Sampson Boat Co
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Gettin 'er done!
🕑 Added 2025-09-18 17:31:52 +0000 UTCWill and I working aloft at Richmond YC - fastening the strips of brass that will prevent the mast from getting chafe-damage from the gaff saddle.
Fastening into spars like this is a common recipe for water-ingress and subsequent rot, but we've taken some measures that I really hope will protect the timber (you'll see in the next video).
I had many great suggestions about how to fix this issue, but after a lot of thought this seemed like the best compromise. Suggestions to lubricate the saddle and mast are very sensible, but actually we have always done this and although it helps, it doesn't actually stop the chafe in this situation.
Comments
David Weckler
As you've been tied up in San Diego, I've been watching the progress of the remains of tropical storm Mario, and suppose that it's been a happy circumstance that you've had the chafing issue to address while the weather has been so unsettled. By waiting for the hurricane season to subside, your passage to and through the Canal, and then up through the Caribbean, will be safer. You showed one sequence of one of the weather apps you're using. At some point (actually, all along your route), I would love to learn more about your analysis and contingent decision making about whether and when to sail, course selection, and all that goes into navigation and keeping Tally Ho and crew as safe as possible. If that fits into your creative flow...!
David Weckler
If one enlarges this photo, one can see the brass strips distributed around the mast, it looks like at full deployment and at least one reef point. The strips seem to have fasteners sticking out. I imagine the forthcoming video will explain the details. Those of us with little experience with wood boats can easily suppose that once she's built and sailing, immediate problems solved, all is holiday cruising after that. I'm learning that there is truly constant maintenance and repair, including addressing significant problems that show up when everything's put to use. It's so cool to have such an intimate look at so much of what's involved. To realize that, like an iceberg, we're probably getting a glimpse of maybe a tenth or less of the actual work is mind-boggling. I've started on my third time watching the videos from the beginning, taking my time (in contrast to the binge watching I did the first two times). I continue to find the skill, the fine materials, the clear and articulate explanations of the reasoning and judgements you make along the way, all the fine craftspeople and helpers you encounter, is a salve for the tormented world the rest of us live in these days. Once again, thank you for the refuge, and for all the amazing work and sharing.
