Spawn: Countdown to the Challenge

Just when I think my favorite skipper is finished with his boat-building, he comes up with one more cool refinement.

Aaaannnd then one more...

​Well, and this additional thing...

Here's a round-up of some of these latest little refinements.

The water wings (here's the longer story) are hard.

Instead of sitting on a canvas trampoline-style rack, it's more a wooden kitchen stool situation.

​Solution? How about fancy closed-cell foam designed for boats?

Cushy for the tushies. Also windsurfing style foot-straps to keep sailors connected to the boat.

Not the inexpensive solution, but Hydroturf sure looks sharp. The ocean blue might be a little warm in the sun, but it's cushy and –– so we hear –– UV resistant.

​Then there's a nifty water-take-up contraption.  Since the water wings act as water ballast tanks, of course, it's important to be able to fill and empty them rapidly.  ​

There's a pair of whale-tail pumps in the cockpit, but how to convey water from the briny deep into those tanks?

It would be counterproductive for speed and safety if TwoBeers and Moresailhesaid had to throw a tube over the side of the boat or hoist buckets of water over the side. 

This year's innovation involves a set of PVC pipe, plumber's clamps, and some bungee at the transom. A visual appears below.  The inner tube is spring-loaded, retracting into itself at rest.

Water pump for ballast.

When one of the Spawnsters gives the little line on the right of the tube a tug, the inner section telescopes into the water, allowing for rapid water take-up.​

Stowage is a universal question. It's all well and good to pack what you need, but what if you can't find it when you need it?

In the original boat (Frankenscot, a highly modified Flying Scot), Masthead Sailing Gear fabricated some big, roomy zip bags. In combination with plastic tubs and netting hammocks, it worked pretty well.

But after last year's watery portion of the trip (Short story: they flipped and stuff floated away. Longer version: here.), one of the goals was to have more secure storage for gear. Hence, new tailored Masthead Enterprise custom bags are tucked and snapped into place between bulkheads. 

Storage solutions.

With luck the snacks and electronics will not become separated from the boat. Knock wood, knock wood. 

And at Moresailesaid's specific request, TwoBeers installed  a special Masthead-made splash guard. Made of Mylar sailcloth, the guard is meant to deflect spray for a drier ride with better visibility.     

Splash guard installed!

Did I mention knock wood?