Rudder Problems

Boys Trip 2006 079
Originally uploaded by OzzyC.

The next problem we encountered was a rudder problem. We used a canoe paddle as the rudder, which was bolted to the catamaran frame using something that Greg fashioned. This mount broke, and we ended up having to ratchet strap the canoe paddle to the frame. Once this was done, the rudder didnt function quite as efficiently, so I periodically resorted to using two canoe paddles to achieve my objective.

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For Clarification

I want to clarify things a bit. From my perspective, theres no tension between Greg and me on this project. We have the same vision for this boat... a high-quality watercraft that we built with our own hands. I know that this is ultimately his baby and Im basically playing "Gilligan" to his "Skipper." Hes a mechanical engineer and has done tons of research every step along the way. Hes got a more developed vision than I do, and more knowledge and insight about how to achieve that vision.

At the same time, hes not autocratic. When I have an idea or disagree with his approach, I tell him whats on my mind and he listens. Sometimes we implement my thoughts, others we dont. When we went into this project, we knew wed occasionally disagree. Since its ultimately his boat, Ive got no problems with doing what he wants and to his satisfaction. We really are doing this as a team; were simply using the fact that its his boat as the tiebreaker.

My frustration is merely that weve been stuck in the sanding and fairing stage for over seven months. Part of this is the pursuit of perfection, and part of this is because were both family men who can only devote a few hours per week to this project. In the end, please dont think that my previous post was designed to imply that Im frustrated with Greg, because thats not true. Mainly Im illustrating, with my own personal experience, that building such a large boat carries its share of challenges and frustrations.

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Broken Mast Support

Boys Trip 2006 001
Originally uploaded by OzzyC.

Take a little too much wind, add a makeshift watercraft, and throw in a couple of inexperienced sailors... what do you get? A recipe for a disastrously humorous adventure.

Our next malfunction was a broken mast support. The mast support consisted of a wooden dowel, a couple of turnbuckles for adjustibility, and more hose clamps and bolts to hold the supports in place.

One particularly strong gust of wind ripped the turnbuckle from the dowel. We repaired the break with glue, but ended up going with another mast support made from a tree branch, lashed in place with ropes and ratchet straps.

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