Last fall enjoying the first overnight on my Archambault 31, a cold front went through while sleeping in the vee-berth.  During the passing of the front the Lewmar 18″ Low Profile hatch on the fore deck was leaking at the hinge seal during the night. While looking for a seal to fix the leak I found out my 18″ low profile hatch was an older model and Lewmar no longer make the parts.   I found a part at Select Plastics in Norwalk, CT that I was told would work.  Select Plastics said a modification would be needed for the part…

This was released yesterday by Trogear.  Thanks Trogear for the kind comments and keep up the great work building fantastic sprits.

This week we have part two of the Trogear bowsprit. Trogear carbon bowsprit rigging can be customized for your boat. All boat bows are not the same, and all boats need different length sprits, with arrangements to match their use. I did a rigging arrangement that works well for my short sprit while keeping it simple.  I will have a Tips & Tricks video on making custom carbon hangers so I can remove the webbing and shock cord. See how I rigged my sprit, with a few tips to help make the job easy. I hope this helps you figure…

Always exciting when you can add quality gear to your boat that you know will improve the sailing experience.  Trogear makes carbon fiber bowsprits for code 0 and asymmetrical sails. This sprit is a custom length to match my masthead symmetrical spinnaker pole, on my fractional rig boat.  I did not see a reason to add a penalty to my rating, so I had the sprit made to the same length as my spinnaker pole. Watch the video and see how I install the sprit on the bow of my boat, with a few tips to help make the job…

Welcome to episode 3, How to Replace a Cockpit Sole Hatch Seal. After finding my cockpit sole hatch seal was falling off, I dove in and went through the replacement process.  This video will take you step-by-step through the material and parts needed and how to do a quality job. If you ever have any questions please email or leave a comment below. To receive a video each week subscribe to my Vimeo Channel where the link sends you, and my Blog on the top right of this page to stay informed.  You can also find the In The Boat…

Welcome to episode 2 of In The Boat Shop Series.  This episode is one of my Tips & Tricks on removing graphics, duct tape, and the nasty glues they leave behind. Removing graphics and glues can be a chore. But with the right tools it can be a breeze.   This video shows you the tools needed, and a step by step way to remove the nasty glue graphics and duct tape leaves behind. I hope you enjoy the video. Please subscribe to my Vimeo Channel where the link sends you, and my Blog on the top right of this page.…

Yes, you read the title correct I’ve started my own video series.  The first video is out today.  This is something I have been working on for a few months and now it is live. In The Boat Shop Series is just that, a series of videos showing how to install gear, repair and fix parts, build custom parts, designing custom parts, tips & tricks, and routine maintenance on my boats.  I also have planned a few fun customizations to interesting craft. Each video will give you a step-by-step walk through of the job.  I hope you enjoy the weekly…

Welcome to 2017 The second fast sailing story has to wait, there are just too many amazing events happening in the shorthanded sailing world. First and this should always stand first when it comes to sailing achievements. Or should I say human achievements. Few, and I mean you can count on one hand the people who can make this happen much less live through it. Thomas Coville established a new solo (yes, solo) around the world non-stop, unassisted sailing record of 49 day, 3 hrs. 7 min, 38 seconds. To me there is no other achievement that even stands close…