sound when sailing. And it's truly music to the ears. Just a touch of heel and we drove across the wind. Easy on the helm, sheet tight and we were off. Sailing.

Full and by

See how the mainsail sets.

Desdemona astern and catching up rapidly.

 We could not have asked for nicer conditions. The breeze was just right, three or so, the water calm. I kicked my feet up, turned the helm over and just enjoyed the boat. It was truly everything I had wanted when I made the first choice to build it. The cabin was just the right size. The cockpit large and roomy. The rig easy to handle. A boat you could sail in for hours, anchor up, sleep, wake up and do it again.

Josh was rated Ordinary Seaman during this trip.

Always better sailing with friends.

The Lady enjoying her cabin.

 As so often happens these days the messing about turned into circumnavigating Melita Island. We new rain was in the forecast and the grey clouds to the north suggested more interesting weather ahead. We pulled in the first reef and headed for Melita Pass. I should note that that The Lady and I had practiced this drill on the hard several times. And it sure paid off this trip. We ended up reefing and shaking out reefs several times this trip. And the understanding and foresight paid dividends. As we rounded the island the winds kicked up. Steady five gusting to fifteen. A classic Flathead Lake snotter, lasts about twenty minutes and makes you wonder why you went sailing in a small boat. We ended up with sails down safe in the lazy jacks and bobbed about, while the rain came down and the winds piped up. And then just like that is was over. Sails up again we continued west.

Melita Island. Notice the change in sky color.

Desdemona is moving in this picture.

 And then we were becalmed. Josh began rowing. And then just like that, hard winds once more. Steady eight. We saw 4.5kts sustained on our GPS app. The reefed sail was full and the boat rode like a dump truck. Going throught the seas, rather then over them. A draft horse instead of a thoroughbred. Thump. Thump. Thump as our flat bottom made contact with each wave.
 We made it back to the dock, where we let off Josh and brought Dan aboard. Once more out into the winds. Back and forth. Always exhilarating but never feeling truly in danger. The boat solid and dependable. It was a sea trial in more ways then one. And when it was all over, the boat was truly ours. She had meet the mighty Flathead and come away with confidence and understanding. This is our boat. Welcome to S/V Kat Boat. Flagship of the Inland Packet and Navigation Company. We have a great future ahead.

Lost and retrieved my lucky hat. We aced the hat overboard drill.

Preparing to Set Sail

Figuring out the reef points while The Typesetter looks on and porta-john makes wisecracks.

 Our 1,400 mile sojourn to pick up the boat has left both myself and The Lady in need of a rest from long distance travel. Sadly this time of much needed rest falls over our favorite medieval event of the the year. But the silver lining is a very relaxed pace to prepare the boat for her official debut on Saturday, October 6th at Finley Point State Park. And today was a day for doing just that.
 Where the boat currently resides it's impossible to raise the mast for boom and spar work. So it's off to find a suitable location to do that. Today was Thursday and like so many of those days The Typesetter and myself, joined by The Lady took in coffee and fiddled with the boat. As we got the rig up some rather startling peculiarities popped up.
 I've had the rig up before and the first thing I noticed was the mainsheet did not run free. There was an incredible amount of binding in the triple block set up and that was dangerous. I figured it was a combination of a mainsheet too long in the heat, sticky and stiff, and blocks at the wrong angle. I was sure right about the wrong angle. The entire boom has a pretty severe warp to it. This causes the block to bind the sheet on what would be starboard tack and leaving no cushion should a gust hit. I remember well how I fought the issue of binding in the Blue Flower and ended up changing that set up as well.

C'mon catboat! Let's do the twist!

 This would require some fixing. I was also looking at how to reef. And doing it at sea would be hazardous if not almost impossible. And sailing on Flathead that isn't an option. So jiffy reefing it would be. I have set this up on my Piccup Pram and it has proven to be quite successful. So off to a few neighnoring harbor stores to get the requisite parts.

The Typesetter lounging while parking lot sailing.

Happy skipper.

Shadow is a fine dog.

 First up was a new mainsheet. There is a Duckworks order coming soon that will include all line needed but with the splash fast approaching a new mainsheet is the minimum we'll need. With the boat I got a back of assorted blocks and I found I had enough swivel blocks to replace all but one. This drastically helped take that apprant warp out of the boom and combined with the new sheet the boom runs free.

Swivels all around

  Jiffy reefing was based on a diagram I found on Pinterest as well as my own experience. The corners were done with padeyes leading up to the reef grommets. Although there is some friction in the system subsequent testing has shown the validity and usability of the concept. We'll hit the water the ability to reef. And that is important.

The basics of the idea

Forward starboard

Forward poartside

With a the reef in.

  Those were the major things accomplished on the boat today. There where a few minor fixes, line replacement, tightening up the gaff outhaul with renewed line and ensuring other things were ship shape. The mainsheet aft padeye was also replaced with a smaller eye and a swivel block to help with the tension issue. Tomorrow the hope is to install a gaff bridle and a rope traveler at the stern. We'll have the option to sail with either depending on the weather. We splash in three days. And we'll be more then ready.
 Also sold the trailer that Lazy Shamrock was on to The Typesetter and included the boat. New adventures for both I'm sure!

Sailing Inland Sea Vlog Episode 1: Welcome Aboard!

A Nice Day Off

From West Shore State Park

 With the Lido sold the plan was simple. Borrow the Lazy Shamrock from The Typesetter and do a bit of daysailing at Dayton. How hard could it be? Well harder then we thought but the results were pretty good.
We left the house around 0830 with the hope of meeting the new owners of the Lido for some sailing. However we did not make the final exit out of Missoula before discovering the port side indicator light was missing off the trailer. Now those who are more unscrupulous then myself may have been prepared to feign ignorance of a non working trailer light. It happens. But when the entire light is missing that makes such a ruse a bit more difficult. With heavy hearts we returned boat and trailer from whence they came. However we decided to continue our drive north and see what we could see. Nothing else to do anyway.
 Upon arrival in Dayton the whole town was abuzz. It was Dayton Daze, the end of summer celebration that turns the sleepy little wine and sailing town into a wonderful zoo. We pulled into the SFYC and made our way inside. The Lady had not seen the inside and was delighted with the amenities. I dropped off our dues and some magazines, Wooden Boat and Good Ol' Boat and decided to walk the docks.
 Set up in front was a pop-up with the sign "Sailboat Rides". There was a suggested donation to the local volunteer fire department for the privilege. Twist our arms why don't you! Donation given we meet with Skip, who invited us aboard one of the twin Capri 22's that the Yacht Harbor keeps as rentals/instruction boats. Motor out of the tight confines, where I had one my first yacht race previously, and sails up. And just like that the magic happened.

Motoring out

Under a full press of sail

Didn't think I was going sailing.

 The Capri was a wonderful boat. Now I've never used a winch before but learned pretty quickly! Or a roller furling jib system. I've since been informed our next boat must have the latter if equipped with a jib. There was also the novelty of a true down below which The Lady tried out.

The plush accommodations. A step up from a Lido 14!

This also met with her approval. We were not out for long but it was marvelous to simply be on the water again. It was over too soon and we were deposited back at the dock. We took the opportunity to walk the dock and enjoy watching the sailboats.

The aptly named S/V Minion

Making sail for parts unknown

Putting some speed on

Heading in

Wooden tender beautifully done

 Our time in Dayton came to a close. We decided to drive north and found ourselves eventually at West Shore State Park. The views as always were stunning.

After a quick lunch we found ourselves near the National Bison Range. Sadly we did not have the time for the full tour but did get a few quick photos.

Our National Mammal

They looked like statues

 Then it was finally time to head home. But not before a short train chase. I couldn't get far enough ahead to take my own photo so I quickly pulled to a crossing and gave The Lady the shot. The result was stunning.

Notice the boat fender in the grab iron there. Photos by KB

A wonderful end to a wonderful day. We pick up the FatCat2 this weekend. I can't wait.

Weekend to Remember

Dayton Yacht Harbor

 Well I think the title says it all. Out in the boat both Saturday and Sunday. Let go of my first real boat. And discovered the joy that is yacht racing. All in the weekend that is traditionally the end of summer.
 Saturday was a simple sailing day. I was taking a family I know out for a sailboat ride.The wind wasn't very accommodating and built all day. Great big boat weather but not so much for my Lido. We ended up sailing out on a fast run, then motored back. A great time was had by all but a day on the water it was not to be. But we did head out to Dayton, where it was blowing 15+ and looked at the boats.

Gloria's and all the boats

  Sunday I woke up earlier then usual. I knew skipper meeting was at 0930 and I would have to leave around 0730 if I had a chance to make it. But my first thought was to roll back over and get an extra hour of sleep. I didn't have to meet Travis, my boat buyer, until 1030. But I simply couldn't. The lady left for work at 0645 and by 0715 I was on the road. Buck, the owner of the Dayton Yacht Harbor was kind enough to allow me to store Esmeralda overnight in the boat yard, thereby saving me the need to drag it back and up again. I had exactly a quarter tank leaving my driveway and 91.6mi to go. I was a bit worried but after splurging what could have been gas money on coffee I settled down to a slow cruise and headed north. An extra $1.36 I found in the seats later I made it hale and sound to Dayton. There was my boat waiting for a day of adventure. The last adventure I would have with her while she was "mine".

Ready to go

 But who was I kidding? She was never mine. I was her keeper for the better part of a decade. I poured my equity as best I could into her and did what I could to ensure her continued use. And this was the day I'd pass her on for someone else to do the same. I tried to keep these melancholy thoughts out of my head as I headed to boat house for skippers meeting and whatever else the morning had to offer.
 Joining a new group of people is difficult at the best of times. I knew about the South Flathead Yacht Club for years and had corresponded with some of their members. Always meaning to join. The current Commodore works with me on the steam sawmill I run. But the lure of a dingy race is what drew me today. After the big boat buoy races there would be a small boat race, as there had been the last few Labor Day Regatta's. Except I had every intention of making this one. I saw John, the Commodore and made a few introductions, asked where I could find Jeremy, the Race Coordinator and ambled over to what was the big boat skipper meeting. After the very laid back and informative meeting Jeremy and I chatted a bit about our afternoon plans, racing at 1500, and I went to wonder around the Harbor House and the pier area.

The leeward mark

Heading out to race

SFYC Harbor House

Flathead Lake Sailing School in session

 My phone went off and it was Travis. The time had come. We meet up, picked up the Lido and I began the instruction. First up was how to rig the boat. Or more properly how I rig the boat. It's second nature and most of what I do is performed with the single handed sailor in mind. More hands definitely make lighter work. Then the dance of getting the rigged boat in the water. The public slip at Dayton is no where near ideal for sailboats. There was also a procession of motorboats that by right were being launched and recovered so enjoyed the rising sun and wind until our turn came. The wind was out of the east and and on the same side of the dock as the ramp. We'd need to move the Lido around the dock in order to get underway. Not to mention Flathead lake is rapidly being drawn down and there was not enough draft for the centerboard and only just for the rudder. I guess if sailing was easy everyone would do it.
 I parked the car and trailer and returned to the dock. Sails up and we were off. Board down twenty feet off the pier and we picked up our reach and shot out into the bay. Hi-fives were exchanged as we simply enjoyed the thrill of sailing. Much newer for one then the other but the same joy was felt.
 By this time the fleet was out and racing so we stayed well clear and I continued to share what I know of sailing the Lido 14. Points of sail, rig notes, balance, how to pass the tiller behind your back.
 They say you never know how much you know until you do it without thought. As I instructed I was acutely aware of how much I do without thought on my boat. Steering a straight course, tacking and gybing, setting a sail. I was very comfortable in that fourteen foot length of mahogany and fiberglass. And as I let go the secrets I have accumulated I realized I would miss this. Not like in a sad way. But this feeling of if not mastery, understanding and knowledge.

The new skipper at the helm

 Eventually the Typesetter arrived in the Piccup and he went ranging far and wide under a full press of sail. It was hearting to look out over the water and see the balanced lug tall and proud over great waters. The fleet was also out and doing big boat things. With a competent person at the helm I had a few moments to pull out the camera and take in the spectacle.

Windward and leeward

Rounding the Mark. My favorite image I captured.

Beating

 Then it was time for dingy racing. After a few practice runs with The Typesetter we were recalled via text to the transient dock for the start of official racing. One of the things as a teacher is sometimes you feel you could do it better but the student has to learn. I'm pleased to say Travis parallel parked the Lido with an audience and I don't think I could have done it better. First up was a brief skippers meeting where we went over the basic rules, course and start plan. It should be noted I've read about this. And watched a few videos. But now it was time to actually do it.

Skippers Meeting. Lido #1280, Piccup Pram Lazy Shamrock, and a Gig Harbor Captains Gig.

The two minute horn went off and we started jockeying for position. I was forward running the jib and acting as a tactician. Travis was helmsman. We had very easy communication with ideas and execution moving both ways. One minute. Favored side on starboard lead to a line of moored boats. Thirty seconds. Planning our escape, watching the line. Ten seconds. "Hit it!" Haul the jib in and we point to the line. Start. Decent start. I think. No penalty at least. First mark is a reach. The Piccup is dead even and the Captains Gig is hot on our heels. We have a major advantage in sail area and boat speed. Look ahead, not back. Shave the mark, go deep. Now it's a tacking duel as we head upwind. The Piccup is behind, the CG is in an excellent position and gaining ground. Suddenly becalmed. The boat herself is indecisive in the wind. CG begins sculling. No protest. We begin sculling. Thankful for the solid oak tiller the Lido is now equipped with. The minutes crawl by. I see Rex, the captain in the Gig, bear away. A wind line! We follow in slow pursuit. Suddenly were on again, mark in sight. We're below and hoping for rights. but the wind is dead to the mark. Forty feet, thirty. It's anybodies rounding. Twenty feet.

Anybody's sailboat race. Photo by Jeremy Keene.

 We're forced to give way to leeward and I think we've lost the mark. But the Gig hits the mark and stalls! A hard kick of the rudder and we are by. Now downwind, centerboard fully up. The helmsman plays the wind like a violin and we're downwind, wing and wing. The Gig is behind but can't get the speed. We cross and the finish horn sounds. We've gotten line honors. And then, to my surprise, applause. The members waiting for dinner have watched our little contest and reward us for the entertainment.  For myself the accolades go to my boat and my helm. I had only a vague idea of what I was doing and trusted pure book knowledge and the wisdom of others to pull us through.

Dayton Labor Day Regatta 2018 dingy race participants.

We go for a victory lap. The Lazy Shamrock has abandoned the race but is still sailing. It's just about time to head in. We do a rounding of the marks for no reason and short tack our way up the pier. A captain congratulates us and we enjoy the good wind and fun. Travis's phone goes off. It's Rose, the other half and we head to the dock to meet her.
 I've been at the helm for the last twenty minutes after the race. Enjoying how the boat responds to my commands and thinking on the years well spent. My last act as skipper is docking under sail with the wind directly down the dock. Board up, gauging the sideslip just so. And when all is said and done just right, allowing the crew to leap to the dock, line in hand. Almost like I knew what I was doing.A find performance that befits the boat and our time. But it's over now. We haul out and derig. I double check that my stuff is off the boat. And we head to dinner.
 And there we do some final paperwork, money is handed over. And the boat is no longer "mine". And I honestly couldn't be happier. Not for not having the boat, but for that it's future adventures will take it far and wide. I may even get to tag along for a few. And that made for a weekend to remember. I pick up the FatCat2 in two weeks. But more on that later.

Rose, Travis, and Lido #1280. Good luck. And Godspeed.