Cruising comments

I was walking by the Boman booth and noticed some very strong hatches. I have always wanted some opening windows where I currently have two stationary windows. But I was unwilling to compromise the strength of non opening windows. These hatches look to be stronger than the stationary windows I have now. GREAT! My stationary windows are held in place with a rubber U-channel. These aluminum frames are very strong, and the glass is almost double the thickness as what I have in place. The joints are huge, and very strong as well as allowing 180 degree opening. VERY COOL! I am measuring and will be ordering two for the front windows. If that works well I may order two for the sides as well. I have been looking at the Aere inflatable fenders in magazines with lust. Wow it would be nice to deflate my fenders and fold them up to stow them. I like lots of fenders, and use them all. But where do you keep them when you are at sea? They consume a LOT of space. After looking at them I was impressed with their strength and ability to protect my boat. But man are they expensive! Three to four times more expensive than the price of good fenders. I just can’t justify that right now. Maybe when I have to decide between another fender, or a month’s supply of food. I had to stop by my friends at the Garhauer booth. They are great people. Very knowledgeable and always willing to help get the right equipment. I don’t have bearings on my main traveler car. And when the main is pulling hard it can be impossible to adjust it. I am looking at the MT-UB-3 mainsheet traveler. Really sturdy, well built, and I like the line layout. I am thinking of adding the 30-2SP “boom vang” as the mainsheet. It has two tails. Pull one and it’s an 8 to one ratio, pull both and it’s a 4 to one ratio. COOL! However it’s only rated at 2000 lbs. I’ll have to check out the load my full main can excerpt on the mainsheet in 25 knots of wind (I normally reef at 15 knots). I am also thinking about one of the heavy duty E-Z Glide adjustable genoa car systems. Again I need to check the size of my current track as well as the load on the car from my 130% genoa with 30 knots of wind to pick which one. I hope you have enjoyed my comments about the boat show. As you can see, there is a lot of boat maintenance to come.

Tags: Maintenance //