Winter Agitation
Solving the problem of icing up in winter Mid-winter photo of the author’s schooner,...
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Author: Don Launer
Oh, How She Scoons!
Article taken from Good Old Boat magazine: Volume 4, Number 1, January/February 2001. The rig...
Read MoreRepowering, Part 1 – The Decisions
Repowering, Part 1- the decisions Article taken from Good Old Boat magazine: Volume 5, Number 5, September/October 2002. New engine or rebuild? And should you install it yourself? On a cold February day, Don studies his engine...
Read MoreRepowering, Part 2 – replacing the power plant
Repowering, Part 2- replacing the power plant Article taken from Good Old Boat magazine: Volume 5, Number 6, November/December 2002. Tips on how to extract the old one and install the new one Preparing to hoist out the old power...
Read MoreImprove your dodger
Get a grip: Improve your dodger Article taken from Good Old Boat magazine: Volume 4, Number 2, March/April 2001. Handholds are an easy and inexpensive way to increase your security afloat Dodgers are not necessary – that...
Read MoreBowsprits, Bumpkins, and Belaying Pins
Bowsprits, bumpkins, and belaying pins Article taken from Good Old Boat magazine: Volume 4, Number 6, November/December 2001. Tried and trusted old fittings give character to modern yachts If you remember when all sailboats had...
Read MorePreparing For The Big Blow
Preparing for the Big Blow Article taken from Good Old Boat magazine: Volume 5, Number 3, May/June 2002. Don’t wait until it happens; get your boat ready now Photos above and below taken during Hurricane Gloria in 1985....
Read MoreSoundproofing 101
Reflection and absorption create quiet on board The iron wind is a fixture aboard most of today’s sailboats. On a typical sailboat the inboard engine lives directly beneath the floor of the cockpit, so sound-proofing the engine...
Read MoreCompass errors
Getting a magnetic compass to tell the truth about North By Don Launer Most recreational sailors today navigate their craft using electronic devices. This is all well and good until an electrical failure on board shuts them down...
Read MoreSpreaders 101
They hold up the shrouds that hold up the mast Spreaders are struts attached to the sides of a mast to hold the shrouds away from the mast and increase the angle at which they meet the mast. The greater the angle between shroud...
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