Back to Olympia

After 11 years, Sandy and I finally decided it was time to shed the acreage and move to a place in town.  After looking in Anacortes and various other locations, we ended up buying a nice house in Olympia.

SummerPlace is back at Swantown and we're looking forward to new adventures and less grounds keeping.

We wont be cruising much this year.  Its Labor Day and the dust is just beginning to settle.


More to follow...

SummerPlace <--> WinterPlace

We're hanging out in San Diego where its sunny and warm.   This is the view of San Diego Bay out our front window.  See you in the spring.  Stay warm!

Hatch Board Storage

On SummerPlace, there is no convenient place to store the hatch boards while sailing. Usually, I bury them under the pillows in the forward stateroom for a day sail. When we go out for a few days on a cruise, they're often under foot and have to moved from time to time. I could just toss them into the cockpit locker but want to keep them looking good and not all scratched up. This project addresses the issue by giving them a proper and secure home for all occasions.

A flat, narrow box was constructed from plywood. Hinged at the bottom and mounted in the port cockpit locker, the box tips out for loading the boards and then folds up and out of the way for storage. A divider built into the box, keeps the boards from banging into each other. The outside dimensions are 25w x 22h x 2.75d



The setup is secure, quick and easy to use, and will likely replace the bed pillows if it ever stops raining long enough to actually go sailing.

Update: Since the photos were taken, I added a latch to secure the box in the upright stowed position. The bungee cord is eliminated.

New Batteries

SummerPlace came to us in 2009 with four group 27 wet cell batteries, their history unknown. Last year, they didn't perform very well. After an overnight at anchor, the bank couldn't deliver enough power to brew a pot of coffee using the inverter. The inverter shut down due to low voltage. The decision was made to replace the batteries this spring.
I considered the options including use of four 6-volt golf cart batteries wired in series-parallel to create a 480 amp hour bank and addition of a fifth starting battery.

I finally decided on four 12-volt AGM (Absorbed Glass Matt) maintenance-free batteries with 3 of them wired in parallel for 315 amp hours and the fourth reserved for starting. Even though the capacity of the installation is less, it fits our needs, eliminates maintenance hassles, and total cost was about the same. I also reasoned that a fifth battery to increase capacity could be added later.


I checked West Marine and found a cost of $307 per battery. Reading internet forum posts on the subject. I discovered that West Marine AGM batteries are made by an outfit called East Penn. They sell exactly the same battery under the "Deka" brand for $237 each - a project savings of $280. for exactly the same part.

Today, I drove over to the East Penn office in Portland and picked up four of the Dekas. While at the will-call door I smiled seeing pallets of batteries with the West Marine Label on them.

It pays ($280 in this case) to do your homework and shop around.

To complete the project, new battery boxes were built and the battery cables rebuilt to remove excess length and replace the end terminals

Winch Upgrade

Summer Place has an electric winch. Its really an anchor windlass/capstan mounted and used as a winch -- a nice amenity when sailing single-handed or sending someone up the mast. The one on Summer Place however, had a very awkward placement (see photo) of the switch forcing you to stand on one leg while (trying to) depressing a very stiff foot switch on the coaming with your toe as you tail the winch. Its a very finicky switch too and must be pressed just so. It'd probably work fine if mounted on the floor so you could stand on it with all your weight. But not here...


I decided a foot switch on the floor was the way to go and bought a waterproof one on Ebay for 20 bucks. Its the kind used for electric trolling motors.

As I dug into the matter, I realized that the winch draws about 50 amps and uses 4 gauge wire to the battery with no solenoid. The entire 50 amps is running through the switch meaning the 2 ounce foot switch is going to have two 4 gauge wires running to it. Not good.

Back to Ebay for a solenoid. I chose one rated for 80 amps continuous duty. Another 17 bucks. With a solenoid, the switch will handle less than 1 amp allowing for use of a small and flexible wire. I chose to use 16 gauge.

Next, I fabricated a StarBoard housing for the foot switch, installed the cord and a cigarette lighter style plug on the end. The plug has a fuse built into it to prevent any short circuit.

The foot switch plugs into an existing outlet on the sidewall of the cockpit just below the seat. The plug is wired to the solenoid which dutifully activates the winch when you step on the switch.

Now, you can use the electric winch from any position in the cockpit to raise the sail, go up the mast, or retrieve the dinghy. Afterward, the switch can be disconnected and put away so its not underfoot.

Galley Remodel

The galley on SummerPlace had meager storage space for pots, pans, knives, etc. The microwave was 13 years old and very low powered, and the stove was mounted very low to accommodate some useless gimbals. This project added two drawers, a new microwave, and eliminated the gimbals to allow efficient use of all available space.

The drawer faces are cut from Iroko hardwood giving a good match of color and grain to the existing teak interior surfaces.

Homeport - Kalama

In October, our number finally came up for a permanent slip at Kalama Marina. Situated only 7 miles from home, Kalama is in an ideal river location for both sailing and cruising and only a few minutes away for doing projects or checking the lines. The slip is a 60ft. end-tie with plenty of room for a fishing boat. This part of the river is know for excellent salmon fishing in the spring and fall. Our Nonsuch 26 'Catbert' moored here from 2003 until 2007.



Short video of the first sail after moving to Kalama

Multnomah Channel - July 2011

Multnomah Channel wanders 20 miles from the Willamette River on the upstream end to the Columbia River at St. Helens separating Sauvie Island from mainland Oregon on the Columbia River. Navigation is easy with >20ft depths in most places.

We took a short cruise about two-thirds of the way to St. Helens to visit a couple of marine parks. The entrance to the channel is about 10 miles from the marina. Much of the upper channel is developed with marinas and houseboat moorages.


Our first stop at Coon Island Marine Park found an empty 800 ft. concrete dock. A composting toilet and a few picnic tables are available there but we couldn't get near them due to clouds of hungry mosquitoes blocking the path.

We headed back the second day spending the night at Hadley's Landing, just a few miles before reentering the Willamette. Here we found a few people fishing, a couple of other boats using the large dock, and lots more mosquitoes. Across the channel is a small boat repair facility and other activity making it an interesting place to explore on the dinghy.

Returning to the marina on day three, we had a good light-air sail from the Multnomah Channel entrance to Kelly Point where the Willamette rejoins the Columbia River.

New Dodger

I always liked the look and quality of Iverson Design dodgers and now we've finally sprung for one. To look at them, you'd think they're the most expensive ones around but the reality is that they're priced similar to other shops and less expensive than some. Best of all, THEY SHOW UP and they get the job done quickly. Our project included the dodger, sailcover, and several other items.

We chose the darkest blue Sunbrella. The lighter color on the previous dodger had its advantages and looked ok but showed dirt badly. The windows on the new dodger are of Makrolon, a semi-rigid plastic that refuses to wrinkle making the windows seem like glass. We also ordered window covers to protect them from the caustic bird crap that flies around the marina.

The project had two steps. At the boat on the first day, after discussion about the design, the frame is fabricated using equipment on the Iverson truck. The new frame is installed and patterns are made using a special plastic sheet material. With the patterns in place on the frame, you can see exactly what the dodger will look like before any Sunbrella is put to the knife and needle. Eight days later was install day and the project completed. They're by far the most efficient canvas shop I've ever dealt with.

We love the new dodger and recommend Iversons Design highly.

BBQ Work Table

I wanted a little work table that could be mounted on the rail next to the BBQ. We use the BBQ a lot so it will get plenty of use.

The top is cut from 3/4" Starboard purchased at TAP Plastics. I found the mount at a boater swap meet a few years ago, and the fiddles were cut from some scrap teak.

Coming Home

After four years away, Summer Place was moved from Olympia to Portland, OR in early April and now calls the Columbia River home. We're moored at Salpare Bay Marina in Portland while waiting for a slip at Kalama Marina, located just seven miles from home.
I never thought I'd make a move back to the river but grew weary of the 85 mile drive to Olympia. With the boat located just a few miles from home, afternoon daysails are a possibility along with plenty of wind and numerous close cruising destinations.

We'll see how it goes

Coffee Table

The back corner of the cabin is a great spot to sit for morning coffee so we added this little coffee table. Its also big enough for a laptop computer or a toasted bagel on a plate. Constructed from 1" Afromosia (African Teak), it hinges up for access to the little door where you check the engine oil. It removes completely with a couple of thumb screws for when you want to remove the stair and panel to access the engine room. Horizontal support comes from a stop mounted to the stair. An pin is available to hold the table in the up position while working through the small engine room door.

I was lucky to find a piece of Afromosia that was 15 inches wide allowing the table to be cut as a single piece. For now, no fiddles will be added. That may change later depending on how much junk gets dumped on the floor.

Cockpit Table Extension

One of the first projects completed on SummerPlace was a small cockpit table that could be used while underway. One of the last projects was an extension leaf that allows 2 people to sit at a cockpit dinner table.

The extension is built from 3/4" plywood with a Formica top surface and teak edges. A square base fits closely into the fiddles on the small table and is retained by a screw-in knob. The whole thing removes for stowage in a few seconds. Its kept in the port lazarette in a case custom made by Sandy.

Shoestring Digital Voltmeter

A 2000 watt Honda generator is used on SummerPlace to maintain the batteries while on cruise but the analog panel meter doesn't help much. I wanted a digital meter but a replacement panel mount unit is ~$175 if one can be found to fit. Harbor Freight often has digital voltmeters on sale for three bucks. I wired this one up to a handy spot in the closet.

Now I can watch my batteries charge up without my checking account draining down.

Galley Shelf

There's adequate countertop space on Summer Place as long as you dont want to get into the ice box or bread box. The doors to those spaces also serve as counter top. While preparing meals, you often need to shift things around to pull something out of the refer. It was a juggling act. To help matters, I added a small shelf to gain a few square inches of precious horizontal space.

The shelf is constructed out of 1" thick Afromosia (African Teak) purchased locally. Afromosia is about half the cost of teak and provides a good match of grain and color. The shelf is supported by 2 small hinges and a hook.

Handy

Jarrell Cove Sketches

I took my iPad on a recent cruise to Jarrell Cove. I snapped some photos of intersting boats (including SummerPlace of course!) and drew sketches from them on the iPad. Its an enjoyable activity for a cruise and a good way to strike up conversation with the other boaters. Click on the thumbnails above to see the full-size image on Flickr.

Outboard Motor Bracket

I needed an outboard motor bracket for the 8hp. Tohatsu used on the dink. I found two types to be available, a plastic or teak one that mounts at a rail intersection and costing $40 - $50., and one made by Edson that mounts anyplace the cost just under $300. (gasp!)

Having neither a rail intersection nor $300. to spare, I decided to make my own using Starboard. Total cost from TAP: $11.50 using a scrap of teak and assortment of screws from the junk box. Looks decent IMHO.

Swim Platform (Dinghy Davits)

Update: 6/15 - Completed work on the stand-offs the last few days. The project is complete. Tie-downs were also added on the starboard side for gas cans and several hours were spent figuring out how to best tie off the dinghy once up on the davits. I ended up running a line on each side, from below the centerline of the dinghy up to the middle of the stern rail. This has the effect of spreading the load and making the dinghy rock solid while underway..

Like most projects, if I were to do it again, there are a few minor things I'd do differently but I consider this effort to be a success. Now on to some new projects.


Update: 6/1 - Wrapped up installation this morning with final hardware, transom backing, bedding, etc. The platform is solid underfoot owing to the cored construction of the transom and placement of the brackets. I'm pleased with the result. Next step brings the dinghy to the marina for mounting the davits and stand-offs.

Update: 5/30: Started installation yesterday. Progress is slow because of the steady rain. Should wrap up initial work tomorrow followed by disassembly and bedding of the hardware. Taking plenty of time to be sure everything is properly aligned before drilling the holes.

Update: 5/28 - The platform arrived yesterday from Plasteak. Two photos were added to the gallery. I asked PlasTeak to take a few photos of the platform during fabrication but it didn't get done.

The platform looks good although I'm a bit concerned about the proximity of the vents to the place where the davit hooks mount. I would have preferred more solid platform there. Should be ok with use of some good backing plates though.

Update: 5/19 - Added some new photos to the project gallery. The platform was ordered about 10 days ago and should be here in about another week. Meanwhile, I gathered much of the hardware needed to mount it on the transom.

I asked PlasTeak to take some photos during fabrication of the platform and hope to get some interesting shots of the process.

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I've never gone swimming in Puget Sound and have no plans to do so. A swim platform is a great way to carry a hard dinghy though - using Weaver Snap Davits

With the boat kitty replenished by the previously reported davit sale, a swim platform is in the works. This platform will be a rehash of one I built of the Nonsuch 26 seen here. This one will be about 18 inches wider and use improved supports. I'll follow a similar prototype process by building a plywood mock-up to confirm the design and fit followed by a custom build by Plasteak.

This is a slow project spanning about two months. The slideshow below shows the progress and will be updated as work is completed. On each photo is a "notes" link below the image. Click on it to read any included explanation. You can also click on the "link" link to open up the full-size photo on Flickr.

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

Dinghy Davits - Sold

The dinghy davits sold last week to a guy in Ohio who responded to my Seattle Craigslist ad. Packaging them was a serious effort consuming 4 rolls of tape and a dozen sticks of hot-melt glue. Hope they arrive safely.

Craigslist is an amazing tool for the money (free). You do need to be careful not to be ripped off. The best insurance is CASH. I would not have had courage though, as the buyer did, to send a large sum of money to a stranger 2000 miles away on the hope that the merchandise would arrive as promised. But thats me.

High Performance WiFi Adapter

Swantown Marina where Summer Place is moored offers free wifi. Our slip however is far away from the access point and the signal is too weak for the laptop's internal wifi adapter. RadioLabs offers a high performance adapter for $140. + shipping that completely eliminates the problem.

All of the electronics are located inside the antenna module. All you need to do is install the driver software and plug cable into a USB jack.

I like having wifi on the boat for email and internet surfing but also for watching Slingbox and listening to Pandora, the free and excellent internet radio service.

Slingbox is a device that connects to your home video system and home network. It transmits your home TV signal across the internet to any location where wifi is available. You can even control your video system from the remote location

Satellite tv on Dell notebook (note the remote on left side)

DirecTV program guide controlled from remote location
Slingbox at home