T&T: 120 mph finds the cracks.

[Mike Maurice]

Here are few thoughts from the other night.

At 120, hairline cracks in rubber gaskets will let in steady drips of 
water. Not enough to sink the boat, but enough to ruin gear and soak 
bedding.

Bolts with tightened nuts will vibrate loose and the resulting damage 
can be serious. Any bolt in any exposed location where the bolt can be 
subject to vibration, even from wind, needs a locking nut or cotter pin.

Fendering that at 100 mph is sufficient to protect the boat from all 
damage, will begin to fail at 120+ mph. The only fendering that will 
work above 100 mph are old tires. Next time, more tires.

ALL canvas, absolutely every scrap, sails, weather cloths must be stored 
below. It can not be protected and will be torn to shreds.

If the high wind will be generally from the a constant direction then 
the boat is likely to be safest on the upwind side of the dock, but the 
fendering must be perfect (note above). The center of pressure of the 
boat should be against the strongest part of the dock. For instance at 
the center of a "T", not out towards the ends. Done this way, the dock 
lines will not get chafed or snapped or cleats torn out; those on the 
dock or on the boat.

At 100+ mph, there is nothing that can be done on deck that is worth 
getting killed over. Maybe not even at over 80 or some other figure.


All of this assumes a moorage with decent docks and a short fetch to 
windward where large waves can not build up.


Mike


_____________________________________
Capt. Mike Maurice
Beaverton Oregon(Near Portland)