Recent content by Mblace

Figure 100,000 tons at 8kts in relatively light wind and current - going to drift a good ways when power is lost, but still maneuverable unless steering is also lost. Tugs alongside probably could have steered it into the mud out of the channel before hitting the bridge, or back into the...

Starlink offers a maritime plan that is said to provide connectivity globally while at sea and in port, and that isn't bothered by moderate vessel movement. It's not cheap but is a lot less than we used to pay for Iridium.

During my career from 1979 to 2005 the Coast Guard never charged for rescue or assistance operations. As far as I know the same is true today. We did have Congress try to impose a "AAA" tow fee a couple times for non-emergency towing of disabled rec vessels. The compromise was the Coast Guard...

I agree with most of what you said - an owner should know his/her boat and be prepared to take immediate action in the event of a problem, including fire, flooding or any number of other mishaps or emergencies, especially if out of comms range or far from rescue resources or if the problem can...

Having spent 30 years in the USCG, a good part of which was at sea or managing coastal SAR operations, I could see this in my mind's eye as something we dealt with many times. First all CG (and USN) members go through basic damage control training at whatever accession path they follow. At...

in addition to previous comments, how is your charging setup wired? I found this explanation of balanced charging, which both equally charges and extends battery life, during my research on using a 4-unit battery bank. AGMs should live a long happy life this way.

So at the end of the day, this is an interesting mental exercise, but… I’m an airplane guy (both power and sailplanes) and have seen practical adaptations of electric sustainers for gliders (to get you home when the lift quits) but not as a main propulsion alternative for power planes...

Why not go with a diesel-electric setup where the electric motor is the only motive drive, and a Diesel engine/generator provides the power to 1) charge batteries and 2) provide power directly thru the controller to the motor. This eliminates a dual-drive clutching and transmission setup, and...

I never sailed in GA except on the Atlantic coast, but have many friends who do. Lanier is very popular, which means busy, but not all that big. It does have sailboat-friendly marinas, though. There really are no great sailing lakes in GA for larger boats, but should be OK for a -27. I’m...

I’ve been following this thread with interest, since as a sailor and retired Coast Guard Captain I have seen this from both sides. My operational specialty was coastal SAR, on the Great Lakes and the Gulf, and over 3 tours in the field was Ops, Deputy and Group commander responsible for...

Two Great shot. I also see two more things that I really like - the safety rail around the stern (Mine is early so has the motor cutout and no rail) and the Bimini.

Excellent discussion. Great pics! I really appreciate the ideas. I remove the rudder to trailer, so for me an aft crutch would be functional. My mast was not set up with the factory stepping gear (hinged base, etc.) so I got the Dwyer hinge and have to custom make the crutches. I like the...

Indeed. Probably better to have said fixed blade-shaped keel, or fin keel - didn’t mean a full-keel boat like a Morgan or Cape Dory. I’m making the assumption that the shape of the hull at the keel junction and shape of the keel itself has a lot to do with both agility and pointing efficiency.

I have not sailed my E-25cb yet, but if memory serves from marine engineering classes and past sailing experience, a centerboard boat (generally speaking) will not point up as well as a full keel boat. Obviously wind speed, mast tuning, sail choice, sail set, angle of heel, etc. will also...

Conjecture is that one of the many container ships waiting to get into LA/LB to offload dragged an anchor across it. Relatively speaking a somewhat small spill, but in a warm climate it disperses very quickly and can cover a large area - the sheen could go for many miles. Unfortunately the...