Voyaging Tip #21 :Shaft Packing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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