Recent Posts

1

Aloha Discussion / Re: Anyone sailing south this year or next??

« Last post by Jeff. on Yesterday at 01:19:10 PM »

We are glad you're enjoying following along.
That might be the best concise description of this sort of trip. It definitely has its ups and downs.
If it was easy everyone would do it. Which is part of the appeal, it's certainly worth the effort.

Jeff

2

Aloha Discussion / Re: Crane day today

« Last post by Bruce on Yesterday at 09:56:53 AM »

Still a heavy ice cover in MIdland Bay.  The ice breaker finally arrived after 3 tries to get there due to  heavy lake ice.  The slips are now ice free in Bay Port, but any boating will still be a ways off.  No boats launched here yet.  Bruce

3

Aloha Discussion / Re: Crane day today

« Last post by Sawlty Dawg on Yesterday at 01:38:43 AM »

Getting there, got the bimini and the jib on now too, maybe get out this weekend if I can.

Sawlty

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Aloha Discussion / Re: Anyone sailing south this year or next??

« Last post by Lake Simcoe on April 22, 2019, 10:39:32 PM »

Hi Jeff

Thanks for the comments.. Laurie and I have been following your guys adventure and have really enjoyed your posts l am sure it's been both amazing and difficult at times.
All the best and safe travels on the way home.

Darryl and Laurie

5

Aloha Discussion / Re: Anyone sailing south this year or next??

« Last post by Jeff. on April 21, 2019, 08:36:41 PM »

Darryl and laurie,
My wife and I have just crossed back into florida from a winter in the bahamas. I may be able to shed some light.
We arrived in Bimini on Jan 8 and departed the Abacos on April 13.
Overall the weather considerably improved throughout the trip, as it happens each year as spring arrives.
The trouble is that during the winter months cold fronts from the north bring strong clocking winds down to the bahamas. In Jan these occur about twice a week or so and by March maybe every 10 days, these are approximate figures based only on memory.
Often these bring winds gusting over 30 knots for several days and you must find all around protection as the winds swing around the compass.
The real effect is that in Jan you are spending more time on the boat bouncing or ashore and in April or later you have more fair days for dinghy exploring and swimming and such.
I would generalize and say in the early part of the season you see more boats from up north because they have to make the trek back up before hurricane season starts, which takes time, whereas cruisers from florida by can hop over in April spend three months there and get back home before the hurricanes.

That post got way longer than I anticipated. Oh well hope it helps.
Jeff

6

Aloha Discussion / Re: Anyone sailing south this year or next??

« Last post by Lake Simcoe on April 19, 2019, 03:31:49 PM »

Hi Chris

Sorry the late reply just been crazy busy.
Yes my boat is in Lake Simcoe we have a cottage on Thorah island. Last year was my first year for sailing a boat of this size so hope to get out and get lots of practice this year and if I feel confident in my abilities to handle her. Then I plan on trailering down to Florida and doing the crossing to Bahamas and hanging out for a month or so. I have a question what does everyone feel is the best time to go.  I have read different options some say February and some say wait till April because February is to busy. Any input would be great.

Darryl and Laurie

7

Aloha Discussion / Re: Dropping the mast

« Last post by tmack on April 17, 2019, 07:07:04 PM »

That's how I do it on Second Wind (A27).  The forces are much higher, though, and would be greater on A28 mast.  As for lateral support, which I think is a good idea.  I run temporary stays  to the rail, even with the base of the mast.  They are attached to a loop of rope that is run up around the mast with a halyard.  They tend to remain tight longer, because they are not attached aft of the mast, like the normal shrouds on the fractional A27.  I wouldn't consider doing it with a larger boat under way or with too much wind or wave action.  Keeping that mast in column is important or things could get out of hand.

Tim

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Aloha Discussion / Re: Crane day today

« Last post by Holdech on April 15, 2019, 06:51:23 PM »

Less than two weeks for us.
Still hoping for "epoxy weather" as I have three holes to patch and a couple remaining thru-hulls to replace.
The large thru-hull for the sink was half cracked through. The ball in the other (raw water inlet) was cracked in two but the valve still functioned.
Thru-hulls in the pic are the new ones. The old were not flanged and were wobbly on rotting plywood spacers.
The holes are from old transducers. I was going to just leave the old units in place until a friend almost sank. His old "SR Mariner" sounder disintegrated from age.

9

Aloha Discussion / Re: Crane day today

« Last post by Aurora on April 14, 2019, 08:54:52 PM »

There is possibly a crane operator strike coming in May in Ontario. So I'm crossing my fingers.

10

Aloha Discussion / Re: Crane day today

« Last post by Bruce on April 14, 2019, 10:47:28 AM »

Good for you.  I saw a note from the Georgian Bay ice breaker that they encountered an ice flow that is 6 m (19') thick, north of Hope Is.    It will be a while for GB boaters to launch this year.  Bruce