Oufittng Seahorse

[Chattcatdaddy]

Capt Smollet

Do you thank 1/4" chain would be suffecient? Just trying to err on the side of caution.

Deleted the wire order, now that I know its not necassary. Zip ties it will be.

Whats the issues with folding padeyes? I was trying to avoid as many things as possible from sticking out of the deck.

[Chattcatdaddy]

Updated my order:

G4 5/16" 40ft
Braided line 1/2" 150ft
Deleted padeyes
Deleted webbing
Deleted locking wire
Added Jackline premade system (easy to add/remove as needed)

Saved about $150 (glad I didn`t place the order ;D)

Still might add padeye for harness attach while in cockpit.

[David_Old_Jersey]

Just Googled up a Pearson Ariel - my eyes not quite good enough for your Avatar!.....and first hit was of your boat on Facebook!

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.207534552627563.44316.190796814301337&type=3#!/media/set/?set=a.207534552627563.44316.190796814301337&type=3

Very pretty  :)

Not sure where / how you are intending to rig up your jacklines (Deck or Coachroof?) - but if on the deck, could use the cleats instead of padeyes (and anything folding is usually weaker than solid - and IMO more likely to corrode), downside is need a few more feet of jackline - upside is that the cleats will (hopefully!) be stronger and are already onboard! in the cockpit I would use a simple U bolt (a decent size, through bolted somewhere solid - and out of knee reach / range!.....just under the hatch would be ideal as allows clipping on when still down below).

Given that folks seem split on whether to go forward on the uphill or downhill side - if money an issue, put a jackline one side only - and do both, as needed  :P

[Chattcatdaddy]

Still undecided on the jackline system. I would ideally a coachroof sytem with lines on either side. Although a deck system would be an simple install and cost less with existing cleats. Either way it will get a lot of use seeing that my headsails are hank-on.

I think i will start off with a deckstyle and change if I do not feel comfortable with that set-up.

[Captain Smollett]

Capt Smollet

Do you thank 1/4" chain would be suffecient? Just trying to err on the side of caution.

I don't know.  I went upsize on everything in the ground tackle "system" so I guess that means I read that 1/4" G4 was "recommended" for an Alberg 30.  Best bet would be for the Ariel guys to chime in on that, but if weight and/or cost is an issue, 1/4" may suffice.

Whats the issues with folding padeyes? I was trying to avoid as many things as possible from sticking out of the deck.

David mentioned a biggie with the loss of strength for a given size.  Another issue is the increased 'hassle' in using them.

That said, I did purchase folding padeyes to lash the dinghy down.  I figured I could accept the strength trade as while I don't want to lose my dink, it's also not a "life" so I view it differently.

Finally, I use deck rigged jacklines tied to cleats, but I do have a big, mondo heavy duty, non-folding padeye in the cockpit for use while in the cockpit.  It allows just getting into the cabin while staying clipped in and we can thus clip in while inside the companionway.

This turned out to be a big psychological plus for my wife (and me, too), as we could implement an SOP with the children that they clip in BEFORE leaving the cabin.  This gives that little edge in the "peace of mind" department, and every little bit helps when venturing "outside" ... especially with little ones.

I mounted it on the aft vertical surface of the bridge deck with a rather large backing plate.  I put one on each boat in the same place, actually, since fortunately both boats have proper bridge decks.

Another mod I've made (but yet to use for jacklines specifically) is I went up in size on the foredeck cleats, and changed style.

The boat originally had 10" "yacht" cleats, the ordinary aluminum kind that have a kind of thick-ish base.




  I changed to 12" Stainless Steel Herreschoff's, and MAN what a difference these make.




What I mean is that even with 10" regular cleats, I quickly ran out of "cleat;"  they filled up.  You really want to rig your jacklines BEFORE getting underway rather than trying to do it 'at sea.'  This means a rather large piece of (line in my case, though webbing is on the list to buy) material on the cleat, then dockline(s).  Underway, you might want to secure a line to the cleat for various purposes...a halyard while you hand a sail, for example, or maybe even the rode to a sea anchor/bridle set-up...and those would be large diameter, too.

So, the usual horn cleats were, in my opinion very inadequate.  Hard to tell even from that pictures, but notice how much more line the Herreschoff's can take.

Food for thought, as they say..,.if you do decide to go the "use the cleats that are already there" (a sentiment with which I agree, btw, why add additional hardware to the boat..more points of failure and leaks, etc), make sure they are up to the task, which may mean "room to grow."

I hope that makes sense how I explained it. 

[CharlieJ]

I use 1/4 G4 on Tehani- figure 7500 pounds loaded.

Used 5/16 G4 on my 35 foot trimaran. Not a really heavy boat, but much windage at anchor

Used 5/8 nylon on the tri, 1/2 on Tehani. And on Neccessity ;)

I'm in total agreement with Smollet on the cleats.. Most boats come from the factory with woefully inadequate sizes. If you can't get at least three of your normal lines on a bow cleat, it's too small. And the Herreshof style is all I use.

This is Necessity's bow- those are 10 inch cleats on a 21 foot boat

[Chattcatdaddy]

OK I have now switched the order.

Chain 1/4" 50ft
Line 1/2" 150ft
Price difference saved me a little so I added some Hereshoff style 10" cleats.

Whats everyones thoughts on braided vs. twisted line?

Twisted is easier to splice and braided is stronger. At least thats how I come to understand the differences.

[CharlieJ]

I've always used 3 strand. I understand about braid being stronger, but 3 strand is plenty, and easier to splice. Braid is very difficult or impossible to splice once it get old- 3 strand can be spliced forever.

I use a back splice on the chain/ nylon connection too- not a shackle.

[marujo_sortudo]

I highly recommend quality 3-strand nylon for anchor rodes.  Beware some cheap 3-strand nylons, though.  "Commercial" grade nylon sold at Hamilton Marine seems a good compromise between quality and price, even though I spring for New England Ropes 3-strand nylon myself which is very nicely laid.  Double braid lines may be stronger, but don't have as much resistance to chafe, nor do they stretch as much to absorb shock.  Both are desirable for an anchor rode, dock lines, and snubbers.  If you have difficulty fitting as much rode as you like in your bow and have the extra $, single braid nylon ropes designed for anchoring are good options because they stow more compactly, e.g. Yale Brait and many others.

I also agree that a tight backsplice over the last link in the chain or a shackle is an excellent way to join your chain to rope rode and Brion Toss' preferred method (search spartalk if you want more such info.)  I splice to a shackle instead of the chain directly because it alllows me to have a very short chain lead on my anchor for most anchoring conditions, and add lengths of chain when I feel conditions warrant.  Of course, any anchor shackle should be moused with wire.

[Chattcatdaddy]

Things are moving along nicely and I`m a $1000 poorer courtsey of Defender. The money sure goes fast.

My order:
Tether sytems (harness etc..)
Hereshoff cleats 10"
Anchor systems: Manson Supreme, chin, line
Sail repair tape

Ordered $100 worth of containers.

Also orders for Explorer charts for Bahamas, Gunkholing guide to Chesapeake Bay, and This Old Boat. ($225)

Still need:
Solar Panel ~40w and charge controller
Battery
Dinghy..still undecided on what type
Pressure cooker
Foul weather gear(coastal)
GPS

If i can get out of this fitting for around $2000-2500 total I will be happy. $1325 so far and still without a dink. Either way I`m excited about the future.

Any suggestions on some bargain foul weather gear?

[Jeremy]

Any suggestions on some bargain foul weather gear?

See this thread: http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f2/new-foul-weather-set-85-great-76236.html

I have no personal experience with this set, but the comments are good.

[Chattcatdaddy]

Thanks Jeremy

Exactly what I was looking to buy and $85!

Have a grog!

Direct link for anyone else interested.
http://www.overstock.com/Sports-Toys/Nautical-Foul-Weather-Set/6358934/product.html?AID=10668447&PID=5509592&SID=skim21873X801234X98723ebbf07cad67005ae9fbc993e917

Also ordered US/Bahama/quaratine flag.

[Oldrig]

Thanks Jeremy

Exactly what I was looking to buy and $85!

Have a grog!

Direct link for anyone else interested.
http://www.overstock.com/Sports-Toys/Nautical-Foul-Weather-Set/6358934/product.html?AID=10668447&PID=5509592&SID=skim21873X801234X98723ebbf07cad67005ae9fbc993e917

Also ordered US/Bahama/quaratine flag.

That's an amazing price--roughly the same as my Grundens jacket alone.

Still, I'll stick with the Grundens, even though I have to wear polypro under it, even in summer.

--Joe

[Chattcatdaddy]

Well i tried out my propane camp stove tonight and its not going to work. Well it worked, but its got a small base and is unsteady not to mention that the watchamacallit  that the pots/pans sit on comes off easliy while cooking. So now this is going to be a back up unit. I seen another unit while shopping around with a much larger footprint/base. I will give it a good inspection and see if it will work.

Live and learn.

If this is the only thing I buy that doesn`t work out I will be a happy sailor. Since I was planning on a bck up unit anyway its not a real big issue.

Side note: The burner sucks but the tacos were delicious! ;D

[Chattcatdaddy]

Defender order arrived today! ;D

Manson Supreme is a big hunk of steel! Im glad that I do not have a larger boat and have to lift anything heavier than that baby up with a long length of chain.

10" hereshoff style cleats sure are pretty.

[Capt. Tony]

This is a fun thread to follow, Keith. I'm getting anxious just reading and imagining the excitment of slipping the dock lines.  Sorry to hear about the short comings of your camp stove.  It sure would be nice to get back all the money spent on 'less than ideal' purchases...  Cap'n K had a thread about a particular camp stove that may be an option for you.  If you haven't read the thread already it is searchable (sorry for not having the link here). 

You are doing a heck of a job outfitting Seahorse frugally.  If you can finish her for another $1,200 you are in an elite group.  I thought I was doing an exceptional job of hunting for deals and waiting for sales, but you sure could show me a thing or two! ;D

[Chattcatdaddy]

Thanks Tony

It is an exciting time for sure. I really cant take credit for all the deals as others have lead me to the great deals. Esp the $85 foul weather gear! Rest has come from Defender as they seem to have the best prices around. Still got a lot of stuff to purchase including solar panel/charge controller, dinghy (leaning toward inflat kayak as dual purpose to start), GPS, and parts to start experimenting with sheet-to-tiller steering.

Sheet to tiller system will determine if I will attempt THE SCOOT after a cruise down the Chesapeake. Chesapeake will be the testing ground/shake down trip.

[Chattcatdaddy]

Explorer charts arrived yesterday and I am having a great time just browsing thru all the cool places I want to sail. Didn`t realiise they would be as big as they are which is good. I got all 3 covering the entire Bahamas and Turks&Caicos... $150 well spent. Also got the large scale chart of Bimini that comes when ordering 3 or more chartbooks. Having a little trouble with the scale of the charts as I keep looking at them thinking that one anchorage looks to be real far away from the next when in reality its only a few miles. ???

[Chattcatdaddy]

Solar panel 40w and charge controller ordered along with the pump shower/sprayer thingy from duckworks. Going to pick up GPS units in the next week or so. Gonna go ahead and order a portabote 8` model as they are having a spring sale(selling car for portabote funds).

Hopefully be with Seahorse in the next week or two. Marina is slow on launching boats and Seahorse is behind all the other boats in the yard.

[Chattcatdaddy]

Porta-bote 8ft ordered for $1450. I think its my best choice for an Ariel with capability to store below during passages. Not a big fan of inflatables and a hard dinghy unless nesting is a issue for passages. Either way one type or another is a compromise in some ways.