S/V NIGHTCAP

Helix Angle & Circle Maker

2012-02-03T08:56:00.000-08:00

The Helix angle and circle maker doubles as a compass rose anywhere on a chart or plotting sheet. A great plotting tool for small chart tables and for cockpit navigation.

http://www.misterart.com/drawing-illustration/drawing-lettering-aids/protractors-compasses/helix-angle-circle-maker.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=datafeed&utm_term=31333&utm_campaign=GoogleProducts

New Life for Old Pub 249 Vol. 1

2011-12-12T09:44:00.000-08:00

An out of date Pub 249 vol. #1 Air Navigation (selected stars) is still extremely useful for general star finding, selecting optimal stars for twilight observations, and determining star azimuths to the nearest degree. Combine Pub 249 (to tabulate selected star azimuths) with a scientific calculator (to calculate altitude from a DR assumed position) and save a great deal of calculator button pushing with no loss of precision. A must try on your next round of stars.

Celestial Navigation by TI-36X Pro

2011-10-16T14:25:00.001-07:00

The TI-36X Pro is an excellent value calculator for celestial navigation sight reduction. Enter the formula for calculating altitude into the NUM-SOLVE function then follow the prompts for variable entries.

Calculated altitude formula:
a=ArcSin(Cos(x)Cos(d)Cos(t) ± Sin(x)Sin(d))

Variables:
x= Latitude
d= Declination
t= Meridian Angle
a=Calculated Altitude

Use the OP function to solve for azimuth Z.

Key the SET OP function and enter the formula:
ArcSin(Cos(d)Sin(t)/Cos(a))

Once (a) is solved in NUM-SOLVE then azimuth Z can quickly be solved in the OP function with one key push.

Convert calculated altitude (a) into degrees minutes and seconds using the MATH menu DMS6 or multiply degree fraction by 60 to get minutes and tenths.

New Deck Shoe Break-in

2011-09-15T09:11:00.000-07:00

Shorten the break-in time for a new pair of leather deck shoes using liquid lanolin rubbed onto the bare foot before inserting into the shoe naked and worn for a day. This will soften the leather inner sole so that it will mold to the bottom of the foot. A comfortable deck shoe equals a happy sailor :-)

The Elegant Amplitude

2011-09-13T18:10:00.000-07:00

The amplitude is perhaps the most elegant way to determine compass deviation and gyro error*. Use Bowditch table #27 (4 pages ) or a pocket calculator and the formula:

INV SIN [ SIN (Declination) / COS (Latitude)]

Apply the result to due East (90) or West (270) in the direction of the elevated pole when Latitude and Declination are of the same name (away if contrary). Take observations when the Sun's lower limb is 2/3 of a diameter above the visible horizon.

Tip- Keep a photo copy of Bowditch table #27 with the current years Nautical Almanac.

*Checking the compass/gyro at sea requires a celestial solution. Until the GPS compass becomes commercially affordable navigators will need to keep their celestial compass checking skills sharp.

Companionway Step Brace

2011-09-02T09:38:00.001-07:00

Older companionway steps are prone to splitting and loosening over time. A preemptive plywood stiffener and support bracket will aid in preventing step collapse and possible injury. Be sure to drill the appropriate sized pilot holes to accommodate the stainless wood screws.

Hybrid Ex-Meridian Method

2011-07-25T12:04:00.000-07:00

Bowditch table 29 value (a) combined with a slide rule or calculator using the formula (a)(t^2)/60 generates a correction in minutes of arc to be added to the altitude (Ho) of an observation made within 30 minutes time of meridional passage. The sum is then solved as a standard meridional passage observation to get the Latitude [Lat.=90°- (Ho+ corr).~Dec.]. This hybrid method saves page turning, interpolation, and button pushing while adding precision.

HandiTak Chart Corners

2011-06-22T09:54:00.000-07:00

A pea sized ball of HandiTak is just right for securing chart corners down on the chart table. This will put an end to the sliding of charts onto the deck. HandiTak generally will not rip a chart when removed but just in case tape the corners with clear packing tape.

Sextant Arc Maintenance

2011-06-08T12:20:00.001-07:00

Clean old lubricant and grime from a sextant arc with GoJo hand cream. GoJo makes several types of cleaning solutions so it is important to use the one which is GRIT FREE and contains LANOLIN. Apply liberally then run the worm gear through the arc a few times. Wipe dry with a clean rag and follow up with a light oil applied a few drops at a time onto the worm gear as the micrometer drum is turned through the arc. Try Hoppe's #9 light oil for a gum free final touch.

http://www.gojo.com/united-states/market/automotive/products.aspx?pscat={2DCDC7EB-6048-4686-8021-95D684DA8ACF}&Cpn={BB2D686E-1BA0-408B-9D72-0E2C0CA21A7F}

http://www.hoppes.com/products/lube_weatherguard.html

The Lithium CR2032 Battery For Watch and Calculator

2011-05-11T10:56:00.000-07:00

All of the pictured portable electronic devices are powered by the same common affordable lithium CR2032 battery. The CR2032 battery is about the size of a nickle and provides five years of power for watches and calculators. Batteries can be swapped between devices in the event of battery failure. The CR2032 has a longer than average shelf life so spares will have plenty of voltage when needed. Device battery type is as important as function for making the grade at the chart table.

Shaft Zinc Installation Tip # 27

2011-04-18T18:26:00.000-07:00

Apply a pinch of handitack on the zinc hardware nut to secure and prevent loss during the underwater installation. Keep available extra hardware in the event nuts or bolts are dropped to the bottom.

Dutchman's Log

2011-04-15T04:46:00.000-07:00

When the knot log fouls and the GPS goes on the blink then there is always the Dutchman's Log for estimating the speed through the water. Just count the number of seconds a bit of floating material takes to travel from bow to stern to get knots.

Use the formula:
Boat Length in nautical miles / drift seconds from bow to stern = Knots / 3600 seconds in an hour

Example for 33 ft. boat given 6076 ft. in a nautical mile and 3600 seconds in an hour:

Formula: .00543 NM boat length / drift seconds = knots / 3600 sec.

Knots = .00543 x 3600 / drift sec.

Knots = 19.6 / drift sec.

Table of Speed Though the Water for 33ft. Boat

9s = 2.2 kts.
8s = 2.5 kts.
7s = 2.8 kts.
6s = 3.3 kts.
5s = 3.9 kts.
4s = 4.9 kts.
3s = 6.5 kts.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chip_log

Sextant Scope Filter

2011-04-02T13:43:00.001-07:00

Index error (I.E.) can be determined more precisely during the day by using a custom fitted solar mylar film filter (the type used to observe a solar eclipse) over the objective lens on the sextant scope. The result will be a pair of sharp uniform orange Sun images. Overlap the Sun images for direct index error readings or take half of the difference between the two limb to limb readings.

note:
-When off the arc the reading is 60' minus the micrometer value.

-Shading the sextant scope directly allows the horizon mirror shades to be pulled aside which opens up better access for the adjustment tool.

Link: http://www.thousandoaksoptical.com
Thousand Oaks Optical (928)692-8903

Ex-Meridian by Formula

2011-01-07T18:03:00.000-08:00

The Ex-Meridian can be done by formula for improved precision over Bowditch tables #29 and #30.

Formula :

(a) = 1.9635 x COS Latitude x COS Declination / SIN (Lat. ± Dec.*)
*RULES (+) if Lat. & Dec. are contrary in name. (-) if Lat. & Dec. are the same name.

Ex-Meridian Correction in minutes of arc to be added to Sun (Ho) near LAN (upper transit) :

Ex.Corr.' = (a) x ( Time from LAN in minutes and tenths)^2 / 60

Example:

Lat.34°N Dec.20°S (Sun observed 20 minutes 30 seconds before LAN)

(a) = 1.9635(Cos 34)(Cos 20)/Sin (54) = 1.89
Ex.Corr.' = 1.89(20.5)(20.5)/60 = 13.24' added to (Ho)

The corrected (Ho) is then reduced as a normal LAN to get the Latitude at the time of observation.

Symmedian Point

2010-12-19T14:08:00.000-08:00

Shift a celestial navigation LOP triangular plot center slightly toward the short side (sides) for an improved probable position (symmedian point)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symmedian

Horizontal Sextant Angle Plot Made Easy

2010-12-02T09:31:00.000-08:00

Make short work of plotting horizontal sextant angles by determining the arc radius using a chart plotting board, radar plotting sheet, or the simple formula (0.5 mark A to mark B)/ sin(horizontal sextant angle) = radius. Once the radius is known then a chart plot is performed by arcing the radius off navigation marks A & B then plot the arc of position from the radius point intersection to determine an estimated position. The chart plotting board image above shows a radius solution for a horizontal sextant angle of 45° and a distance between marks A and B of 16.6 nautical miles.

Unique Short Table Sight Reduction

2010-11-21T14:13:00.000-08:00

Combine Pub. 208 Dreisonstok with a modified 2102-D star finder for quick determining of the Sun's azimuth and intercept. Use the star finder to first derive azimuth which is then preplotted through the assumed position. Follow up with a calculated altitude using Pub. 208 Dreisonstok to get the intercept.

Set the 2102-D Star Finder without a Nautical Almanac

2010-10-05T14:24:00.001-07:00

Set the 2102-D star finder without using a Nautical Almanac by scaling a radar plotting sheet as depicted by the above image.

1. Set Aries zero to month and day (clockwise)
2. Set blue latitude template to zone time of twilight (counter clockwise)
3. Select stars for twilight viewing.

The image example is for 12 October 2010 zone time civil twilight 1800 at 35°N 120°W

Try penciling in the Sun onto the 2102-D base disc using the slotted red template.

1. Set Aries to month and day.
2. Set red template to time of meridional passage.
3. Mark Sun's declination through the slot onto the base disc.

The twilight sky can now be set by rotating the blue latitude template so the Sun is 5° to 10° below zero altitude.

The Mechanical Watch

2010-09-22T17:30:00.000-07:00

Image by Greg Rudzinski

There are many places where watch batteries are not readily available which makes the mechanical watch an important backup to the very accurate quartz watch. I recommend the Seiko 7s26 automatic mechanical movement which is affordable, simple , sturdy, and reliable. The best part about the 7s26 movements is that they can be easily regulated to better than ± 5 seconds per day.

Go to the link below for an excellent description on how to regulate a modern mechanical watch movement:

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Budget_Watch_Collecting/Regulating

Voyaging Tip #26: Icebox Space Management

2010-08-26T18:11:00.000-07:00

Nest a 5 gallon, 3 gallon, and 2 gallon bucket into the icebox putting ice and beverages in the bottom 5 gallon bucket, frozen goods in the middle 3 gallon bucket, and dairy in the top 2 gallon bucket. This system will save space, conserve ice, and assist with icebox access.

The Celtic Button Knot

2010-06-23T11:48:00.001-07:00

Image by Greg Rudzinski

The Celtic button knot is an alternative to the figure eight knot when a little more girth is needed to prevent pull through.

Genoa Wrap

2010-06-11T14:25:00.000-07:00

Wrap an extra halyard around the vessels roller furled genoa for extra security against high winds. This is cheap insurance against sail damage when away from the boat for an extended period of time.

Voyaging Tip #25 : Fire Extinuisher Inspection

2010-05-05T10:41:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of each sailing season inspect each fire extinguisher on board to verify that the charge indicator is showing full in the green. Additionally for a dry chemical extinguisher gently tap at the base of the extinguisher using a rubber mallet followed by a vigorous shaking of the extinguisher. This will loosen all the packed dry chemical to insure effective discharge.

Voyaging Tip #24 : Camera Inspections

2010-03-21T16:09:00.000-07:00

Inspect voids, tank internals, bilges, or any hard to access space using a small point and shoot camera equipped with a flash as a blind man's eye. The attached photo is of a diesel engine underside which is normally not visible to the engineer.

World Wide Ship Traffic

2010-02-22T12:38:00.000-08:00

Very useful information regarding commercial shipping traffic is available at:

http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/

Click on a ship location for real time course, speed, destination, name, call sign, registration, size, photo, etc. This gives mariners a powerful tool to improve safety at sea.

NC-77 Update

2010-01-02T13:18:00.000-08:00

Bring back the Tamaya NC-77 almanac from a Y2K death by applying the quad correction values from Geoffrey Kolbe's LONG TERM ALMANAC 2000-2050.(The NC-77 displays south declination as a negative value which will require reversing the sign of the Kolbe quad value)

Ageton Method

2009-12-07T10:08:00.000-08:00

The Ageton method is an excellent alternative to the many celestial navigation sight reduction methods out there. For those not familiar with the Ageton method expect to spend a day practicing to get comfortable with Bowditch table #35 (or H.O. 211) and the suggested summing sequence of A, B, and K values. At first the whole process will seem strange but the method will grow on you each time a sight reduction is completed. Allow ten minutes to obtain an Hc calculated altitude and Z azimuth. The compact size of the tables and being able to use any assumed position are the advantages over Pub. 249 and 229. The whole reduction can be done on one side of an index card.

Flares

2009-12-03T13:00:00.001-08:00

Flares are worth there weight in gold in an emergency which is why an assortment of flare types should be kept aboard. The 26.5 mm or 25 mm flares are good choices that launch higher and brighter than 12 gauge flares for night and twilight over the horizon signaling. Increase the chance of being seen by coordinating a flare launch on the VHF radio using two fired flares with the first flare for attracting attention and the second to confirm a bearing. For signaling short of the horizon hold a hand held flare to leeward using a leather glove. If no signaling devices are at hand then improvise by using an onboard mirror to signal during the day and a camera flash or laser pointer to signal by night.

Making Tools

2009-11-21T11:48:00.000-08:00

Unique commercially manufactured tools can be difficult to find so having a welder or machinist make a tool can save time and provide a tool that is designed properly to perform a specific task. An example is the pictured custom rudder post extension which was made by welding a 1 inch socket drive adapter to a 1.5 inch diameter pipe for use with an emergency tiller.

Voyaging Tip #23 : Start Key Fail Safe

2009-10-18T13:27:00.000-07:00

Stow the start key on the raw water intake valve handle to insure fail safe water flow to the engine cooling system. Double clamp hose to the ball valve and have a tapered wooden DC plug lashed to the through hull.

Voyaging Tip #22 : Battery H2O Top Off

2009-10-14T13:58:00.000-07:00

Top off lead acid batteries in those hard to reach places using a turkey baster to meter in the exact amount of distilled water into each cell. Be sure to wear eye protection when filling battery cells to guard against acid splash rebound. The turkey baster is also useful for transmission fluid fill.

Portable Weather Station

2009-10-13T10:49:00.000-07:00

The Sky Master is a compact portable weather station that the mariner can keep handy to determine accurate apparent wind, temperature, dew point, and barometric pressure measurements. A great back-up to the vessels fixed anemometer, thermometer, and barometer.

Thermocouple Thermometer

2009-09-29T12:20:00.000-07:00

The digital thermocouple thermometer leaves no doubt as to the temperature of a shaft bearing, shaft stuffing box, and engine. Other uses would be air, ocean, reefer, and roast temperatures.

Voyaging Tip #21 :Shaft Packing

2009-09-20T14:47:00.000-07:00

Measure propeller shaft packing by looping around the shaft then finish off the ring by cutting the ends to meet at a 45° angle vertical to the shaft. At least two rings will be needed with the cuts of each ring placed on opposite sides of the shaft. Remember to remove all the old packing from the stuffing box using needle nose pliers before inserting the new packing. Caution-do not spiral wind a single piece of packing around the shaft which will bind in the stuffing box and ultimately score the shaft.

Voyaging Tip #20 : Secure The Becket

2009-09-02T18:39:00.000-07:00

Secure the tail of a becket bend (sheet bend) with a clove hitch under the eye for extra insurance against slipping loose. This is a must when using new slippery double braided line.

Voyaging Tip #19 : Date the Filters

2009-08-23T17:44:00.000-07:00

Give yourself a helpful visual cue on the oil and fuel filter exterior using a permanent black marker to mark the date and engine hours of the last change.

Franklin Celestial Navigation Tip

2009-08-10T10:17:00.000-07:00

U.S. Navy Master Chief Byron E. Franklin has developed a very effective method for locating the vertical with a sextant. Try it and you will like it.

Voyaging Tip #18 : Blocks for Ascending

2009-08-07T11:00:00.001-07:00

A pair of swiveled double blocks with becket and sheave ball bearings using regatta braided line will help the rigger get aloft in a Bos'n chair with less effort by applying a low friction five to one mechanical advantage. The regatta braided line will have to be five times the height of the mast to ascend completely to the top.

Celestial Triangle

2009-08-05T16:06:00.001-07:00

Label a plotting triangle with celestial triangle solution formulae and you have a very good companion to a scientific calculator. Formulae includes azimuth, altitude , and prime vertical. For online calculations go to :

http://pollux.nss.nima.mil/calc/calc_options.html#Celestial%20Navigation%20Calculator

Compass Rose Variation

2009-08-05T13:50:00.001-07:00

Bring the compass rose variation up to date on older charts using this neat NOAA online calculator:

http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/geomagmodels/struts/calcDeclination;jsessionid=9FF564BE66E2AD6825A25B5E4A3

Voyaging Tip #17 : Prussik Knot Aloft

2009-07-30T17:25:00.000-07:00

Try the Prussik Knot (Triple Sliding Hitch) attached to a spare halyard the next time you go aloft to create a handy adjustable attachment point. Go to this YouTube video for a demonstration:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0d8-Fxdx8Y

Voyaging Tip #16 : Improved Windlass Leverage

2009-07-22T19:23:00.000-07:00

Attack the leverage sweet spot on your manual horizontal anchor windlass as Carlos Valencia does aboard his 30 ft. Bristol sloop "Felicia" by using a long handled modified 3/4" ratchet socket drive. Fitting the 3/4" drive to a windlass that takes a standard winch handle will require grinding a short 3/4" extension or adaptor to 7/10". Grind and file in increments until a good fit is achieved.

Distance by Doric

2009-07-10T12:28:00.000-07:00

The sturdy water proof K&E Doric is a plastic slide rule from the past that out performs an electronic calculator for at the helm all weather daytime calculations of time, speed, & distance.

Navigators Mate

2009-06-25T13:04:00.001-07:00

The Palm Centro smart phone is quite the navigators mate in the cockpit and at the chart table. When in port the phone provides NOAA weather from the internet. At sea the applications smartly deliver full celestial navigation , sailings, piloting, chronometer and tide functions. The bonus is a full media capability to document a voyage by photo, video, and audio. If boredom strikes in a calm then there are games and music features as well. Truely amazing!

Calculator Compass Check

2009-06-10T09:24:00.000-07:00

Checking the magnetic compass at sea is a snap with the assistance of a pocket calculator and the azimuth formula

SIN azimuth = (COS declination x SIN meridian angle) / COS altitude

For the formula altitude use an estimated (hs) sun altitude by counting the solar diameters above the horizon and multiplying by 0.5 degrees. (hs) Altitudes above 3 degrees will require a sextant. Declination is easily retrieved from the Nautical Almanac. Meridian angle will require GHA from the Nautical Almanac and a DR longitude. Time should be to the second as per short wave time tick on frequency 5000, 10000, 15000, and 20000 kilohertz. Double check calculations with Pub. 249 tables.

The pictured calculator is a CANON F-710 which is an excellent value calculator for trig applications. Also recommended is a book CALCULATOR AFLOAT by H. H. Shufeldt

Slip Stick Navigation

2009-05-29T18:33:00.000-07:00

The slide rule is a splash proof non-electronic calculator with numerous nautical applications. Try one out for time, speed, and distance calculations on the internet at:

http://www.antiquark.com/sliderule/sim/n3t/virtual-n3-t.html

The 10 inch Keuffel & Esser 4080 models are good values on eBay. Also look up a reference book SLIDE RULE FOR THE MARINER by H.H. Shufeldt.

Virtual Weather World

2009-05-20T10:32:00.000-07:00

The internet offers an incredible amount of free weather information for the taking. A sailor in port can tap into this virtual weather world and plan a safer more comfortable passage to the next destination.

Glean weather info at the following sights:

WIND
http://www.sailflow.com/windandwhere.iws?regionID=129®ionProductsID=3&timeoffset=1

MARINE TEXT FORECASTS
http://www.weather.gov/om/marine/forecast.htm

RADIO FAX CHARTS/SATELLITE IMAGE/CYCLONES
http://weather.noaa.gov/fax/marine.shtml

RADAR
http://www.weather.gov/radar_tab.php

TIDES
http://tidesonline.nos.noaa.gov/monitor.html

WIND
http://www.sailflow.com/

DIAL A BUOY
http://ndbc.noaa.gov/dial.shtml

SHIP OBSERVATION REPORTS
http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/ship_obs.php?uom=E&time=1

Voyaging Tip #15 Low Tech Solution

2009-05-15T12:35:00.000-07:00

When a fuel gauge reading is in question then it is time to revert to the original low tech fuel measuring system THE STICK. Sticking a stick into a fuel tank leaves no doubt as to the contents. Go a step further to improve the stick by marking it for every five gallons of fuel.

Voyaging Tip #14 Deadman Diesel Start

2009-05-13T12:33:00.000-07:00

If there is that dreaded sound of silence when pushing the starter button on the vessels diesel then go to plan B and start the diesel directly at the starter using a deadman switch. Connect one lead to the starter positive 12 volt terminal and the other lead to the positive terminal of the starter solenoid. Push the deadman switch button and the engine should turn over provided that the 12 volt cable to the starter terminal is live.

Voyaging Tip #13 A Very Cool Tool

2009-05-11T13:21:00.000-07:00

A hand held IR laser thermometer is an affordable useful piece of equipment that provides remote temperature sensing of the engine, coolant, raw water, exhaust, transmission, bearings, water heater, freezer, oven, and shaft log packing. The laser pointer doubles as an attention getter as well. Calibrate by taking the IR temperature of a standard mercury thermometer that is at ambient temperature. The difference in temperature of the two thermometers can be applied as a correction to the IR thermometer.

Voyaging Tip #12 Digital Log Keeping

2009-05-07T12:33:00.000-07:00

Advances in digital camera flash cards enables photographic storage for thousands of pictures. This gives the vessel log keeper a new log keeping tool for recording time stamped photographs of everything from the engine temperature guage to the GPS position. Begin by taking a picture of the vessels chronometer to confirm the cameras time stamp.

Voyaging Tip #11 Bridge Clearing by Laser

2009-05-05T14:31:00.000-07:00

Make sure there is room to clear the mast and antennas before attempting to pass under a bridge. This is particularly important when the tide is high. Stop the vessel just before passing under the bridge then compare the laser range to the top of the mast with the laser range to the underside of the bridge. There should be an ample difference to allow for clearance of antennas. If there are any doubts don't chance it. Wait for low tide and laser range again to be absolutely sure of clearance.

Voyaging Tip #10 Slipping the Hook

2009-05-03T10:48:00.000-07:00

Be prepared to slip the hook when sea and weather conditions demand it or if the anchor is stubbornly stuck in the mud. In the event slipping becomes necessary why not give yourself the best shot at a recovery attempt later by bending a spare fender to the chains bitter end. Attach a leader line equal to the depth and mark the fender with the vessels name, home port, and registration numbers. Don't forget to note the GPS position before abandoning the tackle to the deep. Have that extra primary anchor in place and available for duty also.

Voyaging Tip #9 Boarding by Bos'n Chair

2009-05-02T18:49:00.000-07:00

A traditional bos'n chair can serve as a boarding step when shackled directly to the toe rail. This proves especially useful when boarding from a dingy or kayak.

Voyaging Tip #8 Inflation Made Easy

2009-05-01T15:22:00.000-07:00

I bet you thought this tip would be about treasury printing press maintenance but there is the more important task of inflating the inflatable to address. Inflating a dingy tube is very efficiently done by using a shop vac in reverse to blow air into each one way air valve. A 1000 watt inverter will be needed to power up the shop vac. Complete the inflation process by using the foot pump to firm up each tube chamber.

Voyaging Tip #7 Laser for Anchoring

2009-04-30T17:56:00.000-07:00

The golfers laser rangefinder is a perfect tool for a sailor attempting to drop anchor in a crowded anchorage. The helmsman can quickly laser range between vessels while maneuvering into position then range to shore for a dragging reference after the anchor is set.

Voyager Tip #6 Getting a Handle on Your Bucket

2009-04-26T17:35:00.000-07:00

The bucket is perhaps the single most useful tool on a boat especially when paired with a scared sailor. So lets give that bucket some respect by improving the handle from wire to rope. The conversion requires 4 feet of old 1/2 inch dock line and 5/8 inch holes drilled through the original bucket handle holes. Feed the 1/2 inch line through the 5/8 inch holes from the inside out then figure eight knot each end.

Voyaging Tip #5 A Better Bitter End

2009-04-25T19:34:00.000-07:00

Hot knifing a bitter end on modern synthetic line may not be the most durable means to secure the cover to the core. An alternate method would be to tape an end very tightly with electrical tape followed by a clean cut through the tape using a smooth edged knife. Point the cut end straight up and soak super glue into the end until fully saturated. Let stand for a few hours before removing the electric tape. What results is a tough perfectly molded tight bitter end that will glide effortlessly through blocks and clutches.

Voyaging Tip #4 Small Craft Collision Avoidance

2009-04-25T13:39:00.000-07:00

An under utilized technique for avoiding collisions is the use of magnetic bearings taken with a hand held magnetic compass.
First take and record an initial bearing of a crossing vessel then compare to a subsequent bearing six minutes or so later. If a bearing change is observed then under most circumstances a risk of collision does not exist. If there is no appreciable change in a subsequent bearing then assume that there is a risk of collision and follow the RULES OF THE ROAD accordingly. For the most current RULES OF THE ROAD go to :
http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/mwv/navrules/rotr_online.htm

Voyaging Tip #3 LED Conversion

2009-04-24T09:53:00.000-07:00

A few clicks on the internet can deliver LEDs to a boater which will replace most original incandescent bulbs. LED lighting offers a significant amp hour reduction, cooler temperatures, and a smaller voltage drop on the 12 volt system. Converting just the anchor light will conserve 20 amp hours per night when on the hook. Also recommended is the conversion of onboard flash lights to LED for greatly extend battery life. Start your internet search at http://www.mastlight.com/ to get a feel for cost and bulb type availability.

Ground Tackle Checkup

2009-04-20T18:08:00.000-07:00

Lay the vessels entire ground tackle cable on the dock to allow for a birds eye view. Walk the chain looking for corrosion, rode chafe, wear and tear on thimbles, swivels, shackles, and shackle seizing. Double check swivels and shackles to be sure that they are one size above the chain size. Inspect the seizing of all shackle pins (do not substitute nylon zip ties for seizing wire). Welds on the anchor need to be carefully scrutinized. The electric windlass terminal connections should be cleaned of corrosion. Snubbers, cleats, bow roller, and chocks also need examining. When all is in order then hose everything down with fresh water, let dry, and stow. Don't forget to clean out the chain locker and tie off the bitter end before stowing.

Medicine for Murphy's Mischief

2009-04-19T12:32:00.001-07:00

Every sailor is familiar with Murphy's first law IF IT CAN GO WRONG THEN IT WILL GO WRONG but it is Murphy's second law WHEN IT DOES GO WRONG THEN IT WILL GO WRONG AT THE WORST POSSIBLE TIME that gets sailors in the most trouble. The best medicine for a Murphy happening is the new first rule of voyaging MAKE SURE IT CAN'T GO WRONG. Get an edge on Murphy by developing a full set of practical skills, have the right tools, and keep the bos'n locker full of spares. Another adage to keep in mind is that a stitch in time saves nine. This translates to DO NOT PROCRASTINATE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE. So there is no better time than now to tackle potential Murphy mischief.

Voyaging Tip #2 Backup Diesel Day Tank

2009-04-18T11:12:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like getting a second chance when you really need it and a portable backup diesel day tank is that second chance for your vessels engine. The portable day tank provides a means for bypassing the built in fuel system when a fuel filter clogs or when fuel becomes contaminated. Simply hook up or valve directly to the engine at the secondary fuel filter intake. The bonus is having reserve fuel available and being able to change the primary fuel filter with the engine still ready to go. My portable diesel day tank is mounted on the centerline above and behind the engine for positive gravity feed on any angle of heel. An inline bulb hand pump assists priming and purging. Remember to keep the fill cap vent open to break the tanks vacuum so positive gravity flow is maintained.

Voyaging Tip #1 Lightning

2009-04-15T14:32:00.000-07:00

When sailing in or near thunder clouds where lightning is seen or heard then it is time to protect your portable electronics from electromagnetic radiation by using the onboard microwave oven as a Faraday cage. Portable items to be protected would be the EPIRB, Sat Phone, GPS, VHF, Quartz Watch, Digital Camera, Laptop, and Short Wave. The conventional oven will also work as a Faraday cage but protection isn't 100% unless the oven window is covered with aluminum foil. Ground the rigging with jumper cables and trail the opposite ends in the ocean. Unplug antennas from the Radar, SSB, VHF, and GPS. The prudent sailor should still carry a sextant, mechanical chronometer, and a magnetic compass just in case.