Small Boat on the Inside Passage

[Bruce Bateau]

This one might be good for a photo caption contest.

[Bruce Bateau]

And now looking at the picture myself, it might be:

1. Every wooden thing needs to be white with a green stripe or green with a white stripe.

2. That boat finally did him in.

3. Obsessive compulsion gone awry.

If you chose #3, you'd be correct.

My boat is painted with Pettit Easypoxy topsides paint on the top and the bottom. I understand a lot of small boats are painted this way.

In the past bottom paints were a little more toxic than they are now and some folks wanted to avoid that. Others didn't want to pay the high cost of bottom paint or deal with the ablative qualities on a boat that didn't spent that much time in the water.

Realizing that mine might spend a few weeks in the water, I started to wonder if I'd get critters growing on there. Then I started to worry that the paint wouldn't hold up. If you read the label, it has a scary warning about the number of hours the paint will last.

I called the Pettit rep and while professional, he told me in no uncertain terms that what I was planning would be suicide for the boat. The nice folks at Kirby were less firm, but generally agreed that I should scrape it off and use bottom paint. That scared me a bit.

Two other friends who've done similar trips in small boats (one with house paint, another with topside paint) both said it worked out ok, though there was a layer of slime growing on the bottom by the end. A third, a lifelong small boat guy said, don't worry about it. The rep probably just reads the can instructions back to you.

I decided that since after past trips of a week or two, the hull showed no signs of stress, I'd probably (I say probably because I still am obsessing about it a tiny bit) be OK. I bought a soft bristle brush and figure every week or couple of days, I'll let the boat dry down, clean it a bit, and proceed.

So why I am laying under the boat? To add touch up paint to every last teeny scratch to lower the chances of saltwater intruding. Trying to make one less thing to worry about...

[jpatrick]

While it's not quite the same thing, the topsides on my small sailboat, just above the waterline, get continually splashed during the summer while she sits on the mooring. At the end of the season there has always been a bit of green slime/grass/whatever. I scrub it off with a white scotch-brite pad and everything is rosy. The plywood planks don't care one bit. The paint has never failed there. I would do exactly as you intend.... use your boat as is. Bottom painting is for continual immersion. My boat needs it for her mooring spell, but only below the water and only because the time of immersion is much longer than three weeks.

Have a great trip.

Jeff

[AJZimm]

Bruce,

Fire-Drake's bottom is painted with good quality acrylic latex house paint. The longest time she's spent in the water was 5 weeks in the very waters you are heading up to.

Result? A little bit of skunge/slime that was easily removed by scrubbing with a brush once I got the boat on the trailer and back home. No evidence of water intrusion.

The slime might have hampered rowing speed a tad but not enough that I noticed. If it became an issue, I could have dried her out on the beach over one tide cycle and had a scrub.

[cstevens]

It scrubs off more easily when it's wet, like right out of the water. Haul, flip it, scrub gently with a Scotch Brite, which, by the way, stores in a lot less space than a brush and does double duty as a dish/pot scrubber.

Before or after you use it on the slime Gib? Just asking...

[auscruisertom]

And now looking at the picture myself, it might be:



My boat is painted with Pettit Easypoxy topsides paint on the top and the bottom. I understand a lot of small boats are painted this way

So why I am laying under the boat? To add touch up paint to every last teeny scratch to lower the chances of saltwater intruding. Trying to make one less thing to worry about...

I wouldn’t stress too much ,this is what my Tammie looked like when I found her,after having sat outside in the weather for several years. The Hoop marine ply was still intact just a little worse for wear .
I use Wattyl Proffesional Choice oil based house paint on both boats.

[IMG][/IMG]

[Bruce Bateau]

It's beginning to look a little like Christmas around here.



Can you guess what I got?

[Bruce Bateau]

Also wondering. For a stern tie or clothesline set up. What type of line are folks using? And how much? Assuming floating, yellow...

[Bruce Bateau]

Staying dry is really important for me. During the day, I wear hi-tech materials. If it rains really hard, I don good old rubber rain gear.

At night is where it gets challenging. I love sewing and have made a series of increasingly useful cockpit tents.

I call my latest The Caterpillar because it is long a little odd in shape. It covers the whole boat stem to stern.



But no matter how I adjust the flaps on the outside, condensation always builds up on the inside. Then not only does it drip a bit, it finds a way to drip right on my head.

I couldn't stand that happening for weeks on end, so something had to be done!



Enter some Sunbrella remnants (about half the list price) from the local sail loft and my new-to-me sewing machine, the PFAFF. Less stylish than the old Bernina, but considerably more powerful.

[Bruce Bateau]

The Caterpillar is suspended with tension between the masts and is sort of like a Conestoga wagon with three fiberglass rods encased in pockets- like a sail batten.



I sewed the Sunbrella in a loose V, also tensioned between the masts, but slightly lower than the outer layer (waterproof double-ripstop nylon). Then I added some hooks/rings and shock cords to the hoops to provide outward tension.

I didn't want to take any vital thing on the trip that I hadn't really tested out, so I had to go on a trip!

It worked as planned, except that new Sunbrella doesn't soak up much water, so the drips sat in folds of the fabric or went down onto the side of the boat and into the bilge.

To solve this, I sewed up a loose hem on the outside, bottom edge of the inner tent- sort of like a gutter. Now the drips get caught in there. Problem solved (I hope).

[Geftb]

Its looking cosy there Bruce!!

[Bruce Bateau]

What? You guys have mosquitoes up there?

I haven't experienced a lot of them on our half of the Salish Sea. How bad are they up north?

(And please don't tell me that they only bite Americans!)

[darroch]

Being able to sleep in shorts in a protected bug-free environment in hot summer weather is worth whatever it takes. Fleece armour with a bug bag over the head leads to alternately sweating and freezing and unconscious head-whacking in the night. Sometimes the angry hordes come in waves, like batallions from hell. The noise alone will rob you of any sleep, exhausted though you may be. If only the drunks in the anchorage were as easy to deal with.

BIVY SHELTER.jpg

[trefor]

Staying dry is really important for me. During the day, I wear hi-tech materials. If it rains really hard, I don good old rubber rain gear.

At night is where it gets challenging. I love sewing and have made a series of increasingly useful cockpit tents.

I call my latest The Caterpillar because it is long a little odd in shape. It covers the whole boat stem to stern.

That pic is great, Bruce. Tough to beat.

-Trevor

[Bruce Bateau]

There are getting to be quite a few books in my pile.


These are just the boat-related books. I've got a mountain of stuff for pleasure reading too.

[Bruce Bateau]

Over the next few days I'll report on some books I've used before. The pink ruler is six inches long.



This is a spread from John Kimantas' BC Coastal Recreation Kayaking and Small Boat Atlas. It covers BC's South Coast and East Vancouver Island. The size is roughly 11"x14" per page.

Pros:
1. You get more context than you do on a nautical chart in the same space.
2. There are lots of notes about currents, places of interest, local information, and geographic info. John has clearly been to these places.
3. It is beneficial for anyone, but is definitely slanted towards smaller boats- kayaks.
4. It gives you a reasonable sense of where you're going and what you might see.
5. It is a nice companion to the Wild Coast guidebook (which I'll review later).

Cons:
1. The scale changes a little from page to page.
2. HE DOES NOT USE NM! Only miles or KM
3. Like any atlas, the place you want to go is always on the wrong part of the fold or edge of the page.

[photocurio]

Portable VHF radios usually automatically switch to reduce power settings when using AA batteries.

I'm pretty sure the manual for my Cobra, bought 3 years ago, said exactly the opposite: It is possible to use AA batteries, but only on FULL power. I had the impression they really want to keep you buying their proprietary batteries.

[Bruce Bateau]

So the companion book to the atlas is The Wild Coast- there are several volumes for the Vancouver Island area. (Again ruler is six inches long.)


These books are really detailed with information you'd actually want to use. It's like having an older sibling showing you the ropes. There's a lot of information about localized currents that would only be useful for the small boat/kayak. There's also great natural history information that the cruising guides seem hopelessly oblivious about. This book is a must have for the small boater in this area. I used it in the Gulf Islands a few years ago and enjoyed it a lot.

That said, it is sometimes unclear if they are still in print. There are newer versions of the books available at Wild Coast Publishing, but they don't seem to be as comprehensive (to me at least). On the other hand Captain's Nautical has new versions of the Wild Coast books in stock at their retail store... Anyhow, highly recommended.

[Yeadon]

Over the next few days I'll report on some books I've used before. The pink ruler is six inches long.



This is a spread from John Kimantas' BC Coastal Recreation Kayaking and Small Boat Atlas. It covers BC's South Coast and East Vancouver Island. The size is roughly 11"x14" per page.

Pros:
1. You get more context than you do on a nautical chart in the same space.
2. There are lots of notes about currents, places of interest, local information, and geographic info. John has clearly been to these places.
3. It is beneficial for anyone, but is definitely slanted towards smaller boats- kayaks.
4. It gives you a reasonable sense of where you're going and what you might see.
5. It is a nice companion to the Wild Coast guidebook (which I'll review later).

Cons:
1. The scale changes a little from page to page.
2. HE DOES NOT USE NM! Only miles or KM
3. Like any atlas, the place you want to go is always on the wrong part of the fold or edge of the page.

I wouldn’t use this book in lieu of an actual chart. I have these books and they’re great, but real charts are what you’re going to need.

[Bruce Bateau]

I wouldn’t use this book in lieu of an actual chart.

Fully agree. I have a dozen or so full-size charts- big enough to act as storm sails if needed. The atlas is purely for visualization.

[Yeadon]

Fully agree. I have a dozen or so full-size charts- big enough to act as storm sails if needed. The atlas is purely for visualization.

Aye!

[Bruce Bateau]

This book is a necessity. And it is beautiful. Some really smart oceanographers in the pre-internet age figured out which way the currents would be moving and at approximately what speed in different parts of the Salish Sea and placed arrows all over these keen maps.

I'm always surprised that more people don't know about the Current Atlas for Juan de Fuca to Strait of Georgia. (And apparently it just became an app on your phone.)


You need to have a set of tables that tell you what page to turn to. I found that the free table available here works fine but you can also buy one. Using the two documents together produces a magic carpet ride or at the least helps you avoid a wind on current situation.

[auscruisertom]

Before those amazing apps much of those currents where local knowledge. Racing in the Swiftsure Race our skipper used to sail with one foot on the shore and had an incredible knowledge of the rocks to avoid while heading out Juan de Fuca.

Obviously it is vital that a small boat voyage is planned around the daily tides, combined with pre planning on the next harbour or shelter available.

I recall many many overnight passages South of Campbell River where very little progress was made for hours on end due to tides..

Also I need to point out that Northerlies are more frequent north of Campbell River then further down South, during the later part of summer.

[Bruce Bateau]

The last book that I really like is called Best Anchorages of the Inside Passage by Anne Vipond and William Kelly.


It's got a friendly tone, gives you some tips and tricks for each anchorage they recommend. They really just cover the ones they like best and don't try to be all encompassing. I like the stories and little sidebars. The pictures nicely show what makes the anchorage unique and the maps are useful without being either too cartoony or looking too much like a nautical chart.

There are a few other cruising guides I looked at that I found to be too much like encyclopedic lists of anchorages. While useful in their own way, I decided not to bring those nor to review them here.

What I'm looking forward to are finding the little river mouths and shallow ends of coves where the big boats can't go.

A friend who rowed an umiak to Alaska told me a story where he beached the boat in one such place, put his cockpit tent up- it has one plastic window and he was sitting around reading a book when he heard a sound nearby. The window filled with brown fur. He made some rustling sounds and fortunately the bear associated with the brown fur ambled away. I want to see some bears too, but not while I'm on the land!

[Bruce Bateau]

One last book note. There are several different paper versions of tide and current tables. I've used Captain Jack's before and liked the visual look of it. Very easy to understand. I've used some of the online sources too.

For the first time, I bought Ports and Passes. It's adjusted for daylight savings time (I can't figure out why some of the others aren't). Everything in there is in tables.

There area few charts showing the times to adjust for different passes and there are a couple of maps with annotations showing strategies for moving through Johnstone Strait.

What's your favorite tide/current source?

[chas]

I use Ports and Passes from the beginnings of my cruising in the Discovery Islands and their info seems accurate enough. I navigate a 7 knot boat with 4' draft so my requirements are different than your own but we both benefit from back-eddies. The major narrows have charts or insets on a larger chart that show anticipated current flow in the area. These may help you sneak up on a tight spot for slack tide and this can be very useful when moving about in this area of strong currents and tight passages.

Regarding bears, they can be encountered anywhere up there now. Good bear-spray is essential.

Best of luck on your trip! / Jim

[Bruce Bateau]

I think I've pretty much gathered all the stuff I need now.

I've even found a little time to post a few silly stories on my blog about what hats I'm bringing.

Now I'm on to packing food. In order to wander widely and avoid buying marina food, I think I need three weeks worth of food.

I think that's doable assuming I can find fresh water to filter. I'd like to avoid those awful backpacker's freeze dried packages. I'm hoping to find some bulk food mixes that will be palatable and nutritious.

Has anyone found a source for stuff in bulk that is actually edible? Or a recipe.

I remember Tom Pamperin posting about Thermos cooking. Would love to hear more about that.

I did a little reading and tried it last week with lentils- that was a modest success, but was not inspiring.

-Bruce

[auscruisertom]

I think I've pretty much gathered all the stuff I need now.



Has anyone found a source for stuff in bulk that is actually edible? Or a recipe.

-Bruce

Personally I like porridge for breakfast .ordinary porridge can be cooked using hot water in a cup or better in a wide mouth thermos. Combined milk muesli banana or dried fruit. I also prefer high energy snack bars trail mix or anything that can be had on the run when singlehanded.

Regarding bears you would have to be very lucky to see one .

[chas]

Good bear-spray is essential. Don't be confused about that, you are entering into their kitchen at dinnertime. Be bear aware, up there, and have a great trip. / Jim

[ThomRose]

I think I've pretty much gathered all the stuff I need now.

I've even found a little time to post a few silly stories on my blog about what hats I'm bringing.

Now I'm on to packing food. In order to wander widely and avoid buying marina food, I think I need three weeks worth of food.

I think that's doable assuming I can find fresh water to filter. I'd like to avoid those awful backpacker's freeze dried packages. I'm hoping to find some bulk food mixes that will be palatable and nutritious.

Has anyone found a source for stuff in bulk that is actually edible? Or a recipe.

I remember Tom Pamperin posting about Thermos cooking. Would love to hear more about that.

I did a little reading and tried it last week with lentils- that was a modest success, but was not inspiring.

-Bruce

I am not sure what backpacking food you have tried recently, but my opinion (and food is very much a matter of personal opinion) is that freeze dried backpacking food is generally not bad. The big problem with it is that it is packed with calories which is important if you are carrying 20 to 40 pounds on your back for 15 to 20 miles a day. Although piloting a small boat is more strenuous than being a couch potato, backpacking food may be too high calorie.

You may want to look in the grocery store for things like dried pasta alfredo, or dried soup mixes. You will find other options in the same section of the store.

By the way, if you will be in bear territory, keep your food, toothpaste, etc. in a proper bear canister. Those critters are pretty adept at finding their way into anything but the best designed bear cans.

[cstevens]

The various shelf-stable, boil-to-heat packaged meals might be a good option for variety. I've had a few and they are decent. Not as good as fresh ingredients but far superior to the hiking food I remember from when I was a kid.

https://www.amazon.com/Maya-Kaimal-F.../dp/B07DBZCHQD

https://www.amazon.com/Loma-Linda-Bl.../dp/B07MMSCZ34

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002JF62GU

And also any number of DIY expedition food guides online

https://www.theyummylife.com/Instant_Meals_On_The_Go

https://blog.nols.edu/2016/04/20/how...kpacking-meals

https://www.wonderlandguides.com/bac...ing-food-ideas

There are also shelf-stable milk and dairy options for those of us who are emotionally dependent on our coffee-with-cream in the morning...

[Bruce Bateau]

Good advice people Keep it coming!

Useful bear site.

[Bruce Bateau]

So continuing on the food vane. I LOVE BREAD. There I said it.

The thought of being without bread make me sad. Sliced bread is fine for a trip, but only lasts so long.

Fortunately, my wife both likes to cook and likes me.

Therefore she has been testing out some flatbread recipes that can be made en route without too much work on the boat.

I've made stick bread lots of times and that is wonderful- but it takes a fire on the beach.

With a gas camp stove one can make flatbread. Masa- corn tortilla material is an easy option, but kind of plain.

But for variety, my wife has been creating different recipes.


The first one was salt, water, flour, and some toppings.


It was OK; perhaps a little tough. Sort of like hardtack tortilla.

[Chris Noto]

So continuing on the food vane. I LOVE BREAD. There I said it.

The thought of being without bread make me sad. Sliced bread is fine for a trip, but only lasts so long.

Fortunately, my wife both likes to cook and likes me.

Therefore she has been testing out some flatbread recipes that can be made en route without too much work on the boat.

I've made stick bread lots of times and that is wonderful- but it takes a fire on the beach.

With a gas camp stove one can make flatbread. Masa- corn tortilla material is an easy option, but kind of plain.

But for variety, my wife has been creating different recipes.

The first one was salt, water, flour, and some toppings.

It was OK; perhaps a little tough. Sort of like hardtack tortilla.

Oh, Lordy, now you're in my wheelhouse! I was raised with the maxim, "If there's not bread, it's not a meal."

It would be lovely if your wife would allow you to share her flatbread recipes!

[Bruce Bateau]

Here's recipe #1 - flat, flat, flat:
1 cup flour
a little less than 1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt

Stir it up, let sit for 15 minutes.

Roll it out. Pat in sesame, poppy, maybe dried onions, a bit of salt.

Cook on med-high heat in ungreased pan (cast iron is good) for 2 minutes.