A book that should be part of every VolksCruisers library...

I've been working on a better mast raising/lowering system for "So It Goes" and rereading all my various go to boatish books for whisps of cunning plans for ideas.

Have I mentioned of late what a great book Bruce Bingham's "The Sailors Sketchbook" is?

One thing I like about it is there are no "Buy this" sort of projects anywhere to be found. All of the improvements and projects are DIY doable on a budget. Another is nearly all of the projects  (the cassette rack being the glaring exception) and ideas have stood up to the test of time and still make all kinds of sense.

As for the new better raising and lowereing system for our mast, that's covered so well (pages 32-36) that there's no need to look any further.

The one downside of the book is everytime I pick it up I find another perfect solution to another issue aboard so my job list never seems to get any shorter...

a quote of note...

"In these days of depleted bankrolls,'cheap' yachts are a matter of importance to most of us".

- Howard Chapelle 

and speakng of little boats...

A blog that you really should be following.

about little boats and big voyages...

Charles Doane tells us something we already know (but it's a good read)...

a project boat for sure but...

A reader of VolksCruiser just wrote to mention he picked up a CAL 27 for $300 and that it floats right side up...

Lots and lots of deals out there.

So, what are you waiting for?

tools...

While all boats need a good selection of tools, it's a given that folks of the VolksCruiserish persuasion tend to be a bit more serious about their tools because they'll be using them on a regular basis. You might say a good set of tools and half a clue about how to use them is the VolksCruisers best friend.

Now, I'll admit I'm something of a tool snob of a sort. Which is not to say I make judgements based on the sort of tools in someones kit  (Hey, Harbor Freight tools work just fine) but simply about whether or not someone actually has a kit at all. Being toolless denotes a lower form of life if you will...

That said, I should mention being toolless is not nearly as low on the evolutionary scale as those who borrow tools. Yeah, those guys...

Anyway, you need tools to build boats, repair boats, build/repair things, and, most importantly, free you from the greedy evil clutches of the marine trades and tradesfolk. They'll also save you lots and lots of money.

Are not tools cool?

Now, this is just cool...

A very cool outboard that has VolksCruiser written all over it.

Getting real...

I just started rereading "Cruising in Seraffyn" and I'm finding the rather stark contrasts with what passes for cruising today somewhat entertaining...

Of course, times were different then and cruising had an element of a no-safety net enterprise.

Just something to keep in mind next time someone you know throws a hissy-fit because their air conditioning needs to be repaired