For Main Sail

[sailaway78]

Main Sail,I read your posts, and look at your pics. You do beautiful work, and should be complimented on all of it. But there is one more observation I would like to make. You have entirely too much time on your hands, and way too many tool toys.

 

[Maine Sail]

Actually less time..

Actually less time than you would think. I'm an early riser and late to bed person so lots of my work gets done either very early or late after my wife goes to bed. I also don't watch much TV or go to church so that leaves nights and Sundays open..Usually my photography and web site stuff is done late at night while I'm working in my office and take the needed "sanity breaks" from paperwork created by my real job. Many of my posts on here are done from my PDA or laptop while traveling for work or from my in-home office. I figure I put in about 150-200 hours per year on boat work mostly during the winter. I rarely do any major boat projects during the boating season as that time is reserved for sailing. I do wash the boat once per week but usually it's between 6:00 and 7:30 in the a.m when I can get the dock space then I go to real work....It's all about time mgt..Tool toys... There's NO SUCH THING as too many tools!!!!! I've actually been collecting them since I was about 12, and yes, I do have a good arsenal although believe it or not I do not yet have a Fein Multi-Master...Then again these tools have paid for them selves many time over because they have saved me hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years. There are very few things I hire out. On top of marine stuff I do my own domestic plumbing, AC, electrical, framing, finish carpentry, roofing, many auto repairs such as brakes among other things.I did pay to have my house cedar shaked but only because I just did not have an entire summer to complete that tedious task. There's not much I won't tackle, none of it is rocket science, and it's saved me a boat load literally..While other guys are wasting their lives watching sports I'm either doing them or doing something productive. Basically, I can't sit still but I don't have much "extra time"...

 

[Ross]

Mainesail, Can you remember when you last read a novel

or an earth sciences book?You don't seem to me to allow much time for recreational reading.

 

[Tim R.]

HAH!

I have one of those!Hey Maine, your old boat is on the default web site of Points East. It is one of their splash images so you may need to hit refresh a few times to see it.You remind me I need to get back to working on my house this summer. New built in, gas fireplace and maybe a stone wall.

 

[Maine Sail]

I had...

I know and it's probably why I don't cause I know where to borrow one..I had not seen those images yet but I did take the cover photo this month..!

 

[Maine Sail]

Ross I read..

Ross,I read lots and lots, actually too much, but it's mostly scientific research based garb for work. I actually do about one hour plus per day of reading but not for pleasure. As for recreational reading I do that too but mostly while traveling on planes or while on the hook while sailing or in my car where I spend lots of time with books on tape (I drive 40-50k per year). Oh, and as you probably guessed I don't normally read fiction, no patience for it. Our library is quite full though so I guess I read more than I give myself credit for. Most recently I read Airborne (sailing book by Buckley).. You want a good read try "The Creature from Jeckyll Island" that's the kind of stuff I enjoy..

 

[Ross]

Good for you! Mainesail. I read more earth science and

history than fiction. I have more time for it than you. I drive at most 12,000 miles a year. I spend far too much time here and I do all the cooking.

 

[scolil]

Kudos

I have to agree with Nice. Your posts are greatly appreciated. It is nice to see someone get more done in a month than I do in a year. Keep it coming!

 

[TimCup]

I stand by my original theory..

a crew of illegal aliens (who I now believe are held against their will, screaming all night to be freed- hence your lack of sleep...).cup

 

[Maine Sail]

C'mon TimCup...

I built them a sound proof room so I don't have hear it...!;D

 

[Scott B]

I wish I still had your energy

I used to do work around the house in the evenings and all weekend, but lately after dinner I just crash. Of course being AT work at 6:00 am and getting home anywhere from 4-7 and I don't have much "go" left to do anything else. Bonus is, if it looks like nice weather for the weekend, come Thurs. night I just tell them I won't be in Fri. ;DI've collected lots of tools over the years and also do all my own framing, electrical, plumbing, drywall :{ , and am almost completed a total gut / demo of our kitchen / dining area and rebuild, including tearing out a load-bearing wall. As far as roofing, we are a roofing contractor so there's no way I was going up on my house with a 12/12 pitch ( Cape Cod style) Aside from that, I really appreciate the amount of help I get from Maine Sail as I don't have the time to figure out how to do everything on a boat and anytime I'm working on the boat, I keep myself doing a project the "right way" as thats the way Maine would do it. .

 

[Mac]

Mainsail

I love your boat!! I have a Mac 25 right now and would like to graduate up to a boat like yours someday. If you don't mind me asking, what is that boat worth? What would it take to buy that boat? It looks like you have taken very good care of it and also added many upgrades. Appreciate all the great pictures. Thanks, Mac

 

[Maine Sail]

Mac..

A quick check of Yachtworld shows asking prices for Canadian Sailcraft 36T's ranging from a low of 53k to a high of 95k. 53k is most likely a real fixer upper and 95k is most likely someone on drugs...Mine is an exception example having been painted in 2007 and re-powered in 2003 new interior cushions this winter and new portlights among other large ticket items. CS's hold their value very, very well due to the quality of the construction and the resulting reputation. Many have been around the world and have bene used for extended blue water voyaging... All that being said, in this market, I would guess any boat would sell for up to 20% or more bellow asking..

 

[Rob19574]

Thanks Maine

Yes Maine Sail - I appreciate you advice over the years. You really know your stuff and your boat says it all! I especially appreciate the advice you post on how to effectively re-bed any hardware on deck.You are an inspiration to all out on the water!Rob

 

[Maine Sail]

Guys...

C'mon guys I'm just passionate about a sport I see dying right in front of me. Sailing is EXPENSIVE and in order for the sport to survive we'll depend on the middle class and DIY owners. As boat yard labor rates approach $100.00 per hour and something as simple a re-bedding just one stanchion can take over one hour, depending on access, and you have eight to do it really adds up.. I don't want to see this sport shrivel and dry on the vine so I help out however I can..I know from a few emails, I have had sent to me, that I have made the difference between someone selling their boat, due to big expenses, and them tackling the job themselves and keeping the boat. That is what drives me to share my knowledge. it would be selfish of me to just lurk here and not share what I have learned.The more folks that can afford to keep a boat the better off the sport will be. Please don't think that just because I share my knowledge that I know everything there is to know about sailing. I DON'T and I learn something new here everyday from you guys!!!Also, please don't just take my word as gospel. It's not and it's my perspective and personal opinion on how to do things. Do yourself a favor, investigate and do some more research beyond what I say or write. Then, feel free to compare my writings and evidence, I always support my methodology with evidence, to what else you've read and then draw your own conclusions.There are always many ways to skin a cat and my way is NOT always the right way, especially when you take your time into account. My methods are usually much more thorough than even most builders care to do and most boaters will be satisfied with production work and some won't.As always it's good to know you guys appreciate what I do and I'll keep up as best I can.. I have about four more articles i want to do but they take time and as you know I'm pinched for that.P.S. Three magazines have approached me about writing for them and we have had to agree to disagree. My work is free and I WILL NOT remove it from the net and give ONE magazine exclusive rights!! If they really want my stuff they will need to change their archaic & antiquated policies allow dual publishing rights, my web site and their mag!!

 

[sailaway78]

Hey Main Sail

In response to your post. Many of us have particular areas in which we are better than others. I am a pretty good wrench, and good at figuring out things mechanical. But I suck at wood work. And compared to you, I apparently am a pure slob. Others on this board have areas they are very good at. Tony is an excellent wood worker, and he will be the first to admit that his mechanical aptitude is challenged. Ross has so much info in his head, it boggles my mind. And lots of others. But you seem to have it all pretty well covered. Some of the things you do may not be, according to some, the right way. But looks like to me that it couldn't get much better. Maybe overkill, but what the hell. Too good is far better than not good enough. The fact that you refuse to not share your writings makes me wonder, how many on this board can honestly say they would pass up the oportunity to be published, and the money involved, even though not a lot, just to keep their work free. So, a tip of the hat, to you and all those who are willing to share their knowledge and expertise and their opinions. It's what keeps this board great. And one last thing. You sir, are a class act.

 

[RickS]

PYI PSS

Mainsail, Thank you for yur detailed reviews and tips. We have used your writeup for a number of projects. The polishing/waxing guide produced fantastic results and compliments. The writeup on installation of the PYI PSS was instrumental in both the purchase and installation. THe wire crimper is great and I've recrimped previously "crimped" electrical that were never quite perfect. Thank you again.