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!

The Circumnavigation of Bull Island

Majestic Flathead as can only be seen from the water.

 The sailing year has been a busy one. And another check of the old bucket list with a  mighty sail around Bull Island on Flathead Lake. The plans for the day were much grander but if we missed the stars we hit the moon. The craft for this grand challenge was my trusty Piccup Pram Lazy Shamrock. Primarily because the Lido is laid up with a bum boom. Nothing a few hose clamps and Guerilla Tape couldn't fix but until the new boom shows up it's moved up to primary boat.
 The plan was to head north out of Finley Point, through the narrows and maybe take a peak at Big Arm Bay from the south. We didn't get anywhere near that far but it was a good thought.
 We arrived early and launched. Finley Point is not set up for sailboats but we rowed out and raised the rig. A brisk breeze blew us towards the narrows and we tacked back and forth with our objective, the narrow passes between the Bull Islands in sight.

They look close don't they?

The Typesetter at the helm.

There were very few boats out this early in the season.

 What we did not know was we were fighting a two knot current from the north. Now Flathead has no tide but we were sadly unaware of the NS current that is a result of the outlet of the lake into a river to the north. So we tacked. Tried to get the angle, tacked again. Had the angle, lost the angle, tacked again. And again. And again. We first aimed at the east channel. No go. So we headed for the west channel. Now there was an outcropping of rocks with a navigation maker on it near the entrance of the narrows. As we tried to make our way north we must have passed it more then half a dozen times. Never getting closer but getting good angles on it.

I have the feeling the seagull was as perplexed as we were.

 Now as things happen landfall for a vary obvious reason was needed. Now one of the things about Flathead is a huge portion of the land surrounding is privately held. Outside of the established campgrounds and fishing accesses it's private land surrounding the lake. We didn't care much and fell off to to the west looking for a good beach. Now one thing the Piccup does well is this type of gunkholing.  After a decent reach we found a beach that fit what we needed. Mainly a place to put the boat. The shore was not maintained and littered with deadfall and other storm debris. But we made a decent landing, got what needed taken care of and posed for pictures.

Our beach of choice.

First real landing we've done.

He's just happy we made it to land.

 Due to a funneling wind into the pass between Big and Little Bull we added a reef and shoved off. After determining the reef was not necessary we shook it out and started the two dozen or so tacks that would head us north to the bottom of the lake proper. The Piccup throughout this showed excellent manners and we managed a decent headway to windward. It was during this time we saw some bald eagles perched on a tree and the resort boat Shadow out for what we figured was a shakedown cruise. It was simply lovely sailing.

This guy was quite noisy. Baldies sure sound different then what you think.

Shadow does not corner. It drifts.

The point of Finley Point.

Returning to the barn.

Due west.

 As we rounded the point the wind all but died. The Typesetter took to the ash spanker and we made good time around the other side of the island and on into Finley Point. I did my part by steering and doing a Facebook Live session while he rowed. Storms were forecast for that evening and as we put the boat away it was obvious we had gotten off the lake in time. And the wind picked up. So after our traditional McDonalds meal we headed home. We had a great time and got a feeling for what the east shore of the lake holds. I will say it's much more hit and miss with the winds from what we have experienced on the western shore. However Finley point is one of only two locations in the state park system where you are allowed to sleep on your boat while docked. So it has that going for it.
 As my myself and the Inland Packet line we have ordered plans for a new boat. A Michalak FatCat2. It ticks the boxes of being cat rigged, decent size, a place to get out of the weather and a gaff rig. Hope is to splash early summer of 2019. But more on that later.

May 2017 Heron Siege

View from the Bow of  S/V Desdemona (Photo by Emeldir)

 The WMSBA season has started and the first Siege is in the books for 2017. On May 6th, The sailing vessels Lazy Shamrock and Desdemona hit the waters of Big Arm Bay for a few glorious hours of sailing. And to think it all started with misplacing a sail.
 The original plan was to bring the Lido 14 up along with the Piccup but we were unable to locate the sails for the Lido. Not quite sure how that happened but it did. So the Piccup was the star of the show this time. With us was Emeldir, my page in that other hobby I have, and Kat as well. She consented to come with me as The Typesetter was up north this day.
 The drive up was easy and we were in the water only a few minutes late, catching Jim and the Desdemona just as they were about to cast off. It's a very interesting comparison between the two boats as a Piccup and a Mikesboat, both Jim Michalak designs, are related. Piccup is 11' and designed first with Mikesboat for all intents and purposes a stretched and beefed up Piccup at 17'. We got the boats wet and headed out in very light winds.

My view for most of the day. 

 This was the Lazy Shamrock's first big outing. I've been in smaller bodies of water but always felt like Flathead would provide a better testing ground. I'm pleased to say that the boat performs well on all points of sail, has no obvious handling vices and has quite a turn of speed without undue heeling. A very well designed boat. There are some ergonomic things that need attention and the rudder and stock need to be rebuilt but I have a very nice boat. If not the fastest one. I can see why the designer added a larger sail to the plan. Even in stronger winds the original sail size must have made for long voyages.

Tiller is much to high. (Emeldir)

Captain and crew of Desdemona.

Desdemona looking fine astern.

 After about an hour or so the wind died down. As in dead calm. We could see wind further out in the bay but where we sat there was nothing. Finally after thirty minutes or so I took a tow from the Mikesboat and we motored back to the dock. And as expected as soon as our lines were made fast to the hard, the wind kicked up. So we decided to go out again. Kat ended up at the helm of Desdemona and this time I took Emeldir as Lazy Shamrock's first passenger. I'm pleased to report the addition of ballast only makes the boat perform better. But with the wind up a touch the unpleasantness of the cockpit as it currently stands is really driven home. It was not near as comfortable as the earlier sail for myself. Looking to the west the clouds that had been threatening all day were gathering. The wind became very erratic and changed direction frequently. So it was time to call it a day.
 It was a good day. I'm pleased I fulfilled the mission of WMSBA to get people exposed to sailing small boats. And that the Piccup performed to all expectations. Our next gathering is slated for July 1st but I'm certain we'll be out again before then.

A fine looking craft.

Stable enough to stand up in. (Emeldir)

Wonderful skies. (Emeldir)

The Lady taking pictures. (Emeldir)

Master of the Desdemona. (Kat)

Happiest ballast ever!

Till next time.

Getting Ready for the Season

The Boat Yard

 With a rare spring day in Western Montana I figured I'd best get the boats ready for the upcoming season. The Typesetter came over and helped me round off my mast for the Piccup in preparation of the addition of parrel beads. Then my father came over and we cleaned up the property, put the mast on the Lido and I showed him around the boat he helped build. He had never seen it with the rig up. So here are some photos from the day. It's cold here again. And there is still a bit of work left to do. I'd love to get a quick test sail on the Piccup before May. We'll see if the weather allows. I did get news the ice is off Flathead Lake. That's a good sign.

Lido centerboard case top being sanded. Just a quick sand, nothing to intense.

Playing with the macro on my camera.

Current rigging set up on the Piccup. Might make some changes here.

Liked how this one came out.

The Gypsy. She needs a bit of work but we have a decent starting place in this hull.

Two and a half coats of varnish. Not sure I did it right but that's how it was done.

It's the small classic touches that make these older Lidos worth owning in my opinion. It's tough nowadays go get warm wood and brass on a 14' fiberglass boat. And yet here i it is. 

As a note we are holding our first messabout on the 6th of May at Big Arm State Park. Festivities start at 10:00 AM and run until we get tired and go home. Check out our Facebook Page for more information on the event. Hope to see you there!

New Year, New Beginings

The Bolger Gypsy

 It's been very quiet here at the Inland Packet Company but only because were are ready to get very very busy. The big news is a new boat! There was a Bolger Gypsy hull on Craigslist my partner in crime and I had posted back on forth to each other for a few years. Never wanting to pay the price suggested but a very nice 'what if'. Well it's fallen into my hands. Seems someone else paid the price, kept it for several years and ended up giving it away. To me. So now I have 16' of sailboat out in our front lawn and the need to finish it up before it becomes an eyesore. Looks like my father and I have another project!
 Speaking of projects, the Lazy Shamrocks first and so far only sail was an adventure. There was some sailing. Then some crashing. Then some capsizing. Then some swimming. Then the fire department was called. Then heading home following an official report with the state park caretaker. Needless to say great fun was had by all.

SV Lazy Shamrock underway

There is a lot to do around the boat yard. The Gypsy alone needs quite a bit of attention before it hits the water. The plan is to use the same rig as the Piccup for time saving and the fact it's a good rig. The Piccup needs some work on said rig and some paint but for all intents and purposes it's ready to go. For the time being I'm not planning on sailing with the mizzen but hopefully by the end of the summer the boat will be sorted out enough to allow it. The first Heron gathering of the year is set for the May 5th. We have some interest and both the Lido and the Piccup should be attending.
 I hope to try and maintain the Sieges as a bi-monthly thing. My summer schedule is so busy that anything more is a tough sell. But as long as we have water to sail over I see no reason why we should not go sailing. I'll hopefully be doing a lot of personal sailing, after work, on my days off and the like as well. The goal of getting some distance under my keel has not left. Nor as the goal of doing over night sailing. So far every year I've wanted to do more. Might as well make this the year to do so.
 I've also started getting interested in taking better pictures. Not sure how that will shake out on the boating front as I have a waterproof point and shoot for use on the boat. But here is to hoping to feature some better sailboat photography here on this blog in the near future.

Busy Couple of Weeks

 It's been a busy couple of weeks here. My father and I are building a boat, I'm getting the Lido ready for the season and all signs are pointing to an early spring. Life is good in the rocky mountain west.
 We will start with the Lido. At the end of sailing season last I managed to loose one of the spreaders. No big deal, called up DoubleWave and ordered a new one. During the winter and and a subsequent house move the spreader was misplaced. So I have that to order. I also ordered a new to me sail from Minty's Yacht Surplus. It's of the type used at the Orange Coast College on their fleets of Lido's with a nice masthead float. The price was awesome so I picked it up. Tried to raise it a few days ago, no dice. There was too much friction at the mast head. So I'll be drilling out the rivets and sending the whole mast head and halyard to DW to have it reconditioned for the season. Save that she's ready to go.
 For the last few weeks my father and I have begun work on a Piccup pram. It's great working indoors and making some sawdust. The weather has been mighty variable but working in a heated garage it is the least of our worries. I apologize for the lack of pictures but I've been busy building a boat. But here is a list and our most recent pictures!

• We've been using DWX Epoxy from Duckworks and it has been great! The workshop hovers around 60f and it cures overnight if you sleep late. The low order and slow hardener has made it a joy to work with. Mixes up well and dries clear. I would recommend it to anyone who is building boats. Great stuff
• The plans and written directions were helped greatly by the fact I have a library of "modern" beginning boat building books and access to other builds of Piccups on Facebook. Without these the process would have been much more difficult for a novice. It is my opinion a new comprehensive set of directions are needed with photos and no reference to outside sources for how the build progresses. 
• We will be adding a mizzen to the boat to aid in manners while reefing and hove to. I'm not the first to do so so that will help. 
• Sold the 7/11. Just did not have time to make it the boat it could be. But a nice fellow who plans to give his kids a sailing boat bought it so it's in good hands.

SV Lazy Shamrock. The Lazy Shamrock is the Maxwell family brand.

It's amazing how big the boat is turning out.

This is a very beefy mast step. Inspired by Paul Moffit's built of Serenity.

Next up is interior seams. Can't wait!