SV Seeker

[AnIdiot]

..but off the wind anyone would expect a "sailing vessel" to reach nominal hull speed, yes? Maybe not under engine, if it's a modest "auxiliary" but probably so, if it's a "motor sailor".

So Seeker should be doing over 10knots, assuming reasonable breeze; say 15 to 20 knots? On an "ocean-going" boat we'd be reefing around that sort of breeze?

FWIW, I have motored through tacks when sailing a Broads Cruiser in Norfolk: a heavy boat, light winds & current meant that we would lose so much ground to windward when tacking on some of the river bends that it was better to use the engine briefly to make some gains instead, so as to be able to get back to reaching where the river was more conveniently angled to the breeze.

I don't think that's what's happening aboard Seeker, though.

 

[epoxypete]

The BSO is already grossly over-weight and considerably out of trim, thus the need to stuff lead ingots into a number of fuel tanks. She appears to be lacking sufficient sail area, for her displacement, to properly sail in light airs. Adding more sail area requires a taller rig, which in turn will further effect its stability, in a bad way. It appears Dugg is in a no win situation. If and when he ever gets someone on board to explain things correctly to him, he may never understand that his challenges are not related to just "learnin' how ta sail a junk rig" but to the fact this design, its construction and many facets of this project were all accomplished without proper regard to the fundamentals of naval architecture, science or engineering. On Dugg's horizon looms a whole lot of learnin' and a man sized helpin' of hurtin'.

 

[Max Rockatansky]

Coffee pot sliding off the counter at under 3 knots. Doesn't sound to me like it stiffened up at 5º of heel like they had been claiming.

y’all all stay glued to the screen, because it will be interesting if your host goes out into the GOM, which claim to fame is its short period waves. Yee ha. (—and forgot to mention, it always blows east or some flavor of east, unless a frontal passage.)

 

[Titilingus]

View attachment 566966

I've added the bits Seeker Dougie meant to say in that post:

“Went out for a training sail today so I could record and post something to keep my subscriber wheel of grift turning with Erik and Betsy. We did a lot better on AIS on our original back of a napkin calculations 10 years ago than it felt in person. Only used the engine to tack three every time. Oh, and put the coffee pot in the sink before coming off anchor when sailing a 74ft vessel in 5 kts in flat water. Very important. Oh my god will be my last words when this wreck experiences open water. That down wind run was heaven. No main, just foresail and mizzen. It was the only time I didn't shit myself wonderin' if this wreck would go turtle, but thinkin's fer pussies with a mother. Several rig changes more gullible paying subscribers needed now, so no more pretend sailing till those are done.”

 

[epoxypete]

View attachment 566966

" We did a lot better on AIS than it felt in person." - The AIS looks like crap considering the wind and the time it took to cover so few miles.

"Only used the engine to tack three times." - Hard to tell whether he is bragging, relieved or just unable to understand that with the breeze he had, a sailboat should tack easily.

"Put the coffee pot in the sink before coming off anchor" - A light breeze, no waves to speak of, only the two smallest sails fully hoisted and the boat already wants to roll over that badly?!

"Several rig changes to make now,..." This might be interesting(entertaining) to see what type of changes, considering Dugg's propensity for consistently coming up with stupid/incorrect solutions to problems of his own making which he does not recognize/understand.

 

[Max Rockatansky]

I just recalled something that happened to us not far west of there, in Bon Secour. We pulled in and anchored, not particularly near to any houses, and not long after that the Alabama water cops pulled up and asked whether we were planning to stay. We weren’t, and in chatting with the officer, was informed that AL takes a dim view of anchor-outs. Now that was in 2018, but maybe @Rasputin22 our man on the scene can speak to this? Will they run our host out of there?

 

[Kleenbreeze2]

so he thinks it will sail. He better try learning to just motor sail it.

 

[fukupananvil]

" We did a lot better on AIS than it felt in person." - The AIS looks like crap considering the wind and the time it took to cover so few miles.

"Only used the engine to tack three times." - Hard to tell whether he is bragging, relieved or just unable to understand that with the breeze he had, a sailboat should tack easily.

"Put the coffee pot in the sink before coming off anchor" - A light breeze, no waves to speak of, only the two smallest sails fully hoisted and the boat already wants to roll over that badly?!

"Several rig changes to make now,..." This might be interesting(entertaining) to see what type of changes, considering Dugg's propensity for consistently coming up with stupid/incorrect solutions to problems of his own making which he does not recognize/understand.

Winching for dummies 101 is fascinating:

Winches - SV Seeker

[x

www.svseeker.com

I was wondering if the diesel has to be running to run the power steering pump to run the winch to control the sails (Harken winch the exception). Maybe some sort of battery auxiliary hydraulic pump onboard too?

BTW, the launch video showed the anchor winch unable to lift the anchor, requiring mods.

 

[fukupananvil]

The BSO is already grossly over-weight and considerably out of trim, thus the need to stuff lead ingots into a number of fuel tanks. She appears to be lacking sufficient sail area, for her displacement, to properly sail in light airs. Adding more sail area requires a taller rig, which in turn will further effect its stability, in a bad way. It appears Dugg is in a no win situation. If and when he ever gets someone on board to explain things correctly to him, he may never understand that his challenges are not related to just "learnin' how ta sail a junk rig" but to the fact this design, its construction and many facets of this project were all accomplished without proper regard to the fundamentals of naval architecture, science or engineering. On Dugg's horizon looms a whole lot of learnin' and a man sized helpin' of hurtin'.

Leaded fuel is good for the engine valves.

 

[Crump's Brother]

View attachment 566917

Do the SI's allow for engine use? 🤔🤣

 

[mathystuff]

Several rig changes to make now,..." This might be interesting(entertaining) to see what type of changes, considering Dugg's propensity for consistently coming up with stupid/incorrect solutions to problems of his own making which he does not recognize/understand.

As he seems to be going for light wind reaching, my guess is on adding a code0.

 

[Titilingus]

" We did a lot better on AIS than it felt in person." - The AIS looks like crap considering the wind and the time it took to cover so few miles.

"Only used the engine to tack three times." - Hard to tell whether he is bragging, relieved or just unable to understand that with the breeze he had, a sailboat should tack easily.

"Put the coffee pot in the sink before coming off anchor"- A light breeze, no waves to speak of, only the two smallest sails fully hoisted and the boat already wants to roll over that badly?!

"Several rig changes to make now,..." This might be interesting(entertaining) to see what type of changes, considering Dugg's propensity for consistently coming up with stupid/incorrect solutions to problems of his own making which he does not recognize/understand.

He intends to do below water line maintenance by beaching, but it was mentioned earlier there's not really anywhere to beach with enough tidal range for his draft on Gulf of Mexico side but could go through the Panama Canal. He could come over to the Bristol Channel instead with it's 12-14m (39-45ft) tides. I'm sure Seeker would cope just fine with our frequent slightly breezy conditions. All he needs is a reinforced coffee pot and she's good to go...

 

[Titilingus]

Though he might want to put some more silicone on those bus windows first.

 

[SPatton]

View attachment 566965

Accurate description for sure, opcn!

I haven't done what that sealion is doing.

Not a single time.

 

[accnick]

He intends to do below water line maintenance by beaching, but it was mentioned earlier there's not really anywhere to beach with enough tidal range for his draft on Gulf of Mexico side unless going through the Panama Canal. He could come over to the Bristol Channel with it's 12-14m (39-45ft) tides. I'm sure Seeker would cope just fine with our frequent slightly breezy conditions. All he needs is a reinforced coffee pot and she's good to go...

Great video! Looks like two experienced guys delivering a big IOR race boat.

The adrenaline rush of that type of sailing on a good boat with a capable crew is one of the things that keeps a lot of us involved in ocean racing long after common sense says we should give it up.

Remember to reef early, reef often. Easy advice to give and take when delivering a boat, not so much while racing.

 

[Titilingus]

Winching for dummies 101 is fascinating:

Winches - SV Seeker

[x

www.svseeker.com

I was wondering if the diesel has to be running to run the power steering pump to run the winch to control the sails (Harken winch the exception). Maybe some sort of battery auxiliary hydraulic pump onboard too?

BTW, the launch video showed the anchor winch unable to lift the anchor, requiring mods.

I think you may be right, if he loses power and electrical systems then his sail control is gone, could be wrong though and stand to be corrected.

 

[kent_island_sailor]

Dear Seeker Crew:
THIS is sailing. Do not attempt, convert to a powerboat now while you still can.

 

[chester]

Though he might want to put some more silicone on those bus windows first.

5200, sir, 5200

 

[Jud - s/v Sputnik]

Months of mirth and glee to be sure!

There is nothing humorous about this serious undertaking. Please post humour elsewhere.

Dear Seeker Crew:
THIS is sailing. Do not attempt, convert to a powerboat now while you still can.

Basically, the Beverley Hillbillies go sailing. Doug starring as Admiral Jed Clampett.

 

[chester]

Dear Seeker Crew:
THIS is sailing. Do not attempt, convert to a powerboat now while you still can.

is the bs engine enough motor (assuming the transmission and rest of the driveline holds up) for that boat to punch through and handle any weather?