This post describes a DIY Winchrite repair, when my Winchrite electric winch handle suddenly stopped working. What is a Winchrite? The Winchrite ABT (Advanced Brushless Technology) is a rechargeable electric winch handle…
Is a dry bilge possible?
If ever there was a boat that “could” have a dry bilge it is my 2001 Hanse 371 sailboat Tangleberry. The engine is a Volvo saildrive which does not drip like a…
Leaking Windows
Almost every boat will eventually develop leaking windows. My boat Tangleberry is no exception. The first leak started about 5 years ago. It was one of the large aluminum framed windows on…
Galvanic Isolator and Zincs
Recently I noticed that the Zincs which protect the underwater metal on my boat are not lasting as long as they used to. The underwater metal on Tangleberry consists of: The keel,…
The Mystery of the Missing Battens
The self-tacking jib on my Hanse 371 has 3 vertical battens which allow it to have some roach, and thereby gain some extra area. The batten openings face down and battens are…
Preparing for Offshore Part 2
Beware of Brass Skin Fittings! Hanse, as with many European builders, used to use Brass or DZR brass skin fittings and may still do so. Don’t trust them. Any brass fitting more…
DIY Line Locker Hangers
My boat has line hangers on the aft end of the cabin for the halyards and control lines on the cabin top. They have been there since the boat was new in…
Troubleshooting the Windlass
When I took the anchor and chain off for galvanizing I noticed that the anchor windlass would not power downward, but it would power upward. Today I gathered some tools and went…
Is Re-Galvanizing Worth It?
Is re-galvanizing a rusty anchor and chain worth doing, or should you just buy new? I have seen lots of posts in sailing forums that suggest re-galvanizing costs nearly as much as…
Solar Part 2
Increasing Solar Capacity by adding a third panel. Our Hanse 371 Tangleberry already had 2-100W solar panels on the Tartarooga hard dodger. I wanted to add more solar capacity in hopes of…
Preparing for an Offshore Voyage – Part 1
Tangleberry, the family yacht, is a 2001 Hanse 371. She was not specifically built for offshore sailing but is rated CE category A, open ocean. We have used her mainly for summer…