Category Archives: Fleet of Boats

Fleet of boats available to Sand Cay Club members

S/V Fin, HHN to Morehead City, Dec 2018

Posted on December 10, 2018 by Captain

Following is the beginning of a brief log of sailing vessel Fin with Captain Derek, first mate Christina and myself as experienced crew. Fin is a well equipped Perry designed Norseman 447 cutter rigged sloop. We hope you enjoy this … Continue reading →

Posted in Fleet of Boats, Passage Making, S/V Fin Log, Travel Log | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Relocating the Battery Switches to an accessible area

Posted on December 29, 2016 by Captain

Sometimes battery switches are not located in a very accessible spot. I prefer to have the battery switch easily accessible but not in the way where a foot could accidentally hit it. Take a look at this installation, where the … Continue reading →

Posted in Electrical Systems, Equipment Installation, Second Star | Leave a comment

What’s a boat without a little dinghy?

Posted on July 8, 2016 by Captain

When cruising, every sailboat needs its own sports car, a little dinghy. I wanted to purchase a 9′ Montgomery sailing dinghy, but could not find one on the used market. So why not build my own? Ok, I had a … Continue reading →

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Sugar scoop cabinets bonded in place

Posted on July 8, 2016 by Captain

The swim step portion of the sugar scoop was completed early Spring 2016 and filled with 16 lb density marine foam. The cabinets were constructed using flat panels temporarily glued together with sharp corners.             … Continue reading →

Posted in Hull Maintenance, Second Star | Leave a comment

Fabricating the Swim Step

Posted on July 3, 2015 by Captain

In the post “More Sugar Scoop Parts” we saw how to make prefinished gel-coat parts using a window glass surface. With the parts made, the pieces can be joined to make the swim step. The step was made in two … Continue reading →

Posted in Equipment Installation, Fleet of Boats, Hull Maintenance, Second Star | Leave a comment

More Sugar Scoop Parts

Posted on May 23, 2015 by Captain

In the last post for the Sugar Scoop construction, we saw how the parts are outlined with masking tape on a waxed mirror or window glass.     This process ensures a smooth defect free outside surface as the outside … Continue reading →

Posted in Hull Maintenance, Second Star | Leave a comment

Sugar Scoop Construction Continued

Posted on May 16, 2015 by Captain

Winter is over and work has begun again, for the third season. The new exhaust extension tube was bonded into place. It allows the engine exhaust to pass through the original transom through the area under the swim step and … Continue reading →

Posted in Hull Maintenance, Second Star | Leave a comment

Bottom Re-lamination

Posted on July 29, 2014 by Captain

I was not able to begin the re-lamination of the boat bottom before winter 2013-14 set in. It was an especially cold and long winter in Maryland and conditions were not good to start the resin work until June. However … Continue reading →

Posted in Fleet of Boats, Hull Maintenance, Maintenance Tips, Second Star | 2 Comments

Making a Passport 40 Rudder

Posted on July 28, 2014 by Captain

In a previous post, I wrote about the process of making a mold using the old rudder. With the rudder mold now made, the process of making the new rudder can begin. First the mold halves are waxed and polished … Continue reading →

Posted in Fleet of Boats, Maintenance Tips, Rudders, Spirit | Leave a comment

Making a New Rudder for Passport 40 Sail Boat

Posted on June 12, 2014 by Captain

The rudder on a sailboat is a very important yet often neglected part of the boat. Over 30 years of service and the effects of corrosion (galvanic and electrolytic) caused crevice pitting in the shaft of my friend’s rudder on … Continue reading →

Posted in Rudders, Spirit | Leave a comment