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  1. rclarke246

    Greying Teak?

    What can be done about teak that's starting to look old? I prefer the original "reddish brown" color but now it's turning grey. As always, thanks for you help!
  2. rclarke246

    New Here :)

    Tons of info and characters here, welcome aboard.
  3. rclarke246

    Intracoastal Water Way here we come ready or not

    My wife (no boating experience) and I (limited experience) undertook a similar adventure on the ICW this time last year. It was one of the most rewarding things we've ever done! Check out This thread, http://www.trawlerforum.com/forums/s36/icw-your-best-tips-14306.html , along with countless...
  4. rclarke246

    Dock lines

    I realize that there are many ways to tie. This is our normal configuration: Stern in. All lines pre measured and remain at slip. 1) forward spring to the mid-ship cleat. 2) 2 stern lines, crossing 3) 2 breast lines, 1 at each side of bow. Works for us, but always interested in your comments.
  5. rclarke246

    Dock lines

    Background: We have floating docks with 1 finger pier and 1 piling at mouth of our slip. The slip is exposed to a small bay to the east, north east. The fetch may be 1/2 mile, max. Photo shows how she was tied tightly to the pier, using 3, 10" fenders, in anticipation of tropical storm Erica...
  6. rclarke246

    Keeping Gelcoat Like New

    Looks interesting and seriously considering it. It looks like I'll need to remove any old wax before application of this. What is the best way to remove the old wax?
  7. rclarke246

    Keeping Gelcoat Like New

    So, a sealant instead of wax? How long do you think a sealant will last?
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  10. rclarke246

    Your Best Technique or Invention

    Way too simple! I love it!
  11. rclarke246

    Thread Creep Bucket: Helms, Colregs and Trains

    Here's how I remember the horn signals: Think "self-centered". (By that I mean The one first sending the signal is who's port/starboard is the subject) 1 blast, (1 syllable in "port") I'm leaving you to my port. 2 blasts, (2 syllables in "starboard") I'm leaving you to my starboard. Make...
  12. rclarke246

    Keeping Gelcoat Like New

    Hello, We strive to keep our gelcoat looking like new. That "chalky" look and feel makes me cringe! Nearly 3 years in, so far so good. We've been washing every 2 weeks and having it waxed every 6-8 months. Wondering what you all think are the best products and techniques? Wax? Polymers...
  13. rclarke246

    Your Best Technique or Invention

    He's definitely got MY attention! Guessing it was a hose. I use miracle tape on the various lines we have aboard. I tape a different color on the ends to indicate the length of each line. (ex: red=75', black= 50'...)
  14. rclarke246

    Trawlerfest Bay Bridge Maryland

    We attended or 1st Trawlerfest in 2012. This was really our initial exposure to the trawler life-style and a real eye-opener! Very educational. Back again in 2013. Again, glad we went. Diana & I have signed up again for various courses this year but will have to leave on Friday evening. We...
  15. rclarke246

    Active Captain

    I believe that the AC Companion provides an active chart with audible alerts for upcoming hazards, etc... I'm sure it does much more but haven't really gotten into it.
  16. rclarke246

    Active Captain

    Agree, love AC but not eboatcards. Don't and won't do Facebook, Twitter, or anything like that. Too much downside. Those who know us understand what we're up to.
  17. rclarke246

    Beneteau Swift Trawler 34 advice/opinions

    Thanks for the info. Can't wait to get to boat and look into this. I expect that by 2012 they've taken remedial action! They state it complies with ABYC standards.
  18. rclarke246

    Beneteau Swift Trawler 34 advice/opinions

    Would that through hull and ball valve meet ABYC standards?
  19. rclarke246

    Beneteau Swift Trawler 34 advice/opinions

    Joe, Great review! Thanks for taking the time. What other boats have you owned / operated? Also, the max load on our tender crane is 120kg, which equates to 264 lbs. With your tender weighing 300 lbs. you could be over the limit. Just asking.
  20. rclarke246

    Your Best Technique or Invention

    Maybe, but who the hell wants to find out? Also, these days, it may all come down to who has the most "wherewithal"! We try to be over-courteous, and extra-safe. It may cost me some time & fuel but feel it's worth the investment. Also, it's rewarding to see the acknowledgement of the effort.
  21. rclarke246

    Active Captain

    Totally agree. While traveling, we both have our iPads open, using Garmin Blue Charts, with the Active Captain overlay open. Navigator reads about the upcoming hazards to heed the advice. Wish our Raymarine interfaced with AC, but we like the Garmin better- it even gives us weather radar...
  22. rclarke246

    Sea trial - Swift 34

    Hi, we drove the 34 and liked it, but bought the 44. Had an experienced captain take her out last summer and he really liked the ride and handling. I think either is perfect for the Chesapeake and coastal cruising, in fact, I'm surprised that there aren't way more around! Our dealer...
  23. rclarke246

    Beneteau Swift Trawler 34 advice/opinions

    Joe, I know that you're on your new 34. How about the report on the sea cocks (ball valve discussion). Other observations?
  24. rclarke246

    Your Best Technique or Invention

    An old salt told me these 3 things: 1) when in doubt of your position or route, STOP THE BOAT, until you're sure. You can't get in too much trouble stopped. 2) Don't follow some other vessel assuming he knows where he's going. (See #1) 3) Try to cross a sailboat across his stern. (They tend...
  25. rclarke246

    Your Best Technique or Invention

    Oh, this rule got to my wife a little too late: "Never get your fingers inside the loop of a dock line." Quick action, nine stitches and a lot of luck saved her finger tip.
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