Visits Since 6/28/2011
Posted 6/28/2011
ALBERG 37 INTERNATIONAL OWNERS ASSOCIATION
Tom and Kaye
Assenmacher
a37ioa@sylvaninfonospam.com
(Please Remove 'nospam' Before Sending)
www.alberg37.org
Visits Since 6/28/2011
Posted 6/28/2011
VOL 21,
NO. 3 (SUMMER -2011)
Upcoming Rendezvous Events
The 19th Annual
2011 ALBERG 37 FALL RENDEZVOUS
Saturday/Sunday,
(Boats may
arrive on Thursday or Friday)
at the
ASSENMACHER DOCK
Hampton Hall Branch, Yeocomico
River
(On Virginia
's Beautiful and Historic Northern Neck)
Click Here For Additional Rendezvous Information
If you plan to attend, please contact us at
the above email/phone number no later than
New Members
Welcome aboard
to Richard Seary
of
Welcome aboard
to Bob Gage of
Bob recently
wrote: “….After admiring KISMET for
ten years, I was fortunate to be able to purchase her in 2008. It truly was fate (as in Kismet)!”. KISMET is berthed in
Bob
posed the following hatch problem: “…I do have one question. Does anyone
know who manufactured the main salon hatch shown in the second picture?
Mine leaks because many of the steel screws used to hold the glass to the
upper portion have rusted in two, which loosened the gasket seal. The
ones not severed are frozen. From viewing the pictures of various A37’s
on the site, I see that many have replaced this hatch, but I can find no references
to repairing this particular model. The cutout on my boat measures
approximately 19 6/16 by 19 6/16, which does not seem to match the dimensions
of currently available hatches from Lewmar, etc. I expect it will need to
be routed larger to accommodate a new hatch and would appreciate any advice on
how to deal with this issue.
(Ed.
Note: The photo provided by Bob of the
hatch in question appears to be the original Atkins-Hoyle overhead hatch installed on
A-37s of this era. We had a similar problem years ago
on SHEARWATER, which we’ve owned since 1982, and our solution to the problem
follows – not necessarily the ONLY solution…)
….Regarding
your hatch problem, as far as we know, the MK-II's
had Atkins and Hoyle overhead hatches and opening ports. Years ago (we've
owned our 1975 MK-II Yawl SHEARWATER since 1982), we had a similar problem
with both the forward and mid hatches - in that the plexiglas
was bedded in some form of silicone sealant, and each 'light' was held in place
by oval headed screws (4 corner screws, and 4 mid side screws). Both of
the 'lights' leaked, and to stop the leaks, we
would slightly tighten the screws which would stop the leak (for a
while). After tightening the screws repeatedly, and being oval head
screws, the plexiglas
cracked (and broke) at each screw point. We decided to replace the plexiglas 'lights' with Lexan
(more durable and won't craze as badly), but before we installed the Lexan
lights, I called Atkins and Hoyle to ask about the screws, and what they
recommended for sealant (bedding compound).
SHEARWATER Atkins and
Note - No Screws
….They
said 'don't use screws'! Instead they sent a tube of very good silicone
sealant/adhesive (GE
SCS 1200) along with a small bottle of what they called 'primer', a purple
liquid, which would ensure a positive seal and bond. We thoroughly
cleaned the old sealing compound from the hatch frame, and installed the new
Lexan lights as directed. We weighted down the Lexan lights with a couple
of concrete blocks and let the silicone set up for several days. We have
NEVER had any leaks, and the Lexan lights are firmly sealed and bonded to the
aluminum frames. Suggest that you contact Atkins and Hoyle (http://www.atkinshoyle.com/) and see what they recommend now, as it's been
probably 10 years since we re-built our hatches. In any event, your old
hatches probably can be rebuilt for a lot less money and effort than adapting
new hatches. You might also check into an auto glass installer and see
what they recommend.
Welcome
aboard to David and Kelly Daciuk, of
(Ed. Note: Does this mean that Dan and Donna now do all the
maintenance on FOOTLOOSE II??)
Racing News
Back in early
April, Joran and Lin Gendell, sent a
photo of ELIXIR (1984 MK-II Yawl), taken
during one of the Wednesday night races on the
ELIXIR, Sailing In The
They didn't say whether they won the race, but by the looks of the photo, there was no competition in sight, so we assume (rightfully so, we hope) that ELIXIR won the race....!!!
News From Members
Back
in late May, we received the following in an email from Tom McMaster and Rose
Hansmeyer, the owners of the 1985 MK-II Sloop SOJOURN who have been on an extended ‘down south’ cruise since 2006: “Hola, How's the
summer coming along? Finally took some time to update our blog with text and
photos of the amazing Semana Santa (Holy Week) event
in
We
finally met Brian and Kathy on S/V TUNDRA
(1977 MK-II Sloop) from
Brian and Kathy, Tom and Rose
Would love to hear from you as well.
Rose
& Tom
S/V
Sojourn
Ron Fisher, the owner of the 1973 MK-II Yawl WONIYA, recently sent the following: “TWONIYA
WONIYA And The ‘Bigger Boat Rule’
Greg Vandenberg, the owner of the 1967 MK-I Sloop FALCON, recently posed this question: “Is
there any information compiled on the different styles of below deck autopilots
that are being used on the Alberg 37. I have been using a wheel pilot and
it undersized for the boat and in researching I see many linear drives and
wondered if the are any rotary drives or hydraulic drives being used and where
do the preferences lie.”
Joran Gendell, came forward and provided his expertise, suggestions
and photos of his ‘below deck autopilot’ installation on ELIXIR,
his 1984 MK-II Yawl. Greg subsequently completed a
successful ‘below deck autopilot’ installation.
(Ed. Note: If anyone is contemplating the installation of a ‘Below
Deck Autopilot’, check out the Project Database article written by Joran,
and we have photos which Greg forwarded to us describing his installation on FALCON.)
In early April, but not in time for the Spring Newsletter, we
received the following from Mike and
Lisa Rostron, of
"My wife, daughters, friends, and I continue to day-sail
regularly in
We do not have the funds to restore our 1970 Alberg 37 (hull 59)
as we would wish, but we do the essential maintenance. Recently we had
two head-sails cleaned and refurbished and a new mainsail cover made. Our
Alberg is somewhat unique in having a “Solent Rig.”
Like any rig there are pros and cons.
The main con is that one must roll up the genoa when tacking
as the two sails are much closer together than in a cutter. The main
advantage is when the wind pipes up one can quickly roll up the genoa and
deploy the smaller inside jib. This works well in the winter months
especially when I often sail solo (hard to get crew below 60 degrees!), and
strong winds are common. Recently a friend and I sailed under this inner
jib and a single reefed main in steady 25 to 30 knts
with gusts to 40 plus. It was a magnificent afternoon as we got the rail
down and made 7.5 to 8.5 knots, completely outclassing the few other boats that
were out that day.
8 Knots!!!
In fact we often do hull speed and better under this configuration
in moderate winds, with much more comfort and way less heel angle than a
partially rolled up genoa would allow. Still, all things considered, I
would rather have a proper cutter rig (with removable inner stay), and may
change the rig in the future.
Our first real sailboat was a
Buehler Emily (30’ cutter 5.5 tons) which I built of wood in
In any case we have grown very attached
to the boat over the years and dream someday of “perfecting” her. Your
site is a great source of ideas! My vision keeps changing but here are
the basics for the “improved A-37” as I see it:
1. Change to Cutter rig with removable inner stay
2. Short bowsprit with outer stay
moved out (18” to 24”)Reasons: to balance boat better (our shortened mainsail
boom with added roach to main does not properly address this), aid in
anchoring, and give more room in slot for cutter rig
3. Return to original sized main and longer boom with sheeting
behind cockpit
4.
5. Small dodger (we don’t have one)
5. Properly mount our tender on permanent chocks on cabin
top
6. New paint job exterior --
someday!
7. Some interior improvements (goes without saying)
8. Etc........
Fair winds!
Mike & Lisa Rostron
P.S. My rock band, Salvadore Dali Llama
recently recorded my original song “Bluegreen Sea,”
inspired by sailing Galena. You can hear it at our myspace
here :
http://www.myspace.com/salvadoredalilama/music/songs/bluegreen-sea-63962124
or even get it (for $.99) here:
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/salvadoredalillama or from i-tunes
and such.
P.P.S. Attached photos.
Sailing over 8 kts through the water, which we do surprisingly often!
We think she looks rather nice anchored with a schooner in the San Juans.
Mike also wrote: …..”I note there are 4
I was told by the agent who sold us our boat that a number of
Albergs were shipped by rail to
Mike Rostron”
(Ed. Note: Check out the
following link to hear the “Official
Alberg 37 Theme Song”.)
Ian Dunn of
“I
am now 2 weeks into my new knee (replacement) and am already walking around and
driving. So I am hoping the recovery continues at the same pace. I went down to VECTIS today to chase the yard about some cosmetic work on the
bow. It got superficially damaged in the
big storm we had in the fall. My yard
manager thinks she will be in the water before the end of April and even
offered free dockage if my town mooring is not yet ready. (May 1st is their
date). I was going to install the wind steering gear this Spring
but have decided I want to do some sailing early and other than the bottom
paint, there is not much to do this year.
So I may still bring VECTIS
to
Wayne and Cindy Milroy of
Teak
Decks on A-37
We recently received a “web feedback’ email from the current owner of the 1971 cutter rigged MK-I Yawl SEAFORTH, who had a question regarding teak decks on Alberg 37s – “I own (the Alberg 37) SEAFORTH and she has a teak deck. Would like to find information on how it is installed. Is it direct on fiberglass deck or installed in a different way. Would be very helpful if I could find somebody that knows this. Thanks very much Best regards.” Unfortunately, the person who filled out the Web Feedback form did not list his email address, so we weren’t able to respond to his question.
To our knowledge, Whitby Boat Works did not build any teak decked boats, although we have seen several A-37s with teak decks. All that we have seen had the teak applied over the balsa cored original decks. Does anyone have other information???
Sizing
of Propellers
By Tom Assenmacher
(SHEARWATER 1975 MK-II Yawl)
We recently received the
following correspondence with Jim Larkin
of
“…..I am replacing the prop on my ALBERG 37 hull #
247. It had a 13x14 machine pitch 3 blade prop which may have been the
wrong prop for my 2003 Volvo Diesel engine, possibly leading to the failure of
my transmission . I have replaced the transmission and
would appreciate any information which would correctly guide me in selecting
the correct replacement prop?...”.
(Ed.
Note: Having gone through this process several times during our
re-engining/transmission failures/transmission replacements, the following are
our comments and discussion regarding Jim’s question. – the following
discussion is provided for information only, and should NOT be construed as the
ONLY solution for Jim’s question .)
“…..To
make a long story short, we've been through a lot of transmission problems over
the past years - but hopefully, we have finally found the solution (in a
different brand of transmission).. Have you read our write-up of our latest
saga of trans. woes on the A-37 website? If not, go to the 'home page', and check it out - specifically:
For
all our re-engining/re-transmissioning/re-proping, we
used the prop calculator on the Boat
Diesel.com - unfortunately, it will cost you $25 to get into the Prop
Calculator program (our subscription recently 'ran out', otherwise I would send
our user name and pass word). In any event, it might be worth your time
and a few $$ to subscribe to the prop formula. I feel it's very
accurate and has been 'right on' for the 2 different props we've used. It
allows one to enter the displacement, hp, rpm, reduction gear ratio, etc. as
entering arguments. If constrained by prop aperture size, it allows you
to enter the max diameter of the prop to be
used, and figures out the pitch. There are several other prop formulas out
there, but BoatDiesel
seems to work best for us. Also, you might be able to find a prop shop in
your area who can make size (diameter and pitch)
recommendations.
The criteria
that we used to determining whether we had indeed the correctly pitched prop,
was to run the boat (with a clean bottom and prop):
1)
To see if we could get max rated engine RPM at full throttle while underway
without overheating, and without any 'black smoke' coming from the
exhaust. This test shows that the prop is not too large (Pitch or Diameter)
for the engine/trans combination. On our Kubota based 37.5 HP @ 3000 RPM,
we can just achieve 3000 rpm at full throttle with no signs of overheating or
engine 'loading'.
And -
2) To see if
you can get 'hull speed' at the RPM at which the max torque curve intersects
with the fuel consumption curve (sort of an indication of max 'miles per
gallon'). On our engine/trans combination, we get hull speed (about 6.4
kts in flat water, no heel) at about 2200 rpm, which is about the max MPG for
this engine. Your engine literature
should have the performance curves listed somewhere .
Also,
there are a couple of good discussion forums (free) out there: Cruisers
Forum and the Seven Seas Cruising Association .
There are a number
of posts about props/transmissions, etc. on each of these forums. (Including a
lot of posts by us - under user name tomj .)
If
any member wants an 'UP TO DATE" roster of A-37 IOA boats/owners, just let
us know via email (a37ioa-at-sylvaninfo.net - remove the "-at-" with
"@" ) and we'll send you a copy via email attachment. The roster will be in "HTML" format,
and you will be able to display the roster via your web browser. The reason we don't publish the complete
roster on the A-37 website is to maintain member's privacy as the roster
contains phone #s and email addresses.
Current offerings include:
FOR
FOR
FOR SALE - TAMAR - 1969 Alberg 37 MK-I
Sloop, Hull ID Number 376954 (Hull #54)-
All replaced electrical with marine wiring throughout, Ample Power smart
charging and house/starter battery crossover, Blue Seas Systems panels fuses
and breakers, 380 amp gel cell house batteries, all ten stainless opening
ports, all replaced bronze thru-hulls and valves, Beta Marine 28hp diesel with
only 12 hours running time, bronze shaft log with dripless seal, 4 bladed
14" VariProp, new propane locker and new Force
10 stove, LOTS of custom interior work. Click Here for more photos
- may not work with Internet Explorer - Try FireFox browser if Explorer doesn't
work.....
Contact-Email svtamarATgmail.com
(remove AT before sending) for pictures and info.
FOR
Contact Lou Wayne -
email: l.wayneATfrontiernet.net (remove AT before sending).
FOR
(Click On Thumbnails For Larger Photo)
-2-5x7-75.jpg)
-3-5x7-100.jpg)
Asking $50,000
US.
Contact: Charles Deakyne.
410-647-6674,Email charles.deakyne@gte.net
For
Contact James at (360)
765-3222
FOR SALE - SOLA
GRATIA, Alberg 37 Mk II Sloop #107
Clean and well kept
A37. Ready for cruising! Solar panel, manual windlass, Aries windvane
self-steering, 250' chain anchor rode, furling genoa, main with 3 reef points,
lazy jacks, upgraded self-tailing winches, 1000 watt inverter, propane stove
and BBQ, new anti-fouling, and more. Deck recently
professionally repaired and refinished.
On the hard in
http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1972/Alberg-37-Sloop-2252090/Toronto/Canada
FOR
Contact Dan Lord at: 978 462
1112
FOR
Main features: Awlgrip deck,
mast & topsides; complete re-wire & re-plumb; recently replaced
electronics, including Raymarine chartplotter, wind/speed/depth, radar, &
under-deck Raymarine auto pilot. Inverter and microwave. Integrated Ipod
stereo, refrigerator and hot water heater. Engine re-power with Westerbeke 44B
in 2003. Rope halyards that lead to cockpit; modern ports; sails & canvas
in great shape; rigged for spinnaker. 12” Flat screen installed in v-berth;
custom Fairclough winter cover; and many, many other smaller items.
The work was completed over
5-7 years, and was done professionally. Extensive records and documentation
kept. Boat is located in
Contact Reid Tomlin
Phone - Cell: 973-332-5701
Email: rtATwasmerschroeder.com (replace AT
with @)
ALBERG 37's WANTED
ADLIB,
a totally refitted Mirage 24 Midget Ocean racer is offered as trade for a
Cruise Equipped Alberg 37! I am looking for an A37 project boat. The motor and
cosmetics are not critical but it must be structurally sound (bulkheads, hull,
deck). Located on the east cost near NC is a plus. I can be reached through
email at: curtisvanceATbellsouth.net (replace AT
with @)
Gear For
(Check out the Gear
For Sale/Wanted section of the website for latest listings)
Complete
Alberg 37 Main Mast, Sails And Rigging For
All in good working condition
(apart from 1 wonky halyard sheave (fore port) that should be replaced sooner
or later).
Reason for sale: converting to
experimental rig using free-standing masts.
Currently in
Shipping to be
arranged. Grab yourself a bargain! :-)
Contact: Simon Foster
email:
glasiadATyahoo.co.uk (replace AT with @before sending email) Tel: (
Alberg 37 Custom Cover for sale . The cover was made by
Fairclough Sailmakers, and is listed at $1,500USD. It has been used 4 seasons
and recently has been serviced for extra reinforcement and stitching (cover is
currently at Fairclough's facility in New Haven, CT) .Cover retails new for
$4-5,000. I have recently moved to FL and have no further need for a winter cover.
Contact Reid Tomlin at: (239)
263-6877 . Check the Gear For Sale page on the
A-37 Website for a photo of the cover.
Lou and Jean Wayne of
For
sale - Zodiac, 4 man offshore valise liferaft. Never deployed, purchased new in 2000. Always stored inside
and is in great condition. Buyer responsible for shipping and repackaging,
however if it cannot be repackaged for any reason send back and we will refund
the purchase price (shipping not included). Asking $800 USD. Contact Bill
and Debbie Horne: serenade2ATsbcglobal.net (replace
AT with @).
Dodger
Frame For Sale, Geoff Cunliffe of
NOTE:
This dodger frame is NOT for an Alberg 37
Gear Wanted
Al Peckenpaugh is looking for a 13" x 14" LH (Left Hand) prop (7/8" shaft) for his 1967 MK-I Sloop GYPSY LADY. He has the
Volvo MD-2 engine in his boat. If anyone has this prop, please contact
Al.
alpeckenpaughAThotmail.com
(replace AT with @ before sending)
I am
looking for a spray dodger for "KUMA" my 1971 MK-II A37
Yawl, any colour will do, or even just the frame. ALSO, I am looking for an Alberg 37
Tiller with fittings to use as an emergency tiller.
Thanks!
Peter D McIntosh
RYA/DOT Yachtmaster (Ocean)
captpetermacATfastmail.fm
(remove AT and substitute @ before emailing)
Wanted as
spare - Datamarine S-200 DL LCD Digital Depth Sounder Instrument.
S/V Sojourn
Web Sites of
Interest
http://www.polarnavy.com/ Polar Navy is dedicated to building efficient, user friendly
cross-platform marine navigation software. Our applications provide consistent
user experience with native look and feel on Apple Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows
and Linux systems.
(Ed. Note: This inexpensive (approximately $40 USD) nav program looks quite good. Polar Navy also interfaces with Active Captain, an interactive cruising guide. We have installed it on our ‘poor man’s chartplotter’ (a laptop) tied to our GPS. It looks promising!. Check it out.)
Inspection, Cleaning, and Maintenance
Of
SHEARWATER’s Water Tanks
By Tom Assenmacher
SHEARWATER 1975 MK-II Yawl (#157)
SHEARWATER has the typical MK-II aluminum water tanks: The larger aluminum tank under the V-Berth;
and the smaller tank just aft of the mast step.
Years ago we added another large water tank where the original aluminum
holding tank was located – but ‘that’s another story’…..
We
normally add a small bit of household bleach (chlorine) to the water tanks
whenever we fill the tanks, in order to keep the ‘microbes’ at bay. Unfortunately, chlorine and aluminum don’t
‘get along well’ with each other, cause pitting of the aluminum, with subsequent
water leaks and tank failure. Not
wanting to have to eventually replace the water tanks (don’t think the V-Berth
tank could be removed from the boat in one piece),
about 9 years ago we researched the use of anodes to prevent the pitting. We found that the use of a magnesium anode
will help prevent the corrosion and pitting caused by the use of chlorine in
aluminum tanks. Further research showed
that magnesium anodes are available from McMaster-Carr, an industrial supply
house. We subsequently installed a magnesium
corrosion inhibiting rod (anode) in each of the 2 aluminum water
tanks aboard SHEARWATER in 2003.
We
had not opened and cleaned the water tanks since we installed the anodes in
2003 – we had however, checked the condition of the ‘screw-in’ anodes every
year. This spring, we decided it was
time to replace the anodes, as one anode was nearly completely ‘used up’, and
the other (in the V-Berth) wasn’t in great shape (as shown in the following
photos). We also wanted to check the
interior of both tanks to check on the pitting of the tanks. When we initially installed the anodes in
2003, we noted no pitting in the small aluminum tank just aft of the mast step,
and several minor pits in the V-Berth tank.
{Ed. Note: McMaster-Carr has a
great web site, offers great service, and is an excellent source of
‘marine stuff to make things’, such as 316 SS tubing/plate/fasteners;
high density poly-ethylene – HDPE sheets; etc…. all at ‘non-marine’
prices. We can order stuff from Mc
Master-Carr on Monday and have it delivered by UPS on Wednesday.)
Future Canadian Rendezvous????
Are any
Canadian A-37-IOA members interested in sponsoring and hosting a future Alberg
37 Rendezvous?? (We recently had an inquiry from one of the Canadian A-37 IOA members.)
We had 3 previous very successful Rendezvous in the
(Click on the following links for Rendezvous write-ups and photos)
The
third Canadian A-37 Rendezvous was held 25-26 June, 2005 at the Port Whitby
Marina (Whitby, ON)
The two Oakville Yacht Squadron Rendezvous (2002
and 2003) were sponsored and hosted by Marcel Steinz (previous owner of SOUTHERN CROSS). The third Rendezvous (2005) was sponsored and
hosted by Wayne and Cindy Milroy (LEEWAY
II) at the Port Whitby Marina. All three of these Rendezvous were held in
late June (close to the Canada Day Holiday), were very well attended and we had
many boats show up, as there are quite a few A-37s in the
So, if anyone (or a group of A-37 folks) is interested in sponsoring and hosting such an event in the 'out years' – 2012 or later, please contact us. (Tom and Kaye Assenmacher - a37ioaATsylvaninfo.net - replace AT with @ before sending the email).
We are always looking for articles
(cruising, racing, maintenance, etc.) and photos of your boat for inclusion on
the website and newsletter. Send the
articles via email attachment in MS WORD and the photos in .JPG format if
possible. Please don’t send large files,
especially high resolution photos.
Photos should be 100 kilobytes or smaller if at all possible. We’ve had some emails with attachments which
take HOURS to download.
Hopefully, we've included most or all of
the pertinent correspondence that we've received over the past few months. Our apologies to those items which we may
have missed.
We need a good candidate for "Featured A-37" It's been several years since we had a new
addition to the Featured A-37 list. If
you would like to do a write-up and submit photos of your boat, we'd like to
hear from you! Take a look at the
articles on the website (click on the link above) as examples.
The A-37 IOA
participates as a cooperating group with BOAT
U.S., and members receive BOAT
Have a great
Alberg 37 SUMMER - AND KEEP IN TOUCH!
Tom and Kaye
Assenmacher in Kinsale, VA
