is ideal as a small leak fi ller for deck fi ttings, and ports. Best of all, it cleans up easily with Varsol. While you may be unsure of some of
these examples, Hursh knows fi rsthand what he is talking about. “I have been a MacGyver at sea,” he explains. “Janet and I once hose clamped rubber gloves over the leaking endplate of a heat exchanger. This helped our old boat limp home without overheating.” Hursh is quick to emphasize
the need to keep your tool kit fully equipped. Being a good MacGyver is also about being prepared, making sure you have all the gadgets you need to make something from nothing. Hursh recommends your tool box contain: Pic- Quic screwdriver, vise grips, assorted wrenches & Allen keys (appropriate to your boat), good quality side cutters, hacksaw, razor knife, a hammer, slip- joint pliers, fi les-rasp, axe fi le, rattail, and appropriate taps and drill bits- ¼-20, 8-32, 10-24. Lastly says Hursh, “carry a cordless drill and make sure you have charged batteries!” Offshore cruisers Diane Selkirk
and Evan Gatehouse have a similar list to Hursh but have added a few
items; such as epoxy, thickening agents and fi berglass cloth. They also carry 1/8” spectra single braid. “It’s insanely strong for the size,” exclaims Gatehouse. “I am now using it to lash blocks everywhere instead of shackles. It works well, since I can put a block anywhere there is a strong point. It’s also very useful for jury rigged solutions.” When asked about one of his fi nest MacGyvering moments, Gatehouse recalls the story of a time when they were sailing in Mexico and the metal exhaust elbow on their boat developed a leak. “I cut apart a tin can and then used some stainless steel seizing wire to lash it in place over the hole. It wasn’t perfect but lasted the miles we motored to a small village where I prowled through a junkyard looking for bits to weld up as a replacement.” Sometimes being truly a good
MacGyver is as simple as looking at your clothes. Just ask Craig Alward from the company, Keel and Rudder (
www.keelandrudder.com). “This goes back to my early sailing days on Lake Wabaman in Alberta,” he says with a sly grin. “We were out on our 20-ft O’Day
in a 15 knot breeze when the windward stay lost the shackle pin. Now I would like to think that good seamanship and instinct saved us from de-masting but it was pure adrenaline that made me fl ip the rudder over and the boat into a tack. We had lots of food and beverages on board but of course no repair kit. But I did have my shoe laces which I used to strap the wayward stay to the plate. Then it was a matter of reducing our sails and limping back to the dock! Lesson learned. I not only carry a full repair kit but inspect the rigging before heading out! We still have the O’Day which we moved to friendly moorage here in Vancouver!” Hearing these tales of quick action
and cool heads makes me wonder if I can be a MacGyver. Can I fi x a leak without the proper tools? Can I fi nd a solution when the answer is not obvious? I believe I can. I trust that when faced with an emergency my composure will prevail and my brain will begin to evaluate what I can meld together. But before that happens, I am off to the tool crib to ensure my list of needed items on board is complete.
48° N
Service Policy
Our service policy has never wavered: Provide clear options and excellent value. Now, more than ever, we stick to that mission.
We Make Sails
of every size and description. Quality, Craftsmanship and Affordability have been the hallmark of Lee Sails for over 40 years. From dinghies to tall ships our versatility and adaptability has made Lee Sails a truly international sailmaker.
WA: Call Toll Free 1-800-533-9567 OR: 10997 NW Supreme Ct., Portland OR 97229 • (503) 641-7170
BC: PO Box 19567, Vancouver, BC V5T 4E7 • Phone & Fax (604) 685-1234
www.leesails.com • e-mail:
vancouver@leesails.com
• Electrical Systems • Watermakers • Navigation Systems • Electronics
• Heaters: Forced air, hydronic • Cabinetry and Solid Surfaces • Propane Systems • Rigging and Furlers
Emerald Harbor Marine Located at Elliott Bay Marina and Canal Boatyard 206-285-3632
info@emharbor.com www.emharbor.com
48° NORTH, AUGUST 2010 PAGE 41
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90