Yes spring is just around the corner and if only the weather would cooperate! One of the projects I've got going this spring is a total paint job, bottom, topsides and deck. For the topsides and deck I have been looking at all the different paint options out there (Sterling, Alwgrip, Brightsides, Easypoxy). I've used a number of them over the years on various boats and found that each has its pro's and con's. Working on a strict budget as I do, I was trying to decide what to use on Lua. An old boatbuilding friend suggested I use a paint made by Sherwin Williams their Industrial/Marine Alkynol Enamal. He says he has used it for years and it works very well at a fraction of the cost ($50 per gallon US). I've got the boat all prepped and primed and am just waiting for the weather to clear so I can start laying it on. I'll keep you all posted as to how it turns out. I've seen a number of his boats and they always look great. Their finish is not as glossy but I prefer a more matted finish on my boats anyways. Wish me luck! Jim R.
2 2007-04-03 03:40:01
Re: Hitching a ride on a Contessa (2 replies, posted in Wanted)
Jeff, I sail Lua out of Lorain, OH and would be happy to give you a "test drive". Right now she's high and dry getting ready for splashdown at the end of the month. Keep in touch through this forum and we'll get it arranged. Don't worry about any exchanges, I'm happy to sow the seeds of a dream. Jim R.
3 2007-03-20 03:46:28
Re: Varuna suprise (19 replies, posted in General Questions/Comments)
I too read Hal Roth's book and was very pleased to see that picture of Varuna. It definately puts what our boats can do in perspective. I'd also love to get a copy of that picture but unfortunately I don't have the hardware to scan it either.
4 2007-02-21 04:44:20
Re: Boat on a Train: A Novel by Shannon Rae (heh heh) (21 replies, posted in General Questions/Comments)
Great name! When I bought Lua, I had to have her shipped from Virginia to Ohio and had to endure the same, a long wait. But take heart, it all works out and if your weather has been like the weather here in Ohio there's not a whole lot that can be done anyways. Can't wait to see more pictures. By the way, Lua is a '76 and so is Odessey which also sails out of Lorain, OH. Good luck.
5 2007-02-14 07:57:31
Re: Singlehanding (19 replies, posted in General Questions/Comments)
It sounds like a nice piece of hardware. I sure would like to see a picture of it if possible. I've also been playing around with the idea of a tiller tamer or something like it for Lua. At the present, I've been doing the low-tech thing with just a small cleat on the tiller. Thanks.
6 2007-01-18 04:43:53
Re: Gelcoat match (5 replies, posted in Repairs/Modifications/Upgrades)
Dear Group,
One of my winter projects this year has been to strip down and fair my bottom. I've found that there is an unknown epoxy barrier coat over the gel coat. It has a few areas where it has peeled/chipped away but probably 99% remains intact. Over the years I've used a number of different barrier coats, Gluvit, polyester resin, West System, VC-Tar, Asphaltum all with pros and cons. I thought before I take a leap and choose one for this project I'd throw the question out to you all. What have you found to be best product for a good barrier coat? I look forward to all your input. Thanks
7 2007-01-03 12:48:26
Re: GUESS......................WHAT............?????????????? !!!!!!!!!!! (13 replies, posted in General Questions/Comments)
Wow, welcome back (not that you really ever left)! The boat looks great. I wish you could have seen Lua the first time I saw her, makes yours look like a gold-plater. Can't wait to see more pictures and see what you do with her. By the way, what's her name? Best of luck.
8 2006-12-19 04:35:33
Re: Crown sail insignia (6 replies, posted in Sails & Rigging)
Interesting, I have a '76 JJT and the original main carries the crown logo. Did they alternate years or was it an option to choose between the crown and the CO?
9 2006-12-08 04:58:52
Re: Final call for Xmas wish list (19 replies, posted in Cruising)
Ah, a Christmas list. Well I may as throw in with this. I think my main wish is one that will have to wait until the Spring. I plan to repaint the interior, decks and hull so my wish is for a warm, dry spring. If the wishes could be extended to others (as they should be) then I too would wish for a certain northwestern member of the group to be able to find a new boat and get back into the swing of it all and to all members of the group that all their projects go smooth and come in under budget. Have a Merry Xmas all.
Jim R., Lua #190
10 2006-09-19 03:43:01
Re: The nightmare of reversing (9 replies, posted in Technical)
Ah yes, they tend to go where they want in reverse. I reproped mine with a 3 blade 11 by 9 and it seems to work as well as any. My solution has been to leave the boat in neutral and push her out of her slip from the dock, then jump on board and put her in forward to go on my merry way. Perhaps not the technical solution you were looking for but it works for me. That's the beauty of a small boat, you can move them around physically if you have to. Best of luck. Jim R.
11 2006-08-21 03:40:32
Re: head sail bag (9 replies, posted in General Questions/Comments)
I used one on my old Allmand 31 for many years. They work well. I got mine at West Marine or you could go to your local sail maker. I believe Sailrite also has a kit you can get if you're handy.
12 2006-05-31 08:33:13
Re: Sad News for Rhiannon (30 replies, posted in For Sale)
Shannon, I'm very sorry to hear about your having to let go of your Contessa. I have appreciated your inputs and sharing with this group and myself over the last year. Hang in there and stay strong! Just remember this is only a phase, a period of time which will eventually pass. Think about how easy it will be to re-do your next Contessa with all your hard won experience. If you ever get to Ohio and need a Contessa-fix, let me know, I'd be honored to do some sailing with you. Best of luck and stay in touch. Jim / Lua
13 2006-05-01 03:36:39
Re: Prop size (47 replies, posted in Technical)
Before the cold winter set in I asked about props for a 1GM10. After consulting my marine guru, I went with a 3 blade 11x9. Unfortunately, I had to wait til spring to see the results (talk about delayed gratification). Well she went in this weekend and I am very pleased to report that the new prop made a huge differnce! I could even back out of the slipway. Now all I need to do is find some waterskiis.
14 2006-02-06 12:34:45
Re: Heater and stove (32 replies, posted in General Questions/Comments)
Well, I might as well add my 2 cents in on this one. I have had the pleasure of experience with all of these fuels when I lived aboard my Allmand 31 for a number of years. Started out with alcohol, went to kerosine and ended up with propane. Here's what I experienced. I hated the alcohol, too slow and I felt dangerous doing that prime thing and invisible flame. I hated the kerosine because it was dirty, smelled bad and was dangerous because of that prime thing but not as bad as the alcohol. I finally went with a propane system which included all the safety precautions and I loved it. It was simple, clean and I feel if you keep your gear in good order and are conscientious, just as safe. A good friend bought a beautiful Catalina 30 a few years ago. I told him to get rid of his alcohol stove. He didn't and on a cruise back to Cleveland lost his boat and almost his life, she burned to the waterline and sank. I know it's a personal choice but on my Contessa I'll stick with gas, I'm currently using the small self-contained bottles which I store in a bag off the stern rail. I hope this leads to some good discussion.
15 2006-01-13 07:46:26
Re: engine (9 replies, posted in Non-Contessa Chatter)
When I bought my '76 contessa 2 years ago it had an old Faryman in it that had seen its last days. I got 3 estimates from reputable mechanics with regard to a rebuild. The price was about the same for what I'd pay for a brand new Yanmar 1GM10 which comes with a 5 year warrentee. I looked at 2 cylinder models but the fit was way too tight. After 2 year with the Yanmar, I'm convinced I made the right choice. Very reliable and economical. My total fuel bill for last year was $5. I agree with you Shannon, I love the lines of the boat. I've sailed for years with both diesels and outboards...I'll take a diesel any day.
16 2005-12-19 07:40:57
Re: Prop size (47 replies, posted in Technical)
Well the prop came in the mail in time for Xmas and I'm not sure whether to put it on the boat or place it on the mantle, it's beautiful. The prop make is a Michigan Wheel, and thanks to "Uncle Dave" the price, well to add to the other post-topic, it fits into my stocking. Down here on Lake Erie we don't get too much in the way of currents or tides but we do get serious Lake Erie chop, waves are square and very close together. This was the second year for me and my Contessa and I still can't believe how well she handles the rough stuff. Happy Holidays to all.
17 2005-12-13 08:24:26
Re: Prop size (47 replies, posted in Technical)
I really appreciate all the input. I shared this info with my boat-guru Dave Odham of Dave's Marine in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. "Uncle Dave" has probably forgotten more about boats, engines, etc. than I'll ever know and he recommended I go with an 11x9 3 blade. The new prop is in the mail as I write this. I'll install it as soon as it gets here. Only problem is that it's 15 degrees outside and the boat is buried under a foot of snow. I'm afraid we have to wait until spring to see the outcome.
18 2005-10-11 11:39:29
Re: Prop size (47 replies, posted in Technical)
I would like to get a few opinions regarding prop size and pitch for my Contessa. The engine is a new Yanmar 1GM10 with an 11"x6 3 blade prop. Maximum RPMs is about 3000 and while it pushes the boat along, it seems to be lacking in speed. I've been checking the Tech site and other sources and have seen ranges of 12"x13 and 12"x8. I sure would appreciate any input. The boat was pulled for the winter yesterday so I've got the time.
19 2005-09-23 06:44:57
Re: Windvane for a Contessa 26 (28 replies, posted in Sails & Rigging)
I have an old Quartermaster windvane that came with the boat. Tried it out for the first time this year and it appears to work well provided the wind remains steady and the Lake Erie waves aren't too square. It fits over the rudder head so you don't have to have an Erector Set hanging off the stern. If you get the chance to look at a book on self steering (I forget the actual title and author) they have a picture of a Contessa 26 with one mounted. Good luck with the research.