Archives
A new Resourceful Sailor Series installment is here! After a rig refit, the mast of Sampaguita, a Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20, needed to go back up. Could it be done at the dock? Could it be done single-handed? You betcha. Latitude 38‘s online magazine, ‘Lectronic Latitude, has published “Raising the Mast of a Small Sailboat with the Resourceful Sailor – The Solo Version” on December 17, 2021. This article and video go… Read More
A version of this article was first published on the July/Aug 2019 issue of Small Craft Advisor Magazine. This is a popular post. It must have some value. Please consider a donation to help keep it available for reference and future consumption. Thank you. PayPal or Zelle: wheelersf@hotmail.com “How do you run a stern-tie setup when you have limited working and storage space on board?” This is one of the questions I asked… Read More
More Video! Check out the new Resourceful Sailor Series piece, “Lowering The Mast Of A Small Boat,” published by Latitude 38’s online magazine, ‘Lectronic Latitude. In this one I highlight an advantage to going small by lowering the deck-stepped mast of Sampaguita, a Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20 at the dock. No cranes, no fees, and if you are really ambitious you can do it single-handed. It does take some set-up, research, and… Read More
According to Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary, the third entry defines ‘warp’ as to move (something, such as a ship) by hauling on a line attached to a fixed object. Thanks to Monica and the crew at ‘Lectronic Latitude for publishing the latest installment of The Resourceful Sailor Series, Warping A Boat Around At The Dock, on April 14, 2021. It includes a video for the first time in RSS history! For the full article… Read More
I can’t thank Monica and the crew at ‘Lectronic Latitude enough for their support. They have done it again. On March 12, 2021, they published my latest Resourceful Sailor Series piece, Outboard Thermostats – An Open and Closed Case. “There is a simple test to determine if a thermostat is opening and closing properly. Place it into boiling water. It should open in the water and close when removed.” Click the link… Read More
The battery-testing meter on Sampaguita, my Flicka 20, was not working properly. I was particularly missing it while swinging on the hook. In addition to slow-cooking stew on the solenoid-regulated stove, there were long, winter nights under the anchor light and short, stormy days with limited solar-charging opportunity. Monitoring the battery’s health was no longer flick-of-the-switch easy. Thank you to Monica and the crew at ‘Lectronic Latitude and Latitude 38 for publishing… Read More
A special thank you to 48 North Magazine for publishing my piece, Exploring Local: Kilisut Harbor, in their February 2021 issue. Kilisut Harbor was my go-to destination for 2020 for reasons I’ll let the essay explain. You can get a subscription to 48 North Magazine or pick up a free copy at your local chandlery or marina. There’s also a cool article about a new Maritime High School, and it looks like… Read More
Sampaguita’s portlights had sprung a few leaks around the panes. It was very slight in only a couple but was worsening and spreading. The outer gaskets were deteriorating too, so it was time to roll up my sleeves. I did just that, and the project was the subject of my most recent Resourceful Sailor Series article, Old Bronze Portlights: Sealing the Pane. A special thanks to Monica and the crew at Latitude 38‘s online… Read More
‘Lectronic Latitude, the online counterpart to Latitude 38, published the lastest Resourceful Sailor Series installment, Don’t Chafe On Me, on December 14, 2020. This article demonstrates some easy and economical solutions that I came up with for preventing chafe on Sampaguita‘s anchor rode, bow sprit and platform, and standing rigging. The intent of this Series is to demonstrate “outside the box” and affordable solutions to keep boaters on the water. I am… Read More
sailingwithjosh
Sailing With Josh 