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| Title | Issue | |
|---|---|---|
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Hard dodger building logisticsWhen we first drew up some plans for the aluminum dodger we happened to be located on the southern end of the Baja Peninsula, in the Sea of Cortez — in the vicinity of La Paz. |
Web Exclusives 2013 |
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Fighting topside leaksThose of us northern sailors who have been out cruising in southern waters for a while know that leaks around ports, chain-plates and other deck fittings can be real pains in the neck |
Web Exclusives 2013 |
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Emergency refrigeration repairIf your refrigerator/freezer quits while you are in U.S. waters, only a properly licensed refrigeration technician who has the required equipment (refrigerant recovery system, vacuum pump, etc.) may legally service your system. |
Ocean Voyager 2013 |
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Pumps and prioritiesKeeping unwanted water out of the hull is the first principle of staying afloat. |
Ocean Voyager 2013 |
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Testing and equalizing batteriesIn a typical cruising boat, life is hard for the batteries. They are often discharged to 50 percent or less of full charge and rarely, if ever, fully recharged. |
May/June 2013 |
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Adding an electronic refrigerator thermostatThe mechanical thermostats (temperature sensing switches) supplied with most boat refrigerators work fine for two years or so. |
January/February 2013 |
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A useful canvas bucket from old sailsCall me a pack rat, but I hate throwing anything away that could still have some use aboard. My husband David uses old line to make ocean plait rugs. I use old jacklines to keep jerry jugs firmly in place on deck and also as hoists when making courtesy flags. So when it came time to buy a new mainsail, I couldn't just throw the old one away. |
Web Exclusives 2012 |
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Replacing engine mountsIf your engine mounts are more than five or six years old, or have been contaminated with seawater, engine oil or coolant, change them. Even if the mounts look perfect, the tough elastomer (rubber-like) material in the engine mount work-hardens over time and ceases to isolate the boat from the engine’s vibrations. |
November/December 2012 |
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Mast climbing techniquesSome approaches to mast climbing from an ocean voyager |
September 2012 |
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Installing a propane gas stoveOne upgrade we had long wanted to add is a propane stove. Our switch to propane came soon after we discovered it was possible to fill a propane tank just about anywhere if you have the right fittings. |
July/August 2012 |
