Finally got round to doing some improvements on Custard.
Firstly, I’ve changed the sheets to this:
Here’s a picture of it on the boat. I’ve put it together with the current blocks and string – they aren’t ideal but will do for now.
The oars supplied with the Wanderer (Custard) are 6′ long. Much too short for good rowing but easy to stow and thus fast to access. As described elsewhere fast access turns out to be the most important requirement for oars – for fendering off and close manoeuvering when things go wrong.
I have another set of oars supplied with the green boat (Owl). These are 6′ 6″ but I haven’t used them much:
However they are a very good fit into Custard and the extra 6″ will help with rowing. So a bit of tidying up was in order.
Continue readingI discovered what happens if you fit an outboard (Torqeedo electric) and the rudder isn’t firmly forwards.
I’ve been playing with Inkscape. I rather like this picture:
I got a bit of a shock when I tried to renew the insurance for Custard – my junk rigged Wanderer. Insurance was refused. The boat isn’t worth much but third-party insurance is essential for my sailing club and many other places. The reason is simple – insurance is calculated by computers and something that isn’t in the computer is unknown.
A web search revealed that Fyne Boats had hit this problem and offered to help, even with boats that weren’t built from their kits. I contacted them and they responded quickly with a suggestion. I’m not sure if Fyne Boats get any money from referrals but their help is very welcome! The insurance is now in place and is cheaper than the previous year’s.
Fyne Boat kits do look lovely and I want to build one, one-day.
Some pictures thanks to Anne Brown:
We’ve just returned from a holiday on the Norfolk Broads with the boat. Had a really lovely time – highly recommended if you are into sailing and / or boats. Having the boat moored at the bottom of the garden on a river, with a pub 1/2 mile down the river plus channels and lakes to explore, is a lovely way to holiday.
Some observations about the boat…
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