1965 Sterling Yacht America

Started by KevinH

18 updates 138 likes 25 comments
KevinH #12 of 19

Could not Wait

As I have a pool, and I speculated that since it was already ballasted, that she was waterproof. It will be hard to see if there are any leaks, can't see much inside. But it appears that indeed it is, and might a say, on the water, quite the handsome vessel. We will have her Ship Shape in Bristol Fashion, very soon.
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KevinH #13 of 19

The Pond

So, took it to show and tell at the pond today, but I was the only one there. Fair enough, I have missed many a meet. So, I wanted to see if she would go. Almost sailed away right then and there. Not a wasted trip traded a boat for a new radio for the America.
Next week, we will be underway.
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KevinH #14 of 19

Fwd Propulsion Complete

So, of course after boating on Sunday I raced home to attempt to get this vessel ready. Sail winch installed and working. Steering is straight forward. Need Back Stay, and Side Stays. Anchors, and some deck fittings plus fit the rudder. Should be able to cobble that together before Sunday.
I did notice that on the real vessel there are davits, and two boats. I will look to 3D print some.

Cheers!
Kevin
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KevinH #15 of 19

Steering Almost Engaged

Rudder is on, steering servo installed. Tomorrow there is 2 1/2 hours in between classes. I need five stays and two anchors to be ready for Sunday!
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KevinH #16 of 19

Some Stays In

Spent some time on some essential rigging. I will pretty her up, but with the attachment of a control rod to a servo horn, she will be seaworthy.

Work List:
Four more stays with deadeyes
Anchors and chain
Forward Gold Accents
Paint Rudder
White trim paint
Possibly two boats with davits
Spar on Foresail (The real vessel uses this exact configuration)

Calling it the Secondary Jib, but probably has another name. The real vessel uses this instead of the original Top Sail, and it is easier to rig and fabricate.

And last: Name on stern, and flag. (Of course I am running the Coast Guard Ensign, thats my jam!)
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KevinH #17 of 19

Still Needed Some Work

Well, I had a feeling, and I am glad I did, the steering was not quite as reliable as I thought. The pool is a much better place to lose control of your vessel. So, standby in two weeks for the final posting. Then standby for 52' Motor Life Boat build.
Liked by Trident73 and Peejay and
2 comments
  1. flaxbybuck
    Captain
    First you show us a picture of a most enviable workshop, now a picture of a fantastic testing tank. Wow, what a set up !!! 😉
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  2. Mike StoneyBronze
    Rear Admiral
    Hi Kevin . . .
    I still need a pool like this for the tightness tests.
    I'm lucky with my neighbor, he has a really small one, but enough.
    But having a drink with him every time is a bit too much after a while, especially as he likes to drink too much. . . Should keep a clear head after all! 😂😂😂
    regards Michel-C.
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KevinH #18 of 19

Maiden Voyage

Somewhere in the pond, the rudder lies. I will repair and fix a few other things, then we will be back up and running.
Liked by AndyB2 and ChrisG and
3 comments
  1. flaxbybuck
    Captain
    Sorry to hear about the rudder. It's amazing how, even with the most careful preparation, something goes wrong. I'm told it's an 'age' thing. Great seeing your video. 😉
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KevinH #19 of 19

Submarine or Sailboat

Well, A maiden voyage with a rudder certainly changes things. A lack of a gasket around the hatch and need of about a half a kilo of ballast aft.
I will also add some spray foam, just in case.

She digs in pretty well on the down-wind. There was quite a bit of the pond in her bilge. Stayed afloat though. We will trim her up and call this one done.
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