AIS

I have always felt that AIS is a game changer, especially on sailboats.  The ability to quickly identify contacts and see their CPA (closest point of approach), course, speed etc. will make offshore watch-keeping much less stressful.   If you install an AIS transponder then other vessel should be able to see your details, which is even better.  I have recently helped to install a Vesper Marine XB-8000 AIS transponder with WiFi on a friends boat.  I believe that this is the best deal out there (for the moment) as the use of iPad apps via WiFi makes the system much more usable.

The device; 

Back

Screen shots

Target List

Vessel Info

More info

Once we have installed the Seatalk/Seatalk ng connector to the Raymarine wind instruments and depth/speed we should be able to see wind data, speed and depth on the iPad as well.

Vacuum Bagging 2, success at least by my standards...

Top of hatch, which passed the 200lb Irishman jump test. 

Underneath.  The sides were well formed.

Slight build up or resin in the corner but not a major issue.

Good enough edge.

Vacuum Bagging, voyage into the unknown....

Look for results tomorrow;

Habemus bowsprit.........

After all my bowsprit machinations I found the impossible.  A complete, "Tops in Quality" manufactured bowsprit made by the original steel fabricators to the Canadian Whitby Boat Works.  It was destined for a stalled project boat in Tampa.  Its now in my yard.

While there I naturally bought the Garhauer mainsheet traveller on offer. 

Time to get installing, that was the last major part of the jigsaw.

Aft Companionway - we have a winner.

I like having access to the aft cabin when in harbor and on a nice bay sail.  I am less impressed with it offshore.  In fact, unless you are dealing with flat calm conditions I believe that the aft hatch should be closed and secured once you venture offshore.  As the aft companionway on TIH needed a complete overhaul I took the opportunity to redesign it.   

I will replace the existing hatch board and cover with fiberglassed coosa board.  The front will be hinged about 2" up and open forward.  It will be bolted closed against heavy rubber gaskets.

 The top lid will be hinged about 2/3 of the way back.  The teak board represents the location of the main sheet track.  The black otter box represents a Lewmar 20 ocean hatch.

The top lid will have a front edge.

Lid hinged up. 

http://catalog.monroehinge.com/viewitems/all-categories/plastic-living-hinge

Will be held up by a brass hatch holder;

http://www.downwindmarine.com/images/P/891549.jpg

Location of heavy duty rubber gaskets.

Aft Companionway.... continued

Ask six sailors a question and you will get seven opinions because at least one has a split personality. 

I posted the aft companionway question on the Whitby Facebook page and got a number of great responses.  I also got one phone call and one e-mail from owners who either don't trust FB or are on the witness protection program.   I expect to get at least one reply written on papyrus, delivered by a man with a split stick, such is the diversity of our owners group.   To all I say thank you.

The lack of consensus breaks down as follows;

1. Owners who love and use the act companionway and scoot up and down with impunity.
2. Owners who have removed the ladder, installed temporary steps and use the existing companionway as an escape hatch and for ventilation. 
3. A small number who have blanked off the companionway and installed a standard hatch, even one Brewer 44 which I believe was factory ordered this way. 

As usual the Whitby/Brewer lives up to her reputation as a  "A many-faceted boat"

These are photos from Rich and Carol Middleton's boat CREOLA  (Thanks for the input Rich and Carol)

Garmin iPad Bluechart app......

with ACTIVE CAPTAIN and GRIB forecasts and Premium weather ($4, needs cell phone access - i.e. within 10+ miles from the coast).

Uses all of the above on my recent short hop on friends Whitby 42 from Marathon to Fort Pierce.  220 miles in 28hrs, motor sailing, but still nice.

Shots are taken in my apartment but you get the general idea.