Many of us here are no spring chickens.

I was moved to hear the story of the owner of this boat:

http://www.boatsales.com.au/boats-for-sale/private/used/SSE-AD-4339796/1978-Compass-28/?cr=0&psq=(((((Service%3D[boatsales]%26BoatType%3D[Sail])%26Make%3D[COMPASS])%26State%3D[Queensland])%26Service%3D[Boatsale

In his senior years he sailed her up and down the Queensland coast:
When he got too old to sail her, he lived on board in a marina. He passed away recently.

To me this is a great way to spend your last years.

I think many Seabreezers would agree with you Yara.
As soon as the girls leave home, I'll be back living aboard until the end.

Sounds good to me too....one day

Great way to go!

I just have to convince the misses to live aboard, problem is she loves her garden and dogs more then me

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sunycoastguy said..
I just have to convince the misses to live aboard, problem is she loves her garden and dogs more then me

Not a problem, just buy her fake flowers and a stuffed dog. She will never notice the difference. Worked for me.

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sunycoastguy said..
I just have to convince the misses to live aboard, problem is she loves her garden and dogs more then me

I'm having the same problem!!

I retire in 18 months & I told her I'm going whether she comes or not. I keep telling her I'll get someone younger with big tits if she doesn't come but it doesn't seem to phase her!

I've got flowers Jode5 so I might try the stuffed dog.

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Lazzz said..

sunycoastguy said..
I just have to convince the misses to live aboard, problem is she loves her garden and dogs more then me

I'm having the same problem!!

I retire in 18 months & I told her I'm going whether she comes or not. I keep telling her I'll get someone younger with big tits if she doesn't come but it doesn't seem to phase her!

I've got flowers Jode5 so I might try the stuffed dog.

Hey Lazzzz
I think your first option is way better than wasting money on a stuffed dog

It looks, it's too common, retiring in 8 month, my wife survived on board all together 1.5 hour in 5 years.
I have already my stuffed Garfield on board. Have 8 month to think about, should I get something alive.
Four legs, two legs, options open, some suggestion welcome.

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Charriot said..
It looks, it's too common, retiring in 8 month, my wife survived on board all together 1.5 hour in 5 years.
I have already my stuffed Garfield on board. Have 8 month to think about, should I get something alive.
Four legs, two legs, options open, some suggestion welcome.

If you get a dopey cat, like a ragdoll, they can live aboard quite nicely.

Now 86 I decided that if I am to go on sailing forever I better get the boat in geriatric shape. So this is how she is set up at the moment.

Electric sheet winch with the sheet tail back to be cleated on the secondary winch near the wheel. Switch near the wheel.

I can also use the secondary winch as a turning block to take the furler to the electric, then just one turn on the electric to ease the furling process without breaking anything.



Electric winch to handle the main halliard, topping lift, vang and sheet through Lewmar clutches that always release when needed even under high loads.



All the reefing lines in the cockpit with a winch to help out when reefing down wind if needed.



An easy to use plotter, an easy to read compass, the engine controls at hand and a powerful easy to use and reliable autopilot.


A good size anchor winch with wireless control and rode counter. A Vulcan anchor that always launches, set on an oversize roller that always brings the anchor home.


I use the self tacking feature in the pilot so I don't need to leave the wheel to tack. Don't go forward to anchor and don't leave the cockpit to reef.

For my next act, when I somehow become rotten rich, I would like a Windslyce track and cars to make the main drop quicker and to make downwind reefing easier.

I will pass on the four legged companion.

Select to expand quote

PhoenixStar said..
Now 86 I decided that if I am to go on sailing forever I better get the boat in geriatric shape. So this is how she is set up at the moment.

Electric sheet winch with the sheet tail back to be cleated on the secondary winch near the wheel. Switch near the wheel.

I can also use the secondary winch as a turning block to take the furler to the electric, then just one turn on the electric to ease the furling process without breaking anything.



Electric winch to handle the main halliard, topping lift, vang and sheet through Lewmar clutches that always release when needed even under high loads.



All the reefing lines in the cockpit with a winch to help out when reefing down wind if needed.



An easy to use plotter, an easy to read compass, the engine controls at hand and a powerful easy to use and reliable autopilot.


A good size anchor winch with wireless control and rode counter. A Vulcan anchor that always launches, set on an oversize roller that always brings the anchor home.


I use the self tacking feature in the pilot so I don't need to leave the wheel to tack. Don't go forward to anchor and don't leave the cockpit to reef.

For my next act, when I somehow become rotten rich, I would like a Windslyce track and cars to make the main drop quicker and to make downwind reefing easier.

I will pass on the four legged companion.

Awesome Phoenix I want to be like you when I grow up

Select to expand quote

andy59 said..

PhoenixStar said..
Now 86 I decided that if I am to go on sailing forever I better get the boat in geriatric shape. So this is how she is set up at the moment.

Electric sheet winch with the sheet tail back to be cleated on the secondary winch near the wheel. Switch near the wheel.

I can also use the secondary winch as a turning block to take the furler to the electric, then just one turn on the electric to ease the furling process without breaking anything.



Electric winch to handle the main halliard, topping lift, vang and sheet through Lewmar clutches that always release when needed even under high loads.



All the reefing lines in the cockpit with a winch to help out when reefing down wind if needed.



An easy to use plotter, an easy to read compass, the engine controls at hand and a powerful easy to use and reliable autopilot.


A good size anchor winch with wireless control and rode counter. A Vulcan anchor that always launches, set on an oversize roller that always brings the anchor home.


I use the self tacking feature in the pilot so I don't need to leave the wheel to tack. Don't go forward to anchor and don't leave the cockpit to reef.

For my next act, when I somehow become rotten rich, I would like a Windslyce track and cars to make the main drop quicker and to make downwind reefing easier.

I will pass on the four legged companion.

Awesome Phoenix I want to be like you when I grow up

Why on earth do you want to grow up?

Select to expand quote

PhoenixStar said..
Now 86 I decided that if I am to go on sailing forever I better get the boat in geriatric shape. So this is how she is set up at the moment.

Electric sheet winch with the sheet tail back to be cleated on the secondary winch near the wheel. Switch near the wheel.

I can also use the secondary winch as a turning block to take the furler to the electric, then just one turn on the electric to ease the furling process without breaking anything.



Electric winch to handle the main halliard, topping lift, vang and sheet through Lewmar clutches that always release when needed even under high loads.



All the reefing lines in the cockpit with a winch to help out when reefing down wind if needed.



An easy to use plotter, an easy to read compass, the engine controls at hand and a powerful easy to use and reliable autopilot.


A good size anchor winch with wireless control and rode counter. A Vulcan anchor that always launches, set on an oversize roller that always brings the anchor home.


I use the self tacking feature in the pilot so I don't need to leave the wheel to tack. Don't go forward to anchor and don't leave the cockpit to reef.

For my next act, when I somehow become rotten rich, I would like a Windslyce track and cars to make the main drop quicker and to make downwind reefing easier.

I will pass on the four legged companion.

Great stuff PhoenixStar !
Fantastic that you are still out there enjoying it.

Select to expand quote

PhoenixStar said..
Now 86 I decided that if I am to go on sailing forever I better get the boat in geriatric shape. So this is how she is set up at the moment.

Electric sheet winch with the sheet tail back to be cleated on the secondary winch near the wheel. Switch near the wheel.

I can also use the secondary winch as a turning block to take the furler to the electric, then just one turn on the electric to ease the furling process without breaking anything.



Electric winch to handle the main halliard, topping lift, vang and sheet through Lewmar clutches that always release when needed even under high loads.



All the reefing lines in the cockpit with a winch to help out when reefing down wind if needed.



An easy to use plotter, an easy to read compass, the engine controls at hand and a powerful easy to use and reliable autopilot.


A good size anchor winch with wireless control and rode counter. A Vulcan anchor that always launches, set on an oversize roller that always brings the anchor home.


I use the self tacking feature in the pilot so I don't need to leave the wheel to tack. Don't go forward to anchor and don't leave the cockpit to reef.

For my next act, when I somehow become rotten rich, I would like a Windslyce track and cars to make the main drop quicker and to make downwind reefing easier.

I will pass on the four legged companion.

Excellent stuff. I have been passing on your ideas to my mate who is refitting his 42 ft alloy Cole. He is only half your age but no reason he can't get it right first time!

Select to expand quote

Ramona said..

PhoenixStar said..
Now 86 I decided that if I am to go on sailing forever I better get the boat in geriatric shape. So this is how she is set up at the moment.

Electric sheet winch with the sheet tail back to be cleated on the secondary winch near the wheel. Switch near the wheel.

I can also use the secondary winch as a turning block to take the furler to the electric, then just one turn on the electric to ease the furling process without breaking anything.



Electric winch to handle the main halliard, topping lift, vang and sheet through Lewmar clutches that always release when needed even under high loads.



All the reefing lines in the cockpit with a winch to help out when reefing down wind if needed.



An easy to use plotter, an easy to read compass, the engine controls at hand and a powerful easy to use and reliable autopilot.


A good size anchor winch with wireless control and rode counter. A Vulcan anchor that always launches, set on an oversize roller that always brings the anchor home.


I use the self tacking feature in the pilot so I don't need to leave the wheel to tack. Don't go forward to anchor and don't leave the cockpit to reef.

For my next act, when I somehow become rotten rich, I would like a Windslyce track and cars to make the main drop quicker and to make downwind reefing easier.

I will pass on the four legged companion.

Excellent stuff. I have been passing on your ideas to my mate who is refitting his 42 ft alloy Cole. He is only half your age but no reason he can't get it right first time!

Thanks ramona, always appreciate your contributions and your experience.

Phoenix, Do you have a self tacking headsail and if not do you think one would advantageous to you ??.

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samsturdy said..
Phoenix, Do you have a self tacking headsail and if not do you think one would advantageous to you ??.

no, no self tacker, and if I tried to rig one I would need a smaller sail and it would reduce my genoa sail area a bit too much. My present sail overlaps by about 1 meter. It is an excellent size for the boat and works in all wind ranges from hardly a whisper to 30 knots plus, Tacking is no big deal, keep both winches loaded when I am ready, then activate the selftacking thingy on the pilot. At my rudder rate setting the pilot oversteers about 20 degrees so with the windward sheet released the genoa comes over fast and I just press use the electric sheet winch button as I come about - with the boat over steered I gain way quickly, and the pilot realises that it has overdone it and heads up as I sheet in. I then reload the windward sheet ready for the next tack.
The electric winch puts plenty of load on but can't hold it, it winds back, so I tail back to the secondary winch near the helm and use its self tailer as a cleat. With a bit of practice I can flick turns off or on the electric winches without leaving the helm.

Yes you are right of course you would have a smaller headsail, so would it be worth considering
putting a bowsprit on to make up the loss of sail, this way you would retain sail size but increase
the length of the boat.

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samsturdy said..
Yes you are right of course you would have a smaller headsail, so would it be worth considering
putting a bowsprit on to make up the loss of sail, this way you would retain sail size but increase
the length of the boat.

If you do this you will change the fore and aft sail balance, and make the boat tend to fall off.
I love the look of bowsprits and bumpkins, but they are very expensive in the modern world, where everything is priced according to overall length of the boat.

Select to expand quote

samsturdy said..
Yes you are right of course you would have a smaller headsail, so would it be worth considering
putting a bowsprit on to make up the loss of sail, this way you would retain sail size but increase
the length of the boat.

Trouble with that plan is you still don't get a self tacker, the forestay is in the way.

Select to expand quote

Jode5 said..

sunycoastguy said..
I just have to convince the misses to live aboard, problem is she loves her garden and dogs more then me

Not a problem, just buy her fake flowers and a stuffed dog. She will never notice the difference. Worked for me.

I've always had that stuffed dog but won't be needing the flowers as the SWMBO won't even step on board!

Select to expand quote

Yara said..

samsturdy said..
Yes you are right of course you would have a smaller headsail, so would it be worth considering
putting a bowsprit on to make up the loss of sail, this way you would retain sail size but increase
the length of the boat.

If you do this you will change the fore and aft sail balance, and make the boat tend to fall off.
I love the look of bowsprits and bumpkins, but they are very expensive in the modern world, where everything is priced according to overall length of the boat.

OK good point. At the Sydney Boat Show this year I noticed for the first time that a couple of yachts were
fitted with self tackers and I believe Shaggybaxter has one fitted to his new boat so they must have
something going for them.

Select to expand quote

PhoenixStar said..

samsturdy said..
Yes you are right of course you would have a smaller headsail, so would it be worth considering
putting a bowsprit on to make up the loss of sail, this way you would retain sail size but increase
the length of the boat.

Trouble with that plan is you still don't get a self tacker, the forestay is in the way.

I guess what I'm saying Phoenix is put on a bowsprit and move everything forward including
the forestay the amount that the sail is behind the mast so that the full amount of the sail now sits in
front of the mast.

Select to expand quote

samsturdy said..

PhoenixStar said..

samsturdy said..
Yes you are right of course you would have a smaller headsail, so would it be worth considering
putting a bowsprit on to make up the loss of sail, this way you would retain sail size but increase
the length of the boat.

Trouble with that plan is you still don't get a self tacker, the forestay is in the way.

I guess what I'm saying Phoenix is put on a bowsprit and move everything forward including
the forestay the amount that the sail is behind the mast so that the full amount of the sail now sits in
front of the mast.

Right. I had a self tacker on the last cat and the point and shoot appeals, but I like where the slot is on this boat and it really is easy to tack any way. I guess I an saying it aint broke, so I won't fix it.

Select to expand quote

andy59 said..

PhoenixStar said..
Now 86 I decided that if I am to go on sailing forever I better get the boat in geriatric shape. So this is how she is set up at the moment.

Electric sheet winch with the sheet tail back to be cleated on the secondary winch near the wheel. Switch near the wheel.

I can also use the secondary winch as a turning block to take the furler to the electric, then just one turn on the electric to ease the furling process without breaking anything.



Electric winch to handle the main halliard, topping lift, vang and sheet through Lewmar clutches that always release when needed even under high loads.



All the reefing lines in the cockpit with a winch to help out when reefing down wind if needed.



An easy to use plotter, an easy to read compass, the engine controls at hand and a powerful easy to use and reliable autopilot.


A good size anchor winch with wireless control and rode counter. A Vulcan anchor that always launches, set on an oversize roller that always brings the anchor home.


I use the self tacking feature in the pilot so I don't need to leave the wheel to tack. Don't go forward to anchor and don't leave the cockpit to reef.

For my next act, when I somehow become rotten rich, I would like a Windslyce track and cars to make the main drop quicker and to make downwind reefing easier.

I will pass on the four legged companion.

Awesome Phoenix I want to be like you when I grow up

Me too!

Select to expand quote

samsturdy said..

PhoenixStar said..

samsturdy said..
Yes you are right of course you would have a smaller headsail, so would it be worth considering
putting a bowsprit on to make up the loss of sail, this way you would retain sail size but increase
the length of the boat.

Trouble with that plan is you still don't get a self tacker, the forestay is in the way.

I guess what I'm saying Phoenix is put on a bowsprit and move everything forward including
the forestay the amount that the sail is behind the mast so that the full amount of the sail now sits in
front of the mast.

Sam,
We are back to the old discussion about balancing the sail area in the air with the underwater profile of the boat. You can move the sails forward, but you can't do the same with the underwater shape.

Many modern yacht designs have gone back to the past, increasing the area of the main, and reducing the jib. This allows a self-tacker. However the boat is designed for it from the start, so the balance between underwater centre of effort, and sail centre of effort, is right.

Yes, fair enough Yara. I do think of ways to make sailing easier were I an ocean going
single hander but as you say boats need to be 'designed' or they don't work properly.
Practicality doesn't always work....does it ?. Thanks for indulging me Yara and Phoenix.

Select to expand quote

PhoenixStar said..
Now 86 I decided that if I am to go on sailing forever I better get the boat in geriatric shape. So this is how she is set up at the moment.

Electric sheet winch with the sheet tail back to be cleated on the secondary winch near the wheel. Switch near the wheel.

I can also use the secondary winch as a turning block to take the furler to the electric, then just one turn on the electric to ease the furling process without breaking anything.



Electric winch to handle the main halliard, topping lift, vang and sheet through Lewmar clutches that always release when needed even under high loads.



All the reefing lines in the cockpit with a winch to help out when reefing down wind if needed.



An easy to use plotter, an easy to read compass, the engine controls at hand and a powerful easy to use and reliable autopilot.


A good size anchor winch with wireless control and rode counter. A Vulcan anchor that always launches, set on an oversize roller that always brings the anchor home.


I use the self tacking feature in the pilot so I don't need to leave the wheel to tack. Don't go forward to anchor and don't leave the cockpit to reef.

For my next act, when I somehow become rotten rich, I would like a Windslyce track and cars to make the main drop quicker and to make downwind reefing easier.

I will pass on the four legged companion.

Like to know about your boat Phoenix - make, year, length...
regards,
allan

Phoenix,
I love the fact that your headsail winches are powered up enough to backwind , and you've 30 years on me.
Thanks for the pics/posts, most enjoyable, and very humbling!
Echo Datawiz, what boat?

Sam,
No mate, I don't have a self tacker. The only weird thing on the foredeck is the removable inner forestay. It's removable for the reason mentioned by Phoenix, so the genoa on the forestay tacks cleanly.
It's not as well thought out as Phoenix has his boat though! For example, I can have the staysail on the innerforestay all on the deck ready to go, but I still have to go forward to the mast to release the innerforestay (d-clip at the base of the mast). One of those annoying thingy's I haven't cracked yet that means I still need to leave the cockpit to downsize headsail. I have to go to the mast at least once to reef also.

Regards the bowsprit sails and balanced/unbalanced;
For mine, with just the kite up and no main, my speed is good but I've got too too much lee helm and the rudders are dragging. It feels like sailing through molasses on the wheel, it's an uncomfortable feeling.

I can recommend flipping on the autohelm before dropping the mainsail and look for the difference in the autohelm workload, it's an interesting dynamic, especially in any swell. On my last boat, my Raymarine EVO would simply lock the rudder angle at some happy medium to offset the kite pulling to leeward and skulldrag the rudder through the water, not very efficient !

Select to expand quote

shaggybaxter said..
Phoenix,
I love the fact that your headsail winches are powered up enough to backwind , and you've 30 years on me.
Thanks for the pics/posts, most enjoyable, and very humbling!
Echo Datawiz, what boat?

Sam,
No mate, I don't have a self tacker. The only weird thing on the foredeck is the removable inner forestay. It's removable for the reason mentioned by Phoenix, so the genoa on the forestay tacks cleanly.
It's not as well thought out as Phoenix has his boat though! For example, I can have the staysail on the innerforestay all on the deck ready to go, but I still have to go forward to the mast to release the innerforestay (d-clip at the base of the mast). One of those annoying thingy's I haven't cracked yet that means I still need to leave the cockpit to downsize headsail. I have to go to the mast at least once to reef also.

Regards the bowsprit sails and balanced/unbalanced;
For mine, with just the kite up and no main, my speed is good but I've got too too much lee helm and the rudders are dragging. It feels like sailing through molasses on the wheel, it's an uncomfortable feeling.

I can recommend flipping on the autohelm before dropping the mainsail and look for the difference in the autohelm workload, it's an interesting dynamic, especially in any swell. On my last boat, my Raymarine EVO would simply lock the rudder angle at some happy medium to offset the kite pulling to leeward and skulldrag the rudder through the water, not very efficient !

The little Star is an old 1978 Ranger 33, they were a Gary Mull design that fell in the cracks between the old rules and so didn't have any of the extreme "designed to a rule" features. About 460 were built in California by the people who built the Cals and the O'Days and as far as I know 2 made it to OZ. It was said that they had a hard time convincing Gary to design a cruiser rather than a racer and the Ranger wound up a little skinny. The accommodation didn't suffer but the side decks did. It makes her a great light weather boat without sacrificing her ability to punch to windward in heavy going with the appropriate sail up. The fairly high bow and sprung sheer make her surprisingly dry in heavy conditions. Never seen green water on the foredeck. (Maybe I don't pay enough attention to stuff in front of the mast). Encapsulated lead keel and ballast ratio of about 47%, displacement a bit under 5 tons and draft of 1.55 m. and a modest fin keel that still lets her self steer some of the time and she does heave to reliably.

Latitude 38 gave the Ranger 33 a boat of the year plug fairly recently and in the 2 1/2 years that I have had her she has grown on me, she still surprises me how quickly she can move when she is treated right. Boat speed about half wind speed to windward and under 30 degrees apparent. I can see why they are still a bit of a cult in the States .

P.S. the trailing edge of the fin is vertical, a real pain sometimes when anchored in strong wind against tide when the rode is wound up on the fin and the boat gets anchored broad side to the current. Then the heart stopping business of unwinding her without getting the rode caught in the prop. I really hate fin keels that won't shed the rode.