Recent posts

#1

Precision / Precision Sailors' Happy Hour,...

Last post by Riggerdood - Dec 14, 2025, 08:05 PM

Hi All,

Back by popular demand, I'm setting up another Zoom meeting for this coming Friday, December 19th, at 5 PM PST/8 PM EST.

Any and all who wish to join in, simply reply here to that effect, and I will PM you the Zoom info. Note: I use the PM function of this forum to send the Zoom info - no need to post your email address in a reply here, just keep an eye on your PMs.

Those who have participated in previous happy hours will automatically get the invite, so no need to reply here.

Thanks, and hope to see a few new faces this Friday, as well as "the regulars" in this joint!

- Tim

#2

TSBB General Talk / Re: Done with Ethanol gas

Last post by Doug SC - Dec 14, 2025, 05:38 PM

There are several stations around here with pumps for ethanol free gas. I always use this for my outboards, chainsaws, mowers etc. I also add Sea Foam or Stabil fuel stabilizers. What doesn't get used by the next sailing season I pour into the car tank and start over again. I do use the small cans for on boat storage and the chainsaw.

#3

TSBB General Talk / Re: Done with Ethanol gas

Last post by Wolverine - Dec 14, 2025, 02:44 PM

Both gas stations in our town sell ethanol free gas and I've been using it for the last 3 years, but I'm still having issues with the outboards. The riding mower, generator, and power washer I use regular gas without issue. I use the canned fuel in my chainsaw and line trimmer.

#4

TSBB General Talk / Done with Ethanol gas

Last post by Brian N. - Dec 14, 2025, 01:58 PM

This past spring I switched from regular gas (10% added ethanol) to non ethanol gas. Even with an additive to the regular gas I still had starting problems, fouled carburetor, rough running engines especially when the gas was a couple of months old. Even my snow blower did not take kindly to "summer" gas. Since switching, my Honda outboard, lawn mower and snow blower run much smother and start more easily. Zero carburetor problems. The one downside is the price. Non ethanol gas is not available here on Long Island (rumors of a station selling it now and then never pan out). I've been getting the gallon cans at Lowes but $$$$. However the good thing is that I may use a pint for the outboard on a typical sail, very little for the lawn mower, and even the big snow blower sips gas. I'm curious if others on the forum have switched and seen an improvement in their small engines.

#5

TSBB General Talk / Antidote

Last post by Riley Smith - Dec 14, 2025, 08:57 AM

...for a dreary and damp Sunday. It is cloudy and raining a cold rain. The temperature will be dropping shortly. Much different than that morning in August with the celestial lights putting on a show. Yes, I did catch a fish.

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#6

TSBB General Talk / Re: Is Dymax = Dyneema?

Last post by tjspiel - Dec 13, 2025, 08:29 PM

I find it very confusing as well so that was helpful. Planning on replacing my lifelines with Dyneema this Spring.

About 15 Years ago, I bought an inflatable catamaran that packed up in two 6 foot bags you could shove into just about any vehicle. It had Dyneema shrouds and I loved how light and easy to pack up they were. No worries about kinking them.

Considering eventually replacing at least part of my standing rigging with Dyneema but have been cautioned that temp changes can cause problems because Dyneema shortens as temps go up and lengthens as temps cool down - which is the opposite of what your mast does. So if your rigging is properly tensioned in July, if you're sailing in very cold temps late in the season, it could be too loose.

For trailer sailers the difference between Dyneema and Aluminum temperature expansion may not make enough difference to worry about. Not sure.

In any case, for trailer sailers, Dyneema rigging would certainly have advantages over stainless in terms of storing and stepping masts.

#7

TSBB General Talk / Was back sailing on Thursday

Last post by Doug SC - Dec 12, 2025, 03:49 PM

This time Clint from the sailing club wanted to sail the Navigator with me. The winds looked to be good in the 7mph range for most of the day after much higher winds in the morning. I did another practice with reefing after rigging the boat and left it in to shake out on the water. I'll keep practicing until I don't have to think about the sequence so much. It was a pleasantly cold and mostly sunny almost winter's day. I know it may not feel like it, but it is still just over a week before winter is official. It's a pleasure to also sail with another sailor who understands how to lend a useful hand. Clint took several photos I am posting.

The main sail with a reef and replacing the rudder lines.
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What a nice day to be sailing.
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Yes, I know you sharp eyed sea gulls noticed the mizzen halyard isn't all the way up. You will be informed now that we caught the mistake and corrected that oversight. Felt a bit foolish about it too.
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#8

West Wight Potter Yachts / Re: Serge Testa at the South B...

Last post by Captain Kidd - Dec 12, 2025, 03:34 PM

How did the zoom meeting go? I intended to login but schedule didn't allow.

#9

TSBB General Talk / Re: Is Dymax = Dyneema?

Last post by Captain Kidd - Dec 12, 2025, 03:10 PM

Charles,

A good shot! Answered my questions. I have a couple of uses for it on Disciple Ship where I already used some. I have a line that runs under the inwale for tying off things. I have used it for lashings on my boom, etc.

I have used animated knots a good bit in the past and will learn the knot you referenced. I've mostly used a double fisherman's bend to create a loop for the lashings. Nothing has come loose yet: knock-on-wood.

thanks!

downhaul top and bottom

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Under the inwale: this line is not dyneema but I plan to replace it.

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#10

TSBB General Talk / Re: Is Dymax = Dyneema?

Last post by Doug SC - Dec 12, 2025, 11:43 AM

(Spectra and Dyneema) comes from archery bow strings, another hobby of mine.

I also use the material in the bowstrings I make. I do Flemish strings and add more material to the loops that taper into the string for my longbows and recurves just to spread out the concentrated force on nocks (the bow tip ends).