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alcoons

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    Cetus (original) skeg does not full retract

    in Boat repair, outfitting

    Posted

    Hi,

    I was one of the lucky ones to get an original Cetus in which the skeg box was sized well enough to work.  So after I added the recommended two tiny zip ties to keep the bungees on the plastic wheel all has worked well for years.  I was unable to paddle last year so the boat was garaged for a full season.  Have padded a few times recently and noticed that the skeg does not fully retract as far as I remember. I remember that it was not sticking out of the hull when fully retracted. Note now it is about out about 1/4 inch.  I could be looking for an excuse, but I have always sensed that there is a surprising amount of drag created by just a bit of skeg on this boat.

    What I have done:

    • Removed the skeg and replaced a broken zip tie mentioned above.
    • Made sure the barrel lock on the end of the bungee was all the way down in the skeg box so the skeg had room to retract fully.
    • Moved the knot on the end of the bungee so the bungee is less tight (since the bungee pulls the skeg down into position for use.

    What I observe:

    • That if I slide the skeg adjustor all the way forward the skeg does lower below the hull.  Of course, the adjustor does not stay in that position since you would not be able to release it.  It slides back a bit and the skeg drops as shown.

    What to do?

    • Logically the only next step I can think of is to shorten the cord from the adjustor to the skeg (this is what retracts the skeg).  It is not suppose to stretch but I guess it could.  Does not look so easy to shorten. 

    Thanks for any help,

    Al

    Cetus Skeg.JPG

    Tall ships coming to Boston on June 17th

    in Past Trips

    Posted

    Hi Beth, David and Sherry,

    I am also planning to head out that way on the 17th. I did it decades ago at the first parade of sails and, more recently, joined the crazy fleet of boats following the Constitution turn around. The latter was so dangerous I would not consider being in the flotilla of following boats again.  

    David's comments are right on. It can be much more hectic and dangerous than one would imagine with significant boat chop, traffic, and limitations.  Once we get more details we could start brain storming about how to approach it.  Some concerns: keeping a group together among the boat traffic. What level of skills are needed to handle the conditions and distances. Good route planning given any constraints. For example, we could not cross the channel on my first trip.  

    We did pull up on a good island, get some elevation, and watch some of the parade from there. That was great. We also found staying away from the viewing line as long as possible as we paddled helped. In other words, move away from the main channel to get some safe distance in.  So there are the normal decisions to be made with any trip plus the complications David point out.

    Should be a great day!

    Al

    PS.  Way back then were so few kayaks that the motor boaters were worrying about us.  Of course most of them were anchored on the viewing line and rocking back and forth so badly that many people were sick. They kept offering us food, drink, and help.  Of course the kayaks rode right over the confused chop and we felt fine but we enjoyed the shared food and concern.

     

    2017 CAM Trainings

    in Past Trips

    Posted

    Rob, Bob, and Phil,

    Thanks for great meeting and careful thought about what CAM really means. Lots of good ideas, useful distinctions, and modeling CAM by having an open discussion rather than a lecture.

    Al

    Boston Light from Deer Island - 9/19/15

    in Trip Reports

    Posted

    The parking lot just before the Deer Island Light was mobbed. As featured in The Globe that morning, the Baby Doe event and memorial was in that area. Luckily everyone arrived early as suggested and there was lots of turn-over. In fact, it appears you can park about 10 cars along street now.

    There was a Channel 5 news team filming some short pieces but luckily we were not in a sensitive area. David, Jill, Bob, Yong, Sung, Ed, Glenn, and Al launched on-time (9:30) off a low tide on the beach facing the airport. We gathered by Deer Island Light to cross the channel in a pod to Nix Mate. Now that the holiday had passed there was minimal traffic. As typical for a level 3 mellow group, it took about one hour to land at Lovells. Then on to Boston Light with light winds and little chop. Even including a rather long stop at Lovell's we were at the light in 2 hours.

    However, we again were told we could not land due to planned tours. I discussed this frustrating situation with the very nice and helpful Coast Guard Auxiliary people and Sally, The Boston Light Keeper, and they told us of a really great changes:

    • The island visit schedule is now posted online.
    • There is usually a drop-in time from 12:30-2 when non-schedule tours can land, and
    • You can also call or email Sally as little as 30 minutes before you want to arrive and check on availability.

    As soon as I confirm URLs and phone numbers, I will make a general posting of this information.

    The group wanted to see the island and tour the light. Bob suggested we go around the small islands (name?) just NE of Little Brewster to kill the hour before we could land. They were spectacular, with a bit of rock play and lots of birds. We arrived back at Little Brewster and were welcome ashore with a tour and a light house visit. Lunch on the high picnic tables was mellow and of course the views of Boston and the Harbor Islands was as good as it gets.

    Glen suggested we head around Great Brewster, down to the northern tip of Lovell's and back to the launch. With the wind and tide behind us it was a great trip. Making use of the incoming tide and light traffic, Glen lead us across both channels a bit early (just below the red-green channel divider) with sensible stops for the few coming boats.

    The group was well balanced paddling at the same pace and we worked together to make decisions. On the beach by 3:30? Thanks everyone for a great trip.

    Sat Sept 19: Boston Harbor Islands/Boston Light from Deer Island

    in Past Trips

    Posted

    Boston Harbor Islands from Deer Island

    Date: Saturday Sept. 19

    Launch: 9:30 AM, (Beach Briefing 9:15 AM). Early departure to take advantage of the tides and the limited parking.

    Status: Need committed paddlers to confirm. Confirmation will be posted on this thread.


    Route: 12-14 miles: Tour by many of the Boston Harbor Islands including Boston Light if conditions are appropriate. Note: at times kayakers are not allowed to land at the light)

    Put-in: Last parking lot (on left) on Tafts Avenue in Winthrop before you are stopped by the Deer Island gate (back about 1/4 mile?) http://www.gmap-pedo....com/?r=5974085


    Trip Type and Tone: Level 3. CAM. All stay together. Support each other. Conservative decisions. Should be comfortable with wind and waves.


    Bring: Water & lunch, snacks, extra clothing, etc.

    Tides are very good: Low Tide: Around 9:48 AM, High Tide: Around 4 PM

    Al Coons
    Cetus
    Red over white, mostly over

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