Category Archives: Second Star

Second Star, a 1982 Gulfstar 40 Sailmaster, hull number 7

Two Old Jibs and a Boat Cover

I know, I know… Sounds like the entry line to a bar joke, but after nine days, I managed to transform two old jibs into a winter boat cover for Second Star. The cover is to protect the fore deck … Continue reading

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Bottom Repair – The Big Peel!

  I finally got the bottom peeled. It was worse than I thought and required peeling off more material than I expected. The expense was enormous! And I’m not done yet. Have to apply two layers of heavy cloth in … Continue reading

Posted in Hull Maintenance, Second Star | 4 Comments

Removing Cockpit Cubby from Cockpit Combing

In order to remove the old sailing instruments, the Datamarine depth sounder and knot log, I had to remove the cuddy hole cabinet installed in the cockpit combing. It was impossible to reach the set screws in the locking rings … Continue reading

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Sail Cleaning

Here is the line up of household chemicals I used for sail cleaning. Borax and OxiClean are common laundry detergents that can be safely used on sail cloth. Tilex contains chlorine bleach and should not be used on sails, but … Continue reading

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AC Wiring Renewal

I just finished extricating all the old AC wiring in the engine room. What a mess of shorted and burnt wires, old breakers and household wiring boxes. I removed one wire with 4 butt splice connectors it the space of … Continue reading

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Solar charging system operational

The idea of charging batteries from solar energy sounds simple and the basics are indeed simple however there are several important issues that must be addressed to provide a safe and reliable system. In a multi-panel parallel array, if one … Continue reading

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Solar Panels on Cantilever Adjustable Mounts

I have worked on the design and fabrication of the adjustable solar panel mounts for more than two months, on and off. The number of parts is staggering considering this seemed such a simple idea in my head. In the … Continue reading

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Sealing the Keel Well

Water was trapped in the ballast area of keel, below the keel sump. I ground away some waterlogged glass laminate at the end of the keel then placed a 2′ x 3′ vacuum bag with peel ply against hull, layer … Continue reading

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Anchor Rode & Chain Locker

Way forward in the bow of the boat, accessible only from the forward “V” berth is a locker than holds the anchor rode and chain. On Second Star, the locker is divided in half to support two anchors and rode/chain … Continue reading

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Installing Raised Pads for Chain Plates

The forecast for this week is hot and dry. Of course it is hotter than I like, but I’ll take this chance to install the raised pads for the chain plates. First slots must be cut in the pad to … Continue reading

Posted in General Maintenance, Rigging Repair and Maintenance, Second Star | 1 Comment