101

(7 replies, posted in Cruising)

I agree with Jose - will be very glad to link up with you.

Cheers.

ivanross "Morava" #266

102

(55 replies, posted in Sails & Rigging)

Well those prices are a hec of a lot better than what I received from quotes here in Canada.  From North Sails a 7oz Dacron ( I guess that is over the top) they wanted $1,985 plus tax which is another 14%.  They were willing to give me a 25% discount if I ordered before the end of Jan.  and sent them 50%.  I have not done that.  From my simplistic knowledge it looks as if you are getting a good deal for all the sails including the jibs.  Also, all my quotes only included 2 reefs for the main.

ivanross "Morava" #266

103

(7 replies, posted in Cruising)

Thanks everyone for the advice and information.  Lost of options that I have to look into.  I have to say I am intrigued to look at options that take me as far as San Francisco (always nice to do a trip while learning something) but then again I have heard good things about the Ottawa school.

I will let you know what I decide - now I just have to find the time ; -)

Cheers.

ivanross "Morava" #266

104

(7 replies, posted in Cruising)

Hey Jose this is great - thanks very much for the information.  While I like to think I have some experience (reality is different) I think I will start with basic cruising and work my way up.  It sounds like your time was a really good experience.  I think I have to get some solid practical knowledge by really learning from an instructor.  And of course, getting certifed always allows one to dream of chartering a bare boat somewhere warm.

Again - many thanks for the information and for even finding a place close to Kingston.

Cheers.

ivanross "Morava" #266

105

(7 replies, posted in Cruising)

I am interested this summer in taking a course on cruising whereby you actually go out and do it for a week or two- anyone know of any good schools they might recommend - I checked the CYA website  - not that helpful.

jcfoto:  at the TO boat show you mentioned you did something similar - any recommendations?

Cheers.

ivanross "Morava" #266

106

(55 replies, posted in Sails & Rigging)

I too am looking at new sails.  Sent out for a quote with a Kingston sail maker that is highly regarded (In my opnion and from others, and he made Morava's Storm Jib) and he recommeded a Loose foot along with 4 full battens.  I received a quote for approx. $1,740 plus (of course) taxes.  The material is dacron - as for strength I didn't get that - but I can find out.  I also told him about my baggy sail and he thought that he might be able to fix the outhaul and tweak the sail to get another couple of years out of it.

I then asked for a quote from UK Halsey in Toronto - and again they recommended a loose foot with 4 full battens tappered at the leech.  Their price was $1,375 (which included a 20% TO Boat Show discount) - and then add the taxes.  The material is 6.62 High aspect dacron.

So, interesting - not sure what to do - UK Halsey has a great price but do I really need that type of material - keeping in mind I might (hope) to do some extended sailing around the Atlantic perhaps in three years?

I also sent out a request from North Sails but have not heard from them yet.

Any ideas?

ivanross  "Morava"  #266

I just wanted to thank everyone, really great meeting you all - Nathalie and I had a great time, very good discussion and it is nice to see the pcitures and stories of your boats.  I sure learned a lot - something as simple as I need to take of the Topping Lift once the main sail has been hoisted (Thanks John) - I am sure my Main and boom will then sag quite a bit as the sail is now 27 years old - time to get a new one.

Thanks for the picture Jose, and Adrian I owe you a beer.  And yes I was the one who split his beer ; -)

Looking forward to seeing you this summer in the Thousand Island and hopefully somewhere on Lake Ontario.

Cheers.

Ivan Ross "Morava" #266

Hey - great story about the refit and the trip to Bermuda, thanks for the pictures too.

Cheers.

Ivan Ross  Morava #266

Hello everyone:

Just to confirm from the last e-mail from John Lee - are we still planning to meet at around 2:00pm on Jan 13, 2007 at the Boat House at the Toronto Boat Show?  I plan on showing up.

Cheers.

Ivan Ross "Morava" #266

110

(6 replies, posted in Sails & Rigging)

I have a 1980 and I to have the crown logo on the main sail- and I beleive there was always the crown logo with JJ taylor boats on the sail sometime after the mid 1970's.  However, the CO on the hull near the bow changed after 1983 and the crown logo was put in after they became known as JJ Taylor Boats.

IR  "Morava" #266

111

(11 replies, posted in General Questions/Comments)

Hi Stepan D -

Thanks very much for the offer.  I put the 3 balded prop down not fully appreciateing what it means.  I have read all the forums on this site that go through the merits of doing it etc...  But I must admit that I do not fully appreciate it.  I realize that it is not as simple as just putting on a new prop right - you have to make sure it fits the shaft and is compatible with the engine right?

My original thought was that Morava seems so underpowered right now that a 3 bladed prop might do the trick.

Interesting, how come you are staying with the two bladed prop?

Cheers.

IR

112

(5 replies, posted in Technical)

Thanks for the input - I have to check the wiring - but very good point about potential for fire  - so 15 amp it is and yes they do charge more for the 30 amp - so anywhere I can save some money - in the end all I really want it for is to ensure I have lights working in the boat at night instead of the old kerosene lamps that I grew up with.

Cheers.

IR

113

(11 replies, posted in General Questions/Comments)

Well, we all have those famous to do lists and perhaps it is not of any interest to anyone but I thought I would share mine since I am taking the boat down to Kingston and will not be able to run home in a jiffy if I get into trouble like I can on the Ottawa.  And I like to think Morava is in good shape.  This list does not even include some of the stuff that I dream about like a new engine, a new gel coat, a new awl grip deck etc...  Also, I am not even sure I can do some of the stuff - I read a lot about you guys "rebeding" the shrouds etc... not sure what that is but I know I have to do it given I do have leaks but will admit that I am intimidated by it.  And you will notice, some of the "stuff" I have to do is fairly novice stuff at that.

Cheers.

Morava
Ongoing To Do list

Mast, Sails and Rigging:
1.    Inspect, clean and fold sails.
2.    Organize parts and material in sail bags - get ready for Spring.
3.    Re-paint mast spreaders black.
4.    Replace anchor light on mast.
5.    Check and replace wiring on mast for VHF.
6.    Check antenna - see if it needs to be replaced.
7.    Paint scrapes on mast on at least clean - take off stickers.
8.    Inspect boom.
9.    Install and purchase line for taking down the jib singlehanded.
10.    Rebed shroud supports on deck.
11.    Replace/resew mainsail cover - brand new from Genco $250.00.

Engine and Batteries:
12.    Ensure batteries are charged up and in good working condition.
13.    Fix, battery cables, replace if necessary.
14.    Change oil - find oil leak.
15.    Find gas leak - see if gas lines are leaking.
16.    Change fuel filter (Fram C-11 91 A).
17.    Learn to bleed fuel lines.
18.    Add gasket to fuel/oil pump on bracket.
19.    Get extra bracket made.
20.    Tighten stuffing box nut.
21.    Perhaps get new 3 propeller blade and install (I doubt it though).
22.    Have extra oil on board 15 W 40.
23.    Clean battery compartments.
24.    Replace and fix engine lights for cockpit.

Lines:
25.    Purchase new sheets for foresails.
26.    Ensure all dock lines are in good order - purchase new ones as needed.
27.    Replace rope for life buoy.

Cockpit and Hatches:
28.    Clean scuppers with plumber’s snake.
29.    Purchase locks for lockers.
30.    Purchase (perhaps) boom tent - brand new awning from Genco $325.00.
31.    Purchase (perhaps) dodger - brand new from Genco $1,195.00 minus 15% (limited).
32.    Replace and make cabin hatchway  - plastic and wood with window.
33.    Create/build mosquito screen for cabin hatchway.
34.    Fix cowl vents and tubing.
35.    Fix seal and perhaps replace forehatch.
36.    Purchase mosquito screen for forehatch.
37.    Purchase windsock for forehatch.
38.    Fix mushroom vent.
39.    Buy screens for port and starboard middle portholes.
40.    Perhaps build and install cockpit wood/teak sole.
41.    Fix bilge pump bladder.

Deck:
42.    Purchase lifelines if necessary or remove old plastic coating that is frayed.
43.    Screws for lifeline stanchions.
44.    Rebed lifeline stanchions.
45.    Add plastic rings to all lifeline stanchions.
46.    Sand all teak and protect with teak oil or determine which product works the best - this must be done  before launch - means complete sanding of rudder etc...
47.    Make sure electrical to deck outlet works.

Cabin:
48.    Fix leaky galley sink water pump.
49.    Fix and secure ice box cover.
50.    Figure out how to install table.
51.    Build rack for utensils.
52.    Build rack for binoculars.
53.    Inspect and make sure head works.
54.    Replace electrical plug over ice box.
55.    Install hanging locker rod.
56.    Purchase alcohol stove.
   
Misc:
57.    Purchase new Canadian flag.
58.    Purchase new American courtesy flag.
59.    Fix and test BBQ.
60.    Get new winter cover or repair old one with new lines.
61.    Purchase (perhaps) storage box for car.

114

(5 replies, posted in Technical)

Thanks Jose:

I just need it to run cabin lights, Cd player and perhaps lap top - no cooking though - so 15 amp should be enough right - or is that already to much "stuff" on a 15 amp circut?

IR

115

(5 replies, posted in Technical)

I have a very obvious question (I think)

Morava is all closed up for the winter, but in the spring I am moving her down to Kingston at Collins Bay and they have electricity at the docks 15amp or 30 amp.

What do I need?  Everything is original so I am assuming it is 15amp.  Does it matter (it must).

Cheers.


Ivan Ross "Morava" #266

You can count me in for Jan. 13 also.

Cheers.

Ivan Ross Vrána  "Morava" #266

Thanks for the contact and for the advice.  I will look into it further and I keep in touch if your are in the Thousand Islands.  Morava will be docked at Collins Bay Marina just west of Kingston.

Cheers.

Ivan Ross "Morava" #266

Thanks Jose - I plan to take a very close look at the engine in the spirng.  As long as I have had the boat back (fall 2003) - I have not opened up the engine - I must admit that I am intimidated but it will have to be done.  Thanks for the advice, I will examine the rings and look at the valves.  My whole conception of the engine will have to change as all I needed it for was to get Morava out of the Marina in five minutes and then I was generally sailing.  Next year, which I am looking forward to, I will put Morava back in Lake Ontario at Kingston. So I am anticipating a hec of a lot more use.  Interesting to note that after reading my dad's logs books he had some of the same issues with the engine - even when it was brand new. 

As for the keel plug, I finally manged to get it off, I bought a very big wrench so I could apply the proper torque -the plug is not stripped so it was perplexing as to why it was so hard to get off this year.

Thanks for the compliments on the pictures.

Cheers.

Ivan Ross "Morava" #266

Bonjour Marc:

Thanks very much  for the compliments.  You are right - Morava is at the Nepean Sailing Club, though next summer I plan on taking her down to Kingston so I can re-explore the Thousand Islands and Lake Ontario.

Morava has been fortunate in that my father who was the first owner kept really good care of her and the two subsequent owners did the same, so when I bought her back in 2003 she was in very good shape for a boat built in 1980.

I too have sailed on an Alberg 22 and the sailing is very similar to the Contessa 26 - you will not be disappointed.  These boats are a real pleasure to sail and worth every penny.

Good luck and when you have a chance I wouldn't mind seeing some of your pictures.

Cheers.

Ivan Ross "Morava" #266

120

(16 replies, posted in General Questions/Comments)

Hi Steve M:

I actually looked at the Dream Cathcher Yacths web site, and they seem very impressive.  I am amazed as to what they are able to do with the Dana 24 and and still maintain some classic lines.  Also it was interesting to note that while the 24 might seem expensive, the other prices  for their bigger size boats seem fairly good when compared to a new Hunter etc...  The Dana 24  does look impressive for its size.  They remind me of the Westsail.

Cheers.

IR  "Morava" #266

121

(16 replies, posted in General Questions/Comments)

Well, very very interesting discussion.  I think a lot of good points were made regarding technology and how the design and comfort of the sail boat has evolved - and I don't want to judge people who choose a sailboat for comfort (or any other reason) because I sure know I would appreciate that.  I realize that there are also a lot of problems with the Contessa from a design perspective,  but it does make me a bit nostalgic for when they were producing these boats - I was 10 when my dad bought Morava brand new in 1980 and I still remember how she gleamed and looked when she was launched- I guess I am corrupted because I don't see anything like that on the market today in that length range built to that standard.  I guess I was dreaming when I broached the topic - I thought I could have a second career building new Contessa's ;-)  and I am sure  Jermey Rogers has looked at the economics of building new 26 footers and decided to stay with the 32.  In the end, I guess most of us are willing to put up with the cramped quarters etc... because of the way these boats sail.  Having been fortunate enough to sail on many different types of boats, there are very few that come close - then again I am most likely biased.

Cheers.

Ivan Ross "Morava".

122

(16 replies, posted in General Questions/Comments)

Now I realize that there are lots and lots of used sailbooats out there for sale in the 22-30 foot range.  But it strikes me that there are hardly any manufacturers that are building in that range - what I mean is Hunter and others build what essentially (in my opnion) looks like a day sailer.  There doesn't seem to be any boats being built today that are the same caliber of the Contessa, Alberg, Mirage, Tanzer, Shark in that length range.  I am just musing as to why that is - is it because the market is so gluted with used sailboats or is it because I haven't been to a decent boat show lately (though a purely unscientific search on the internet did not yield much information as to new 22 to 30 footers being built)?  I do realize that the market did collapse in the late 80's but I wonder if there is a market today for such boats?  There seems to be a very robust market for new boats in Europe and North America over 32 feet.  Just some thoughts.

This of course doe not mean I want to trade in Morava ;-)

Ivan Ross

Morava #266

Well - I pulled Morava out of the water yesterday, and I can't get the keel plug undone - It has never been a problem before, but I can't even budge the brass plug.  Any ideas on how to remove it - I was thinking perhaps I need to warm it up - but not sure if that makes any sense?

Also, in earlier posts, a couple of us had noticed that blue exhaust was coming from the engine - I have a Farryman and change the oil every year, the engine itself only gets about 10 hours of running time a year, being on the Ottawa River it doesn't take a lot - but I am taking the boat back down to Kingston where we orginally had her so therefore a lot more engine use - any ideas as to what the blue exhaust could be a sign of?

Thanks.

Ivan Ross
"Morava" #266

Hi - I too am up for meeting around the time of the Toronto Boat Show.  I was planning on coming down from Ottawa, so more than happy to meet a few Contessa owners.

Ivan Ross
Morava 266

Hello:

Some answers to your questions - I have a 1980 Contessa.

1  For the battery - I actually have two hooked up under the cabin sole - it works well and they don't take too much space - easy access and they are always dry and never wet - this was the orginal placement for the boat.

2 My fuel tank is also in the Starboard locker, that is also the orginal placement - again it is not ideal but it works well - easy access and while storage space is always a problem, for the cockpit lockers I have founf that I can get all of my stuff where I need to.

3  Wires - I have my wires running through the lockers over the bunks - not under them, I suppose it could cause problems if you are not careful.

4. Wires through the Mast and then through the cabin- as far as I know this is the orginal placement - I have not had any leaks and it works well.

5.  Access to the engine is not ideal, but what access is on a boat of this size, I have found over time you can get used to working around it especially with the cockpit cover off - it takes time but you eventually do figure out the best way to deal with the engine when an issue arises.

6.  Middle Hatch - your lucky - that was an improvement on boats after 1980 - wish I had one ; -)

7.   Stove - I have alsways used a portable alcohol stove stored in the aft locker in the cockpit.  It is a customization to add it to the cabin.  I also have a Force 10 BBQ attached to the aft rail, so all my cooking needs are taken care of - and it has worked well.

8.  After 26 years, my standing rigging is still in decent shape (knock on wood), but of course that depends on the boat.

Cheers.

Ivan Ross
"Morava" 266