Contract Signed / New Build Underway

[dirtdoc1]

Doesn't sound right to me, but if the theory is that it will go away once you get a few hours on it, I would document the boat mfgrs warranty that they will fix if it doesn't. Otherwise, you may hear, "well, you should have had Cummins fix it sooner -- too late now."

Yup, that's a very wise suggestion. I'm going to get a survey once the commissioning is done. I'm not worried, Trevor Brice (the owner of NPY) has been great and has assured me that they stand behind their product.

 

[N4061]

Great question and observation. We also have a small harmonic vibration between 1600 and 1700 rpm. That's the only RPM we have this issue and Scott has reportedly chased this on other boats with support from Cummins. On our boat he installed two sets of drive shaft bearings but it didn't take care of the issue. I had a Cummins technician with over 20 years experience aboard a few months ago for another reason and he test ran the boat with me. His evaluation for this one RPM issue was harmonic with the engine and said it is enharent with these models. While I would prefer not to have this I can accept it since it is limited to one small RPM range. Regarding the issue "going away" in time I see no mechanical reasons why that will happen. Normally mechanical issues only get worse over time, never better. The fact you have this issue over multiple RPM ranges would be concerning to me and I would insist Cummins fix it prior to final acceptance of the boat.

If you don't mind me asking why was your boat nine months late?
John

 

[dirtdoc1]

Great question and observation. We also have a small harmonic vibration between 1600 and 1700 rpm. That's the only RPM we have this issue and Scott has reportedly chased this on other boats with support from Cummins. On our boat he installed two sets of drive shaft bearings but it didn't take care of the issue. I had a Cummins technician with over 20 years experience aboard a few months ago for another reason and he test ran the boat with me. His evaluation for this one RPM issue was harmonic with the engine and said it is enharent with these models. While I would prefer not to have this I can accept it since it is limited to one small RPM range. Regarding the issue "going away" in time I see no mechanical reasons why that will happen. Normally mechanical issues only get worse over time, never better. The fact you have this issue over multiple RPM ranges would be concerning to me and I would insist Cummins fix it prior to final acceptance of the boat.

If you don't mind me asking why was your boat nine months late?
John

Hi John,

The rattle may only be at one RPM range, I don't remember. I don't recall saying that the boat was 9 months late either. It was under construction when I first talked to NP about possibly buying a boat from them. The price was out of my range so Trevor said that they had a boat under construction that they would be willing to sell at my budget. He said that it should be done around June. It was completed in late October, that's 4 months past the approximate due date. "Around June" doesn't necessarily mean June. So I can't really say that it was 4 months late either. Trevor kept me apprised of their progress and kept me excited by sending pictures now and then.

They did a beautiful job. There is wood everywhere and it is gorgeous! He would call frequently and ask me if I wanted this or that on the boat. The first call he offered Flexiteak on the swim-step and cockpit at no charge. The second call was whether I wanted a gas or electric oven. The third call was whether I wanted stainless steel tiles behind the stove. (That stuff is cool). He added tile in the shower. My boat was the first with that option. The fourth call was about the color of granite in the galley and head. I chose two different colors. They modified the tables on the flybridge for me. He added shore-power at the bow at no charge. They ran extra wiring for me and other things. This was a boat that was 80-90% complete. I wasn't expecting the effort that they made to give me a custom boat experience. I thought the boat was going to be a stripped down model for the price but it came loaded. The thing that I really like about North Pacific is that they are continually trying to make their product better. The option list had some items in green which meant that they came at no charge and items in red that were options. Trevor said to ignore the colors "because everything comes with the boat now".That was a first for me.

So if in my previous post I made it sound like I wasn't happy with North Pacific I hope that I have rectified that mistake. I couldn't have had a better buying experience. Trevor's business is only about 10 years old and he is young and excited about what he does and proud of his business. It really shows in the way he does business. It's nice to see and even better to experience.

But that's kind of the way things are up in Washington. I really noticed it where I stayed (Bellwether - highly recommended) and at the shops that I went to. Californians are so stressed and jaded. I'm not used to getting greeted with a smile. I was born in San Francisco in 1956 and lived here all my life. I have watched things change as the traffic now rivals LA's with the traffic jams and the road rage. I can't wait to start cruising the coast. I'm retiring at the end of this year and then it's the trawler life for me. I'll take a storm to a traffic jam any day. As long as it's not the perfect storm!

Cheers,

 

[N4061]

Decisions

As with many boaters the ability to spend a few days aboard and set off for a long weekend cruise normally includes decisions (weather, personal priorities, health and for some work). This holiday weekend is no difference for us except one added decision - timing for our davit installation. We have mild weather and a flat calm ocean the next few days to make a 70 mile run south to Ensenada Mexico which we haven't visited in nine years. It's a nonstop run along the coastline and a trip down I enjoy, the return leg is usually a different story and may include bashing into head seas if the weather turns back to normal. On a bad day you don't even try it and sit tight unless you like those types of seas.

Despite the perfect weather, we were scheduled to have the davit install yesterday. Yes a few months later than planned. I delivered the boat at 0800hrs and discuss the job with the owner of yard. We received great support from both Nick Johnson (builder of our custom davit) and Scott via telephone discussions. Once I felt comfortable the technician understood the job I left for the afternoon. I had a sinking feeling this would not be a one day job and confirmed it when I returned around 3:00pm. Ouch, no trip to Ensenada this week I thought. This brought plan B into play which is to take the boat Thursday morning to our favorite anchorage for the day, have a great meal while watching the Chargers (use to be San Diego Chargers) and sipping a margarita.

We plan to check on the boat around noon and pray it will be ready today. If not it's to Plan "B" which I haven't yet developed. Stay tuned....

 

[BandB]

As with many boaters the ability to spend a few days aboard and set off for a long weekend cruise normally includes decisions (weather, personal priorities, health and for some work). This holiday weekend is no difference for us except one added decision - timing for our davit installation. We have mild weather and a flat calm ocean the next few days to make a 70 mile run south to Ensenada Mexico which we haven't visited in nine years. It's a nonstop run along the coastline and a trip down I enjoy, the return leg is usually a different story and may include bashing into head seas if the weather turns back to normal. On a bad day you don't even try it and sit tight unless you like those types of seas.

Despite the perfect weather, we were scheduled to have the davit install yesterday. Yes a few months later than planned. I delivered the boat at 0800hrs and discuss the job with the owner of yard. We received great support from both Nick Johnson (builder of our custom davit) and Scott via telephone discussions. Once I felt comfortable the technician understood the job I left for the afternoon. I had a sinking feeling this would not be a one day job and confirmed it when I returned around 3:00pm. Ouch, no trip to Ensenada this week I thought. This brought plan B into play which is to take the boat Thursday morning to our favorite anchorage for the day, have a great meal while watching the Chargers (use to be San Diego Chargers) and sipping a margarita.

We plan to check on the boat around noon and pray it will be ready today. If not it's to Plan "B" which I haven't yet developed. Stay tuned....

Curious as to what their excuse was? I have zero tolerance for people not meeting promised commitments.

 

[N4061]

Decisions ll

Well the davit installation is complete and we experienced a real time reason why we made the boat selection and options we did. When we picked up the boat it was getting late in the afternoon and I knew we would be racing the clock and sunset. After checking on the work and confirming we would get things completed I walked back to the car and escorted Mary & Sailor Blue through the boat yard with all the boats out of the water on stands. Once aboard Mary started cleaning things up and getting us ready to leave for home. I watched the two technicians complete final checkout out davit and start cleaning up. The sun was setting around Point Loma and the sky was starting to get dark. Just when I thought we were ready to leave, I noticed missing screws on one of the cover plates. While the mechanic installed them I started to help move some of his power tools to the dock. I then started the engine while the technician finished cleaning up. After about ten more minutes we casted off and started the short ride across the bay home. By now we were using twilight to see as we took advantage of the upgraded engine and pushed her to 1900rpm (normal RPM for most people) as we cruised along at 8.5knots. This is one of reasons for selecting this boat and engine, the ability to cruise quicker than displacement speed when needed.
As we neared the marina I switched to the radar to track the limited traffic as i trained Mary. By the time we reached our slip it was dark as I strained to see the pilings. After a successful docking we tied up the and headed to our new home only eight minutes away.

A few observations regarding the davit and installation:
1. The davit is a custom design and "appears" to meet our objective.
2. The davit was a few months late due to the builder getting overwhelmed with work.
3. Both Nick and Scott supported the installation by talking with the owner of the yard the morning we did the installation.
4. The actual location of the davit post was inboard about 2-3 inches which caused a few issues but the technicians did a great job figuring things out.
5. While everyone at the yard was gone by 4:00pm the two guys working our boat stayed until the job was complete. This says alot about the crew and very appreciated.
6. While the davit looks great I will hold back commenting on how it works until next week she we receive the soft chocks and lift the dingy.

Today we are aboard for Thanksgiving and plan to take her out tomorrow.

Happy Thanksgiving

 

[N4061]

Davit Installation

Well the davit installation turned out cleaner then even I expected. You may recall I was stressing over the unsightly look of a tall post style davit that would take away from the look of the boat. Fortunately Scott told me to speak with Nick who builds different style davits and has installed a few on Helmsman trawlers. Nick knew what I was looking for and incorporated my design into a clean looking davit. Even when fully assembled she is not very tall. If we want to remove the forward arm all we do is remove one pin, slide off the 5' section and store it in the dingy. Fit and finish is excellent.

The only thing we need to accomplish is to have Gig Harbor build us a custom bridle shorter than the one that came with the boat. Hopefully we can get it this by Friday. We are scheduled to receive our "Soft Chocks" on Thursday. Looking forward to lifting the dingy next weekend.

We took the Helmsman out the other day when the air temperature was around 80 degrees, anchored out for lunch before running outside for an hour. What a great day. Had fun letting Mary drive as I monitored the fuel burn and electronics, only wish we had more time. We then took the dingy out at sunset for a cruise as we listened to some great music including Sia, Bruno Mars and the Eagles. Not a bad day.

 

[dirtdoc1]

How about some pics? Maybe some pics of you using it too?

I ordered my tender a while back but they seem to be having issues getting it across the border from Canada. Some paper work issues I guess.

 

[N4061]

Davit

A few pictures of the davit

 

[Larry M]

Looks great! What’s it rated for?

 

[dirtdoc1]

That should do it.

What marina are you in?

 

[N4061]

Dingy Secured

After a little adjusting of the new lifting cradel built by Gig Gabor we successfully lifted the boat onto the aft deck and into the soft chocks just before dark. More to follow when I have time to write.....

 

[N4061]

Marina

That should do it.

What marina are you in?

Sunroad Marina.

 

[BandB]

After a little adjusting of the new lifting cradel built by Gig Gabor we successfully lifted the boat onto the aft deck and into the soft chocks just before dark. More to follow when I have time to write.....

Backing up a bit. I understand the Gig Harbor boat with your internal drive to design. However, why was a custom davit and cradle required? I ask simply because there are davits and cranes of every style and size imaginable and I haven't seen requirements that they wouldn't meet. What was unique about your davit? Or unique about your situation that a standard unit wouldn't fit?

 

[Rebel112r]

On Nick Jackson Davits, although all are close to same, length of upright, deck plate, length of boom after bend, are usually all custom to each boat. I have one, rated at 500 lbs, and although pretty standard, the deck plate is welded at an angle to satisfy slope of deck.

 

[dirtdoc1]

That tender is sweet and looks particularly nice in place. I like the more graceful look of that style of davit. It's a very nice package.

 

[N4061]

Davit

Backing up a bit. I understand the Gig Harbor boat with your internal drive to design. However, why was a custom davit and cradle required? I ask simply because there are davits and cranes of every style and size imaginable and I haven't seen requirements that they wouldn't meet. What was unique about your davit? Or unique about your situation that a standard unit wouldn't fit?

The primary objective of our davit was again simplification and a low profile look. We decided on the "Post" design for simplicity and the ability to remove the arm extension (remove a pin) allowing for storage inside the dingy. These leaves only the vertical post with motor and doesn't take away from the clean look of the Helmsman itself. All this being said the overall height of the arm is low enough it actually enhances the look if the boat and we may leave as is. All other davits this style around the marina are very tall and in our opinion don't look right on the boat. Regarding the lifting bar this was something I requested after the boat was delivered with its lifting bridal designed for the Yamaha engine attached. Since we plan to either replace or just do away with this engine we needed something designed for just the boats CG but adjustable. The factory did a great job.

 

[BandB]

Good information.

I've had Ribs stored on the bridge using cranes, Ribs in garages but the only one I ever had stored on the swim platform was on a hydraulic platform so just lowered the platform into the water to put the boat on it, then raised out of the water. So, had no familiarity with planning and selection of a Jackson davit.

 

[dirtdoc1]

The Tender is just gorgeous! Congratulations

 

[N4061]

More Canvass

Just when you think you are done outfitting the boat you realize a few more items are required. This week we added a cover for the davit motor,seat cushions for the dingy and a large sunshade for the aft deck. I hope we are done but then again this is a boat!

Today I spent some time cleaning and waxing the dingy. The sides came out like new and a small area on the bottom turned out nice. The diver did a great job keeping the growth off but she is stained. Next week while on vacation I will spend a day rubbing it out and bring her back to original condition.

Next step is sell the 2.5HP Yamaha and purchase a 1.5HP electric OB. I hope the motor isn't too much. This is a true rowing and sailing boat.

It's 3:30pm and the sun is already starting to get low. We are in the salon with Sailor Blue stretched out on the 9ft sofa and ottomans watching a movie and sipping a margarita. We decided to pass on dinner out and cook aboard. Did I mention how this wide beam 38' is about as perfect a boat there is?

Life is good today ��

 

[FlyWright]

Having ridden on Windmist's 37 Helmsman, I think I know what you mean. It's by far the roomiest feeling of any 35-45 boat I've been on.

It's just like the children's book, "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie".

That 2.5 HP Yammy would make a nice buy for a TFer in the area. If I was closer, I'd wanna buy it.

 

[N4061]

A day out

Yesterday we decided to take advantage of the great San Diego weather and take the boat out for a run. It would be the first time with the dingy up top and I was curious about any affect it may have on the handling of the boat. After securing the dingy down with an additional line I felt confident its own weight would be enough in calm to moderate seas to keep her secure. We are using soft chocks which are nothing more than foam inside a canvas covering that can be moved around easily or just stored away. The fact these are so portable is one of my concerns when out in rough water thus the tie downs using lines.

After casting off the dock lines we began backing out of the slip with a 10 knot breeze hitting us on the port side aft quarter. This is typical for our marina and slip but what wasn't typical was the required amount of power to back out and turning of the stern to starboard. Wow, I thought to myself did I forget to untie a dock line? I had to use the bow thruster and back out with constant power instead of small bursts. Something felt different and all I can think of was the dingy up top causing a little more sail effect against the wind. I won't know for sure until we try this again but I definitely felt something different. Once underway we never felt any differences with the dingy up top and I wouldn't expect to since we are only talking about 100lbs. I checked on the dingy a few times while underway and taking on a few swells, everything looked fine.
It was a beautiful day out on the ocean which made me wish we would have planned an overnighter someplace. We cruised most of the time at 1500RPM which provided us around 7.5knots. On the way back we throttled up 2,100rpm just to put some load on the Cummins as I watched the speed increase so slightly while the fuel consumption doubled then tripled (ouch). While I understand you can not hurt these new Cummins running them at lower RPM I still believe in increasing RPM periodically.

After docking and rinsing the boat we settled in for a nice rack of lamb dinner and bottle of wine followed by a movie. Around 9:00pm Mary suggested we better head home as the nights have suddenly become cold and she prefers the warm house. We didn't hit any traffic on Harbor Drive and was home in under eight minutes. Life was good today!

 

[FlyWright]

Good to hear, John! Nothing like a nice day on the water for a good dose of hydro-therapy. I set out yesterday for a 6 hr round trip to Pittsburg, CA to fill my near-empty fuel tanks after my recent tank repair and sight tube mod. It was a perfect day on the water except for the fuel bill part...~200 gallons at $3.50/gallon.

Merry Christmas to me! Ho-ho-ho!!

 

[FoxtrotCharlie]

Wow Al, $3.50/gal. Must be all of those west coast taxes. Come on down South, the water, and taxes, are fine

 

[BandB]

Good to hear, John! Nothing like a nice day on the water for a good dose of hydro-therapy. I set out yesterday for a 6 hr round trip to Pittsburg, CA to fill my near-empty fuel tanks after my recent tank repair and sight tube mod. It was a perfect day on the water except for the fuel bill part...~200 gallons at $3.50/gallon.

Merry Christmas to me! Ho-ho-ho!!

$3.50 makes me cringe a bit too as we paid $2.30 on Sunday. However, we filled here yesterday for $4.50 so suddenly $3.50 isn't as bad. That goes with the $7 per foot slip and $0.70 per kwh electricity.

I'm sure still a nice day on the water for you plus test for your repair and mod.

 

[Rebel112r]

That must be name brand electricity at 70 cents. I think Tenakke Springs in Ak, is comparable with that. A dime here! Merry Christmas all.

 

[BandB]

That must be name brand electricity at 70 cents. I think Tenakke Springs in Ak, is comparable with that. A dime here! Merry Christmas all.

That's Atlantis in the Bahamas.

 

[FoxtrotCharlie]

Ah, then you are paying for paradise

 

[BandB]

Ah, then you are paying for paradise

Wifey B: A brief "school's out" reward. Fun time.

 

[N4061]

Helmsman Yard

I thought I would share this photo I received from Scott of one of two production lines at the yard. Looks like a lot of boats in process.