Cable Steering Upgrades

Kenny Bishop, Highland Mary 37VT18, has done two innovative things to make his cable steering more robust.

First, grease fittings were installed in some of the sheaves to more effectively lubricate their axles.  While the modification isn't difficult to do, the trick is finding a spot to drill through the sheave's mount and into the void around the axle.  Once this is done, the hole is tapped and the grease fitting installed.

Kenny's second upgrade was to replace the steel steering cable with a Dyneema cord.  (Note: "cord" is the sailors term for rope that has been cut to length to serve a specific purpose).  Compared to steel cable, pliable Dyneema is much easier to feed through the sheaves.  A simple knot replaces the cable clamps at the quadrant end.  Kenny says that the "meat hooks," which abounded on the steel cable and frequently drew blood, are now a thing of the past.  

They say proof is in the pudding.  Well, the sheave's grease fittings and the Dyneema aboard Highland Mary have been working trouble free for three years.  What's really impressive though is how easy and smooth Highland Mary's helm is to turn over.  How easy? 

Here's the simple test setup used to answer that question.  With the tug's engine off, a  scale, measuring in pounds, pushes against a spoke until it starts to move.  When the spoke moves, the scale's reading is recorded.  For Highland Mary it averaged 2.1lb.  Compared to two sisterships with cable steering, Highland Mary's helm was 2 to 5 times easier to turn.  

In summary, well lubricated sheaves with a light and pliable Dyneema steering cord results in a helm that requires significantly less force to turn.

Dave Howell, ex-Nellie D. 37VT63

Titan 37VT31 Finished the loop today!

I finished my loop today in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, aboard my Lord Nelson Victory Tug "Titan".   I left HHI April 2, 2022 and finished today April 20, 2023. Here is a picture.

--

Jerald Jones

JJones4580@gmail.com

770.843.3734

Passing the Baton

 

Jerry Jones stopped in St Augustine as he is nearing the end of his 6700 NM Great Loop journey. He said favorites along the journey were the western end of the Erie Canal and both sides of Lake Michigan.  He has about a week left not only of his journey but of his ownership of Titan. He says it is very bittersweet and not looking forward to walking away for the final time.

Jerry is passing the baton to the new owner Bolton Sanford. Bolton hopped on board at St Augustine for the final ride up to Charleston. He is excited to gain the hands on operational knowledge as he takes the baton from Jerry. Bolton plans to rename the boat Sully and thoroughly explore Charleston.  

Chain Hook Solution

 

Peter Reich found a potential solution for catching the anchor chain with a clever hook.  He’s hoping it works better to catch the vertical chain.  He also reports several other winter projects including varnish to get Teddy Bear ready for the spring. 

LNVT Friends in Fairhaven MA

 

A reunion on the dock of some current and former LNVT Owners in Fairhaven, MA. L-R Heidi & Ken Maitland, Victoria’s 37VT16, Nick & Susan Bonn, ex LaSalle, 37VT12, Bicki & Dave (photographer), ex Nellie D 37VT63

A Mini East Coast LNVT Gathering

 

The LNVT gang gathered in Fairhaven MA. John Isaksen (Neptune 37VT35), Ken & Heidi Maitland (Victorious 37VT26),  Dave  & Bicki Howell (Nellie D 37VT63 Alumni).

LNVT Wine

 

LNVT wine is now being offered from Eight Bells 6213B Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle WA 98115 or call 206-294-4142 or email 8bellswinery.com.  There are 4 different wines available with the tug label - 2021 Chardonnay $30, 2018 Merlot $30, 2016 Eight Clone Syrah $40, 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon $42

Ukulele Seranade

 Ukulele concert courtesy of Nan and Steve Simpson of Gambit

West Coast Rendezvous

 

The 2022 West Coast Rendezvous was a No Host, No Plans, No Fuss event but that didn’t mean No Fun.  The event was attended by 7 LNVTs Thistle Few, Pet Tug, Eight Bells, Gambit, Tiger E Bear, Wally, and Polar Mist.  Crews from Ranger, Sounder, Brave Duck, Hiquia, and Nellie D were also in attendance. 

The event was held at Bell Harbor, Seattle in the shadow of the cruise ships. 

LNVT Life

 

Three Captains

 

Three Captains from the West Coast Rendezvous.  L-R  Tom Blackwood Thistle Dew 37VT46,  Mike McCoy  Tug E Bear 37VT62 and Lou Steplock 37VT60. 

WhimSea’s Summer 2022 Bung Replacement Project

 

The large 500 pack of bungs from Jamestown Distributers

WhimSea’s newly sanded decks meant the need for lots and lots of bung replacements

Just as the journey of 1,000 miles begins with the first step, the journey of 500 bungs begins with the first one. I found the bung replacement job rather easy,  and very satisfying, and the resultant decks look great.  

A Lake Erie LNVT Meeting

 

A very rare occurrence happened today where WhimSea met Jerry Jones on board Titan. We originally planned to meet on the Erie Canal but WhimSea’s delay out of the barn and falling in the river made it a momentary meeting mid lake. Not sure WhimSea had seen another LNVT in her 35 years of existence. 

Hopefully it won’t be so long till the next encounter. 

WhimSea gets new Electronics

 Old Dinosaur Age Electronics with sloppy wiring

New Electronics, so clean and simple 

New Radar Mount

 Last year when WhimSea headed to the Erie Canal lowering the mast with the radar dome was extremely difficult. My idea was a pulley system but the yard came up with an even easier solution. See my new radar with anchor light with hinge for getting under that 15 foot bridge!