Projects & Renovations

I guess it's time to introduce "No Problem," the ~1971 Ericson 29 Tall (double spreader model with inboard lowers) hull #8 I picked up two years ago and began to re(build)fit. There will be quite a few chapters in this blog due to the sheer volume of work going into her. I want to preface...

The new dodger is on. The new clutches and larger winches are in place. This is a newer fabric, "RECacril" that is rated better than "Sunbrella" for weave integrity and QC. Since cost is about the same, and the canvas shop has been having great luck with it, we decided to give it a try. This...

YouTube link: Demonstration of the 2014 "Sailomat 800"self-steering vane during a 6,000-mile transit LA-Hawaii-LA.

The appearance of the forward hatch on my boat was looking a bit tired. Even though the varnish gets refresher coats, I am always bummed at how quickly the gloss fades and if left alone too long, you're looking at stripping back to bare and starting over. I wanted to take the hatch off and...

Every proper cruising boat needs a windvane self-steering gear. Right? This is one of those things I thought I'd go full-mad-scientist on, some time in the future when other needs were taken care of. Those things are expensive, but plenty of people have successfully brewed up their own...