Columbia River
All Catalina Association

March 2001 - Newsletter

Catalina, Capri, & Morgan Sailboat Owners Association
Serving Northern Oregon and Southern Washington

Commodore's Deck
By Michael Lewis

Cruising is getting closer after this wonderful winter, but we will pay for it this summer as the water level stays low and gets lower. The cruising schedules may have to adjusted for the level of the river. Martin Slough, for example, can be interesting, if that is the word.

I am getting excited after the "tease" of the spring weather this last week. Even got the Wind Raven waxed up and Bear (the Newfy) went swimming when the geese went by. Getting in is easier than getting out, as he and the first mate learned.

The Small Marine Diesel Maintenance and Tune-Up Class is starting up in April at Portland Community College (PCC, Rock Creek), registration is in progress. I look forward to the class.

Fair Winds and Favorable Currents

2001/2002 Officers Nominated
By Dale Mack

The Nominating Committee recommended the following slate of officers for 2001/2002.

• Commodore -- Michael Lewis
• Vice Commodore -- Jim Himes
• Secretary/Treasurer -- Kathleen Lewis
• Communications -- Dale Mack
• Cruising -- Annie Meyer
• Hospitality -- Julie Beck
• Safety -- Michael Lewis
• Historian -- LaDonna Bubak

The general membership will have an opportunity to nominate additional candidates and vote at the Association's meeting in April.

Notes from the Secretary/Treasurer
By Kathleen Lewis

Thanks to Glenn and Deane Johnson for hosting the "Boat Show Survivors Party" on Saturday, February 3. The donation of six Paddington "Boat Bears" that were auctioned that evening netted $200 for the organization. Each of the bears had the owner’s boat name embroidered on the shirt/bathing suit.

New Members

The association continues to grow. Three new member boats brings the total to 48 member boats. Joining us since the last report are:

Kirk and Jamie Hansen of Fairview, OR

Their 1998 Capri 18 Angelina is moored at Captain’s Moorage

Ron and Mari Howell of Scappoose OR

They have a 1973 C27 Sofla

Doug and Karen Knight of St. Helens OR

Their C320 Voyager is at St. Helens

Welcome to all and we look forward to seeing you at our meetings and on the water on our various cruises.

Membership Renewals

Invoices for 2001/2002 dues are in the mail. A new member application is included for you to give to a prospective new member. "Mainsheet" subscriptions are handled by CRACA unless you get yours through a one design association. Issues are published quarterly in February, May, August and November. The amount on the invoice gives a subscription to the magazine through May 2002 which coincides with our present membership year. Please contact me with any questions regarding your invoice.

"BOAT SHOW SURVIVOR’S" PARTY
By Michael Lewis

On Saturday, February 3^rd, Glenn and Deane Johnson of Sailboats of Oregon hosted a party at the Hayden Bay Condo recreation room. Glenn and Deane wanted to say "thank you" to the organization for flying the Catalina banner at the boat show. While we were not selling boats, information was available to those interested and some continued to the "boat show" that Glenn and Deane had at Sailboats of Oregon.

The delicious meal prepared by the Johnson family was enjoyed by the many in attendance.

The room was decorated with bear pictures and hearts with "SBO LOVES CRACA". Paddington "Boat Bears" sat in the center of each table. As the evening progressed, Craig and Julie Beck conducted an auction of the bears. Each bear would have the owner’s boat name embroidered on the shirt/bathing suit. The auction was lively and at the conclusion the association was $200 richer. The happy bear owners are

• Craig and Julie Beck, BECK – N – ME
• Jim and Marlene Himes, R – TIME³
• Brian and Kathy Lawrence, KATRINKA
• John and Annie Meyer, SHEKINAH
• Mark and Diane Ohlson, D. L. ALWAYS
• Rick and Marlene Redfield, MISCONDUCT

Thanks Deane for the donation, and thanks to Glenn and Deane and Sailboats of Oregon for their continued support for the Catalina owners.

Survivors!
By LaDonna Bubak

There we were, struggling to maintain our tenuous grip on sanity, when word came down that we were Survivors! As a team we had won the Challenge! But there was to be no Tribal Council for us. Nope, instead we were to be treated to a fabulous feast hosted by Sailboats of Oregon's Glen & Deane Johnson.

This gala was thrown as a Thank You from the Johnson's for doing what we all love to do best: talk about Catalinas! Rumor has it that they had quite the turn out during the boat show and wanted to thank the association for promoting them. It's wonderful to be rewarded for doing something you enjoy and all who attended had a great time, as shown in some of the photos our webmaster is undoubtedly featuring.

The food was incredible, thanks to Deane, her son Todd and untold others. I have no idea how many folks showed up but the turn-out was incredible. I guess everyone was eager to eat a free meal, visit with old friends and meet some of the new members who signed up at the boat show.

Kathy Lewis created six adorable teddy bears "bearing" our logo to auction off as a fundraiser for the association. Marlene Redfield was so enamored with one of these little bears that she tried to abduct the poor guy! But Rick was let off the hook for Valentine's Day by finally managing to get the winning bid on one.

Glen and Deane threw the party to thank us but I would like to thank them for supporting the association as much as they do. Oh, yeah. The food was good too!

February's Meeting at Schooner Creek
By Michael Lewis

Great meeting and cookies at Schooner Creek Boat Works.

We thank Nancy and Steve Rander for making the meeting successful. They have the premier boat works facility in Oregon and build some beautiful boats. How about that Open 60 with its carbon fiber head!

Brion Toss put in a vignette appearance and spoke briefly about Surveys/Tuning and split backstays. FORTY-SEVEN persons attended the meeting. One of the largest turnouts yet. I guess these programs are on target.

March Meeting
By Michael Lewis

Potluck dinner and joint meeting with the Hunter Sailing Association of Oregon. The usual drill for the potluck, bring your own beverage, dishes, silverware, and the pecking order by last names:

The program for the night is Man Overboard! Island Sailing Club’s, Herbert Florer, will present Man Overboard Maneuvering and Retrieval Techniques. This is probably the most critical boating skill to have and also probably one that most of us are not as proficient as we need to be. Over 500 boaters die every year from drowning or hypothermia, most don’t have life jackets on.

Rose City Yacht Club is at 3737 NE Marine Drive, Portland, OR. Get there as close to 6 as you can because they do not like to leave the security gate open any longer than necessary.

It should be one of the best meetings of the year, if that is possible! Our fellow sailors from the Hunter Sailing Association will join us and it should be a great night.

April Meeting
By Michael Lewis

April 25, 2001, 7pm at West Marine. The meeting will be hosted by West Marine at 1176 N. Hayden Meadows Drive, Portland, OR. We will have our Annual Election of Officers with a slate of candidates proposed by the Nominating Committee and nominations will also be accepted from the floor.

Following the meeting, we can shop until we drop. A special Columbia River All Catalina Association Discount Night with a 10% discount on all purchases except electronics which is 5%. The store will be open exclusively for us so save up those Sacajawea dollars($) and get your new toys for the year.

Valentines Day Cruise
By Michael Lewis

February 17-18.  It is a secret spot and I am sworn to secrecy about it and I can’t tell you that we had a great time. So don’t you tell anyone else, our secret will be in the public eye.

Shekinah (John & Annie Meyer), Miss Tres II ( Walt & Marilyn Wittke with stowaway, Eugene Wilkinson) and Wind Raven (Michael & Kathleen Lewis) moored overnight at the Vancouver City Dock. Jim & Marlene Himes, Bill & Marla Simon all showed up for great conversations and food that we shared together.

Bear (the Newfy) has had his "Coming Out Party" and was not able to go the Brunch at the Red Lion on Sunday but instead went for long walks to tire the Commodore out. Downtown Vancouver did not have much to offer but the Columbia Waterfront Trail is great. You walk by the Red Lion (The Quay), Charthouse, Who-Song & Larry’s, McMenamins and Beaches. Great time! Remember this is our secret.

St. Patrick's Day Cruise - Canoe Bay
(Grandma's Cove)
By Michael Lewis

March 17-18.  A joint cruise between Sauvie Island Yacht Club (SIYC), Hunter Sailing Association (HSAO) and the Columbia River All Catalina Association (CRACA) will be hosted by Bob & Rick Teeter acting as cruise hosts.

Schooner Creek Boat Works has indicated to us that we can use their dock for the cruise and we plan to have an Irish (Green Food) Potluck between the clubs starting at 4:30 PM Saturday, March 17th. The potluck will be held on the docks, so be sure to bring your portable table and chairs to join in the fun.

If you can't make this cruise by boat, you may consider using your land yacht to join us at Schooner Creek Boat Works. For more information you contact:

Bob Teeter
camelot@jps.net
503-283-3767

April 14-15.  Just a teaser… Gilbert River in Multnomah Channel opens on the Sauvie Island Shore 6 miles upstream from the mouth of the Channel. This river drains the large area of Sturgeon Lake on Sauvie Island. An overnight mooring float (without shore access) is located a quarter mile up the Gilbert River. Canoes and shallow draft boats (read dinghys) can go up the Gilbert to Strugeon Lake. Great wildlife viewing and just like the African Queen. If too busy with fishermen or boats, we could expand up to Coon Island which has shore access but still close enough to dinghy up the river.

Astoria-Warrenton Crab & Seafood Festival Cruise
By Ralph Ahseln

The Astoria-Warrenton Crab & Seafood Festival
April 27, 28, 29, 2001
4pm­9pm Friday
10am­8pm Saturday
11am­4pm Sunday

April 26-May 2.  Greetings Fellow CRACA Members: Announcing a "Special Cruise: Downriver cruise to Astoria, Oregon.

• Plan on 2 days to go Down River
• Plan on 2-3 days at Festival.
• Plan on 2-3 days returning to Portland.
• TOTAL TRIP DAYS.  6 to 8 days.

Downriver

• Depart Thursday, April 26 1000 Portland (I-5 bridge)
• Arrive Thursday, April 26 1800 Elochoman Slough (Cathlamet)
• Depart Friday, April 27 0800 Elochoman Slough
• Arrive Friday, April 27 1200 Astoria, West End Marina
• Note 1: Some may wish to continue to Hammond Marina, next to the Festival grounds. (Add another 1-1.5 hours)
• Note 2: I prefer to arrive at around noon before the prevailing Northwesterly winds pick up. Winds can get strong and waves reach to 5-6 feet and confused. Small boats may want to start earlier.

Upriver

• Depart Astoria,Sunday PM or Monday AM
• Depends on tide and weather
• Arrive Portland, Depends on departing times and weather.

Three Days Upriver Trip (recommended)

• 1st day Cathlamet 25 miles
• 2nd day St Helens (from Cathlamet) 48 miles
• 3rd day Portland (from St. Helens ) 21 miles

Two Days Upriver Trip (not recommended) 

• Very long trip that could be exhausting. Tide and weather a BIG factor.
• 1st day Walker Island dock 48 miles or Fisher Island 46 miles or Kalama 63 miles.
• 2nd day Arrive PDX (from W.I = 47 miles, from F.I.= 49 miles, from Kalama=32 miles

This IS one of the BEST festivals of the year. I have attended the Astoria Festival for 18 of its 19 years (missed the first one).  As a regular Wine Festival Junkie, I can promise you some of the Bestest wine of Oregon, Freshest Seafood (The BBQ'd Tuna is to die for), Nicest Crowds, Sorest feet, Most number of Port-a-Potties (well, maybe some standing in line, but folks are friendly while waiting in the pottie line), Evenings of dining/drinking/dancing at some of Astoria’s Best, AND some of the best Scenic Views of the Columbia River and some narrated history, as well, if you want.

I usually have my Van parked in Astoria to help transport or supply.

Sign Up or Questions?  Contact:

Ralph Ahseln (Az-lin)
r.ahseln@verizon.net  
503-667-0991

My Rigging Survey and Tune
By Michael Lewis

Brion Toss, Star Rigger from Port Townsend (www.briontoss.com) assisted by his very able assistant, Ron Hughes, converged on Wind Raven on March 3, 2001 for a Survey and Tune. Kathleen (the First Mate/Captain), Bear (the Newfy), Finnegan (the Jack Russell), were present to supervise me.

A sailboat’s rigging has a designed-in safety factor but at some point something could deteriorate to a breaking point. A survey is an assessment of the designed-in safety factors. The object is to find problems and correct them before an untimely dismasting or other catastrophe occurs.

The purpose of a tune is similar to tuning a guitar or some fine instrument, it makes it play better. Instead of just a bunch of wires hanging off the mast, the desirable situation is one in which all strains from the sails are evenly distributed. Just like the instrument analogy, the purpose is to get all of the strings to play together.

Brion, Ron and I worked together to assess the rigging and note the areas of concern. It was a good education and I received several good ideas for improvements. The details of the items that needed attention or were noted are below.

After completing the survey, we used several Rig Tension Gauges to measure the tension of the wire rigging. Adjustments were made and re-measured to make sure that all were equal. We sighted up the mast and made certain that no twist existed and a small rake was introduced to the mast. Wind Raven will be three years old this year and this is the first time for a tune since she was launched. It was needed! The optimum tension, for example, on the backstays was 35 pounds and they were only 20 pounds. Brion was able to tap the rigging and hear a low musical note, he said.

All in all, it took almost two hours and was worth the time and money. Brion Toss plans several trips down to Portland each year and his schedule fills up fast. He was here for four days and had a full schedule everyday. Let me know if you are interested and we can try to work with him to schedule his next trip later this year or next spring.

Rigging Survey on Wind Raven

• Stem Fitting-consider passivating the fittings. You might ask like I did, What? Passivate means to treat a metal so as to form a protective coating on its surface and reduce its chemical activity. Unlike metals react with each other, stainless and aluminum will react with each and corrosion will start. So the suggestion was to clean and treat to reduce that reaction (dry teflon).
• Add 5 turns to roller furling drum. I had no turns left on the drum. Five is the optimum number to give you some flexibility.
• Furling line knot to protrude above drum instead of inside. The knot was inside the drum and should be outside to allow it to roll up better.
• Add Harken 187 Block with cam at stern for furling line. This would give you more control over the furling line when rolling up the jib.

316 wire a bit rough. Brion took a small microscope and looked at the stainless wire for wear and strain. He noted that it was a bit rough but not to worry for some time.

Lifelines. Watch for anaerobic corrosion under the plastic coating on the lines. May first show up as rust spots at the swages. They usually are good for 5 years but if you decide to replace them, try to have them made up with as little wire visible at the swage. The Pelican Hooks/Gates on Life Lines should be seized with light line when going offshore so they cannot accidentally open when you put pressure on them. (sometimes they open with very little pressure)

Unused block at lower end of vang tackle. It apparently has no use except to keep the line from fouling and generally just rattles and hangs there.

Move main traveler cam cleat to position aft in cockpit. The dodger prevents easy access to the cam cleat and we tend not to use it because "you just can’t get there from here." So why not move it back next to the winch in the cockpit. The best idea from the whole experience.

Add new reefing line eye for blue reefing line and new reefing line cheek blocks forward of aft end of boom. As installed currently the two reefs could work better if they pulled straight down and better sail shape would be achieved. A design issue and probably most boats are made that way.

Turn Genoa cars 180 degrees with stops forward. The car’s stops were pointing aft and in order to have them be strongest, always put the stops pointing forward.

Need 3 legged flag halyards. The flag halyards should have three legs to prevent chafe.

Bump up Spreaders. Next time I pull the boat the spreaders should be at a higher angle.

Bypass mainsail stop instead of button at gooseneck. Just a better solution than the button that comes with boat. Now all I have to do is find one.

Cotter Pins. Never open cotter pin legs more than 10 degrees each, so they form a narrow "V." Security is not the issue and they are likely to be opened easier and reinstalled without replacement, if not bent over. Snagging something or gouging your crew is always an opportunity. To help prevent the opportunity, slack the turnbuckle until the cotter ends are bearing on a flat surface, then shoot some silicone on the ends. Prevents snagging and gouging and the pin won’t move.

TIG Cotters on Turnbuckles. You learn something everyday, you hope! Cotter pins are just plain difficult to install. It was suggested that stainless steel TIG (tungsten inert gas) welding rod is an ideal solution for turnbuckles. It is flux-free stainless rod. Use 1/16 or 3/32 inch diameter heliarc welding rod. You use a single piece in a "C" shape with the ends folded over in another "C" shape. Check out Brion Toss’ book, The Complete Rigger’s Apprentice.

Upgrade C27 Chainplates
By LaDonna Bubak

I know there are several members with older C27s so I wanted to share my experiences with you on upgrading my chainplates. I cannot stress enough the importance of performing this upgrade. Read the following and you will be online to www.catalinadirect.com in no time! (By the way, I have no affiliation with Catalina Direct - just bought the upgrade kit through them.)

Last fall I had noticed some discoloration around the backing plates for my lower shrouds. I even commented to Rob that I really needed to get the upgrade kit and take care of them before they became a problem. About a month later, we were heading out for a sail and had just trimmed the main & jib perfectly when we both heard a "TWANG!" I looked at Rob, Rob looked at me and we both instantly knew what had happened. I blew a shroud. I was at the helm and immediately bore off while Rob lunged forward, fast as a cat, to drop the sails. After starting the engine and getting the sails secured, we assessed the damage. The forward port lower had given up the ghost. Closer inspection showed that the single through bolt had corroded and finally parted. You would have thought that I would have felt dejected but I was actually quite happy that the mast was still standing!

I ran home, got online and ordered the ridiculously inexpensive upgrade kit from Catalina Direct for about $70. This kit includes four U-bolt connections, extra large backing plates and all pertinent hardware. Unfortunately, they didn't have any in stock. Catalina Direct contracts the production of these kits which means waiting till they have several orders before ordering them from the contractor. I ended up waiting about 2 1/2 months to receive my order. I didn't blame Catalina Direct and wasn't really in a hurry anyway since the weather had turned and I wouldn't be able to do the necessary work till spring.

So spring has sprung early this year. Great, I'll get a head start on this project, thinks I. We started drilling the holes out and darned if the coring wasn't soggy. Oh, crap! Luckily the damage seems to be limited to a small area around the chainplates (having discovered this only by drilling several test holes on the interior of my boat to check for wetness). I will repair this area as best as I can and rebed my new chainplates very well! I am also starting a savings fund for replacing all my standing rigging.

I was lucky. I could have easily lost my rig in that incident and it sent quite a wake up call. I am recommending, no I'm insisting that all you C27 owners buy this upgrade kit before the same or worse befalls you. What's $70 and a couple of hours time on a weekend compared to replacing your mast or, worse, an injury to you or a loved one?

To order the chainplate upgrade kit for the C27, head on over to www.catalinadirect.com . Be sure to order the U-bolt kit as opposed to the single bolt kit. It's infinitely safer and just a few dollars more. Once more, I am not affiliated with them in any way other than being a satisfied customer.

Vessel Safety Checks--Hayden Bay & Tomahawk Bay
By Michael Lewis

April 7-8.  The Columbia River All Catalina Association Charter calls for a Vessel Safety Check (VSC) on all member’s boats in the interest of safety. For more information check out www.safetyseal.net

The Commodore will walk the docks looking for candidates for this beautiful decal that you can use to decorate your boat. He will probably have assistance and looks forward to checking your boats & boat’s equipment. Saturday at Hayden Bay and Sunday at Tomahawk Bay.

Saturday Night, at Tomahawk Bay, Slip H45, a dock party will be held for those that got their VSC decals or plan to on Sunday. Please bring a hearty hors d’oeuvre to share and your own beverage. Plan on being there around 5-6 pm weather permitting.

Burgee

The association's burgee is available to members for $15.  Inquiries about membership, Mainsheet magazine subscriptions, and burgee orders should be addressed to:

Kathleen Lewis, Secretary/Treasurer
17535 Monnier Road, NE
Hubbard, OR 97032
(503) 981-7467

March 17-18.  St. Patrick's Day Cruise, Canoe Bay (Grandma's Cove)

March 28.  General Meeting (Rose City Yacht Club)

April 7-8.  Vessel Safety Checks at Hayden Bay & Tomahawk Bay

April 7.  Commodore’s Boat Party at Tomahawk Bay

April 14-15.  Easter Cruise to Gilbert River

April 25.  Annual Meeting & Election

April 26 - May 2.  Astoria-Warrenton Crab & Seafood Festival Cruise

more...

The Columbia River All Catalina Association newsletter is published once a month online at ColumbiaRiverCatalina.org. Articles are the opinions of the authors and don't necessarily represent the consensus of the Association.