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frich
Captain

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USA
418 Posts

Initially Posted - 11/29/2003 : 12:26:02

Ok so now i can say the "W" word here in the Northeast. I'd like to hear from all with regards to how they accomplish their own upgrades/ projects over the winter? Maybe I can learn something because it seems I always set lofty goals and then scramble in the spring accomplishing very few.

Here is my 03/04 winter wish list

Install Rope (2) clutches, lead lines aft
New mast tabernackle
re-wire mast, install new steaming light
Install Barometer/ Clock recently won on Ebay
Fix leak in port genoa track
Genoa out to sail care (Hurray done 11/29)
Check standing rigging
Re-oil interior wood
Install under counter soap disp @ head & Galley
Have pivot pin checked
re-calibrate datamarine wind indicator
general cleaning

appreciate any input

Frank R
84 C25 SK

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 11/29/2003 : 13:43:51

An important thing (at least for me) on most projects like this is making a list and collecting all the proper parts and tools before you start twiddling.

Projects go a lot better when you don't have to go chasing around for that odd nut that you're missing. (my current spouse says the odd nut is probably in the boat)

Stuff like...
Fasteners (right size/length/number)
Sealant (right kind)
Bales of rags, drums of solvent for cleaning excess sealant
Wire, connectors, solder, shrink tubing
Wrenches, screwdrivers, sockets, extensions yada yada.

Imagine you have a little 'milkroom' heater to keep the boat warm
while you work?

Edited by - on

cch
Navigator

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202 Posts

Response Posted - 11/29/2003 : 14:01:12

Start Early!

Don't wait until March to tackle your first project. I like to start the most dificult or most unpleasant task first. Once that has been accomplished I find that carries me through the others quickly. Of course I am a great one to give advice. My list is alot longer than yours and Moonglade has been on the hard for 3 months undergoing major repair and maintenance.

As soon as weather and tide cooperate at the same time, she is back in the water, most but not all the projects completed.

Edited by - on

deastburn
Captain

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USA
334 Posts

Response Posted - 11/29/2003 : 17:47:26

Frank, I like your attitude. Planning is important. Here's how I do it:

1) Get out a sheet of paper and a pencil to write down a plan. Open a bottle of Newcastle Brown to help with the planing.

2) Get out the gol book from list season to see what the boat deens and open another Fo'castle Brown.

3) Sort the loots and kame shore I can find all the screwdrivers. Make a screwdriver and tros the crewdribblers.

4) Go out into the yard and insect the bull's hottom. Sit on my bottom while looking up at keel. Open another Castle and keel over.

5) I liver net my shelf cut harried gaway.

Good Luck!

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 11/29/2003 : 18:17:04

Edited by - on

OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 11/29/2003 : 20:11:27

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by frich
 . . . Ok so now i can say the "W" word here in the Northeast . . .
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I never thought of using a built-in soap dispenser on the boat - good one Frank!

Edited by - on

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 11/30/2003 : 10:07:51

If the project requires design work, then starting early has a benefit. Design requires clearly setting goals and deciding which of those may be compromised and which can't. Then, sketches and planning to accomplish the listed goals. Very often this process produces a great many dead ends.

Such sketches and doodles that labor toward the desired ends can often fill odd moments of time. Last year for example, I wanted to redesign my steering linkage from Edson flexible cables to open wire cables. With a sketch pad parked near the "sand box", tens of sketches were produced over a month or so. Finally a scheme came that seemed to fit the desired goals emerged.

The value is that in between the sketches, there is time to process the pros and cons of the last idea. The point of course is that time becomes such a big part of the process. This is not to say that a design project can't be tackled and produced in an intense non fragmented effort but doing so using those odd moments works well.

Edited by - Arlyn Stewart on 11/30/2003 10:09:52

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