So I just bought a Mac X....

[Drifter]

Silly question...

As I figure out this sailing stuff, seems I should learn some knots. Thought of buying a few meters of rope to experiment with, but seems a waste when I could/should be getting some proper new 'lines' for the old girl anyway.

So... what 'lines' should I get?

And what size? 8mm? 12mm?

I presume different lines for different things, right?

I can't really identify the grey, rotted stuff that came with it

[Be Free]

The size of the line is determined by the size of the sheave (pulley part) that it goes around. The construction of the line is determined by its job. Some applications need a line with a little stretch; others need as little stretch as possible. The lines with stretch are used to absorb shock. The lines that don't stretch are holding something that should not move.

Starting from the bow and moving backwards:

Jib halyard (raises the jib). Assumes hank-on jib.
Anchor line. (nylon. needs to be stretchy)
Mast raising line (optional).
Dock line (you will need two). (a little bit stretchy). Often bought pre-made with eye splice on one end.
Keel line (seldom replaced).
Main halyard (raises the main sail).
Jib sheets (you need two but many people cow-hitch a long line in the middle). Used to position the jib. (a little stretchy is ok)
Main sheet. Connects boom to the pedestal. Used to position the main sail (via the boom).
The other dock line. (a little bit stretchy).
Stern anchor line (optional). (stretchy) nylon.
Spring lines (optional). Works with dock lines. (stretchy).

Sorry I can't recommend sizes. My cheap micrometer rusted solid since I move closer to the gulf.

This is a great site for learning knots: https://www.animatedknots.com

[Drifter]

That's a handy knot site, thanks

I realized after posting that, realistically, the only marine rope available here is nylon, of sizes from 4mm to 12mm. So I guess that will have to do for most things. The real key I suspect, will be to wear gloves...

Once I know I can actually raise the mast and do that sailing stuff, I can then worry about ordering some proper, non-nylon 'sheets', lines, whatever, from abroad.

[pitchpolehobie]

That's a handy knot site, thanks

I realized after posting that, realistically, the only marine rope available here is nylon, of sizes from 4mm to 12mm. So I guess that will have to do for most things. The real key I suspect, will be to wear gloves...

Once I know I can actually raise the mast and do that sailing stuff, I can then worry about ordering some proper, non-nylon 'sheets', lines, whatever, from abroad.

ID still recommend getting some rope to practice tying. ID get a paracord 550 and a dockline for cheap and just practice all the knots while you're sitting at home watching TV etc(tie them like 100s of times). Its a lot easier to have that down than to learn when you really need it. I commonly use bowlines, figure 8 stopper, figure 8 bend, figure 8 bight, clove hitch, and truckers hitch. That should get you through any situation with our boats. my test for competence of knots is that you can have a conversation and be focused on something else while your muscle memory and handbrains take over to finish tying.

[Stickinthemud57]

With you being in Borneo, it would seem that ordering ropes "from abroad" might not get you on the water as soon as you would like. Some basic things to keep in mind when you do:

Stretch

For lines that raise your sails (halyards), you want as little stretch as possible so that those sails don't sag once raised, forcing you to re-tighten them while underway.

For control lines (sheets) for the jib, mainsail, spinnaker, etc., it is good to have line that gives a bit. This will help avoid damage to your sails when tacking or in windier conditions.

Mooring lines should provide the most stretch of any of your lines. I recommend 6 - 2 at the bow, two at the stern, and 2 "spring lines".

Size

While a smaller diameter line may be up to the job in terms of overall strength, you should also consider how size will affect handling and integrate with your existing equipment (cleats, clutches, pulleys, etc.). Select rope large enough that it will be easy to grip, but not too large for the hardware.

Splicability

If you plan to do any splicing, this will be important.

Regarding Dyneema: This is a VERY strong type of rope, so much so that some are using it to replace shrouds and stays. I would not recommend using it for halyards, sheets, or any rope that you need to get a good grip on, as it is smaller in diameter and slippery.

Most rope suppliers are happy to discuss your needs and recommend the right rope for your particular application, so don't be afraid to ask.

Good luck, and congrats on your acquisition.

[Drifter]

So... after many delays and hiccups and covid and all sorts... things are happening!




The elderly Honda 50 is now in the process of settling in to her new home, on my 23ft river boat, the Medium Mac. Still need to sort out the fuel, battery and fit the tachometer, and the original cables were too short, so both had to be replaced.

And... drum-roll please....




Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me... (well this month anyway). Yes, I have treated myself to a new toy...




Yes, it's a 2-smoke, still by far the most popular choice around SE Asia, due to the simplicity, lack of maintenance and power to weight, plus cheaper

85 throbbing ponies of pulsating POWA!

OK, it's not going to match my old 200hp speedboat, but I have high expectations of actually planing with a full ballast. Wish me luck!





Some modifications to the steering and she's on!





Still plenty of fiddling around to do to finalize the change, plus I may take her to have a hard-top canopy fitted, which is a little tricky as I've never fitted/raised the mast, so not sure just how high, or low, the boom is?

Anyway, progress is progressing, and the prognosis is good so far...

[OverEasy]

Hi Drifter

Happy Birthday to You!
Enjoy your new toy!

Best Regards
Over Easy

[dlandersson]

A belated happy birthday

Hi Drifter

Happy Birthday to You!
Enjoy your new toy!

Best Regards
Over Easy

[Russ]

I was just thinking, "Where is Drifter?"

Wow, that's awesome!

I have to admit, that's a cool present. Package comes complete with what looks like a fuel tank. Awesome.

Now go fit the mast on that thing for fun.

[Drifter]

My birthday is next week.. The plan is to take the Big Mac to the local boat club, where I have already "purchased" a shed (still have to pay rent on the thing) where she will stay during the boating season.

Come the monsoon 'rainy' season, I will bring her back beside my house, like in the pics. There I can clear her up properly, scrub inside, flush the engine with clean water and generally coddle the thing before next season, carrying out the inevitable mods and repairs.

The river boat (Medium Mac, my dinghy is Little Mac...) will be parked at my Incredible Floating Jetty, which has somehow survived the last few years and some big storms. That will be sitting in the water continuously, but as you can see I have a trailer so can pull it out of the water to scrap barnacles off and such. My garden isn't big enough for 2 boats (there is already my wife's car, my truck and my motorbike in it!). Not sure it would be safe to leave it beside the house where it is now, longer term. That reminds me, I need to order some anti-barnacle paint...

What's that paint called again? Anti-fouling or something?

Anyway, thanks for the well-wishes, hope to brink you pics or vids of the thing actually getting wet some day, cos that would be nice...

[OverEasy]

Hi Drifter

Ablative anti fouling paint….

Here’s what we’ve used:



Easy to apply and adheres well to remaining prior anti fouling.

(Note: Can’t emphasize enough the need for a good epoxy barrier coating to protect the hull prior to application of the ablative barrier coating.)

Best Regards,
Over Easy

[Drifter]

Eeek... I painted the Big Mac hull with anti-fouling 2 years ago...

[dlandersson]

Congrats. I have often thought that June is the best month

Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me... (well this month anyway). Yes, I have treated myself to a new toy...

[Jimmyt]

Happy Birthday! What a great birthday present!