Russ, It took a close friend not a family member dying that shook me out of the all work - play later frame of mind. It changed me to the point that my wife thought I might be dying since we started doing and going to all the places we had talked of. I have my boat on the Florida panhandle and will head out full time in Nov of 25 when the wife finally retires. I served on the USS Flasher and USS Haddick both Permit (Thresher) class boats. Dave
Glad to hear that, Dave. I hope you can make it down to SW Florida (somewhere between the Keys and Marco Island and the island around Fort Myers...including up to Charlotte Harbor. That's where I'll be between January and April, for sure.
WOW!! I think of Key Largo and I remember Heavy Traffic and yet with a Boat you have unlimited Vistas and elbow room. I guess that is why I watch and yearn inwardly for the Magic you experience on a daily basis. There is no denying that a boat give you a sense of FREEDOM!
When I got my Hydrovane I opted for for extra large extendable vane which is supposed to be useful for 'light airs'. I have a Tamarind ST 2000 which will connect to the tiller of the Hydrovane so I can use that if the wind drops off altogether. Another great video and very useful demonstration of how to hook up to a mooring ball.
I haven't yet figured out a good way by which I could mount a tiller-pilot... And I shouldn't complain because: 1. My lot is better than that of a lot of folks, and 2. I do know that Agatha is worthless with wind below 5 knots But it sure makes for a long day when you are stuck hand-steering. I have access to WiFi now, so will catch up on your episodes, Andrew. Got that engine purring like a sewing machine yet?
@@skipjacksailing8986 the engine is going to get more attention in October. For now I am getting on with other tasks, like getting the stove ready to put back into use after it's summer break!
Boy, I would love a chilly evening, just once, and have to be looking for my flannel shirt! If I could blink my eyes and be a boating "snowbird", I'd do it. 'suppose I could do what Kevin Boothby does every year...summers in Maine and then down to the Bahamas and Florida for winter. A long haul.
May i say Russ, I am really enjoying your videos. As a solo sailor and similar age to you I really understand your highs and lows, frustrations and fears, the joys of a safe arrival, the way you plan out and explain your moves. It all rings a bell with me. Thanks for all the good vids and keep them coming
Thank you very much. I am sure you've seen TH-cam channels in which the "stars" are actually given new sailboats to use, or they are actually under salary. I want to show "the way it really is" for most of us--if not worried about money, certainly being careful with it; the loneliness; the fears/concerns... Thanks for the feedback. Where do you sail?
Thank you Russ for all the valuable help and information you gave us today at the marina....best of luck Bobby and Kim! We'll keep up with you on your adventures!!
Thank you! But I will make some adjustments to my method, in particular the way I have the lines running down to the mooring pennant. My old friend Uisdean, from Scotland, taught me to do it this way.
Hi Russ....mooring?...yeah, very unnerving task solo. I had need of a mooring once during an extremely low tide phase. Total newbie, I did it directly from the bow. After several approaches and attempts, running back and forth to the helm, I finally snagged it. Right after tieing off, a fellow sailor dingied alongside and recommended a similar method to yours . He said to attach the bridle and anchor line, run it outside and aft to the cockpit. Thus allows you to steer alongside the ball and only leave the helm for the short time it thakes to snag the pendant. Then, do as you did to haul up the line. I later learned to take the line thru the hawse hole and double it back to the 'pit, thus being able to haul in (rapidly!) without leaving the helm and cleat off temporarily to a jib sheet cleat. Then , once tied off, go fwd and set secondary or permanent line. Hope that's clear enuff😂 Regards FW&FS
Outstanding! I had many a beer with my 80+ boatyard neighbor, Uisdean, while I was in Scotland, and that was one thing he always stressed to me...it felt good to finally put it into practice.
Great jobmooring! Have been watching you for a while. Really enjoy your videos. I have a 38 foot Morgan 382 in Freeport TX. Getting ready to try some solo sailing. Never been solo. Trying to get in better shape. Cheers, Miike Nik...
Oh, I like being solo 99% of the time. The times I've had a guest, it's felt very strange to be responsible for another person. But sometimes it would be great to have another competent pair of hands, I'll admit...especially in marinas on a windy day. (there was a Morgan 38 in Faber Cove with me!)
I agree about the crab pots in the channel. I think that should be illegal, along with allowing the markers to be coloured black/dark. Kudos to you at the anchor ball. My stop in Plymouth Mass. was only anchor balls, and the wind had to be whipping at 20 kts the next day. The little Ranger Tug (popeye boat) couldn't stop circling the mooring ball...it was crazy
@@skipjacksailing8986 Old hose is fine as a chafing guard on a mooring ball. I have a few metres of line spliced onto two metres of chain spliced onto a few metres of line.
I know I'm months behind watching this video, but was wondering about you saying it gets packed in November, so what month will it empty back out, so someone like me can bring my boat down. I'm in Jax Fl right now. Thanks for all the great vids you are putting out, I've learned a lot.
Understand and agree. But without an electronic helm, I try to use it whenever possible (like during the sea-breeze time of day). And if I bought an electronic auto-helm, then what's the argument for a wind vane?
@@wildbeastescapes Before I got my Windvane I only had a CPT and used it for countless days at a time and thousands of miles. It got me solo from Galveston to Florida, Cayman Islands and back to Galveston. No clue what you're talking about.
Hello, Russ. I'm a tall senior guy and need a boat that I can fit in. I like to stretch out when I sleep. Would a CSY be a good boat for me or do you suggest something else for a solo sailor?
I couldn't recommend the CSY 37 more strongly. Perfect boat, in my opinion. If you read the reviews, you'll see that some owners modified their CSYs to reduce draft, but I am still 6-ft 2-in draft. That's the biggest downside....especially if you will be in the Keys or anywhere on the ICW.
Ah....that's what I did last summer for two weeks. But this is City of Marathon marina, and they literally have the only dinghy access in Marathon...and they charge $85 per week for dinghy access, which is the same rate (+/- a few dollars) as just taking a mooring. So it's the same price as anchoring, but with a much shorter dinghy ride and no "bumper cars" that happens in the winter in the anchor fleet. The anchor field is going to get VERY crowded by mid-October. There are a couple of marinas on the "gulf side" and I will go bicycle over this week to see what they charge for dinghy access. Great question! Thanks!
Russ, It took a close friend not a family member dying that shook me out of the all work - play later frame of mind. It changed me to the point that my wife thought I might be dying since we started doing and going to all the places we had talked of. I have my boat on the Florida panhandle and will head out full time in Nov of 25 when the wife finally retires.
I served on the USS Flasher and USS Haddick both Permit (Thresher) class boats.
Dave
Glad to hear that, Dave.
I hope you can make it down to SW Florida (somewhere between the Keys and Marco Island and the island around Fort Myers...including up to Charlotte Harbor.
That's where I'll be between January and April, for sure.
WOW!! I think of Key Largo and I remember Heavy Traffic and yet with a Boat you have unlimited Vistas and elbow room. I guess that is why I watch and yearn inwardly for the Magic you experience on a daily basis. There is no denying that a boat give you a sense of FREEDOM!
You gotta' come along sometime, Sergeant!
I'll be down in the Keys for a month or two, at least....hopefully for the whole winter.
Appreciate that!@@skipjacksailing8986
When I got my Hydrovane I opted for for extra large extendable vane which is supposed to be useful for 'light airs'. I have a Tamarind ST 2000 which will connect to the tiller of the Hydrovane so I can use that if the wind drops off altogether. Another great video and very useful demonstration of how to hook up to a mooring ball.
I haven't yet figured out a good way by which I could mount a tiller-pilot...
And I shouldn't complain because:
1. My lot is better than that of a lot of folks,
and
2. I do know that Agatha is worthless with wind below 5 knots
But it sure makes for a long day when you are stuck hand-steering.
I have access to WiFi now, so will catch up on your episodes, Andrew. Got that engine purring like a sewing machine yet?
@@skipjacksailing8986 the engine is going to get more attention in October. For now I am getting on with other tasks, like getting the stove ready to put back into use after it's summer break!
Well done. Enjoy the winter. Where I am in New England it’s already sweatshirt weather and the heating blanket is on the bed (low setting).
Boy, I would love a chilly evening, just once, and have to be looking for my flannel shirt!
If I could blink my eyes and be a boating "snowbird", I'd do it.
'suppose I could do what Kevin Boothby does every year...summers in Maine and then down to the Bahamas and Florida for winter. A long haul.
May i say Russ, I am really enjoying your videos. As a solo sailor and similar age to you I really understand your highs and lows, frustrations and fears, the joys of a safe arrival, the way you plan out and explain your moves. It all rings a bell with me. Thanks for all the good vids and keep them coming
Thank you very much.
I am sure you've seen TH-cam channels in which the "stars" are actually given new sailboats to use, or they are actually under salary.
I want to show "the way it really is" for most of us--if not worried about money, certainly being careful with it; the loneliness; the fears/concerns...
Thanks for the feedback. Where do you sail?
Boat is in Sydney Australia. Slowly exploring the east coast up and down.
Thank you Russ for all the valuable help and information you gave us today at the marina....best of luck Bobby and Kim! We'll keep up with you on your adventures!!
My pleasure! I hope our paths will cross again!
Great job mooring 😊😅
Thank you!
But I will make some adjustments to my method, in particular the way I have the lines running down to the mooring pennant.
My old friend Uisdean, from Scotland, taught me to do it this way.
Hope you got a good fan!
Yessir. I have a number of fans, and last night didn't need one.
So I can survive the nights...and then it's strictly an amp-hour issue!
Hi Russ....mooring?...yeah, very unnerving task solo. I had need of a mooring once during an extremely low tide phase. Total newbie, I did it directly from the bow. After several approaches and attempts, running back and forth to the helm, I finally snagged it. Right after tieing off, a fellow sailor dingied alongside and recommended a similar method to yours . He said to attach the bridle and anchor line, run it outside and aft to the cockpit. Thus allows you to steer alongside the ball and only leave the helm for the short time it thakes to snag the pendant. Then, do as you did to haul up the line.
I later learned to take the line thru the hawse hole and double it back to the 'pit, thus being able to haul in (rapidly!) without leaving the helm and cleat off temporarily to a jib sheet cleat. Then , once tied off, go fwd and set secondary or permanent line.
Hope that's clear enuff😂
Regards
FW&FS
Outstanding!
I had many a beer with my 80+ boatyard neighbor, Uisdean, while I was in Scotland, and that was one thing he always stressed to me...it felt good to finally put it into practice.
Anchor or mooring; both deserve a cold pint when the job is done. Nice one mate.
Thank you, sir!
Great jobmooring! Have been watching you for a while. Really enjoy your videos. I have a 38 foot Morgan 382 in Freeport TX.
Getting ready to try some solo sailing. Never been solo. Trying to get in better shape. Cheers, Miike Nik...
Oh, I like being solo 99% of the time.
The times I've had a guest, it's felt very strange to be responsible for another person.
But sometimes it would be great to have another competent pair of hands, I'll admit...especially in marinas on a windy day.
(there was a Morgan 38 in Faber Cove with me!)
Thanks
Thank you!
I agree about the crab pots in the channel. I think that should be illegal, along with allowing the markers to be coloured black/dark. Kudos to you at the anchor ball. My stop in Plymouth Mass. was only anchor balls, and the wind had to be whipping at 20 kts the next day. The little Ranger Tug (popeye boat) couldn't stop circling the mooring ball...it was crazy
Take care with chafing of your mooring line(s). My mooring line for a mooring ball has a length of chain spliced into the middle of the line.
Where do you have the chain positioned? I have my old-fire-hose chafing guards positioned where my lines (2 of them) go through the bow roller.
@@skipjacksailing8986 Old hose is fine as a chafing guard on a mooring ball.
I have a few metres of line spliced onto two metres of chain spliced onto a few metres of line.
But you are protecting against chafing down at the mooring ball, or at the boat?@@wildbeastescapes
I'll send you a picture of my situation via WhatsApp.
Very interested if you think I'm missing something.
@@skipjacksailing8986 At the mooring ball.
I just use the Hydrovane for open ocean stuff and have a CPT for the light air and shallow water stuff.
I know I'm months behind watching this video, but was wondering about you saying it gets packed in November, so what month will it empty back out, so someone like me can bring my boat down. I'm in Jax Fl right now. Thanks for all the great vids you are putting out, I've learned a lot.
Hydrovane is not for the fickle winds of coastal sailing, just as autopilot is not for 24/7 ocean passages.
Understand and agree. But without an electronic helm, I try to use it whenever possible (like during the sea-breeze time of day).
And if I bought an electronic auto-helm, then what's the argument for a wind vane?
@@skipjacksailing8986 An electronic autohelm won’t work 24/7, at night and on cloudy days on long passages.
@@wildbeastescapes Before I got my Windvane I only had a CPT and used it for countless days at a time and thousands of miles. It got me solo from Galveston to Florida, Cayman Islands and back to Galveston. No clue what you're talking about.
Where are you today?
Marathon, Florida.
Going to hang here a while and get some project work done.
I needed the change in scenery from Fort Pierce.
Hello, Russ. I'm a tall senior guy and need a boat that I can fit in. I like to stretch out when I sleep. Would a CSY be a good boat for me or do you suggest something else for a solo sailor?
I couldn't recommend the CSY 37 more strongly. Perfect boat, in my opinion.
If you read the reviews, you'll see that some owners modified their CSYs to reduce draft, but I am still 6-ft 2-in draft. That's the biggest downside....especially if you will be in the Keys or anywhere on the ICW.
If you have a perfectly good anchor why pay 400 for a moring??
Ah....that's what I did last summer for two weeks.
But this is City of Marathon marina, and they literally have the only dinghy access in Marathon...and they charge $85 per week for dinghy access, which is the same rate (+/- a few dollars) as just taking a mooring.
So it's the same price as anchoring, but with a much shorter dinghy ride and no "bumper cars" that happens in the winter in the anchor fleet.
The anchor field is going to get VERY crowded by mid-October.
There are a couple of marinas on the "gulf side" and I will go bicycle over this week to see what they charge for dinghy access.
Great question! Thanks!
Just sell the Dan hot boat get a motor home. Then you can bitch about traffic. Gas prices and mileage. Expense to park it and insurance. 😂
Wind vanes aren't made to steer at 2 knots
Yes, I understand all of that. On my channel I do want to share the reality of things--sometimes it's hot and it sucks.
Most times it's great.