Comments for Tahina Expedition

Comment on Dolphins and Rain by nanag

nanag — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:39:05 +0000

Love the dolphins !

Comment on Lithium Ion Batteries for Boating by Frank Taylor

Frank Taylor — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 07:15:43 +0000

@Jon D: Thanks for your interest. The batteries are working FANtastic so far! The new solar controller I got over the holidays has exceeded expectations (read here for more details: http://goo.gl/RhY4p ). The extra power in the batteries allows me to run more things. I can even run our 30 amp water maker while under sail when I don’t want to hear engine noises. Even at those load levels it stays above 13 volts! I’m definitely using less diesel for power generation and recharging. Plus, I’m using the sun more. The casing on the batteries are not metal, there is just a stainless steel set of bands that go around the casings to make the cells into one large battery unit.

Comment on Lithium Ion Batteries for Boating by Jon D

Jon D — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 05:28:08 +0000

Hi Frank
Just what we (and the cruising fraternity ) needs….better battery technology.
I was very interested to read about your brave decision to try the Li batteries aboard and I am keen to hear of your results so far. You seem to be a good number cruncher, quoting 25% cost increase for 7000 cycles, and even accepting that a newer battery monitor was required for this newer technology. I am interested to see how the metal case has weathered so far. Why not use a plastic/grp case?? If LI eats it, try aluminium?
We own a Leopard 45 and intend to follow your tracks someday – our boats have very similar designs to the extent that either Lavranos or Morelli were watchhing each others products! Only they know.
I do like your bridgedeck clearance though – ours slams like a jackhammer in the carib shortwave chop.
Many more questions but lets solve the battery issue first!
Cheers and fairwinds to you and Karen.
Jon and Tina
ps. how did LiFePo4 progress with his Dutch barge??

Comment on Rough Seas by Susan Reeves

Susan Reeves — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:52:49 +0000

Frank, we have enjoyed reading your adventures aboard Tahina. Mike and I bought the 2009 St. Francis at the Miami Boat Show and have loved it dearly for several years. However, our lifestyle has changed to include some little West Coast granddaughters, so our time is more frequently spent that direction instead of on our boat. We have our boat, Twilight Rodeo 2, for sale. If, on your travels, you hear of anyone interested in purchasing a really gorgeous, well-outfitted vessel, please share this link to the yachtworld site with them:
http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/2009/St.-Francis-50-Catamaran-2265973/Sarasota/FL/United-States
Thanks so much….and happy sailing!!
Susan Reeves

Comment on Spherical 360 Photo of Three Sisters Up Close by nanag

nanag — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 10:26:42 +0000

WOW! I know you loved making this picture…it is great.

Comment on Spherical 360 Photo of Three Sisters Up Close by Morgana

Morgana — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 06:56:54 +0000

Faceti un lucru minunat acolo! Imi dau seama ca nu este usor si cu atit mai mult apreciez efortul. Noi vedem comod din fotoliul de acasa in urma muncii dumneavoastra, chiar daca unii ar vrea sa fie acolo sa vada si altfel. Succes in continuare!

Comment on Photos of Namenalala by Frank Taylor

Frank Taylor — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 21:18:13 +0000

Tahina’s mainsail is reefed using reefing lines at the aft of the sail, and hooked on with a simple snap shackle at the mast side. There are three reef points on the mainsail. The reefing lines are run through the boom to the mast, through rope clutches, and there are two winches on either side of the mast there for tightening. It’s a pretty easy process, and reefing the main is about the only reason for leaving the cockpit during bad weather. Plenty of room on a cat for doing this. We also have a roller-furling jib which is easily reefed from the cockpit area.

Comment on Photos of Namenalala by Mike Smith

Mike Smith — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 20:54:46 +0000

What kind of sail reefing is Tahina set up for? Just curious. Great Pics! Thanks for sharing.

Comment on Beautiful Weather in Port Stephens by Tony Christian

Tony Christian — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:05:27 +0000

Great to hear you are getting a real Aussie welcome. Past experiences must have related to the weather?!

Comment on Doubtful Sound by Mike Smith

Mike Smith — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:15:07 +0000

Doubtful Sound is the most beautiful place you’ve photographed so far (IMHO). That is truly an awesome place. Thanks for sharing!