Is Harken the best? That is a matter of opinion, but its serviceable headsail furlers have long been a shop favorite. Compare the current Harken MKIV and MKIV Ocean systems; unit size, headstay length, wire or rod connection, pin size and sail requirements all matter. For MKIV Ocean maintenance, Harken specifies soap and fresh-water flushing…
Top down furling has made it easier that makes flying the big sails a much more achievable task. However, nothing is just push a button and ‘bang’ there’s your spinnaker. Although this system makes it much more viable to fly a spinnaker there is still a learning curve. This system is all about set up…
When shopping for headsail furlers one can find a wide variety manufacturers such as: Pro Furl, Facnor, Harken, Hood, Bamar, Schaefer, Reckmann, Reefit, CDI; as well as a wide variety of prices. So where does quality and low pricing find a happy marriage? How can one possibly make a decision that’s worthwhile with all of…
Integral backstay adjusters can play a big role in how a boat sails. Being able to adjust the backstay tension from the pump of a handle can be useful on cruisers just as much as racers. We all need to make general changes to the boats trim depending on wind and wave conditions in order…
‘Just a quick blurb on some art that we were privileged enough to be part of. The model of da Vinci’s Orinthopter was recently moved from the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum, re-cabled by Jim Donaghy (thanks for the mention), and moved to the Center for Strategic & International Studies in John Hamre Commons. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHHWhUzHZsE&w=560&h=315] …
These messenger connections and reeving eyes are only for pulling unloaded rope through hardware. They are not structural splices and must never support a person or sailing load. Check that the joint will pass through every sheave, clutch and exit; use light tension and stop if it snags. Any cutting, tapering or piercing shown below…
~You may find that I am poking a bit with this one. Perhaps the British might call it “a bit cheeky”, but I assure you it is all in good fun… THE HALYARD SWIVEL I just wanted to take a minute and chime-in on the “halyard swivel phenomenon” that has (apparently) taken the sailing world by storm. I…
at … …and we have recently moved to a new location!! That’s right, we’ve moved, but don’t worry, we’re not far. Actually, we are now even closer to you than before ;-0). The new location is still within the same complex as always, BUT you can now see us from the road (Edgewood Rd.). The Annapolis Maritime…
Check your mast and rigging at least once a season and before an offshore passage, following the manufacturers’ schedules and your rigger’s advice. A deck-level or aloft visual check can identify warning signs, but cannot reveal every hidden crack, corrosion pocket or fatigued component. Mast removal and dismantling intervals depend on the rig, materials, service…
This may seem a little long winded, but going aloft on a sailboat mast is serious business and should not be taken lightly. Serious injury or death can occur, so please take every precaution. In this article I would like to take a moment to talk about some of the methods that we use to…
I see you! Here we are aloft again. This time to try and (unsuccessfully) drop-in a new spare Main Halyard. There was foam inside the mast for noise dampening. This foam caused our plumbers chain to get snagged on the way down….no matter how hard we tried. Stevens 50 is a pretty slick little old…
Today’s spars are usually made of composite carbon fiber or aluminum extrusions. Both of these mast materials, just like old wooden masts, require a finish. Whereas wooden masts were typically coated with a clear varnish, they could also be found painted. These more traditional finishes were typically brush applied or rolled and tipped. Spray finishes became…
No products in the cart.
|
Uploaded
Failed
|
 |