Another Coquina

[John Bell]

I was thinking about you all day yesterday. It was a glorious sailing day here in N. Georgia. I simply had too much to do with work and also my boat needs a few repairs after a brutal Watertribe UM last month.

The boat is just lovely and I hope someday soon to sail in company with you.

JB

[Ed Armstrong]

Spectacular!!

[Rik van der Vaart]

Congratulations! Very nice looking on the water.. Proud you must be of yourself, and rightfully so.

[davlafont]

Huzzah! Huzzah! Well done! A true inspiration!

[Bill Perkins]

Thinking of the trim ballast ; it might be most convenient if some of it was above the floorboards : easily moveable or removable to trim the boat with different crew numbers and to lighten the boat when handling her ashore . I've thought before this would be a good use for some of the cast Iron window weights I've seen piled up in Atlanta's wreaking yards. Power washed and painted ; then served over or covered with decorative knot work : they'd be easy to handle ; could be made attractive ; and wouldn't mar the boat .

They could be lashed to the floorboards as far forward as possible ; each lash line hitched at it's midpoint to a heavy eye screw into the keel ; then the ends led up through gaps in the floorboards to secure the ballast above . So all would be secure in a capsize ;but could be dumped if you had to . The lines could stay rigged for the season . When you're not sitting solo in the stern some or all of the ballast could be left at the dock .The lashing would be easy to untie .

The crew will hike out to hold this boat upright in a blow , the ballast I think being primarily for adjusting the fore and aft trim . So it seems it doesn’t have to be placed as low as possible (under the floorboards) ; the more typical situation.

[potomac]

Congratulations and thanks for sharing. This build was a real inspiration and a joy to follow. I was sorry to see it end.

[Reynard38]

Congratulations and thanks for sharing. This build was a real inspiration and a joy to follow. I was sorry to see it end.

Thank you and don't worry.... Somehow I think there is another build in my not to distant future.

[Reynard38]

I was thinking about you all day yesterday. It was a glorious sailing day here in N. Georgia. I simply had too much to do with work and also my boat needs a few repairs after a brutal Watertribe UM last month.

The boat is just lovely and I hope someday soon to sail in company with you.

JB

John I'm looking forward to seeing a both our boats on the water together.

[Reynard38]

Still some fun stuff to do. After all that work on those molded shearstrakes I want to protect them. No way I was gonna use those rubber fenders on this boat.
it took a few tries, but I think I might have this fender tying thing figured out.....



Not a bad way to spend a free hour or so.

[chortle]

Looks great, congratulations! I suppose the trim could be helped most easily by having a young lady sitting forward? How long are the oars you are using?

[davlafont]

...I think I might have this fender tying thing figured out.....

Indeed! Previously you proclaimed yourself clumsy with knots. I say modest instead. Might a short stubby version of this be the answer to your rudder line knots? Maybe it's not the right braid/weave of line... I was also going to suggest monkey's fists and now I suppose that's not an absurd suggestion at all.

[Reynard38]

In her new home. Had a fantastic sail today. 75 degrees 10 knots of wind no humidity and lots of sun.



Had my daughter take the helm on the downwind run back to the marina. It really is a great little boat.
Our French Bulldog seems to love it as well. Didn't even mind her new PFD.

[Sharpie21]

Well, now this has been a fantastic thread. I like that you are keeping us up to date with your on-the-water experiences. More pics, or videos, please, of this boat under sail....

Really like the fenders you made. What type (material) of line is that?

[Reynard38]

1/2 inch Hempex, with a 1" radiator hose core.

[almeyer]

Absolutely beautiful - the boat, the fenders, and the daughter. What a nice way to spend Easter weekend. Well done!

I've got some similar fenders on my boat; get more admiring comments on the fenders than I do the boat.

Al

[Pete E]

I followed this tread along. A nice result you can be proud of.

[John Bell]

John I'm looking forward to seeing a both our boats on the water together.

We'll need to figure out a time real soon.

We just got back from a weekend trip to St. Marys, GA where we tried to do a little kayaking. Unfortunately bad timing with the spring tides and strong, strong winds thwarted that expedition. Alas, all we had to do was eat oysters instead. I was wishing all along for my other boat.

[Reynard38]

I did a sea kayak trip once around Cumberland Island. We left our of St. Mary's. The tides down there are around 9' and you need to plan your trip around them. The resulting currents are amazing.

[Reynard38]

Well it was pretty windy on Lake Lanier today. Enough to generate solid whitecaps and waves that reached to the deck of the Coquina. I would guess 12-15 with gusts over 20. I put in a reef in the main and things were much better, but I still managed to get a side deck under water once.
On a broad reach back to the marina she was flying! I don't think a Coquina can plane, but she was trying.
If today was any indication Herreshoff definetely got this one right. And my yellow poplar spars are still straight and looking good.
She's put to bed till next week.

[Rob Hazard]

Isn't it a hoot how such an old-fashioned looking boat can be such a performer? Makes me giggle every time I go out!

[Sailor]

And you didn't get any pics of it? Mabye next time....

[Reynard38]

And you didn't get any pics of it? Mabye next time....

Hey, one hand on the mainsheet, one on the steering line. Both feet on the downwind coaming!

[WilyBCool]

Congratulations! Awesome little boat and wish you the very best possible time spent a'board. ;D

[Reynard38]

She does very well in light air. Barely a whisper of wind and she will respond.

[Bill Perkins]

A beautiful interior to contemplate while ghosting along .As long as there's steerageway we're still Sailing .After that it's Sail Assisted Drifting .

John ; Darien has more and more amenities available ; shuttle service and a sheltered paddle on the upper part of Cathead Creek.

[John Bell]

Did you ever put in the trim ballast? If so, did it make any difference?

LMK next time you go out, I'll see if I can join you. How does your marina feel about guests launching boats there?

[Reynard38]

John,

It will be next week. I don't think they'd mind during the week.
I did add 50 pounds. Made it a bit stiffer, and not she sits even with her water line.

[Reynard38]

A pic of Lynda Lea on a broad reach. She gets a LOT of attention at the marina.



And to anyone who isn't sure about those steering lines, you learn to love them quickly. It's nice being able to steer anywhere in the boat...



Captain Nat knew how to make a builder smile!

[Reynard38]

Now that I've been sailing the Coquina for a couple months I've learned a few things about her.

1. She's a great boat for 2 people (and a dog). 3 gets to be a crowd, especially if they aren't sailers.
2. Once you learn the rig it's very easy to sail. Once it's trimmed up in a steady breeze it's hands off stable. I went across the lake last week eating my lunch while she stayed withing 8 degrees of course upwind.
3. Got caught out in a storm yesterday. 30+ knots and hard rain. Sheeted in the mizzen and dropped the main. Don't know if I'd call that heaving to, but it works!
4. It's a real PITA to cover. I've got to work out a better method to cover her at the end of the day.
5. Get ready for LOTS of attention. People will cross the lake for a better look. Budget an extra 45 minutes at the dock when you get back for the Q&A session.

After the storm yesterday my wife uttered those fantastic words "you need a bigger boat". Is that permission?

[potomac]

Now that I've been sailing the Coquina for a couple months I've learned a few things about her.

1. She's a great boat for 2 people (and a dog). 3 gets to be a crowd, especially if they aren't sailers.
2. Once you learn the rig it's very easy to sail. Once it's trimmed up in a steady breeze it's hands off stable. I went across the lake last week eating my lunch while she stayed withing 8 degrees of course upwind.
3. Got caught out in a storm yesterday. 30+ knots and hard rain. Sheeted in the mizzen and dropped the main. Don't know if I'd call that heaving to, but it works!
4. It's a real PITA to cover. I've got to work out a better method to cover her at the end of the day.
5. Get ready for LOTS of attention. People will cross the lake for a better look. Budget an extra 45 minutes at the dock when you get back for the Q&A session.

After the storm yesterday my wife uttered those fantastic words "you need a bigger boat". Is that permission?

Tough to be a rock star.

[Sailor]

Yes, I'd take that as permission.

[Rik van der Vaart]

Time for a new thread.

[Peter Malcolm Jardine]

Beautiful boat. Congratulations.

[Gerarddm]

This has been a great thread, thanks. Fine job on a classic design. The choice of font BTW was inspired and in keeping with the boat. It is this attention to detail that really adds up.

[Reynard38]

When you cut your centerboard slot in the keel make sure you allow for the thickness of epoxy and paint (and a little swelling). Otherwise you'll be doing this....



As you can see from the scrape marks mine was a bit tight.



An hour with a biga$$ french rasp (love that tool!) and some 80 grit adhesive paper on the sides of the board got it working smoothly! A couple coats of epoxy on the sides of the slot and she will be back in the water.
Taking her to the Gulf coast in a few weeks.

[Reynard38]

Of course before I pulled her from Lake Lanier I did get in a fantastic evening sail...

[Reynard38]

A little video of Coquina sailing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVt-2...e_gdata_player

Was a perfect morning. It's been so hot around here I've been getting to the lake early to beat the heat.

[potomac]

Lovely. You seem to be moving right along. I didn't think you should get her wet- too pretty. But I think I was wrong. I wonder, do you miss building?

[Reynard38]

Yes I do miss the building. I'm really torn about the next boat. If I had a big enough shop it would be an easy decision. I'd most likely find an older boat in need of TLC. Wood of course.
due to my limited shop space I'm thinking of a Knickerbocker 1 design. Yes it's frozen snot, but it's got very traditional lines and some wood for me to sand and varnish. I don't like the cabin profile, but that can be changed!

[Reynard38]

The Coquina has been home since January for a bit of freshening up. Planning on putting her back in the slip @ April 1st.
As I like sailing at night, and I had an old oil fired bow light I thought I'd figure a way to mount it that wouldn't affect the appearance of the boat when it wasn't needed.
Not much room forward of the mast!



Its a split locust clamp lined with leather. I plan on replacing the stainless pad eye for a bronze one as I was out of them.
Also got a bronze wing nut on order to make tightening easier.



Now I need to find a similar stern light to put on the aft deck. Gotta be fairly short to fit under the mizzen boom.
And yes I do carry a very bright led flashlight when out at night on the lake.

[Bill Perkins]

The lake is rising quickly . http://lanier.uslakes.info/Level.asp . The weather's getting warmer . Time to fix my rudder, refinish my oars ,and overhaul my sailing rig !

I stay off the lake on busy weekends .On my 15 footer ,with no one nearby , I enjoy sailing dark on a Summer night with night vision intact . I carry a powerful flashlight ; I also wear an LED headlamp .This last I turn on and light the sail and fordeck hands free if I see a close approach is developing (not often). It's the handiest for other tasks too of course. The flashlight's there if I need to add emphasis .

[Reynard38]

Fortunately I work most weekends. During the week Lanier is empty.
Up where I am, just south of the bridge its a bit less chaotic on the weekends.
I took a lot of early morning sails last summer to avoid the heat. Had the place to myself.