Richard N

At-a-boy Jeff!! Richard N Living to learn. Romany, White with Blue trim

David: It's a very emotional issue where some people do not want to see anyone or anything in their view, will not except change and refuse to respect the greater need to reduce greenhouse gases. It's interesting to note that the wind farm will most likely benefit fishing in the area. The USCG has no objections. Massachusetts Audubon Society and Woods Hole Oceanographic support the project. Something to think about: Windmill point seems to be an acceptable attraction. Minots Light, Boston Light, Graves Light and many other man made landmarks such as forts, etc. all add to the beauty and charm of the area. If the windmill project were proposed by Christo, it would be considered art. [http://www.christojeanneclaude.net/rf.html] [http://www.christojeanneclaude.net/tg.html] [http://www.christojeanneclaude.net/si.html] Will the wind farm be an eye sore? Maybe, maybe not. My feeling is that the windmills will actually be a tourist attraction and a wonderful example of man's creativity in producing energy without adversely effecting the enviornment. Richard N Living to learn. Romany, White with Blue trim

I think message (#20) helps to answer the question. >"The problem, as I see it, is that any random large boat will be a larger target for a lightning >bolt unless it has something to dissapate the charge, like a system like this. So, if you knew >a vessel had a system like this, it would likely be safer, but if you had no idea, the vessel, >in all likelihood wouldn't, and then you'd be more likely to get hit from an arc skipping off >the mast. " Boating safety classes provided by the United States Power Squadron (USPS) and United States Coast Guard Auxiliary (USCGA) make it a point to mention that, because large boats have electrical grounding systems, a lightening safety zone exists around large vessels (especially sail boats). In fact they teach students that, if you are at sea in a small open boat and a thunder storm is taking place, the odds are that you will be safer next to a large vessel than if you were to take a chance and head for shore. The odds of a large vessel not having an approved grounding system is extremely low. Because all large sailboats are good targets, they all have a grounding systems that meet any one of a number of marine and insurance safety codes. In addition to personal liability, large boat owners are acutely aware of the real possibility of enormous property losses (electronic equipment, etc.) if their ungrounded vessel is hit by lightening. The odds are that every owner of a large vessel in Marblehead Harbor has insurance and as such has an insurance company approved grounding system. We should obviously adhere to the cardinal rule; "never be on the water during a thunder storm". Maybe it's time to put things into perspective by ranking the risk levels of the various stages one passes while paddling toward shore in a thunderstorm. Such as: agressive paddling (at times your paddle would be almost straight up), landing at the waters edge, exiting in the water, running up the beach, types of shelter, etc.. Although we all agree that all of these stages bear high risk, possibly some are less of a risk than others. Again, if we are caught on the water during a thunder storm, should we ignor the highly respected, small boat, safety teachings of U.S.P.S. and the U.S.C.G.A. (seek shelter next to an anchored large vessel), or do we take our chances and race toward shore? Richard N Living to learn. Romany, White with Blue trim

Hello John: Hopefully this discussion is not interfering with your good times in Jamaica. #1......Enjoy your vacation. Obviously we value your expertise in this area and welcome your objective comments on this very controversial subject. The link below, although a commercial website, will give you an indication of the detailed attention boat owners and insurance companies give to the importance of safety during thunderstorms. [http://www.marinelightning.com/index.html] It should be pointed out that the company is attempting to convince others that their patented system is superior to traditional bonding and/or grounding systems incorporated into large vessels. Problem: You are on the water when suddenly you hear thunder and see lightening. A large sailing vessel is moored close to your current position. Heading toward land will have you paddling on the water, exiting your boat at the shore line and running off the beach during the height of the storm. Granted: accepted wisdom is to get off of the water as quickly as possible. Although, emotionally we have no good options, hovering next to the "mother ship" may be safer than the obvious dangers associated with racing toward shore, exiting at the water line and seeking a safe position or location during the storm. The BIG Question: do we seek shelter next to the large sailboat or do we take our chances paddling full speed ahead to possible shelter on land? Hopefully your wisdom will help guide us to be safer paddlers. Richard N Living to learn. Romany, White with Blue trim

>"......the big guys always take the hit." >No I will not paddle with you during a thunder storm and no >I do not want to try out your new aluminum spare paddle! :-) LOL OK "big guy". Have it your way! During a thunderstorm, if you promise to hold your new carbon paddle in the water, I'll promise to stay clear, cover my ears and just snap a few flashy photos. ;-) (For those who don't know Michael C., he's a mighty big dude and tall enough to eat beans off my head.) Richard N Living to learn. Romany, White with Blue trim

Had the same problem with extremely tight wrist gaskets. Not only were they uncomfortable, my hands would turn white. Solved the problem by simply stretching the seals. Whenever the suit is not worn, I stuff a round plastic jug in the neck gasket and keep empty soda bottles (20 oz) in the wrist gaskets. Now, the suite is always nice and comfy. Richard N Living to learn. Romany, White with Blue trim

Judy: Very good questions! Using the cone of protection around a large vessel is being suggested as an option to help diminish the odds of being injured by lightening. It's just another arrow (option) to keep in your knowledge quiver. >So, my question: if (as the article implies) some boats DON'T have this grounding system >installed, how do we know which tall boat to paddle up to, given the possible consequences >of choosing wrong? 1. Like a tall building or isolated tree, large vessels in the water are prone to lightening strikes. It's a sitting duck! Because large vessels are expensive the owners have property damage and liability insurance. Insurance companies require proper bonding before issuing a policy. What are the odds of a large vessel not having insurance when the odds of it being hit by lightening are high? Flying Bridge "A small, usually open platform located above the main bridge, as on a powerboat, equipped with a secondary set of navigational controls" [http://powerandmotoryacht.com/december05/PMYP-051200-CV-1.jpg] Boat with Flying Bridge and Outriggers [http://newimages.yachtworld.com/1/4/1/6/5/1416596_7.jpg] >My second question >We generally think of lightning as DOWN -- it hits the ground, don't let it hit >you. But in his NSPN weather class, John Huth noted that most of a >lightning bolt's charge is FROM the ground -- the ground's response, with >the ground supplying much more power. So, there seems to be a great deal >of UP in lightning, with the ground -- and the concentrations of charge in it -- >playing an active role. A revelation to me, and I'm wondering if this puts the >"why's" of selecting one's choice of hiding place (on land or at sea) in a >slightly different perspective. 2. The bonded system addresses this very issue. References to ion discharge (dissipation) are noted throughout the following page. [http://www.bayacht.com/aaa/nl-artic/lightng/lightart.htm] Richard N Living to learn. Romany, White with Blue trim

Cone of Protection from Lightning - Faraday's Cage [http://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/lightning.htm] Like all dangerous situations, the devil is always in the details. I'm not suggesting that this procedure is 100% guaranteed protection. I am saying that you greatly improve your odds by taking advantage of legitimate lightening protection systems found on larger boats. Although you may be within a protected area, you should still recognize and respect all the obvious rules regarding safety around electricity. Anyone who has spent a great amount of time on the water will be able to relate many frightening stories where lightening struck a boat and nothing else happened. Rafting vs being spread out. If you have a small group, spreading out and hovering very close to the larger vessel would be ideal. With a large group, you may need to raft up to stay within the "cone of protection". If anyone has a carbon or metal paddle, toss it away and let it float near your boat. Also, I would not dangle my hands or any conductive material in the water and I would not hold or paddle with a carbon or metal paddle. Do not hold onto ANY metal portions of the larger vessel. The important point to remember is that lightening will be attracted to the highest point on the larger vessel and will take a direct path into the water. And, that the protected area is a 45 degree angle down from the highest point and 360 degrees around the larger vessel. Richard N Living to learn. Romany, White with Blue trim

For some unknown reason, an important thunderstorm safety option is overlooked in the kayak world. My opinion: When kayaking, one of the safest places during a thunder storm is to be parked next to a sail boat (over 30 ft) or next to a large vessel or power boat that has a flying bridge and/or long metal outriggers in the up position. It could be safer than being in your home or automobile. Since all vessels with electronic equipment and metal fittings (stays, etc.) have a grounding system built into the boat that bonds (connects) all electronics and steel, any lightening hitting the vessel has the charge directed deep into the water through a grounding plate located on the bottom of the hull. Because the highest point on the larger vessel acts as a lightening rod, the higher the mast the greater the radius (umbrella) of protection from lightening. If you're kayaking along the coast and a large vessel is nearby, my feeling is that it's much safer to raft up next to a large boat than it is to head toward the shore. Examples: 1. If you're at or near Misery Island and a thunder storm approaches, you would be safer in your boat (kayak), rafted next to a larger vessel moored in picnic cove than if you were anywhere on the island. 2. During the summer months, sail and power boats are anchored and moored all long the coast. When a thunder storm approaches, the best option is to head toward and raft up next to large boats that may be moored or anchored nearby. During my boating days, when the possibility of lightning existed, I would always try to be next to the tallest boat in the harbor. The big guys always take the hit. I referred to the practice as "extra insurance". Any objective comments you might have on this subject will be greatly appreciated. Richard N Living to learn. Romany, White with Blue trim

Trip date: Saturday, August 13, 2005 Time: Meet at 10:00 AM, Launch Time: 10:30 AM // Off the water at 4:00 PM Put-in location will be provided in your confirmation Email. Distance: 8 miles. Minimum skill level for this trip: L-3. We will begin with a leisure paddle through Newport Harbor packed with eye popping sights of mega yachts from all over the world. Along our route we will visit IYRS (International Yacht Restoration School) for a guided tour of the facility and see the ambitious restoration of Coronet. Our trip will continue through the Harbor, past Goat Island Light and under the Newport Bridge (it’s huge). We will then proceed to historic Rose Island for lunch and a guided tour of the Rose Island Lighthouse and Fort. After lunch we’ll paddle along the Narragansett Bay side of Goat Island and proceed to Fort Adams for an extended listen to the Newport Jazz Festival. Bring your camera! You’ll be amongst many hundreds of boats of all sizes and descriptions closely anchored and rafted just off shore. Everyone will be listening to the music and contributing to the festivities. It’s like “Woodstock” on the water. After the festival, we’ll paddle through some of the more picturesque, tranquil and historic portions of the harbor. Ref: [http://www.iyrs.org/] [http://www.yachtcoronet.org/] [http://www.roseislandlighthouse.org/] This is an approved NSPN trip. Arrive early enough to allow an extra 10 minutes to find a parking spot. Dress appropriately and allow for changeable weather conditions. Bring lunch, plenty of water and $10.00 for beach landing fees and tours of IYRS and Rose Island. RSVP to Richard Najarian at brucemedi@aol.com Please including the following Trip Sign-Up Information with your Email. Member Name: Describe Your Paddling Experience: ACA/NSPN # and Exp. Date: Contact within 36 hours before the trip - a) Email: Phone (W): c) Phone (cell): d) Phone (H): Boat Description (Make, Model, Length, Color): Emergency Contact(name): Emergency Contact (phone): Richard N Living to learn. Romany, White with Blue trim

Charles: Excellent trip report. And, with all due respect, a correction should be made to the common error of using "knots" to define distance. >"Eastern Egg Rock is 4 mi. south of Black Island, two past Franklin light or about 10 knots from the Medomak Town landing, the last 4 are open ocean."< A "knot" is actually a unit of speed (nautical miles per hour) and is not a measure of distance. The term "Knot(s)" is derived from the use of a log line used by sailers to determine speed through the water. A "nautical mile" (distance) may be abbreviated to nmi, naut mi or NM. Knots, (nautical miles per hour) is often abbreviated to kn(s). or kt(s). Nautical miles per hour (speed) may also be abbreviated to NMPH, naut mph, etc.. Distance should be stated as "miles" and appropriately qualified as being "nautical" or "statute". Something else to note: When you see a speed limit sign on inland water (harbors, rivers, etc.), it is always in "statute" MPH. Go figure! Richard N Living to learn. Romany, White with Blue trim

Karen: Well done. Especially replacing the north shore of Boston with "New England". In the short term, it should be of immediate concern that the current pages on the site do not contain accurate information regarding officers, BOD and committees. Presenting outdated information is a poor reflection on the status of the club. Also, the "NSPN Business" section was to be a forum to keep members informed as to what's happening and to eliminate the disconnect between the BOD and the general membership. For some reason, aside from the Risk and Liability thread, it's been dormant for over 6 months. IMHO it would be beneficial to provide the membership with accurate reference information and updates regarding Board decisions and committee activities. Richard N Living to learn. Romany, White with Blue trim

Adam: It appears that you are correct! Other than a written and oral test, "the applicant must be currently certified by the American Red Cross in standard first-aid or completion of any standard first aid course that meets the criteria established by rule of the commissioner". The link below describes the licencing tests: That's it!! ???? Another surprising fact: "Approximately 4,000 licensed Maine guides". At $82.00 each that's a nice piece of change (about $300-$400m annually). Looks like a very nice profit center for the "State Of Maine". Richard N Living to learn. Romany, White with Blue trim

Indeed, the material is actually "Brian's Finest Foam" (white). The cushion is fabricated using 3-4 layers of 1"-3" foam. Complete credit for fabrication technique goes to Brian. I used his recommended adhesive and tools for assembly and shaping. After laminating the foam blocks to the approximate desired shape you begin the initial rough trimming and sanding. Once you're satisfied with the shape to fit the inside contour of your boat you begin the task of carefully custom shaping for personal comfort followed by finishing with multiple coatings of Plasti-Dip. Plasti-Dip is available in many colors and may be mixed to create just about any other color. I've found "The Quilters Husband" to be the most reliable source (price & service) for Plasti-Dip. I diluted the Plasti-Dip with their thinner and used a brush to paint multiple coats on to the backrest. After an initial thin coating, I used undiluted Plasti-Dip to fill seams and imperfections in the foam. Because the undiluted material is very viscous, my primary tools for filling were a chop stick, thin coffee stirrer and tooth pick. When your satisfied with your "pot hole" filling, paint about 3-4 (or more) additional thin coats of plastisol to produce a smooth finish. You'll notice the finish improve with each coat. Tip: I waited 24 hours between coats. Although you have a choice of solvents for diluting, I found the "Plasti-Dip" thinner (mixture of three different solvents) to be best. No longer having to deal with a back strap is fantastic! Richard N Living to learn. Romany, White with Blue trim

A few suggestions: 1. The gold standard for training is Chart No.: 1210 TR. Just about every North American navigation course uses the 1210 TR because it keeps everyone on the same page and It has almost all of the notes, chart symbols and features used on all other charts. This special chart is designed for training only (not for navigation). And, the reverse side of the chart is loaded with useful information. Cost is only about $3.00 - $4.00. 2. A must have!!!!! Chart #1: not a chart, but a booklet that lists and defines all of the symbols used on U. S.-manufactured charts. 3. As Christopher suggested...forget the parallel rulers! The USPS has a very handy, one piece, plastic ruler that replaces parallel rulers and a protractor (one tool does the work of two). I believe the rulers are only available through the USPS. For kayaking, the handiest tool I've found is definitely a Nav-Aid. 4. Dividers: For chart work, you do NOT use the type used by a draftsman with sharp points and a screw type adjustment. Invest in a good pair of Weems & Plath, 7" , straight pattern dividers made of brass and stainless steel. Very solid, easy to use with gloves and will hold a setting. The steel plated models with sharp points rust and do not maintain a positive setting. Plus, the sharp points will make a mess out of wet charts, poke holes in your waterproof chart protector and are not the sort of dangerous tool to be used on the deck of a kayak. Don't try to save a few dollars on a look alike. Although the cost may be $20.00 to $30.00, they are worth every penny! Also, the USPS has a new self study program called "USPS®'sBoat Smart Course" that may be worth investigating. Tip for today.........learn to use the log scale found on most charts. It 's the fastest and handiest waterproof calculator known to man! Let me know if you need more information. Richard N Living to learn. Romany, White with Blue trim

Ken: It's been about 40 years since I first began taking USPS courses. The skills learned enabled us to travel along a 5-10 mile leg and reach a waypoint within 5-15 seconds of accuracy. It was great fun watching the second hand tick off the time as we approached a buoy. High 5's when you pased it on the money! The instructors are mostly educators and every experienced boaters who take navigation and safety very seriously. Example: < http://www.predictedlog.org/Education/enjoy.html> Predicted log contests are the ideal way to sharpen your skills. Although I've proposed creating a similar contest for kayaking, up to now, interest has been nil. With slight modifications to the rules, it could become a new and exciting extension to the sport. The introductory programs are sufficient for coastal kayaking. My suggestion is to take the safe boating courses (includes navigation) and/or basic navigation. Although the USPS course (my preference) is directed toward power boat safety, it does cover a broad range of very important information. Advanced courses will allow you to expand your horizon. Below are lists of classes offered in Boston and the New England area: Good luck and happy kayaking. Richard N Living to learn. Romany, White with Blue trim

Adam: BRAVO!!! Well said!! I entered the kayaking world with an open mind regarding the kayakers reasoning for choosing the most prudent routes to take while paddling in open water, crossing channels and moving through busy harbors. Unfortunately, some of what is passed on in the kayak world seems to have been generated from kayaking experience and not from the reality of limitations and needs of larger craft. Although much of the teachings from a kayaking perspective were very valuable, some of the information is very short sighted. Anyone interested in safe navigation should participate in programs similar to those offered by the US Power Squadron or US Guard Auxiliary. Then, after learning the rules of the road and basic navigation, continue on with skills specifically associated with kayaking. Adam, I'm sure members would be interested in having you offer some basic and advanced courses in the Boston area. Richard N Living to learn. Romany, White with Blue trim

And, In addition to Natalie........ How about real wood that will not float? A few examples are: 1. Lignum Vitae Was used to make the finest wooden mortar and pestles. When you pick one up, you'll be shocked to discover that it weights about 4 times more than what you would expect. They are extremely heavy. 2. Wood from some of the Acacia trees. 3. Ebony (from Indonesia) Used for black piano keys and was used in the manufacture of large format, high quality, cameras. Because they are very strong and not prone to warping, one of our more skillful (frugal?) members might consider using these woods in crafting a home made helmet. But, beware, it will be heavy and will not float! Richard N Living to learn. Romany, White with Blue trim

Check the Photos!!!!! Richard N Living to learn. Romany, White with Blue trim

A kayak is just another boat on the water. The principles of navigation and piloting are the same for all vessels. For navigation purposes, overall speed on the water is the only difference between a kayak and larger vessels. Because a kayak has a cruising speed of only about 3-5 nautical mph, the effects of current and wind become much more significant. The U.S. Power Squadron and U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offer very comprehensive piloting and navigation courses during the winter months. They will teach you everything you should know about reading charts, piloting and navigation. And, (very important) you will have a greater understanding of the responsibilities assumed by the captain of a larger vessel. Knowing why, when and what the captain of a larger vessel is about to do will enable you to become a much safer paddler. IMHO, either of the above mentioned programs should be a prerequisite for kayak specific courses. Once you master the basics, the very small boat (kayak) navigation nuances will be a breeze to understand and apply. Richard N Living to learn. Romany, White with Blue trim

A personal recommendation (as a cusromer). New England Small Craft 295 Newburyport Turnpike Rowley, MA 01969 978.948.6118 Great People! Very knowledgeable. And, they have every toy and type of equipment you could ever imagine. Richard N Living to learn. Romany, White with Blue trim

Adam: Many thanks (with red face). Gosh, Brian did all the work! I only helped to enable NSPN members "pass it on". Truly humbled! Richard N Living to learn. Romany, White with Blue trim

Below are installation details on a very lightweight and extremely reliable foot pump. http://www.seakayakermag.com/2003/03Feb/pump01.htm Check the following page for details on the Bosworth, Guzzler pump: http://www.thebosworthco.com/pumps_3.htm .......Method of articulation: see drawing "D" .......Model #: 450 .......Weight: <1 lb. .......Rated: 10 gal. per. min. Richard N Living to learn. Romany, White with Blue trim

>This is one of the silliest threads yet, but... Mark, 10 points for the right answer. 5 points for the reason. Believe it or not.......someone has done research on the subject and has "brewed" up a very impressive "final answer". Keeping Coffee Hot An age-old question is finally resolved. Should cream be added to coffee upon purchase or right before consumption? The difference between these two thermodynamic alternatives could mean hotter coffee. Jonathan Afilalo Richard N Living to learn. Romany, White with Blue trim

Another KISS test: Three same size Thermos containers in good working order. Heat some water to boiling. Fill each Thermos half full of water. Tightly seal one. Lightly seal the second. No cap on the third. Let them stand undisturbed on the counter. In 3 hours record the temperature of the water in each Thermos. Any difference in the temp.? Additional Info: FYI: All brand name vacuum flask manufacturers (Zojirushi,Thermos, Nissan), have a 5 year warranty on the seal. Personally, although they may cost a few dollars more, I would only purchase a flask made by one of the above companies. Richard N Living to learn. Romany, White with Blue trim