The Ballad Exchange

Hi Mike:

Hmm, I have no idea as to how this crack may have occurred. I've never seen it before. As the surroundings are relatively loosely fitted I can't see what caused it. Perhaps other members can come up with a cause.

Nicholas

Hi Mike: I don't know if it's effective as I haven't sailed the boat since. In fact, I'm not entirely finished with all the work. The boat will be taken out of the water in a couple of weeks for anti-fouling, the mast will be lowered and the rigging replaced--which is why I wanted to finish with all...

Hi Mike: When you mention "step", are you referring to the mast step? Which part has cracked? I guess the tipping point for strengthening the Ballad came after a long, rough sail this August. It wasn't so much the wind--the local summer wind known as "meltemi" regularly blows to ...

Hi there! The washboards are made from 15mm marine plywood, painted with two coats of epoxy primer and two coats of 2-part PU paint. I've actually made new front and rear slides from teak, as the originals would not accommodate 15mm plywood (I'll post a photo later on since I don't have access to my...

Strengthening Moments of Clarity is something I've had in mind for a really long time. Over the years, I've discussed this subject with a Swedish friend who has been living on board his Ballad in Greece since 2010, and another Greek friend who has an Albin Singoalla. One of the things we always wond...

Oh, OK. I'm not familiar with the old Volvos. My boat had been re-engined by the previous owner with a Sole Mini 26 which has a 40A Hitachi alternator. As far as AGM batteries go, they aren't particularly sensitive to voltage as previously noted (GELs on the other hand are VERY sensitive). They can ...

Hi Jocke:

When you say "AC generator" do you mean a battery charger that's connected to shore power?

Nicholas

Hi Mark: Thanks for your kind words. Yours is very nicely done as well. You followed the most logical path which, of course, helped to create a king-size bed--not to mention a great play area for the kids. The thinking behind my arrangement was to be able to accommodate another adult couple in a dou...

Hi Mark:

No problem.

Nicholas

Hi Frans:

My first search wasn't successful. There's one place left to look and I will do so this week.
I will let you know either way.

Nicholas