I'm very fond of my
DeWalt DW928K-2 14.4-Volt 3/8" cordless drill, but these days
I would recommend a 20V Max version, instead. These newer drills
have a Lithium-Ion battery instead of the old NiCad type.
This DEWALT 20V Max Cordless Drill/Driver Kit is a good choice.
The fact that it's cordless is a real boon when I go to do work on the boat.
Have you ever gotten the extension cord wrapped around you when you're stuffed
into a locker trying to reach your work? That's a thing of the past. Plus
you can easily work at the top of the mast or out on the mooring.
This drill has a nice balance and isn't too heavy. It can be set on the
slow range with the torque clutch eased up and used as a cordless screwdriver.
Of course, drilling stainless steel and fiberglass is very hard on the drill bits.
A basic high-speed steel bit won't last very long. You're much better off with
a
set of titanium-coated bits
so they'll hold up a little while.
For drilling through small pieces of wood, almost any drill bit will do.
For heavier drilling, I like
auger bits. This set includes sizes
1/2", 5/8", 3/4", 7/8", 1", and 1-1/8" bits.
You'll need a hefty drill, like the DeWalts mentioned above, to keep from
stalling when these bits dig in, but you'll drill holes much faster and
easier.
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Offshore Sailing
by Bill Seifert with Daniel Spurr
We went to a Windjammers lecture to hear Bill Seifert and I was impressed enough to buy
the book on the spot. I've heard a lot of people talk about ways to improve a boat, but
I've never heard one person suggest so many good ideas that I hadn't considered. Part
of the charm is the specificity of the suggestions. Everyone says you should secure your
floorboards, hatchboards and batteries. Bill shows good suggestions on how to do so.
The suggestions are very practical for the do-it-yourselfer, too. Many show how to
make or adapt inexpensive solutions. Tip #12 on closing the deck blower vents is one
that will pay off for me without ever going offshore. I'll implement that one to
stop the wintertime storms from finding their way belowdecks.
Besides modifications, the book also includes advice for operating offshore, cooking,
boat selection, dealing with bureaucracy, and more.
Bill Seifert has worked at Tartan, TPI, and Alden Yachts. He's a veteran of many
Marion-Bermuda races and now runs his own yacht management company. His tips are
born of experience--not of book-learning--and it shows. He obviously knows his
stuff.
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