Last trip was almost the last trip.

[MysticGringo]

I haven't posted in a long time, been around though, listening and watching. But, I thought it was time to stop leaching off the community, and atleast give back some.

The first sail of the season for us was a few weeks ago... and it was almost the last. I have not learned so much in a week since I was in school. So many things went bad, and so many things could have gone so much worse. Rather than bore anybody here, I posted a trip report to my blog, its a bit long, but might prove to be a decent read for some of you. My girlfriend is awesome, (she's the last photo on the blog), she kept her cool, didn't freak... and actually claims to have had a good time.

Even though it was not the most pleasant or relaxing trip, I had an awesome time, and am now way more confident than I was before. I wouldn't change that trip for anything actually... because now I know I can deal with things, and make decisions (not always the right ones) when needed.

So, how difficult is it to replace a broken steering cable? Its an Edison wheel, with a chain at the wheel which connects to the cable. I didn't crawl all the way through to where it connects to the rudder, so I am not sure what that connection is like. The cable is broken about 6 inches from its connection to the chain on the one side. Any advice?

Feels good to post here again.

[sailingdog]

Gringo-

Good to hear from you... replacing the cable is probably going to suck. What most people I know do is yank the cable and chain and take it to a rigging shop and have them replace the cable.

Regarding Jeff/Zora... that sucks... your friends really need to be more respectful of your time and especially, IMHO, since they're not the ones paying for the boat.

BTW, if your holding tank was that full, chances are excellent that you've also clogged the holding tank vent...and you need to clear that ASAP. Without a clear vent line, the only bacteria that will breed in the holding tank are anaerobic and they're the ones that make the tank really stink.

Lavac heads are some of the more efficient ones, so if you're going to be replacing them... the Lavacs are probably the way to go. They're also some of the most trouble-free of all the marine heads made...as a bonus.

I also generally recommend that new owners go through the fuel system and mark the bleed points with brightly color paint (neon yellow is good). Makes bleeding the fuel system in a hurry much simpler.

Murphy is your constant companion on a sailboat.

Close and dog all hatches before sailing... Don't ask me how I know this.

BTW, sailing out of the marina, if the wind is on the beam or aft, unrolling a bit of roller furling head sail is much simpler and faster than raising the main.

You might want to install a fuel pump bulb in the fuel line, to help in bleeding the system.


As for your GF... sounds like a keeper...

[teshannon]

Russ, Really great blog, thanks for sharing that with us. Somtimes sailing can be a really humbling experience. We've all been there and done that, not necessarily all at once like you did but it sounds like you got through it ok and are now ready for the next adventure. Good luck.

[sailingdog]

BTW, get the emergency tiller fixed... If you don't, Murphy will check on that..

[CharlieCobra]

I concur with all the above.

[MysticGringo]

SD... thanks for the advice. Didn't think about the vent being clogged... gotta figure out how to clear that now. Sounds fun.

I am planning on adding color to all the bleed screws so I know where they are at night with a headlamp. I didn't think about a little bulb pump... but that does sound like a nice idea. I would like to find a better way to top off the fuel-filter without trying to pour fuel out of a 5 gal jug. Maybe this bulb pump is just the right idea.

I will check out the Lavacs and add it to my list. I have more important things on their right now though. Not leaving the marina without the emergency tiller... and maybe a spare head for it. Funny thing about the emergency tiller, I was stowing gear and gave alot of thought to shoving that under a bunk somewhere, and pile a bunch of stuff infront of it... I mean, when was I ever going to use it. Glad that my second thought was that when I did need it, I would need it right now.

As for the hatch... I think it was closed, but wasn't locked completely, and ended up popping open.

Maria is definitely a keeper. She has more fun when the boat is heeled over, and cruising over the waves... she's awesome. I just ordered Changing Course for her, as I want to live on the boat.

I can't wait for the next thing I will learn about sailing, just hope its one thing at a time next time.

[sailingdog]

Debra Anne Cantrell's book is an excellent one...



Next sail should be a bit simpler... especially if you've gotten a chance to replace the fuel lines.

[teshannon]

Russ,
Look at the good side, you're already ahead of a lot of people who don't even know where their emergency tiller is, much less tried it.

[sailingdog]

And, you'll know it is in good shape after you get it fixed.

[Freesail99]

Last fall, I bought a used, but never been used emergency tiller for my boat for $30.00. I didn't have one.