Search found 36 matches

by fcdbm
Sun Mar 22, 2015 9:07 am
Forum: Boat maintenance, repair and restoration
Topic: Sail numbers.
Replies: 16
Views: 13770

Re: Sail numbers.

Sail numbers is one those jobs that seems straightforward, but is easy to mess up. Remember the starboard side numbers should be above the port side numbers. Carbon tet, well and truly banned for good reason. It used to be used in fire extinguishers as the gas would remove the oxygen from a fire, no...
by fcdbm
Wed Mar 18, 2015 11:02 pm
Forum: Boat maintenance, repair and restoration
Topic: Sail numbers.
Replies: 16
Views: 13770

Re: Sail numbers.

I have used 2 ways to set out numbers. When doing numbers on a new laser sail, lay it over an old laser sail and follow the numbers line on the old sail. Or if you haven't got a sail to use as a template, carefully set out the line of the new numbers, as described in the racing rules or the class ru...
by fcdbm
Sun Apr 27, 2014 11:25 pm
Forum: Boat Chat
Topic: N12 or classic moth for single-handing?
Replies: 8
Views: 7768

Re: N12 or classic moth for single-handing?

I'm going to go completely off message here and suggest you look at the new RS Aero. This will be a modern classic. Super light (like Moth) but completely sorted. The design is by Jo Richards, designer of 2 great National 12s; Punkarella in the 70s and more recently Dead Cat Bounce. I sailed a Mistr...
by fcdbm
Wed Apr 02, 2014 9:04 pm
Forum: Boat maintenance, repair and restoration
Topic: Mast section.
Replies: 14
Views: 6309

Re: Mast section.

Returning to mast tube enquiry.... Laser topmast section is 50mm outside diameter, 2mm wall thickness. As these regularly bend and snap most Laser sailors will have some broken section lying around. Approx 3m length (broken) Alternatively checkout Needlespar at http://www.hawkmarineproducts.com/need...
by fcdbm
Sun Mar 23, 2014 9:49 am
Forum: Boat maintenance, repair and restoration
Topic: plastic inspection hatch sealant
Replies: 8
Views: 3824

Re: plastic inspection hatch sealant

Hi, I used Sikaflex marine sealant. It has an amazing bond, and it sticks to everything.... ....so mask the area around the hatches otherwise it will be smeared everywhere. If you do use silicone sealant, I would use a glazing grade and use the best you can buy. Alot of the cheaper sealants have fil...
by fcdbm
Sat Mar 22, 2014 1:10 pm
Forum: Boat maintenance, repair and restoration
Topic: miracle restoration
Replies: 39
Views: 16253

Re: miracle restoration

Hmmmm, not sealing in the tank to let it breath, seems very counter intuitive!! I would paint it and seal it. The thinking behind this: If moisture gets in the ply it won't dry very quickly, especially in the winter and then you will find the outer paint bubbling and lifting. Paint fails mostly as a...
by fcdbm
Thu Mar 20, 2014 11:37 pm
Forum: Boat maintenance, repair and restoration
Topic: miracle restoration
Replies: 39
Views: 16253

Re: miracle restoration

While we are looking at stiffening the Miracle. Does your boat have the centreboard stiffening knees at the front of the CB case. See attached photo. Stops the crew booting the case and cracking it. Almost too ashamed to post this example of my workmanship, was having a very boggy day that day.....
by fcdbm
Thu Mar 20, 2014 11:32 pm
Forum: Boat maintenance, repair and restoration
Topic: miracle restoration
Replies: 39
Views: 16253

Re: miracle restoration

Fair comment about storage. Does your Miracle have the kingpost support set infront of the mast? If not this is a modification worth adding as it stiffens this area and stops the foredeck joint opening up when the jib is tensioned. Also while you have the foredeck off, lift the bow up and run a 'pud...
by fcdbm
Wed Mar 19, 2014 11:03 pm
Forum: Boat maintenance, repair and restoration
Topic: miracle restoration
Replies: 39
Views: 16253

Re: miracle restoration

The Class rules prohibit hatches on the deck. They should be on vertical bulkheads. It is easier to fit as the surface is flat rather than the slightly curved deck. If I was at your stage with my restoration, I would bring the bulkhead aft to the cut away bulkhead. Gives more buoyancy and much easie...
by fcdbm
Thu Mar 13, 2014 10:53 pm
Forum: Boat maintenance, repair and restoration
Topic: miracle restoration
Replies: 39
Views: 16253

Re: miracle restoration

I agree with the comments about the floor battens. I bought a Miracle and thought the floor looked sound, but it was completely rotted under the battens. Looking at your project I fear you will end up spending a lot of time doing little patches, when you might be better to attack it hard and replace...
by fcdbm
Sun Feb 23, 2014 7:31 pm
Forum: Boat maintenance, repair and restoration
Topic: Removing anti slip on Contender
Replies: 18
Views: 10508

Re: Removing anti slip on Contender

Reading Neil's off topic post. Angle grinding or sanding artex is very dangerous as Artex contains asbestos. If it is safe so long as you leave it alone and don't disturb it. It is one of those products that removing it is more risky than leaving it in stable condition. If you are planning work on a...
by fcdbm
Wed Nov 07, 2012 10:36 pm
Forum: Boat Identification and Dinghy History
Topic: Old wooden moth?
Replies: 5
Views: 4646

Re: Old wooden moth?

Hi,

Good looking old Moth.

The chines make me think it is an Imperium Scow.

Where you based, Aussie sail, price in dollars, so unlikely you will be sailing in the UK.

Have fun
by fcdbm
Fri Jul 13, 2012 9:47 pm
Forum: Boat Chat
Topic: what is a moth
Replies: 5
Views: 2815

Re: what is a moth

The International Moth. Over 70 years old. 11 foot single handed dinghies were racing in many countries. In the 1960's, the International Class was formed with agreement from the Class Associations in the UK, Europe, America and Australia. Due in no small part to the organisational skills and leader...
by fcdbm
Mon Jun 25, 2012 10:07 pm
Forum: Boat Chat
Topic: boom.
Replies: 28
Views: 8310

Re: boom.

Broken Laser topmast measures 3270mm from tip to break.
by fcdbm
Sun Jun 24, 2012 10:34 am
Forum: Boat Chat
Topic: boom.
Replies: 28
Views: 8310

Re: boom.

Good source of boom material are broken Laser topmasts. As it is a common failing, there is plenty of source material. The tube is 50mm diameter about 1.5mm wall thickness. The Laser boom is stiffened at the kicker with a second tube about 450mm long. You can slice a section out of an offcut a then ...