Saving Money

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barrett

YES WES!

Yes,some things,for safety sakes,need to be the way they need to be...But my great grand daddy sailed the family to the USA in 1906...If he had a waited to cover all the "neccesary" basics according to some, I'd of never been born, he'd of never left the old country! Many,Many people die without ever leaving to chase thier dream... far more than die for leaving with everything less than what someone else wrote it should be...
 
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Daniel

Agree with Wes

I agree with Wes. I have seen a lot of statements in here which I agreed with, which disagreed with the idea of saving money. For example I wouldn't go up a 38 foot mast on a cheap 3/8" halyard either. However, a 38 foot mast is probably attached to a boat for which the more expensive 3/8" halyard is not adequate either. Bottom line is to use common sense, which is frequently not so common. By the way in order to protect the not so innocent, I am the original Dan in the thread.
 
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Jeff M.

WOW! Can't beat this bunch for a lively discussion

Well... just spent about an hour reading the entire thread, and by and large I agree with the idea of saving where you can as long as it makes sense and doesn't compromise safety. However, now that the whole cordage issue seems to have been fairly beaten to death, how about the original idea of saving money whilst outfitting my boat? Although I'm relatively new to sailing, I've been boating for a long time (yes, the dreaded powerboat!)and one thing I've found is that Wally-mart, Kame-apart and the other cheapo retailers often have pretty good boat accessory ailes with the exact same products you'd find at a marine store for about 2/3 the cost. Because I sail in freshwater, I've also gotten away with a few things that wouldn't fly if I was in saltwater, such as the home-made bimini (1/2" conduit spray painted with white epoxy and a cut-down and re-sewn canvas painters tarp), automotive grade stereo and speakers, deep-cycle batteries from costco, etc. Sometimes I can't afford the quality I'd really like to have, so I get what I can afford now and hope that in a few years when it needs replacement, I'll have the money to get the primo stuff. Anyhow, I sure do enjoy these discussions and I'm learning a lot from all you fine folks, so please keep it up! Thanks, Jeff
 
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Alan

Jeff

I think that the some of the criticisms that you are seeing posted are being perceived by some as a personal attack. We all have differing views on the subject. That’s not to say that one is wrong while the other is right, just different. True some have more money to spend on their boats than others do. What is economy to some is a waste to others. The most important thing about this site is that you get the right to say it. Nobody is held accountable to another for his opinions. Having said that, I have enjoyed reading the ideas that people have come up with whether I agree with them or not!
 
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John Dawson

Not personal?

I think someone accused me of drinking water. And then they assumed I was young! :)
 
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Tom

About Gord's response

Hope he listens to you. You are, indeed, a gentleman and a scholar.
 
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Les Murray

Be careful with car stereos

I just learned the hard way about non-marinized stereos. I bought a decent car stereo (for about $150) with an extended warranty. My radio got wet and shorted out. Circuit City won't cover it with their warranty, so I am out the $150. Next time, I will spend the extra money for a marinized model, plus probably buy a waterproof box for it to sit in. Of course, I will not get it at West Marine. Learned that lesson as well. Thanks, Les Murray s/v Ceilidh '86 C-36 #560
 
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dan

coat hanger and chewing gum

reading all the replies and with a few chuckles I remember when I started sailing 22 yrs ago. my first boat was a Prindle 16 which I sometimes would repair with a coat hanger and any type of rope I could get my hands on. a little older and I hope wiser, I now stop to think about cost v- value. Just one big question arises now, if my life depended on it could I trust it?
 
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Frank Ladd

Dennis fusion paint is recommended by hunter

on the Advance composite boats they actually use a Kylon product that is made for appliances after doing repairs to the hull. It works great.
 
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Dan McGuire

Marine Radio

I got a marine radio wet. Their warranty would not cover them either. Not a good idea to get radios wet, especially with saltwater.
 
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dan

Alan, you talk'n to me?

looks like there are 3 Dan's posting on this thread! LOL!!
 
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dan

Alan

I guess in my back assward way I meant, if it has something to do with the function of the boat ie; running/standing rigging etc I try to buy good marine quality gear. If it is something like a CD player or a battery WalMart or your discount store is just a good or better if it is cheaper.
 
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Alan

OK ,got it

I think that a large number of us think the same way. Certain things require top quality while others are ruled by price vs function.
 
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Bob

I learned the hard way

that cheap doesn't mean just inferior materials, it can also relate to design and fit. On a real gusty day some years ago the snap shackle on my jib sheets released in a hard puff, sending it back at me like it came out of a slingshot. Luckily it missed my head by a small margin. Figuring I had just not allowed the pin to seat fully, I reattached it and kept sailing. Bad choice. It released again under strong load and narrowly missed me a second time. I'm obviously a slow learner, but got the message that time. Later, under closer examination of the shackle, I found the pin could not fully seat because the ring through the other end contacted the shoulder too early and restricted its travel. Since then I've noticed a lot of shackles are like this, even some of the Wichards on my current boat. Make sure the pin can go all the way down into the hole in the bail - I ground some small recesses to allow this and never had trouble with that one again.
 
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Alan

I've learned..

...a long time ago not to use snap shackles on jib sheets. They will invariably release when you don't want them to. Use 'J'locks instead. Quick and easy to use, light and small, and never open until you want them to.
 
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Joe

What's wrong with a bowline?

to attach jib sheets. Shackles or snap hooks are preferred for spinnaker sheets, for easy on and off, but for jib or genoa sheets I prefer the safety and security of a bowline.
 
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Nathan

Bowlines

I find that bowlines tend to hang up on the shrouds- particularly on light air days- when you may have to help the sail along with a little tug on the sheet.
 
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