Click here for an easy and free way to help protect endangered habitat at The Rainforest Site! Non-profit ad by Voyager
VoyForums

Mon, May 20 2013, 04:22 [ VoyUser Login optional ] [ Contact Forum Admin ] [ Main index ] [ Post a new message ] [ Search | Check update time | Archives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, [8], 9, 10 ]

[ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ]

Date Posted: - Friday - 03/10/06 - 2:51pm
Author: John & Jan
Subject: M-40 in Reverse....LOL
In reply to: Lawrence Killingsworth 's message, "Boats & Volts" on - Wednesday - 03/ 8/06 - 12:30pm

Mike & Lawrence, we've been lurking on your thread but your warning about backing the M-40 reminded Jan about last fall...

We left Santa Teresa on the mooring ball in San Diego Bay for two months while we were traveling across the states on a video assignment. When we got back, it was time to swing into the municipal docks on Shelter Island for a couple of weeks of unlimited water and electricity. (We're still sanding! Does it never end?)

At the end of our stay it was time to head home to the mooring so our friends shoved us off and I started backing out but no luck. I could rev the old Perkins as high as she would go and we just made foam. No headway. Fortunately the slip I drifted into (or skillfully sailed into under bare poles?) was vacant.

What was the problem? Check the transmission. Everything was good. Finally after consuming a couple of favorite beverages I decided to dive in and take a look.... YIKES! It looked like Seaworld growing on the prop. It seems my bottom cleaner took that literally. Just the bottom -- not the prop and not the keel!

Fortified by more beverages and scrapers I did the job myself. I was assisted by thousands of hungry fish who enjoyed the snacks I delivered in the process and, as a bonus, Santa Teresa's mileage has greatly improved ...

Another "Duh!" Sailing Moment.

[ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ]

Replies:

[> [> [> [> [> [> Live and Learn -- Lawrence Killingsworth, - Friday - 03/10/06 - 4:40pm

Yes, we all have those moments of revelation. Prior to owning Ta' Ata Ori, I owned a Ranger 20, a J/24 a J/29 and an Ericson 35 (not all at one time). All of these boats would turn in their own length, so I got used to spinning the wheel and spinning the vessel. My first "full-keel adventure" came the first time I backed the M40 out of her slip. Ta' Ata Ori showed me who was boss. No amount of turning the wheel made much difference, as she sedately backed in more-or-less a straight line toward the shiny yachts parked on the other side of the marina. Many interested observers were on hand to watch the drama and shout contradictory advice, since Ta' Ata Ori hadn't left her slip for 3 years before I bought her. All ended well, with no dings or dents, except in my self-esteem and my hard-fought reputation for being a savy sailor. I think I've got it figured out now, although I'd still rather nobody watched.

Thanks for your story. I also visited your web site. Good stuff. Best wishes for a delightful odyssey with Santa Teresa. Pax Vobiscum.

[ Edit | View ]

[ Contact Forum Admin ]

Forum timezone: GMT-5
VF Version: 2.94, ConfDB:
Before posting please read our privacy policy.
VoyForums(tm) is a Free Service from Voyager Info-Systems.
Copyright © 1998-2012 Voyager Info-Systems. All Rights Reserved.