Recent content by predator

I just got back from a good time on the lake. It was quite windy so I pushed off the dock without raising the sail. I pulled with all my might and couldn't quite get it all the way up. Coordinating one hand lifting and turning the boom to keep the gooseneck from hanging up and trying not to...

For such a small bowsprit, would you really need to reinforce the hull/deck? Could you take something like electrical conduit, flatten one end and drill some holes to match the handle mounting points, and secure it to the deck under the handle? I'd guess the handle has to be pretty strong. I'm...

Yep-- #12451. I didn't do any modifications to fit my Sunfish. I'm not sure of the size difference for a minifish, but the trailer has quite a bit of adjustability built in. It's very pretty when it comes out of the boxes-- bright red powder coat. The first comment from everyone who saw it was...

Thanks everyone. I've read through much of the site-- repairs, bailers, drain plugs, etc.-- great stuff. The moisture origin of the blisters is most helpful. I'd say there are probably a hundred or so over the side and aft of the deck. I can relay my first real sailing experience. I...

Here is a picture of my "drain plug" in the bottom of the cockpit. I also don't have any edging around the perimeter of the deck- rivet holes, but no edging-- and a number of chips and scratches everywhere. My deck is full of these blisters. I read the repair manual online that says how to...

I actually planned to, but my cameraman decided not to join me at the last minute. I thought something worthy of AFV might come up and get me a quick 10-grand, but it turned out to be pretty boring. I'm wondering-- How hard should the rudder be to move up and down? I see it has a toggle spring...

Hi everyone. I'm new to pretty much everything to do with sailing-- I've been on my brother's boat once or twice, but certainly had no clue about how to do anything. I think his boat was 32 feet? The extent of my sailing knowledge is that the wind blows and the boat goes. Anyway, he had...

Rather than brand-name grinders, I have a few "disposable" ones from Harbor Freight. I was lucky enough to live near a store. They often are on sale for less than $20 for the 4" models, and they work great. I've only burned up one after fixing a particularly ugly weld on 3/8 thick stainless...

How about sheet metal A/C duct? A quick check online came up with "theductshop.com" with 3-foot lengths of pre-formed 8" galvanized sheet metal duct for $13.22 each. Probably want to cover the sharp edges with some hose. For airflow you could either use perforated pipe or cut some holes, then...

Great thread. I just got my boat and used the stock Northern Tool trailer. I adjusted the width and height of the bunks to put them parallel and just inside the outermost edges of the hull, and the keel just resting on the rollers. After reading this I'll add some more padding on the bunks to...

Ah--- That's better! :)