August 2008 - montgomery_boats - mailman.xmission.com

Re: M_Boats: Signal Mirrors
by John R. Butler 23 Aug '08

23 Aug '08

My two bits (inflation) on signal mirrors. I am a very strong believer in them, have twice used mine (hard aground in my sailboat in the 60s, lost shear pin on a small cruiser, being blown on a rocky bluff in the 90s) and still have my GI model I wore in my flight suit for 6,000 plus hours flying amphibious helos and fixed wing aircraft as a Coast Guard SAR pilot. As a freelance writer, I have sold several articles on them, recently in Good Old Boat and the CG's "On Scene" publication. In researching them, I found the very best were the ones recommended by Howard Audsley <http:// www.rescuereflectors.com/index.html>. Some of the cheap (and small) ones were no better than a credit card or CD. Yes, they have both worked! If you don't carry one on your Monty, shame on you! Buy the best available from Rescue Reflectors. I know Malcolm Murray personally. He makes them, and he is meticulous in hand making AND testing every one he sells. Some of the cheap ones (included in "Safety Kits") are so bad the beam of light does not go where you aim it! False economy. Does anyone (besides me) know how far the old Army Signal Corps sent and received messages during the Indian Wars with "Heliographs"? First M15 was Joy, '83 #264 Now sail Rejoyce!, '86 # 361 John R. Butler No, my e-mail address is not salacious, it just refers to my last sailboat, "The Old Cat." Check her out at <http://www.unicorn- systems.com/theoldcat.htm> ...

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I is a sale'r
by larrypegg＠aol.com 23 Aug '08

23 Aug '08

Well we made it to the lake. (Lake Lowell ) ID Local lake is a bit low so the first ramp was closed and I thought we wouldn't get to launch. The other ramp was fine and we had a great time and no mishaps. We never put up the jib we were just trying everything out. We had a great time and can't wait till tomorrow to go to a Real Lake. (Lucky Peak) ID I think Old Bill would be proud. At your service Larry Pegg Soon to be Pilgrim #55

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Lightning Strike
by Phil & Frances 23 Aug '08

23 Aug '08

I do not know if my plan works, but it is the one I have for my M 15. I had a set of jumper cables made from the heaviest duty wire (biggest size) available. I cut the grip handles off and pealed the insulation back until I had only bare wire in the water and the insulation above that to keep from rubbing the hull. Then I placed a small bullnose clamp on the end that would attach to a shroud. (The 1/8" shroud was too small for the handle to grip it). The bullnose clamp flattened out the wire and made it large enough for the grip to bite it against the shroud. Now all I have to do it quickly clamp the end with the bullnose to the shroud on each side and pray that it works if needed. Well, really, pray that it isn't needed. Phil

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Re: M_Boats: Lightning
by John R. Butler 23 Aug '08

23 Aug '08

While stationed in New Orleans in the 70s, I had one of the beautiful Pearson Tritons, and I lavished much on her. With my leg in a cast, my wife winched my bosun's chair to the mast top where I installed a VHH-FM antenna with all the appropriate lightning arrestors and grounding straps. I, too, installed one of the Dynaplates close to keel, and everything was grounded to it--mast, motor, electronics. Sailing on Lake Pontchartrain one day, a pretty massive thunder storm passed over, and there were lightning strikes all about us, but from the top of our mast I could hear a continuous sizzle. It was rather apparent that my grounding system continuously discharged the electrical buildup in the clouds directly above us, keeping the potential below that needed to generate a lightning bolt. It was a most interesting experience. On Joy, I used the mentioned scheme of a heavy wire with a large copper plate soldered to one end, and a heavy clip on the other clamped around either stay. Never had the occasion to see if it works. Now pushing 80, seems like 284, I'm no longer as adventurous. But I'm still sailin'. First M15 was Joy, '83 #264 Now sail Rejoyce!, '86 # 361 John R. Butler

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More photos
by Bill Lamica 22 Aug '08

22 Aug '08

Added a page for Bob Becker's M15 motor mount and ladder install - Nicely done Mr. B - The Trowel Billed Supervisor is very cool! and a "Fish eye" foto of "Dancing with Amy" thanks to photographer Stacy McCain http://www.msogphotosite.com/WhasNew.html

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lightening strike
by kdocter＠bellsouth.net 22 Aug '08

22 Aug '08

Jerry, Can you weigh in on this please? I have a 1981 M-15 that I am thinking about making an open water trip of 100 or so in the Gulf of Mexico. Is there any protection built in the layup for grounding a lightning strike? I don't wish to go hunting for a storm, but it could happen while I'm out there. Doubtful that I can outrun a thunderstorm in my M-15! So what is the best advice? Anyone ever taken a strike? Kendall

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lightning strike
by kdocter＠bellsouth.net 22 Aug '08

22 Aug '08

Is there any protection built in the M-15 for lightning strike protection?

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new owner
by larrypegg＠aol.com 21 Aug '08

21 Aug '08

well I did it I bought Bill Klein's (RIP) boat Half Monty.? It's a 1975 M-17.? Very good shape and I hope to have it in the water Friday (8 22 08).? I haven't even unpacked and looked at everything yet.? My wife and I are very excited to begin our new adventure sailing here in Idaho. At your service Larry Pegg

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Re: M_Boats: 2007 Isle Royale Trip
by John and DesAnne Hippe 21 Aug '08

21 Aug '08

Hello Gordon, The kayak is a Sea Eagle 330 which currently costs about $300. It will carry two adults. I really like it as my dinghy because it deflates to a fairly small package -- say about 2 1/2 foot by 2 foot bag. It will stow in my M-15 under the cockpit seats. The paddle breaks down into two sections but will also stow in the bottom of the kayak and is held in by the bow and stern "deck." Generally it is easy to paddle but I would like a better seat to paddle distances. They do offer different seats. Going from anchor to shore is fine though. When cruising I tow it behind where it usually behaves itself. In fact I was towing my two daughters in it on my Memorial Day cruise. The only difficulty I have had was on the Isle Royale trip when the storm blew in that you see in one of the photos. Winds were very high and kicked up a steep, short chop that capsized the kayak while I was towing it. HUGE sea anchor! Fortunately it was very easy to pull it in and deflate it -- three large vents open and the air quickly departs. I then just stored it in the bottom of the cockpit while I rode out the storm. John M-15

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Re: M_Boats: new owner
by Mark Escovedo 21 Aug '08

21 Aug '08

WELCOME TO THE LIST LARRY! And Congrats on the new M17. Mark E M17F/D #103 AMY ----- Original Message ---- From: "larrypegg(a)aol.com" <larrypegg(a)aol.com> To: montgomery_boats(a)mailman.xmission.com Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2008 9:55:47 PM Subject: M_Boats: new owner well I did it I bought Bill Klein's (RIP) boat Half Monty.? It's a 1975 M-17.? Very good shape and I hope to have it in the water Friday (8 22 08).? I haven't even unpacked and looked at everything yet.? My wife and I are very excited to begin our new adventure sailing here in Idaho. At your service Larry Pegg _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats

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