<![CDATA[Cruisers & Sailing Forums]]> https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/ Cruisers Forum is an online forum community of cruisers from around the world! en Thu, 11 Jun 2026 03:00:17 GMT vBulletin 60 https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg <![CDATA[Cruisers & Sailing Forums]]> https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/ Last Catalina off the line??? https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f2/last-catalina-off-the-line-300648.html Wed, 10 Jun 2026 23:04:55 GMT Saw today what was described to me as the “last Catalina off the line”. A 22’ Sport. It was being prepared for delivery. The worker also told me... Saw today what was described to me as the “last Catalina off the line”. A 22’ Sport. It was being prepared for delivery.

The worker also told me the very FIRST Catalina ever made was a 22’.

Not sure if all true but that is what I was told.

Pics attached. Chesapeake Bay Area…
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]]> General Sailing Forum Phish https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f2/last-catalina-off-the-line-300648.html Free open-source marine dashboard for Signal K + Victron — runs on a $50 R https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f121/free-open-source-marine-dashboard-for-signal-k-victron-runs-on-a-50-r-300647.html Wed, 10 Jun 2026 21:54:27 GMT Hi all,

I'm Francesco, skipper of S/V Oroboro — Leopard 40 catamaran, 30,000nm, 3 ocean crossings. Been a member here for a while and you may have seen my post about the Oroboro Boat Manager app.

I just published a new project: a full-screen marine instrument dashboard that combines navigation data from NMEA 2000 with Victron electrical data on one screen.

What it shows:

SOG and depth — big numbers readable from the settee
Wind rose with apparent and true wind angle and speed
10-minute wind history graph
Battery SOC, voltage, AC loads, DC loads, solar production per panel
Shore power and inverter status
Water tank levels in % and liters

Hardware: Raspberry Pi 4 + MCP2515 CAN HAT for NMEA 2000, Victron Cerbo GX over WiFi

Software: Plain HTML/CSS/JavaScript, no frameworks, no dependencies, works offline. Connects to Signal K via WebSocket.

Free and open source: https://github.com/fpugliano/oroboro-dashboard

Installable from the Signal K App Store or via npm.

Happy to answer questions!

Francesco
S/V Oroboro

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]]> Navigation B4A https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f121/free-open-source-marine-dashboard-for-signal-k-victron-runs-on-a-50-r-300647.html problem opening open cpn after update https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f134/problem-opening-open-cpn-after-update-300646.html Wed, 10 Jun 2026 20:56:30 GMT I had open cpn version 5.12 working perfectly using win pro 10 on a dell laptop. I updated to 5.14.0 and I cannot open the application any more. I... I had open cpn version 5.12 working perfectly using win pro 10 on a dell laptop. I updated to 5.14.0 and I cannot open the application any more.

I need help please ]]> OpenCPN fboz https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f134/problem-opening-open-cpn-after-update-300646.html Selecting anodes for a steel boat with a saildrive.(Aluminium/Zink confusion) https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f55/selecting-anodes-for-a-steel-boat-with-a-saildrive-aluminium-zink-confusion-300645.html Wed, 10 Jun 2026 20:32:59 GMT Hello fellow cruisers! I was just about to order anodes for my 34ft steel sailboat with a VP-SD120C saildrive, for the use in salt-water. I... Hello fellow cruisers!


I was just about to order anodes for my 34ft steel sailboat with a VP-SD120C saildrive, for the use in salt-water.

I found an aluminium anode on the saildrive, pretty used up, and zinks on the hull/rudder, not that used up.

When I worked in the boatyard, the old guy's had the following rules:
-Saildrives get aluminium anodes, regardles where used.
-Steel boats in salt water get zink anodes (regardless of saildrives).

Now I stumbled upon different sources that state that one should never mix anode materials on one boat because the less noble ones will protect the more noble ones...
Also, I stumbled upon several articles stating that the industry is shifting to aluminium anodes, as there is a new alloy that has the same voltage as zink ones...

Now I am confused...

I know that aluminium(alloy) anodes for a saildrive are optimized to protect the aluminium of the saildrive. But would the aluminium anodes that are optimized to the voltage of zink not have a different voltage compared to the one on the saildrive then???

Also, the so called shift to aluminium anodes, is supposed to be cheaper than zink, but the prices in the chandlery here say otherwise...!?!?

Analysis paralysis.... :banghead:


Anyone up to date with those topics, who can lend some founded advice?

Please no debates, just founded knowledge, if possible with sources.


I am trying to understand the physics perspective, and trying to look past all the marketing, "we always done it like this" and "industry-pushes".


Preemptive strike 1: Aluminium is an element, aluminum is a brand name for an alloy containing aluminium. :wink:
Preemptive strike 2: Wherever I write aluminium, of course I mean a aluminium alloy. :p


Cheers, Ol'G. :thumb: ]]> Old_Greenhorn https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f55/selecting-anodes-for-a-steel-boat-with-a-saildrive-aluminium-zink-confusion-300645.html Saint Vincent and Pets https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f57/saint-vincent-and-pets-300644.html Wed, 10 Jun 2026 20:18:32 GMT So this is the second time we were denied bringing our pets into St. Vincent. They are the hardest caribbean island to work with and are rude ontop... So this is the second time we were denied bringing our pets into St. Vincent. They are the hardest caribbean island to work with and are rude ontop of everything else.

The first time, it took the vet longer than 7 days to get the paper work completed on their end. Even though our paper work was in order. At that point, they came to inspect the dogs and said your heart worm test is expired (1 day over). Now we were in country for 3 days and they don't carry heart worm tests in St. Vincent as there are no heart worms there. Even though our dogs had the 1 year preventative shot, that did not matter and we were told if our dogs come to land, they would shoot them.

So, three years later we tried again. Yes, we like to be toutured. We did everything by the book. Again we were denied. Appearantly we recieved the wrong titer test this year. Our vet made a mistake. Eventhough we have one every year and its the right one and the dogs have a rabbies shot every year, it does not matter and once again, we are denied.

The funny thing is St. Vincent is no better off the any other caribbean island when it comes to rabbies. No dogs in a caribbean have had rabbies since 1980 so it is not like they are saving the world with all the extra preventive. The french islands only care that your shots are all up to date. Most english islands just look for a clear bill of health with 30 days of coming into the country and all shots are up to date.

So why is St. Vincent so hard to deal with? If you have a pet, don't come here. They litterally look for ways to denie your entrance. ]]> HuffinPuff https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f57/saint-vincent-and-pets-300644.html Barlow 24 Single speed winches https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f47/barlow-24-single-speed-winches-300643.html Wed, 10 Jun 2026 20:01:18 GMT Trying to dismantle these Barlow 24 winches which have been sitting unused outside for 10 years.

I've read through other forums where they suggest a dismantling handle and 3/16 hex key for the 2 speed Barlow 24 winches but that size hex won't fit down the top cap to undo the capscrew.

Could there be a step before where the 2 holes are used to undo the top cap?

Very stuck here and looking for saving. Thanks for the help.
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]]> Monohull Sailboats AWoff https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f47/barlow-24-single-speed-winches-300643.html <![CDATA[For Sale: 1980 Pearson 365 Ketch "Lady Ann" Solid Project Boat $10,000 OBO]]> https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f152/1980-pearson-365-ketch-lady-ann-solid-project-boat-10-000-obo-300642.html Wed, 10 Jun 2026 19:25:58 GMT Located in Kemah, Texas Priced for a quick sale at $10,000 OBO, Lady Ann is a 1980 Pearson 365 Ketch looking for a captain ready to bring her back... Located in Kemah, Texas

Priced for a quick sale at $10,000 OBO, Lady Ann is a 1980 Pearson 365 Ketch looking for a captain ready to bring her back to her full potential. This is not a turnkey boat—she is a project vessel requiring system updates and cosmetic attention, priced accordingly to reflect her current needs. She has not been sailed in the past 2 years.

If you are a DIY sailor, a handyman, or looking for a heavily built classic liveaboard with fantastic "bones," this is a great opportunity.

Descriptions and boat pics can be found here:

https://sites.google.com/view/pearson365kemahtexas

Thanks for looking!
Jason
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]]> Boats For Sale and Wanted jasonkd https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f152/1980-pearson-365-ketch-lady-ann-solid-project-boat-10-000-obo-300642.html For Sale: Garmin Actuator Class B Model B2 Autopilot https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f64/garmin-actuator-class-b-model-b2-autopilot-300641.html Wed, 10 Jun 2026 18:40:24 GMT When paired with the Garmin GHP 12 Autopilot or Reactor Mechanical System, the Class B Drive Unit controls your sailboats steering system. Built with... When paired with the Garmin GHP 12 Autopilot or Reactor Mechanical System, the Class B Drive Unit controls your sailboats steering system. Built with a hydraulic linear drive unit for sailboats with a displacement of up to 79,000 lbs. the Class B Drive Unit will work flawlessly along with the GHP 12 autopilot system.
Brand new. We$t Marine sells this for over $3,000. Other places $2,800.
Great deal for you if this is what you are looking for. I am in Morro Bay and can ship to you.
Firm price of $1,400.
I have photos but having trouble putting them up here. ]]> General Classifieds (no boats) stevelf https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f64/garmin-actuator-class-b-model-b2-autopilot-300641.html The future.. https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f55/the-future-300640.html Wed, 10 Jun 2026 18:32:18 GMT ..of autonomous vessels..or..going to need a new sub forum title.. https://www.saronic.com/vessels ..of autonomous vessels..or..going to need a new sub forum title..

https://www.saronic.com/vessels ]]> AA3JY https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f55/the-future-300640.html <![CDATA[🌅 Solo passage — St Martin → Azores, North Atlantic]]> https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f121/solo-passage-st-martin-azores-north-atlantic-300633.html Wed, 10 Jun 2026 18:04:42 GMT Unrelated question: have you already arrived or when do you expect to do so? Unrelated question: have you already arrived or when do you expect to do so? ]]> Navigation Joh.Ghurt https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f121/solo-passage-st-martin-azores-north-atlantic-300633.html <![CDATA[OpenCpn 5.14 Windows GL render crash -> bug?]]> https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f134/opencpn-5-14-windows-gl-render-crash-bug-300638.html Wed, 10 Jun 2026 17:04:43 GMT I am using the last version OpneCPN on Windows 11 prof system. It crashes when starting. The last sentence of the log file: gl_chart_canvas.cpp:1195... I am using the last version OpneCPN on Windows 11 prof system. It crashes when starting. The last sentence of the log file:
gl_chart_canvas.cpp:1195 OpenGL-> Minimum symbol line width: 1.0


I have crash reports, dumpfiles, etc. Do I send these files here?


OpenCPN tries direct after starting to load a chart, and that happens before the GL context is ready. This patron — GL-setup + direct chart render → crash — points strongly to a race condition or a bug in OpenCPN 5.14.0 with rendering a first chart on a Intel UHD 630.


When I start with opencpn.exe --no_opengl the crash disappears. ]]> OpenCPN deining https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f134/opencpn-5-14-windows-gl-render-crash-bug-300638.html <![CDATA[Reuel Parker's T'ien Hou, 50' Gaff-rigged Lorca]]> https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f47/reuel-parkers-tien-hou-50-gaff-rigged-lorca-300637.html Wed, 10 Jun 2026 16:06:18 GMT Now that I'm retired, am thinking of sailing again, hopefully with son and grandchildren so have found myself looking at boats much larger than the wooden 33' racing sloop I used to sail in Chester Nova Scotia decades ago. One listing I keep coming back to and would appreciate any analysis from old salts. She's unusual in design, Reuel Parker's T'ien Hou. The advertisement features both technical specs and various anecdotes or links to articles in Wooden Boat magazine. The ad:
https://www.yachtworld.com/yacht/200...a-50-10109072/
A picture:


I just wonder what sailors experienced with this size vessel think of the design in terms of safety, sturdiness, comfort, sailing characteristics etc. Some of my impression:
  • I like that she is described as having a working boat ethos to her
  • I like the gaff rig, though at 71 might find it too much to handle without installing mechanical-electric help
  • I like that the current owner is a professional marine engineer who has sailed her extensively, often single-handing, and made some solid improvements to the Lunenburg cast windlass and the 3,200 lb keel lift mechanism
  • Although I'm not an engine lover, I like that she has a 1500 mile range
  • I like the 3'2" draft for cruising around Bahamas or going into river areas etc, also better performance when running
  • I like split rig; when it gets rough, drop the main, sail under 'jib and jigger', much less heel and motion, easy
  • I like that it looks like she sails well
  • Master cabin in the stern with the old Lorca-Junk style windows is cool
  • Not sure about the head, though I get the rationale; don't like the cockpit being so broken up, but do like the idea of it not being below decks
  • Suspect this is a Key West / Bahamas happy boat, not for Northern Climes
  • Wonder how apprropriate she is for extended offshore passages (which most likely I would only do rarely if at all, though occasional 5-10 day passages hopefully yes then cruising around an area for a holiday season etc.)

Anyway, wondering what others with a more experienced perspective might have to say about her. Thank you in advance. ]]> Monohull Sailboats BaronAsh https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f47/reuel-parkers-tien-hou-50-gaff-rigged-lorca-300637.html Drone Rescue https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f2/drone-rescue-300636.html Wed, 10 Jun 2026 15:34:21 GMT Attached is the text of a Loose Cannon Substack post about the recent rescue of 2 airman by a drone. The author brings up a few very relevant... Attached is the text of a Loose Cannon Substack post about the recent rescue of 2 airman by a drone. The author brings up a few very relevant points; this is for the uninjured and fit swimmer.

I have included the entire text as he allows sharing.

We have just seen the future of search and rescue at sea. “Proof of concept,” as one retired Coast Guard rescue swimmer just said.
Yesterday, a Saronic Corsair 24 “uncrewed surface vessel” rescued the two-man crew of a U.S. Army Apache helicopter downed in the Gulf of Oman, marking the first known use of a drone boat in a search-and-rescue mission.
The surface drone—aka an unmanned surface vessel—is part of the U.S. Navy's Task Force 59, which is operating various uncrewed platforms, including the Corsair, during its Iran War deployment. When the Iranians shot down the Apache, a sister ship of the boat above was sent to the survivors’ known location.
The former commander of Task Force 59 told the Telegraph news outlet that the unit had trained for this kind of thing. “We thought it was possible, and we practiced in benign situations,” Michael Brasseur said. “But to execute in a contested environment like that, it’s a very fulfilling moment for me personally.”

The unanswered question is: How did the men get up onto the superstructure for their ride to safety? News descriptions were conclusory. The men “scrambled onto” or clambered up onto” the slab-sided vessel. As anyone who has tried to get onto anything steeper than a canoe—absent a ladder or swim platform—would testify, scrambling and clambering takes a fair bit of athleticism.
We can assume the pilots were fit, but they had probably been shaken up by their crash into the sea, and their inflatable PFDs would have made the ascension nigh impossible without first being deflated, as SAR demos have shown.
There are no obvious steps or handholds on the publicity photos distributed by
Saronic Technologies, the Austin-based manufacturer or the Corsair and two other drone boats used by the Navy. Search and rescue is just one of several warfighting missions these boats have been designed to perform.
Saronic itself did not answer an email asking how the men would have been expected to board the boat.
Uninjured and highly motivated, the two men had undoubtedly been trained on how the Corsair operates and how to board one of them, according to Mario Vittone, a veteran Coast Guard rescue swimmer, now retired.
What works with uninjured military people may not succeed with wounded individuals or a retired couple who have just abandoned their sinking sailboat, but give it time. The addition of steps, handholds and robotic lifts will come.
Even at this early stage, the benefit of unmanned rescue has justified future improvements. Even without refinement, the Corsair already has greater range than most rescue helicopters and can be deployed from all manner of ships.
“They just had a lovely proof of concept, and they’ll be on cruise ships and commercial ships after that,” Vittone said. “I think all offshore searching will be done by fully autonomous drone (airborne) at around the same time. Give it a decade. Max.”
Each Corsair costs $1 to $1.2 million. According to Saronic, the Corsair is designed for multiple missions, including combat:

Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR)

Maritime patrol

Search-and-rescue operations

Delivery of supplies

Electronic warfare missions

Force protection for larger naval vessels

Potential deployment of both kinetic and non-kinetic payloads ]]> General Sailing Forum hpeer https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f2/drone-rescue-300636.html Nontraditional storm jib strategy - hack or bodge? https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f129/nontraditional-storm-jib-strategy-hack-or-bodge-300635.html Wed, 10 Jun 2026 15:06:48 GMT Our C&C 38 Landfall has a single forestay and a 135% genoa on a roller furler. Both the main and headsail have 3 reef points. We will be cruising from New England to the Caribbean this fall and are trying to figure out our storm sail plan. The ideal setup would not involve us removing the genoa.

Using the logic that if dyneema is a suitable alternative to SS wire for standing rigging, I am looking for folks to poke holes in this idea:
Use our spinnaker halyard (8 mm dyneema core with polyester cover, 8,100 lb tensile strength) as a 'removable inner forestay'. Use a running figure 8 knot with a low friction ring nested inside the bight at the suitable height to create an attachment point for the head of a hank-on storm jib. The tack of the storm jib is run through a block to a winch on deck.

If this is overly complicated or just a bad idea in general, any other ideas would be appreciated. Thanks ]]> Our Community rad.sabbat https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f129/nontraditional-storm-jib-strategy-hack-or-bodge-300635.html <![CDATA[Crew Wanted: A/C Engineer's wanted! - Royal Caribbean Group]]> https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f30/a-c-engineers-wanted-royal-caribbean-group-300634.html Wed, 10 Jun 2026 13:55:52 GMT Maintain the air conditioning plant, refrigeration, ventilation, heating, ice production and all related machinery in good working order. ... Maintain the air conditioning plant, refrigeration, ventilation, heating, ice production and all related machinery in good working order.

Responsibilities:

Ensure that all ventilation, cooling, freezing equipment, ice making equipment (where applicable) and all air conditioning equipment is kept in full and proper working condition.
Ensure that all equipment is always operating at maximum efficiency to reduce energy and fuel cost.
Assist the Chief Engineer in proper maintenance and repair of all refrigerators, walk-in coolers & cold water drinking fountains, mini bars (with refrigerant gas) and ice making machines.
Perform additional routines and work assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications & Training:

Mechanical Engineer (BSc) or equivalent with specialized study in HVAC/Refrigeration systems.
F-Gas Category 1 certification, Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF), and Basic Safety Training (BST) in accordance with STCW.

Language Requirements:

Ability to speak English clearly, distinctly, and cordially with guests.
Proficiency in reading and writing English to interpret procedures.
Ability to give and receive instructions effectively in both written and verbal forms.
Capable of effectively presenting information and responding to questions from guests, supervisors, and colleagues.

Additional Duties

Perform routine tasks and any other work assigned by your supervisor to ensure smooth operations.

Why Join Us?

Be a vital part of our engineering team, ensuring all refrigeration and air conditioning systems are safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly—supporting guest comfort and operational excellence.

If you're interested please apply directly through the link below.

https://careers.royalcaribbeangroup.com/ship/ ]]> RCG https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f30/a-c-engineers-wanted-royal-caribbean-group-300634.html