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#51
TSBB General Talk / Re: Bolgar Bobcat modification...
Last post by Riley Smith - Aug 12, 2026, 11:27 AMOf all the modifications one can do to a sailboat, that one increases the utility ten times. On the Bobcat it would allow all the lines to be kept rigged, which is a big time killer at the ramp with me. Raise the mast on the hinge and it's ready. But it still isn't too bad unless the lines get badly tangled and I'm feeling slow. ANYTHING you change has OTHER, often unintended, consequences, so I've been careful not to venture too far off the beaten path. Some, such as the gaff jaw problems, were so obvious that even a dolt like me can see things had to change. Others are more subtle, and after ten years, you wonder why you never fixed this crap before 
The LAST modification was moving the sheet bridle at the stern forward 14". And so far, it has been great. It allows for tacking without fighting a snag of the sheet at the motor, and despite misgivings, seems to be much better than before. But I've only used it for a couple of years and I STILL keep a sharp eye out for the time it is going to do something stupid
I'll be really glad when things cool off. I've got some grandkids that are getting close to being able to take their first sail. One of THOSE requirements is the ability to swim, and on a boat with only human ballast, I figure it's absolutely necessary. So much so that a lot of the time that is the main destination....somewhere we can swim and cavort and cool off. Luckily there are many places here with nice sand bottoms, fresh water, and a scarcity of alligators and sharks.
The LAST modification was moving the sheet bridle at the stern forward 14". And so far, it has been great. It allows for tacking without fighting a snag of the sheet at the motor, and despite misgivings, seems to be much better than before. But I've only used it for a couple of years and I STILL keep a sharp eye out for the time it is going to do something stupid
I'll be really glad when things cool off. I've got some grandkids that are getting close to being able to take their first sail. One of THOSE requirements is the ability to swim, and on a boat with only human ballast, I figure it's absolutely necessary. So much so that a lot of the time that is the main destination....somewhere we can swim and cavort and cool off. Luckily there are many places here with nice sand bottoms, fresh water, and a scarcity of alligators and sharks.
#52
TSBB General Talk / Re: Bolgar Bobcat modification...
Last post by Doug SC - Aug 12, 2026, 10:32 AMI was intrigued by the tabernacle.
I enjoy videos of small wooden boats.
I enjoy videos of small wooden boats.
#53
TSBB General Talk / Re: Bolgar Bobcat modification...
Last post by Riley Smith - Aug 12, 2026, 09:16 AMCool video Doug!
My favorite with a cabin is the one out in California, and I have forgotten her name. She sailed with a Doughdish too, so two great boats living life. That one wasn't an exact boat because it had been scaled up 10-20% or so. And if you think a dime doesn't mean much, then your boat is longer than 12'-3". I do like Kathleen though. One of the great things about S R Cat is that big deck that allows a lot of movement; diving from and sightseeing while hanging onto the mast. And pretty much a HUGE storage under it.
I've always wanted to build another because (just like the r/c airplane wing) the first one isn't the best. I'd prolly do the LOA upgrade if I ever did. And of course, it has it's problems too, just like every other boat on the planet. You have to figure a work-around to those things. And it seems here is the answer to those problems encountered by HER skipper, Dick.
Thanks for the video Doug. At one time I sort of wanted to become the Bobcat guy in the world and do keep up with many of the boats. I came really close to launching an initiative, but that was then and this is now. I've sort of become more interested in other things that hold their own mystique and secrets. Oh, don't get me wrong. Seeing her mast glowing gold over the white deck in the muted light of the garage is to look upon something fine, and I love her to the end. And intend to sail her until I can't.
And so I wish those adventurers the same success I've had all these years.
My favorite with a cabin is the one out in California, and I have forgotten her name. She sailed with a Doughdish too, so two great boats living life. That one wasn't an exact boat because it had been scaled up 10-20% or so. And if you think a dime doesn't mean much, then your boat is longer than 12'-3". I do like Kathleen though. One of the great things about S R Cat is that big deck that allows a lot of movement; diving from and sightseeing while hanging onto the mast. And pretty much a HUGE storage under it.
I've always wanted to build another because (just like the r/c airplane wing) the first one isn't the best. I'd prolly do the LOA upgrade if I ever did. And of course, it has it's problems too, just like every other boat on the planet. You have to figure a work-around to those things. And it seems here is the answer to those problems encountered by HER skipper, Dick.
Thanks for the video Doug. At one time I sort of wanted to become the Bobcat guy in the world and do keep up with many of the boats. I came really close to launching an initiative, but that was then and this is now. I've sort of become more interested in other things that hold their own mystique and secrets. Oh, don't get me wrong. Seeing her mast glowing gold over the white deck in the muted light of the garage is to look upon something fine, and I love her to the end. And intend to sail her until I can't.
And so I wish those adventurers the same success I've had all these years.
#54
TSBB General Talk / Bolgar Bobcat modifications
Last post by Doug SC - Aug 12, 2026, 07:39 AMHi Riley I thought you might enjoy seeing this short video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9YpLpWm5eE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9YpLpWm5eE
#55
TSBB General Talk / Re: Time for a new jib?
Last post by noelH - Aug 11, 2026, 02:47 PMTim's Loft I think is a North sail associated loft. The UK loft (Pete) was located just south of town at the top of Salmo hill next door to a woodcarving gallery/shop on Hwy13. It's now some sort of gear, apparel shop for tourist. Not sure if Pete has closed or moved. Maybe like the ship's store in Bayfield. Thought they moved. Tim's shop is across the street from where the ship store was on Mannypenny. He told me they closed up. Building owner increased the lease. It was the Madeline Is. Yacht Club mainland ship store. Now another gallery with "art" for the tourist. Still plenty of local options. Pike's, Port Superior, Washburn Marina ship stores and guessing the Madeline Is shop.
Emailed Harry before having the jib repaired a few seasons ago. He noted they have the templates or files on hand. Hopefully will make it through the rest of the season with my patch job. Worse case I have the high wind jib to use while I wait if it shreds the next time out. Which is starting to look real bleak. 3rd day today with F0-1 condition. Maybe gusts to F2. Last Saturday was good wind, but the long term forecast (10days) were for the current bleak conditions. At least it's warm (upper 70s-low 80s) vs. hot and the RH has been abnormally low for August. Low 30s to low 40s is more than weird for August.
Emailed Harry before having the jib repaired a few seasons ago. He noted they have the templates or files on hand. Hopefully will make it through the rest of the season with my patch job. Worse case I have the high wind jib to use while I wait if it shreds the next time out. Which is starting to look real bleak. 3rd day today with F0-1 condition. Maybe gusts to F2. Last Saturday was good wind, but the long term forecast (10days) were for the current bleak conditions. At least it's warm (upper 70s-low 80s) vs. hot and the RH has been abnormally low for August. Low 30s to low 40s is more than weird for August.
#56
TSBB General Talk / Re: Power Port Install on the ...
Last post by Spot - Aug 10, 2026, 08:44 PMThanks, it was a fun project.
#57
West Wight Potter Yachts / Keel cable fix kit?
Last post by Scooter - Aug 10, 2026, 05:43 PMI waited too long and now it's become an issue. I need to replace the keel lift cable on my 1985 WWP19. Does anyone know of a Dyneema kit available like the Duckworks one? A good (maybe quick too) supplier for the line and hardware? I pretty much bought everything from Duckworks up till now. 
#58
TSBB General Talk / Re: Superior to Erie #4
Last post by noelH - Aug 10, 2026, 11:24 AMWishing you cleaner air to breath and fair winds on your voyage.
Decades ago my brother in law and his sailing buddy leased a 49footer to sail from Bayfield to Copper Harbor. They ended up only making it to Houghton/Hancock due to conditions and time limits. The normal L. Superior mix of too strong, not strong enough winds with most days just fine. Original plan after a couple days of day sailing around Bayfield to get a feel for the boat was nonstop to Copper Harbor. Lake Superior determines your itinerary . IIRC, they had to pull in at Ontonagon.
This season the bad air from wildfire smoke has been the worse on record for this region of western L. Superior. IIRC, AQI hit 1200 one day. Outside of the smoke. Guessing the fires influence the fronts that create our winds on the Lake. One of the worse seasons in terms of lack of wind and air quality.
Decades ago my brother in law and his sailing buddy leased a 49footer to sail from Bayfield to Copper Harbor. They ended up only making it to Houghton/Hancock due to conditions and time limits. The normal L. Superior mix of too strong, not strong enough winds with most days just fine. Original plan after a couple days of day sailing around Bayfield to get a feel for the boat was nonstop to Copper Harbor. Lake Superior determines your itinerary . IIRC, they had to pull in at Ontonagon.
This season the bad air from wildfire smoke has been the worse on record for this region of western L. Superior. IIRC, AQI hit 1200 one day. Outside of the smoke. Guessing the fires influence the fronts that create our winds on the Lake. One of the worse seasons in terms of lack of wind and air quality.
#59
TSBB General Talk / Re: The things you have done, ...
Last post by noelH - Aug 10, 2026, 10:59 AMNot only power boats, but trailer sailors can be more than clueless.
A few seasons ago returning from a day of sailing a sailboat launched using the ramp on the long pier. Of course being clueless they didn't pull to the end of the pier to allow other boats to launch or come in. Don't remember if the the first transitional bay was open. The "avatar" image is Vela sitting in the transitional bay at the end of the ramp long pier. Most pull off and tie off out of the way and then go park their vehicle and trailer. Not only were the dolts blocking the ramp. They proceeded to load their sailboat with gear. Then sit.... I realized they didn't have a motor. Assuming they forgot it at home along with their brains. Too tight to launch under sail from the ramps. There is a reason why the Washburn City Marina requires motoring in and out. Thompson's West End Washburn Boat Club ramp allows and is relatively easy to depart and come in under sail. Where NorthCoast Community Sailing launches their Opti, 420s.... You learn to depart and come in under sail. Wrong marina dolts.
So.... I pulled back out of the marina just in case they decided to give it a go under sail only. Didn't want to get hit. Or move out of the way into the shallows and ground. I've done that before avoiding intoxicated power boaters and being a dolt. Hoisted sails and just drifted around for awhile. Eventually they found someone to tow them out to the now glassy waters of the Bay. Clueless people.
At least they cannot power launch or load:).
I've done a few stupid things at the marina. The grounding in the shallows. Unknowing dropped the stern docking line until it wrapped around the propeller. Torqueedo has a load sensor that auto stops the motor to prevent damage. Another incident where I almost needed the boat hook to fend off hitting other boats. Couple years ago when my balance was real off due to idiopathic SSNHL I fell into my boat. Luckily straight towards the boom to catch my fall, but with enough momentum to bang my head on the boom. Good thing for the furled mainsail and Tilly hat to pad the blow. Over the years the local live aboard smile when they see me. Bit of dockside entertainment.
Hopefully will not become as brain dead as the power loaders and boaters that are ramp etiquette clueless.
Vela is a small and light sailboat. Luckily I can just get deep enough on the ramp to have the trailer wheels in front of the large steel plate that sits sort of dead center bridging the hole in the concrete ramp. The concrete ramp seems to be tilting to starboard. Vela now sits a bit cockeyed by a couple degrees on the trailer after retrieving. One of the large power boats that I let pass noted that the ramp seems more than slightly tilted. Guessing the deeper you go the more tilt from the undercut below the concrete. Waiting for the day when a larger boat's trailer causes the steel plate to cave in. Plate is a temporary bandaid. Marina manager noted they will have to increase the daily and season ramp fees to offset the high costs of repair. My suggestion. Do as what Vail Resorts (aka Epic pass) and Alterra(Ikon) have done. Raise the day passes so high that purchasing the Epic or Ikon pass is more economical. Money up front to help pay for ramp fees. Mega expensive day pass for the rest.
A few seasons ago returning from a day of sailing a sailboat launched using the ramp on the long pier. Of course being clueless they didn't pull to the end of the pier to allow other boats to launch or come in. Don't remember if the the first transitional bay was open. The "avatar" image is Vela sitting in the transitional bay at the end of the ramp long pier. Most pull off and tie off out of the way and then go park their vehicle and trailer. Not only were the dolts blocking the ramp. They proceeded to load their sailboat with gear. Then sit.... I realized they didn't have a motor. Assuming they forgot it at home along with their brains. Too tight to launch under sail from the ramps. There is a reason why the Washburn City Marina requires motoring in and out. Thompson's West End Washburn Boat Club ramp allows and is relatively easy to depart and come in under sail. Where NorthCoast Community Sailing launches their Opti, 420s.... You learn to depart and come in under sail. Wrong marina dolts.
So.... I pulled back out of the marina just in case they decided to give it a go under sail only. Didn't want to get hit. Or move out of the way into the shallows and ground. I've done that before avoiding intoxicated power boaters and being a dolt. Hoisted sails and just drifted around for awhile. Eventually they found someone to tow them out to the now glassy waters of the Bay. Clueless people.
At least they cannot power launch or load:).
I've done a few stupid things at the marina. The grounding in the shallows. Unknowing dropped the stern docking line until it wrapped around the propeller. Torqueedo has a load sensor that auto stops the motor to prevent damage. Another incident where I almost needed the boat hook to fend off hitting other boats. Couple years ago when my balance was real off due to idiopathic SSNHL I fell into my boat. Luckily straight towards the boom to catch my fall, but with enough momentum to bang my head on the boom. Good thing for the furled mainsail and Tilly hat to pad the blow. Over the years the local live aboard smile when they see me. Bit of dockside entertainment.
Hopefully will not become as brain dead as the power loaders and boaters that are ramp etiquette clueless.
Vela is a small and light sailboat. Luckily I can just get deep enough on the ramp to have the trailer wheels in front of the large steel plate that sits sort of dead center bridging the hole in the concrete ramp. The concrete ramp seems to be tilting to starboard. Vela now sits a bit cockeyed by a couple degrees on the trailer after retrieving. One of the large power boats that I let pass noted that the ramp seems more than slightly tilted. Guessing the deeper you go the more tilt from the undercut below the concrete. Waiting for the day when a larger boat's trailer causes the steel plate to cave in. Plate is a temporary bandaid. Marina manager noted they will have to increase the daily and season ramp fees to offset the high costs of repair. My suggestion. Do as what Vail Resorts (aka Epic pass) and Alterra(Ikon) have done. Raise the day passes so high that purchasing the Epic or Ikon pass is more economical. Money up front to help pay for ramp fees. Mega expensive day pass for the rest.
#60
TSBB General Talk / Re: Time for a new jib?
Last post by Dave Scobie - Aug 10, 2026, 10:57 AMCall Harry at EPSails.com and order a new sail Noel.