Introduction - retired USCG

[Ike]

Just want to introduce myself. I am a retired USCG officer/enlisted (I was both) and civlian engineer. I spent 20 years in uniform and another 14 as a civilian for the US Coast Guard. I spent 25 of those years working in Boating Safety. Most of that was working in standards with boat builders helping them (I'm from the government and I'm here to help you) build safe boats.

I was rasied around boats and have spent my entire life on and off the water in both power and sail. However, I prefer sail. I currently do not own a sail boat but I intend to build a 13 foot sailing dinghy this winter. Last winter I built a 12 foot rowboat. That was a lot of fun and it's a real nice boat.

I have a web site for boat builders at xxxx and stay active in the boating community working with the American Boat and Yacht Council, writing and doing some consulting.

I think it is ironic that most of us got into the boat biz simply because we wanted to go sailing. Then it turned into work and not much sailing. But what the heck, it's still a lot of fun.

I hope I can make a useful contribution to this forum and at the same time learn more about my favorite subject.

[Reality Check]

Welcome to the forum Ike, I'm sure your knowledge will be beneficial to us all. Looking forward to you post.

I'm sure I would not make a good cold water sailor... blood far too thin and I prefer warmer locations to sail and potentially get wet. Good luck on your building project... personally I have a hard time building a sandwich!

[Ike]

Wow Tortola! Wish I were there. However, so far our weather here has been beautiful. Not much rain yet.

Thanks

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Ike,
Welcome aboard! Good to have you here. We can use your comments on many of our threads. Ive been having a lively discussion on lifeline stanchions just lately.
kind regards,
JohnL

[swagman]

Welcome Ike,
Great to have you sign up to the site.
Like all the others, I think you can add a lot especially when we get those 'what would the USCG....' type questions.
Enjoy the boat building - and keep us all posted.
JOHN

[Ike]

Thanks to all. this appears to be a great group of people.

[Stillraining]

Welcome Aboard

[Sunspot Baby]

Ike, I think you missed filling in the link for your web page. xxxx doesn't take me there :-)

Welcome aboard.

George

[knottybuoyz]

Welcome aboard Ike. I've followed your contributions on the boatdesign.net site for awhile. We'll certainly appreciate your knowledge and experience here on CF.

Here's Ike's links..

New Boatbuilders Home Page
My Boat Building Blog
My Boating Safety Blog

[Ike]

Sunspot, That's because the moderator removed the link. He said my site is commercial because I have an Amazon Bookstore. Gotta live by the rules. Just do a search on New Boatbuilders Home Page.

[Stillraining]

This is my favorite part "(I'm from the government and I'm here to help you)"

ROFL...

I always put my hand on my wallet when I hear that..

Again Welcome Aboard

[Ike]

Thanks for posting the links Knottybuoyz.

ROLF, I still have a bumper sticker that says that. Once in a while I take it out for a good chuckle.

By the way, I said so far our weather is good. HAH! If you don't like the weather in the pacnw just wait five minutes. It's pouring and expected to continue into the weekend.