Captain's Blogs

New interior Mon, 30 Jun 2008 18:34:21 GMT
Old yeller just got a make over! Rebuilt the back deck,new carpet,and new seats. Add to that the new bimini top and we have one classy old boat. We're headed to the lake for the the 4th should have some new pics soon.
Happy boating all.
L. Read More...

gettin her ready Wed, 26 Mar 2008 13:46:10 GMT
well looks like its time. I uncovered her today, will service engine in a few days.I want to have her on the water for opening day of trout April 12.Will be going to lake winola photos to follow. Read More...

Irwin 37 Center cockpit (coconutexpress) Thu, 31 Jan 2008 18:15:11 GMT
We have made this boat a labor of love and she is now our full time home. We have refitted her with new electronics, new standing and running rigging,new Just about everything. New stereo am/fm CD with surroung sound, new 26" color flat screen TV, New DVD player, new cushions, screens,bright work, ok you get the idea we have really put alot into making her our move around the caribbean home. We love what she has become, a very roomy sturdy boat that we are very proud of. SO after a lot of blood sweat and tears, she has become as much a part of us as we have become a part of her. If any of you have any questions or comments we would love to invite you to take a look at our pictures and let us know what you think. We are currently heading down to the keys and then over to the bahamas. Hope to see you out there.
fair winds
Carl Read More...

1973 Hatteras 38DCMY Restoration Fri, 23 Nov 2007 14:10:45 GMT
Lebitch is currently undergoing restoration.

We will attach pictures as we go.

About me: My new Captain and Admiral purchased me in May 2007 from Jacksonville, Fl. My prior owner let me sink about half way due to open exhaust hole, dead batteries and faulty bilge pumps.

The admiral found me on craigslist and sent the captain to rescue me...you can read the rest of my story at. www.lebitch73.spaces.live.com
Read More...

Transient Slip and Dock Lessons Learned Tue, 30 Oct 2007 20:28:57 GMT
Okay, so I've been sailing since I was 16 or so. We've gone incrementally from an O'Day Day Sailer up to the current Ericson E31. So, sure, I do have a fair amount of experience on the water.

However, this is my first boat that's really been able to sail to different harbors. Sure, the Seaward 23 could handle Lake Michigan (in general, not extremely rough conditions) but I never really did much harbor hopping. Add the fact that my only non-trailering experiences in harbors is primarily in Monroe Harbor in Chicago on a buoy.

Well, we got the dreaded call from the Waukegan Port District on Friday late in the afternoon. Just a voice mail saying that "another boater noticed we had a line come loose and the bowsprit was hitting the dock". Okay, that can't be terribly bad, I'll just hop in the truck and secure it.

What they failed to mention was that three of the 5 dock lines had completely frayed through - all 3 on the starboard side. The bowspr... Read More...

Done for the year Tue, 23 Oct 2007 21:14:27 GMT
We sailed from Monroe up to the Waukegan Port District the other day in some of the most calm conditions I think I've ever seen on Lake Michigan. We had to the "iron sail" the entire way and had to spit in the water to see if we were moving. Had it been a warmer day, it most definitely would have been a fly bite extravaganza.

Being a cooler day, it took the 2QM15 a while to start - about 25 minutes. I thought for sure that she was flooded, but eventually she fired up and roared to life.

Nonetheless, it was still great to be out on the water after not really being able to get out much this year.

We're a bit back on the waiting list for a haulout at Larsen's, though, so we're in a transient slip in the North side of Waukegan harbor. Looking off the stern of the boat, I'm looking straight out at Lake Michigan - hopefully there won't be any weather from the East for the next week or so. Read More...

almost devistating! Sat, 20 Oct 2007 20:42:04 GMT
I was bringing the boat home from Lake Wallenpaupak after some repairs, when I lost the wheel bearing on the trailer, on the left side. Not a good experience. More Money LOL I LOVE IT! Read More...

Final outing for the season. Wed, 10 Oct 2007 05:21:05 GMT
Today will be our last outing for the 2007 season. Still nice today in P.A. about 65f and partly sunny. I wish it was April I only own this boat for 2 weeks and it's time to wrap it up. Read More...

Lake Michigan and British Petroleum (BP/Amoco) Tue, 14 Aug 2007 20:49:05 GMT
Recently there has been quite the buzz about a new permit given to British Petroleum by Indiana. According to www.ProtectOurLake.com, "British Petroleum has announced plans to dump up to 1,584 pounds of ammonia and 4,925 pounds of industrial solids into Lake Michigan every single day from a BP refinery in Whiting, Indiana".

While I'm not sure of the absolute validity of these figures (they come from the site mentioned above) there has been quite a bit of coverage on the local radio stations. In addition, in the past few years there seems to be more and more beach closings due to high levels of E. Coli - a bacteria that is fed by ammonia.

Personally, it doesn't sound good to me.

What have you heard? What are your thoughts? Read More...

Maiden Voyage Sun, 15 Jul 2007 07:44:09 GMT
On July 12, 2007 'Danny's Addiction" touched water for the first time. A short one-hour tour of Lake Erie from Rocky River reservation to the mouth of the Cuyahoga River (about 8 miles). It was a solo-trip with a consistent speed of about 25 MPH.

On July 13, 2007 I took a passenger and we made the same trip and ventured farther down river past the flats an down to just past the Columbia Road bridge, and back again. About a 2 hour journey. I decided then that I was addicted and named the boat accordingly. I had considered naming it "The Nina" after the woman that had inspired me to buy this craft and then thought better of the implications and what she might have said to a conversation that included the words "I was riding Nina hard and wet this morning", so I decided to err on the safe side and give her (the boat) a more inoccuous name. Read More...

Sailing to cat harbor catalina Wed, 09 May 2007 17:12:33 GMT
I received the following email yesterday, and since I am not from the area (Camelot sails out of Chicago - Monroe Harbor), I thought it might be prudent to post it here for everyone's feedback.

--------------------
I read your webpage and wonderful description of Catalina. I have a 'safety' question. We are planning a sail on Memorial weekend but Catalina on the L.A. facing side is booked. We have a 36 ft trimiran (home built) boat that we have only taken out five times in the harbor of L.A. I have limited sailing experience but my husband is pretty experienced but not on this boat.

We have a 5 1/2 yr. old. daughter. My question is : Is it a safe sail to go around the island to Cat Harbor where we are sure to find a place to anchor on that weekend?

I am 'fishing' around for people's experiences sailing around the island isthmus.

We are considering sailing down to Newport Bch instead for another option...not sure where we will end up

Appreciate any... Read More...

My Boat Wed, 09 May 2007 12:51:05 GMT
I have owned my Columbia 24 since 1996. I bought mine from a yard where the previous owner was not paying the bills, so I got mine for cheap. (About $1,200.00) My boat is a 1964, hull #126. I still don’t know if mine was built in Cosa Mesa, CA or Portsmouth, VA.

It needed restoration, as you might imagine. I got it good enough to sail and then used the boat for a couple years in its ugly state. I’ve been working on the the boat ever since, starting with painting the hull and decks.

After ten years, I still think the Columbia 24 is a great boat. I prefer the CCA style boats for aesthetic reasons, and for the nice ride. Here in Michigan our fresh water waves tend to be short-period and square. My previous boat (a trailer sailor) got slapped around too much in the Great Lakes. The Columbia 24 in contrast has a very nice ride for its size. I once enjoyed watching a group of fishing boats rolling around in 25 knots of wind while I brewed a pot of coffee and let the autopilot d... Read More...

The Life Of Spanki Mon, 30 Apr 2007 18:23:05 GMT
We bought our 1993 Catalina 36 in June 2006. She had been sitting in her slip on Lake Ray Roberts in Denton, Texas for a few years with no use. She wasn't the year we were intending to buy nor had the wing keel like our 1989 Catalina 30 had, but she was close to our home port of Grand Lake, Ok. {5 hr. drive one way} which made it "easy" to look at her a couple of times before buying.
We looked at every inch of her. We have been doing our own boat work {fiberglass, teak, canvas and so on} on our 30 and other boats so we knew what to look for and what it could cost to fix or replace something. Or know if it wasn't worth our time.
We are currently custom building our dodger/bimini/encloser right now along with varies other projects for her that I will talk about here and there.

Read More...

New Cushions Thu, 29 Mar 2007 19:42:46 GMT
This year, we're tackling the cushions. The original cushions, while not only having a fabric style from the 70's, also had considerable mold stench.

After attempting to remove the interior foam and wash both the fabric and foam, the mold smell still lingered something fierce. The fabric itself was quite worn and definitely in need of replacement.

Afer some searching, we finally ended up employing Bruski Upholstering in Mount Prospect, Illinois.

They did an exceptional job with the new cushions, assisted in choosing a durable yet cost effective fabric, and overall we're extremely happy with the results.

We chose a new color, a bit lighter than the original to make the cabin appear a bit larger. I'll post some pictures soon of the new cushions. Read More...

Fletcher History Wed, 28 Feb 2007 20:33:10 GMT
It would be great if anybody knows the history of this boat. Read More...

Getting ready for spring!! Tue, 27 Feb 2007 17:59:21 GMT
It is started to get warm here so ocourse I have the bug.
I have purchased a cmc tilt and trim to put on this year.
The old motor didn't have one and theses things look bullet proof.
Shoping for a bimini top for this year anyone knows of a good deal
let me know.
Over all I'll drop more dough in my beloved money pit!!! Read More...

Water Heater Wed, 21 Feb 2007 22:53:04 GMT
We are trying to decide on a water heater ,anyone have a good idea? Read More...

I'm Back Avalon, Safe & Sound. President's Day 07 Tue, 20 Feb 2007 13:36:49 GMT
I'm Back Avalon, Safe & Sound.


I fulfilled yet another sailing personal challenge over the President's Day weekend. I have wanted to sail to Catalina during the winter time ever since I acquired the "Pride Of Cucamonga" Every year in February we usually get a few days of Indian Summer weather with temps into the high 80's. I usually don't start my sailing to Catalina trips until April. Well we had one of those Indian Summer days last Saturday and I found out at the last minute on Friday that the company was giving us President's Day off, so it was a no brainer, time to sail to Catalina. I knew there was a possibility of rain and 25 knot winds coming by Sunday or Monday but hey, the boat was ready to go so I scrambled to pack her up on Saturday morning and I was heading out of the harbor by 11 am. It was down right hot during the crossing. I took off my shirt and put on the sun block. Not much wind to speak of so I motor sailed all the way and arrived... Read More...

ABOUT ME Tue, 30 Jan 2007 16:19:54 GMT
Permission to come aboard?

Jefferson Asbury Here,

Born Again Son of a Sailor. I work as a Graphic Designer for Packaging Corporation of America in the Los Angeles area. I had gained a lot of sailing experience from age 7 first on Northern California Lakes with my Fathers 16' open Tiburon. Then Dad moved right up to a 1966 Islander 33 flush deck (Lady Porpoise) when we moved to the Puget Sound. A big and not so pretty boat, but it was a practical for a family of seven to cruise the San Juan Islands in. I was single handing that sailing aircraft carrier by the time I was 15. As the five kids started moving out, Dad down sized to a Canadian made Bayfield 25 (Scrimshaw) in 1975. She was moored on Lake Washington with access to the Sound and beyond. The Bayfield became as much mine as my Fathers boat through the 70's & 80's and I enjoyed exploring the San Juan's and Vancouver Island.

Then I did a dumb thing. I moved to California in 1982 and left my access to my Da... Read More...

CELEBRITY SAILORS? Tue, 30 Jan 2007 16:12:31 GMT
I was talking to a fellow sailor the other day and we were trying to list all the Celebrity Sailors we knew of. Heres what we came up with. Anyone know of any others?

John F. Kennedy,
Robert Kennedy,
Bob Seger,
Warren Zevon,
Christopher Cross,
David Crosby,
Walter Cronkite,
Jimmy Buffett,
Ed Bradley,
John Ford,
Popeye The Sailor Man,
Edward Heath, former Prime Minister (UK),
Larry Ellison,
Jeremy Irons,
Elton John,
Simon Lebon (of Duran Duran),
Humphrey Bogart,
Gary Moore (of Thin Lizzy),
Morgan Freeman,
William F. Buckley,
Franklin D. Roosevelt (pre-polio),
Robert Kennedy,
Geraldo,
Spongebob,
Jimmy Buffet,
Judge Smails,
Jack Sparrow,
William Rehnquist,
Neil Young,
Dana Elcar,
Buddy Ebsen, Read More...

SAILING SAYINGS Tue, 30 Jan 2007 14:43:10 GMT
"It is far better to bend the wind than to break it."

"We will put up that spinnaker, and God can bring it down."

"If you've never run aground, You've never been anywhere."

"Green to green, red to red, all is fine, go ahead."

"When in trouble or in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout."

"When in doubt, let it out." “When in doubt, turn out."

"If something's gonna happen, it's gonna happen out there!"

"If we get lost, we'll just pull in somewhere and ask for directions."

"Tiller towards trouble." (when teaching someone to steer with a tiller).

For the guy with "only one oar in the water", you can say:
"Fractional-his head stay doesn't go all the way to the top."

"Old sailors never die they just get a little dinghy."

"Request permission to lay along side."

"Sa... Read More...

WHY I UP GRADED TO A ERICSON 27 FROM A MACGREGOR VENTURE 22, OR SURVIVING THE SANTA ANNA WINDS OF THE CHANNEL ISLANDS IN TOO SMALL A BOAT! Tue, 30 Jan 2007 14:21:17 GMT
“Pride of Cucamonga’s” Log
Dec. 8th - Dec. 9th 2001.

I set out for what was only intended to be a day sail from my home port of Channel Islands Harbor. My vessel is the Pride of Cucamonga, a 1975 MacGregor 22. She displaces only 1,800 pounds, less than a ton. I had a first-time passenger aboard, Eddie Lopez, who had just entered the sport of sailing by acquiring a 14-foot Lazer. He came along because he was interested in getting some pointers on sailing. We had no plans other than to spend the night on the boat back at Channel Islands Harbor and enjoy the Festival of Lights that night. The Festival of Lights is the annual parade of decorated Christmas boats in the harbor.

When we first left the breakwater at 1:30 p.m., the Santa Ana winds of 15-20 mph we experienced while still tied to the dock had subsided to almost nothing.We floundered with slack sails for about an hour until the winds finally afforded good sailing power at about 10 mph. I was on a course of... Read More...

THE FOLLOWING IS A ARTICLE I HAVE WRITTEN FOR THE SOON TO BE RE DESIGNED ericsonyachts.org WEB SITE. IT DESCRIBES IN SOME DETAIL WHAT SAILING HAS BEEN LIKE FOR ME HERE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. Tue, 30 Jan 2007 14:17:07 GMT
My Southern California Sailing experiences are somewhat limited, because I have only been sailing in So Cal since 2001. I will not be able to comment on Yacht Clubs or racing because I am not a yacht-club member and I have only participated in one race. What I can do is share some insight on cruising areas. I will start with the northern areas first and work my way south. I will also provide you with valuable links to harbors, services, weather sites and yacht clubs.


INTRODUCTION

Join a transplanted Puget Sound sailor, my intrepid little Ericson 27, and me as I investigate the waters of the southern California coastline. We'll nose into some of my favorite marine nooks and crannies to explore the charms of sailing in warm, hospitable waters at long last.

Sailing in Southern California is relatively new to me and quite different from my sailing experience as a child and a young man in the waters of the Pacific Northwest. A big difference is that sailing in... Read More...

Rudder work Mon, 29 Jan 2007 19:09:44 GMT
It looks like our rudder is toasted. For some reason, there is a balsa core, and like all rudders, water has invaded the interior. Over time, the hinges have compressed the fiberglass enough that it's completely shattered under where the hinges attach.

I'm currently searching for places that rebuild rudders from scratch since the original manufacturers, Ericson, are no longer in business.

I've found two so far - Foss Foam and Idasailor.

If anyone knows of any others, I'd love to hear about them.

Thanks in advance! Read More...

Will she be ready by March?? Thu, 18 Jan 2007 19:10:59 GMT
I've posted a couple of 'before' pictures of the inside of my boat. It's still a work-in-progress, and with winter in full-swing, it's kind of difficult to work on her in the bitter cold... Read More...

Old yeller still floats Tue, 12 Dec 2006 13:03:11 GMT
It took a lot of time and money to restore this jewel of a boat.
When I found her she was a empty shell no deck and no interior.
She is not big but she packs a punch and keeps up with most across the water.
Do I sound to proud?!! Read More...

Not quite a luxury liner Sat, 09 Dec 2006 08:53:33 GMT
We’ll here is my little fishing boat the Kobayashi Maru (The name is from Star Trek in case you were wondering). I almost feel bad posting a little fishing after seeing some of the beautiful yacht/sailboat that has been posted already. But I guess every community has its ghetto. Read More...

First Post and The Sailors Place Web Site Mon, 04 Dec 2006 19:06:00 GMT
I recently got my Boat Profile completed -- she is the Viking Lady -- her slip is at the Richmond Yacht Club which is in Pt. Richmond, a part of the main city of Richmond, California. Richmond is on the North East side of San Francisco Bay and the Richmond Yacht Club facility and slips are next to a marina called Brickyard Cove in Pt. Richmond.

I would like to invite anyone reading this to visit my web site -- http://www.The-Sailors-Place.com .

I have been working hard on it for the past month adding new pages and features. I like to take pictures and the pictures you find on the site are all taken by me. The site has Racing Dinghy screen savers and photos, some photos of a few big ships (freighters, tankers, Coast Guard, etc.), sailing book reviews, Free marine charts, and a Free chart plotter you can use with the charts on your computer. It has Navigation tips and information, special sailing knots with a link to a site that has animated slides on how to tie all ... Read More...

Click here for the full story... Mon, 04 Dec 2006 09:21:35 GMT
http://r.lee.winters.googlepages.com Read More...

Tarp Wed, 29 Nov 2006 06:10:42 GMT
It's been warm here in Chicago for a week. I haven't had any time to make it up to the boat to get the tarp on for winter. I will this weekend, but highs will go from 62F down to 25F. Bummer. Won't be too bad if there isn't any wind... Read More...

Got some work to do Sat, 25 Nov 2006 21:40:51 GMT
This is a 1962, all wood boat. Right now, there is significant rot in the bottom, so this winter looks like a replacement job.

I'm hoping to have her ready to go for the spring of 2007. Read More...

Nov 25, 2006 Sat, 25 Nov 2006 12:07:14 GMT
Hello everyone! This looks to be an interesting site, so I have uploaded a couple of pics of our boat, Papillon. She is a 1975 Ericson 35 MkII. We have owned her for the last 4 years and have done TONS of work on upgrades and refitting. We live aboard so she has to be both seaworthy and comfortable. I will post some more recent photos when I get back to my computer on board. Read More...