<![CDATA[Cruisers & Sailing Forums]]> https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/ Cruisers Forum is an online forum community of cruisers from around the world! en Wed, 10 Jun 2026 15:59:42 GMT vBulletin 60 https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg <![CDATA[Cruisers & Sailing Forums]]> https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/ 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[🌅 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 12:43:43 GMT Last night my phone woke me up 4 times. Once for the MARAN GAS ULYSSES — a 300m LNG tanker passing 0.43nm off my course. Once because the wind... Last night my phone woke me up 4 times.
Once for the MARAN GAS ULYSSES — a 300m LNG tanker passing 0.43nm off my course. Once because the wind picked up to 20 knots. Once because my autopilot disengaged and I was off course. And once for a low battery alert.
Every single time it was justified. Every single time I fixed it and went back to sleep.
I've been sailing for years and I do solo ocean passages regularly. This is the first time I've ever truly slept at night while single-handing.
I built an app that connects directly to your chartplotter's WiFi — Simrad, B&G, Garmin. No extra hardware, no satellite subscription. Just your phone and your existing chartplotter. It monitors AIS, wind, heading, batteries. It wakes you up when it matters.
Best crewmember I've ever had. Doesn't eat either.
Still testing right now, mid-Atlantic. If you want to try it before launch — drop a comment or DM 👇
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]]> Navigation Zingla https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f121/solo-passage-st-martin-azores-north-atlantic-300633.html Old fridge system https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f115/old-fridge-system-300632.html Wed, 10 Jun 2026 11:49:07 GMT Hi everybody. First post on the forum, I juste registerded today. I live aboard my sailboat, a french built Jouët 920. Great boat, but I still... Hi everybody.

First post on the forum, I juste registerded today.

I live aboard my sailboat, a french built Jouët 920. Great boat, but I still have a few issues to adress. The biggest one at the time is the fridge.

It's an old Danfoss BD35 compressor , doesn't cools very well.

I was maybe looking to get it replaced, but had first to see if it could be fixed. I wasan engineer onboard passenger ships a few years back, but my knowledge of refrigeration systems is very limited.

What bothers me the most is that there is only one gas pipe running from the condenser to the evaporator plate. The other pipe is closed.

Is this normal ?? I mean, all the new plates I've seen online seem to have two pipes, one inlet and a return pipe. Is that why the fridge isn't doing its job ?

Thanks for the advices
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]]> Plumbing Systems and Fixtures Steinrick https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f115/old-fridge-system-300632.html <![CDATA[Simrad/B&G Triton/IS40 displáy degradation]]> https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f13/simrad-b-and-g-triton-is40-displ-y-degradation-300631.html Wed, 10 Jun 2026 11:41:20 GMT We stored our boat on the hard in Panama for six months and returned to find our instrument displays located over the companionway had severely... We stored our boat on the hard in Panama for six months and returned to find our instrument displays located over the companionway had severely degraded. In the photo below, they look readable, but this photo was taken at dusk in low light. In daylight, the displays are so dim as to be unreadable.

The Simrad unit is about 10 years old. I bought the B&G used, so unsure how old it is.

I have heard that it is possible to replace the polarizing film on these displays to salvage them. Does anyone have any info on how to do that?

Cheers!

Steve
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]]> Marine Electronics steve77 https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f13/simrad-b-and-g-triton-is40-displ-y-degradation-300631.html Waterproof bow camera anyone? https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f13/waterproof-bow-camera-anyone-300629.html Wed, 10 Jun 2026 10:29:48 GMT Hi,


we have a very low cut genoa without window.
Don't want to modify the sail.


Thinking of adding a camera in front though to improve awareness of the dead angle.


Can anyone please recommend a good camera from AliExpress, Amazon or the like which they have used successfully?


Should be small and light, have reasonable day and nighttime performance and has to be watertight.
12V cable connector, possibly built in WiFi.
Not too expensive. A model 2-3 years old but still available would likely do.


Could be even a 360 camera.


Appreciate suggestions from people who have actually used a specific model and can post a link to it. ]]> Marine Electronics Catamarangirl https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f13/waterproof-bow-camera-anyone-300629.html Deleting deck hatches https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f117/deleting-deck-hatches-300628.html Wed, 10 Jun 2026 08:03:29 GMT Hi everyone, I am currently finalizing the deck specifications for my new 45ft catamaran build. The current factory design includes three standard... Hi everyone,

I am currently finalizing the deck specifications for my new 45ft catamaran build. The current factory design includes three standard glass/acrylic deck hatches on each hull side. However, I am planning to heavily modify this layout for better structural integrity, leak prevention, and privacy.

Here is my proposed configuration:

Forward Hatch (Keep & Enlarge): I want to keep only the forward-most hatch on each side, which opens into the storage compartments and brings in fresh outside air. In fact, I want to enlarge it to the size of a standard emergency escape hatch so that I can easily move large gear, sails, and supplies in and out of the storage hold.

Midship & Bedroom Hatches (Remove): I am planning to completely remove/delete the midship hatches (above the heads/walkways) and the bedroom hatches, opting for a solid, unbroken fixed deck instead.

My reasoning for removing the midship and aft cabin hatches is to completely eliminate tripping or falling hazards when they are open, as well as to maximize cabin privacy.

For those who have extensive offshore cruising experience: Should I proceed with removing these midship and cabin hatches entirely, or is there a compelling reason to keep them (e.g., ventilation that can't be achieved via opening portlights/Dorades)?

I would love to hear your thoughts on this layout.

Best regards,

Best regards,
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]]> baefam https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f117/deleting-deck-hatches-300628.html <![CDATA[AI & Weather]]> https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f2/ai-and-weather-300627.html Wed, 10 Jun 2026 06:38:01 GMT Hi friends,
Would you trust the judgement of a captain about to undertake a 1200nm
passage who bases his go/no go & wait decisions by sending screen shots of Windy to Chat Gpt? ]]> General Sailing Forum Time2Go https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f2/ai-and-weather-300627.html <![CDATA[For Sale: CNG Tanks 8L & 10L]]> https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f64/cng-tanks-8l-and-10l-300626.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 22:50:47 GMT Contact Sales@steelheadcomposites for information on new CNG tanks in both 8L and 10L sizes. Perfect for boats that need new or additional tanks! Contact Sales@steelheadcomposites for information on new CNG tanks in both 8L and 10L sizes. Perfect for boats that need new or additional tanks! ]]> General Classifieds (no boats) Steelhead https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f64/cng-tanks-8l-and-10l-300626.html NAVTEX https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f2/navtex-300625.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 18:05:28 GMT Does anyone still have or use NAVTEX on their boat to receive Wx and other information? We installed Starlink and will use some service like Predict... Does anyone still have or use NAVTEX on their boat to receive Wx and other information? We installed Starlink and will use some service like Predict Wind for Wx and warnings. Seems NAVTEX has seen its day, even thought still used on coastal US.
I may keep the display on the chart table because it shows LAT/LONG in big, bright numbers :)

Cheers…. ]]> General Sailing Forum enjaku https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f2/navtex-300625.html new starting battery, cell imbalance too much? https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f166/new-starting-battery-cell-imbalance-too-much-300624.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 17:24:55 GMT I have installed LFP batteries on my boat, but kept putting off the angine starting problem until I saw ads for Ionic starting batteries. Ordered... I have installed LFP batteries on my boat, but kept putting off the angine starting problem until I saw ads for Ionic starting batteries. Ordered Ionic Lithium 12V S8 1220 CA. It's a Bluetooth equiped battery, I downloaded the Ionic app which told me the SOC was 90%, but I was startled by significant inballace, #2 cell was ~ 0.2V (200mV?) lower than the highest #4 cell. I hooked up a LFP specific charger set to 10A. In few minutes, the Ionic app showed 100% SOC, the current tapered off, so I assumed the cell balancing started. It did, the cell 1, 3 and 4 voltages started to drop, but so did the questionable #2? In few minutes the cell voltage difference was reduced , and while the Ionic app reported battery temperature close to ambient, one postage stamp size area on top of the battery got to 123°F. I assumed that was the location of the balancing resistors(?), but just to be sure I set the battery out in the cockpit. It was weekend, so I couldn't get hold of Ionic tech support. When the battery cooled down, the imbalance showed improved 95mV difference betwee the highest and lowest (#2) cells. Next day I ran the battery down some with a 50W hallogen automotive bulb some and recharged to 100% SOC. The hot spot only reached 110°F this time after I disconnected the charger. Monday morning the #2 cell was 60mV lower than the rest of the cells, all at the same voltage. The tech support person suggested that was normal and that I should not expect perfect balance and that I should not have forced the second re-balancing. He said if I don't like it I can return the battery for replacement or refund. Am I expecting too much? Should I try a differen brand battery or take a chance with replacement? I ony have some experience with EcoWorthy batteries which are all deep cycle only, and they balance within 10mV every time. ]]> Lithium Power Systems sv.antea https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f166/new-starting-battery-cell-imbalance-too-much-300624.html Removing a furler on a legacy Zspars mast https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f116/removing-a-furler-on-a-legacy-zspars-mast-300623.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 16:46:37 GMT Hi all,

I have to remove the furler mechanism on a legacy Z-spars mast. I'm looking for anyone with prior experience on this type of mechanism to advise on what I need to do to remove it.

The manufacturer claims that they do not have any documents in their archive, nor do they have any spares. The spares I can understand, but not maintaining an archive seems criminal for a company that manufactures marine systems that can last for decades. Anyway, that's a side rant. What I really need to know is how to get it out. Here's what I know so far and see pics.

The mfr states that the furler cylinder is connected to the gooseneck but can't recall how.

The top of the furler rod is free. Once the furler drum is free to move, the entire unit should slide out through the bottom of the mast.

There are two types of fasteners visible on the gooseneck:
  1. two hex head bolts along the centreline of the gooseneck base. but these are so short and do not seem to penetrate the mast profile. I think they just thread into a backing plate that is behind the sailtrack slot. I removed them completely anyway and the furler drum will still not budge.
  2. 6 rivets, 3 per side. Cannot tell for sure, but these seem to be the only possible way that the gooseneck base is connected to the furler drum. Before I drill these out however, I'm looking for confirmation from anyone that may have worked on this particular equipment.
Also, if anyone happens to have any documentation on this type of mast and its fittings, that would be awesome, since Z-spars has been of no use in getting same.

I've always rec'd great feedback from this forum in the past and have hopes I can get some useful tips and confirmation on how to proceed this time.

For anyone wondering why I'm doing this, the furling of the main is no longer easy to do and I want to inspect and probably change the bearings before I get into some real trouble on a windy day when I need to reef or retract the main.
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]]> raahell https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f116/removing-a-furler-on-a-legacy-zspars-mast-300623.html For Sale: Rainman 120V 1300w portable watermaker https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f64/rainman-120v-1300w-portable-watermaker-300622.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 15:14:32 GMT High output unit
PSU-110-1300
110-120v, 60hz
1300 Watts

2x40" RO Membrane (portable with case)

It was included with the boat I just purchased, I do not plan to do any long distance cruising the next few years so it doesn't make sense for me to carry around.

Sellers say it was pickled last year which means it needs to be run or re-pickled.

Pick up in NYC or willing to deliver within a days drive for $200.

$4500
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]]> General Classifieds (no boats) David R https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f64/rainman-120v-1300w-portable-watermaker-300622.html Crew Wanted: Looking for a Volunteer Crew - East Coast Sailing and Water Cleaning https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f30/looking-for-a-volunteer-crew-east-coast-sailing-and-water-cleaning-300621.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 15:08:30 GMT Hi!

I'm gonna put a bunch of information below so thanks for taking the time to read. I'm seeking up to four volunteer crew members for a long-term sailing and environmental cleanup project aboard a 34’ Tartan sailboat. The trip may last anywhere from two months to a year depending on availability and interest. Also, I'm an artist who paints and creates different sorts of visual arts. I want to do some water cleanup and testing, watch sunsets and sunrises, more below.

Possible departure: Mid to Late June
The boat is leaving from Pensacola, Florida.
Boat: Tartan 34,' 1974.

The trip includes:
- Water testing and surveying
- Building relationships with marinas and local communities
- Collecting and organizing existing clean water data
- Exploring possibilities for future nonprofit development
- Scanning barcodes on trash periodically to trace data.

We’ll also be hauling a 14’ rigid hull Zodiac with a 63HP Yamaha jet drive for shallow water surveying and transport.

Where
The planned route starts in Pensacola and includes parts of the East Coast with possible stops including: Tampa Bay, Miami. Key West, Charleston, Annapolis, Philadelphia. Additional destinations may include the Dry Tortugas or Cuba if the crew is interested and conditions allow.

About Life on Board
Food is included. We expect to spend roughly 1–2 weeks in many locations, giving crew members opportunities to explore towns, pick up temporary gig work, or spend time off the boat.
Experience is welcome but not required. Beginners are encouraged to apply and can learn:
- Basic sailing
- Boat maintenance
- Navigation and seamanship
- Environmental surveying
- Elements of nonprofit/project management

I'll will be driving from the Bryn Mawr / Philadelphia area to Pensacola before departure. There may be room in the vehicle for anyone in the Philly area needing transportation to Florida.

Call or text me, Joe: 610-520-1153. I like talking on the phone but texts are alright! We can also talk about any questions you have. Thanks. ]]> Artistwhosails https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f30/looking-for-a-volunteer-crew-east-coast-sailing-and-water-cleaning-300621.html Ideas for a singlehand mono for shallow water crusing https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f47/ideas-for-a-singlehand-mono-for-shallow-water-crusing-300620.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 14:27:26 GMT Maybe a sharpie or a Cat catch rig single mast. Im selling my home and going to buy something easy to sail and liveable. Budget around $50,000 maybe... Maybe a sharpie or a Cat catch rig single mast. Im selling my home and going to buy something easy to sail and liveable.
Budget around $50,000 maybe a little more.
Hark Seward 28 and 32 look interesting Ive seen them at shows years ago but not sure about there Lifting keel system if that would give you trouble.
Im here in Ft Myers Fla.
Just getting some ideas.:smile: ]]> Monohull Sailboats videorov https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f47/ideas-for-a-singlehand-mono-for-shallow-water-crusing-300620.html