Recent content by Frank Langer

I haven't used them, but my reading about them has not revealed any problems with them. One advantage is that they can be replaced quite easily by a knowledgeable boat owner without rigging tools or rigger expertise, like if going offshore. But they do have to be done properly, though there are...

There are differing views on osmotic blisters. They are quite common on boats, some kinds more than others. Some people think that they are more a cosmetic issue, especially if they are small fingernail size rather than one inch size, and if they have mainly occurred in the gelcoat and not...

Unless there are blisters to repair, or very thick coats of old epoxy paint to remove, you may be able to put a tarp around the boat, sand it to remove any peeling paint or rough surface, then paint a couple coats of bottom paint, for much less than $2000. Frank

Juni, When I removed the anchor locker there were about 24 screws along the lip of the anchor locker, which were fairly easy to remove. The harder part was using a one inch putty knife blade to slide under the lip to break the caulking seal on the under side of the anchor locker lip--that took...

Juni, Ii think there are 3 options to reach the bow cleats. One is removing the headliner. I have not done that so can't comment on how tricky that might be. The next is removing the anchor well which I and others have done to rebed it when it leaked. That took me an afternoon of patient work...

A hose removal tool, available widely at low cost, may save you time and trouble. A heat gun may also be helpful. Frank

Good problem solving, a step at a time. :) Frank

I have replaced the cables by pushing them down the pedestal, then pushing them down by the rudder post under the fuel tank and coming out by the transmission. It wasn't difficult and didn't require removing the pedestal. The throttle cable runs a bit differently but was also not hard. I did...

If you move it back further in the cockpit to free up the companionway entry, you risk lots of bruises on your shins as you try to step over the traveler. Been there, done that on a previous boat! :( Frank

On our boat the traveller is on the cabin top and I would not consider moving it. We have an opening in either side in the dodger windows where the traveller line comes through and is then long enough to handle easily at the helm when I single hand (which I do often). The mainsheet is also on...

It should be sufficient to use two good quality (not cheap hardware store ones) hose clamps at each end of the new hose, best to have them with the screws opposite each other, but still accessible to check periodically. Tighten enough to be snug and not leak, but don't over tighten as that can...

If you decide to apply a barrier coat, it might be helpful to put a tarp around the hull (taped in place to minimize air escaping) and add an industrial heater for a few days to further dry out the hull. You should be able to rent one at an equipment rental shop. Frank

That sounds like alot of chain! Do you really need that much for the boating you plan? We have the optional 19 gallon water tank under our v berth in our E30+. I can tell the difference in sailing performance when it's full, but I'm pretty fussy on sail performance. Most people likely wouldn't...

Juni, The water heater is only useful if you are staying at shorepower and want to do dishes, have a shower, wash hands in warm water. If those are not needed, you can remove the water heater, which will give you more space in the cockpit locker. I sold my fifteen year old still working water...

Loren, The government recently raised the maximum for liability claims to about $2,250,000, and then adding court costs and legal fees, the cost of a claim could approach $3 million. So you'll find many marinas raising their requirement to cover that. I renewed my coverage to that earlier this...