[Rhodes22-list] great 24 hours on the water, some innovation, some problem

[Tom Hogarty]

The Rhode River fireworks were last night.  Best display that I have seen in
years, set off from a barge just opposite Cadle Creek.  We anchored early,
the sky was clear, the moon rose full, the wind was still and Morning Star
our most comfortable home.  I really nagged Stan about a LED anchor light,
and am very happy he talked me out of spending a few more hundred on
purchase and installation.  We found a $10 LED lantern at Target, and I got
out my fly rod with a 10 foot 4x leader with 3 lead shot on the tip,
threaded it through a drinking straw, and eased that trough a small block on
the spreader.  I let the line loose and the lead shot pulled the line
through the block, then tied that to a small line and pulled it back through
the block, and up went my LED anchor light.  Worked great.  I estimate there
were 200 boats anchored for the display, many headed south on the
intercoastal.  We camped in the cockpit, filled in with oak boards, and
sleeping in a Mountain Hardware Light Wedge 2 tent.  It fit the space
perfectly, and was very comfortable, had great netting to let in fresh air
and a view of  the night sky, and was bug and if needed, rainproof.  It
weighs slightly over 5 pounds, and stores in a small bag; I no longer see a
need for a boom room.  Sleeping in the cockpit in the tent allowed us to use
the pop-top enclosed cabin as a kitchen, den, and bathroom.  I am 5'10 and
220# and I do not fit in the designated lavatory.  Using a PETT toilet in
the cabin with the pop top door closed, I was very comfortable.  I think
this is much easier than pumping out, or cleaning a portapotti.
 After a good nights sleep and proper breakfast, we went and sailed down to
the mouth of the West River.  Winds were a little high, so I lowered the
boom.  
PROBLEM:  On the way back I tried to raise the boom, but the spring loaded
pin seemed to shear off.  So now the boom is stuck in the down position. 
This is the same pin that was broken on my old Rhodes that I sold last year. 
That pin was missing so I was able to fasten a bolt to hold up the boom. 
This one is sheared and is stuck.  The archives are not helpful with this,
though it seems unfortunately common, at least to me.  Any help is
appreciated.  The best of the season is yet to come.
-- 
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