Messages

For Sale: 1977 Kittiwake 23
Alberg full keel design, custom tandem trailer, new tires, almost everything on the boat has been restored or renewed.  New topsides, new cushions, new wiring, new rigging, Interprotect 2000 bottom, new Lewmar port lights, many other updates.
Boat located central Illinois.
Call: Jim Wiles, Macon, Ill.  217 764-5165 home    217 454 2766 cell

I went through the same discussion on what to seal my new rudder with.  Some of the guys said to use "Old Salem Sealer"; I did and it has done really well; I can keep an eye on the wood an fasteners; I don't even anti-foul it.
In fresh water we swim quite a bit and I just wipe it down with a sponge.

For Sale: 1977 Alberg KITTIWAKE; 23'; GREAT BOAT; tandem trailer; great shape; call for details. located central Illinois.
 Jim
 217 764 5165

Let me tell you guys what I did this fall.  My marina removed the poles and block and tackle that we had used for years and I wanted to bring my boat home.  So I had to rent a crane or enlist a couple friends, which I did.  We rafted three boats together, mine in the center,  used their halyards, and lowered my mast to deck.  Piece of cake and most importantly SAFE.
  Jim

Ebb,
The Kittiwakes are fine looking little boats aren't they!  I was so taken by them that I just bought one as a second boat!  We are taking our Ariel to Michigan and keeping Kitti on our home lake.  As soon as I leave you here I'm going to the web site to check out the one that you saw!  We purchased #526 which was made by River City Marine.
Jim

Bill,  The shirts look great; I stand by my order.

   In 35 yrs. of sailing I've done my share of stupid things for sure, and it is hard to believe but things normally come out o.k.  I've done things like sail between the buoy and the dinghy( the wind changed) and how I got that keel over the belly in the bowlines without touching them I'll never know!  One funny:  Our kids grew up on the boat and when they were small a Teddy bear went whizzing by my head ( having been tossed from the forward hatch) and we immediately had a bear overboard drill under sail.  Successful  recovery!  After that we every now and then purposely threw something in to recover and made a good safety point to the kids!
We all should compile our misadventures and write a book!
  Jim

Bill,

     I have tried twice to send a private email but both times I get a mail error message and non delivery.
     I'll take two mediums in white when they are ready.  Let me know what I owe and I'll send you a check.
     Your boat looks really great!!  I so glad you have finally had some quality time on her under sail!
  Jim

George,
 Great picture of your boat!  You are so right that the Ariel's got the best looking stern in the business.
  When I digest your photo I see quite a few frames; you must have both a dodger and bimini  correct?  Currently we are involved in fitting a new dodger and I positively do not like where Island Nautical planned for me to mount it:  on top of the 1" coaming 13 1/4" aft of the cabin trunk.  Yours appears to mount on deck, although it is hard for me to tell from the angle.  Would you have a photo from the beam?
  Great looking boat that Houdini!!
  Thanks so much,
 Jim Wiles
 Mon ' Ke Ne,  391

For Sale:  Complete Hood 705 Headsail Furling System.  Should be quite easy to install on any Ariel and should do a good job. I used it until this week when I changed to a Schaefer system to go to the Great Lakes.
I will consider offers plus shipping because I don't want it hanging in the garage and it deserves to be on the water!
Anyone interested please contact me here.
Jim

Bill,
 Does Ballenger have a web site?
 Thanks,  Jim

Herb,
 I too would like to see some photos and I too could be interested.
  Jim

Bill,
 As usual you're a lifesaver!  Thanks so much for taking your time to help the computer newbie.
  Jim

I have been attempting to post pics for some time but to this moment I have not had any luck.  I have them in "My Pictures" but I can't move them to a thread, etc.
  Help will be very much appreciated.
 
  Jim

D&R Marine, 14 Water St., Assonet, MA. 02702
   508-644-3001  have had them.  I ordered a pair in November 2003.
   Good luck Gerry,
  Jim

Hi everyone and thanks  so much for your input.  I built the original rudder shape which I have used for 25 years.  We are using the continuous shaft from head to shoe and drilling 1/2" blind holes in shaft for five 3/8" bronze rods which will exit aft rudder.  Should be very stout.  Rods will be tig tacked to shaft following being screwed into the holes so that they cannot loosen.  Lock nuts and suitable sized washers will be used on the rod ends.  Will fair the aft rudder edge following the first season of immersion.  Should fair very nicely.
  Thanks for the web site dealing with toseal or not to seal.
  Hope to shoot some digital pics today to post here.
  Jim

  p.s.  Commanderpete's drawing and measurements of his old Commander rudder were right on the mark  and helped me a great deal.  I thank him so much for his time and effort.
 I measured my bronze rudder shaft with a fish tape vicegripped to the top of the shaft and through the rudder tube and measured to the top of the bearing surface on the rudder shoe, and certainly added the length of the boss to the total.