SAVE THE DATE! Back by Popular Demand

VOLUME 28, ISSUE 1
APRIL 2014
SAVE THE DATE! Back by Popular Demand
… Gemini Owners Rendezvous in Annapolis
Gemini Catamarans, Gemini Gems and Multihulls Magazine have partnered
to bring back Gemini Owners Rendezvous in Annapolis! Please mark
your calendars … Memorial Day Weekend, May 24 and 25, rain or shine!
Come celebrate Gemini's 33rd year. All your favorite events will be here:
Race/Rally … Show & Tell .. Trash & Treasure … Industry Professionals
Prizes for Oldest Gem, Youngest Gem, Longest Owner, Who's Owned the
Most, and more! First 25 Gems to register by April 11 receive a free gift at
check-in. Go to www.GemCats.net to register today!
In This Issue
Welcome New Members
2
Upcoming Events
3
Owner Stories
4
Service Gemini
8
Classifieds
10
A Blast from the Past /
Membership
12
Page 2
H
i, welcome to my first issue of Gemini Gems. It’s not
your first issue of course as Gemini Gems is the
longest running publication of its kind. This is actually
the 123rd issue spanning 28 years. Those two statements have
haunted me since I was asked to re-start Gemini Gems this past
December.
I cannot begin to explain to you the difficulty I have had putting
this issue together, specifically this ―Letter from the
Editor.‖ Who am I to step into this role? I am not an owner. I
am not a long term employee. I was not around when Sue and
Tony created the Gemini catamaran in 1981. I was not around
when they entrusted the brand to their daughter Laura in 2010.
So I apologize for the delay and lack of information these past
four months but I felt I needed to get out and meet you … the
Gemini owners … my owners! I needed to know who you
are. How you chose our Gem. Why you are so steadfast and
loyal to Gemini. What you expected from me. I asked for your
help via email and you responded in droves. I have been
blessed with stories and ideas for content in Gemini Gems
from owners I met in Southampton England to Annapolis to
Long Beach to Fort Lauderdale to St Augustine to St Pete’s to
San Diego to Chicago to Seattle to Miami to Boston. For those
of you I have personally met along
my journeys I thank
you for accepting
me into your community.
Because
above all else, what
I learned is that
Gemini IS, without
question, its own
community – and I mean that in every sense of the word.
So who am I? Well, let’s just say I’m here for you. I was
brought on in the fall of 2013 in sales and marketing, with a
focus on boat shows and dealer relations. But I find you cannot
do one without other. You cannot focus on the future without
understanding the past. So I see myself more of a liaison,
bridging the gap between every facet of Gemini. She truly is a
Gem, one I am proud to serve on all levels.
Please review this issue for me with a critical eye. Let me know
what you like, what you don’t and why so we can bring Gemini
Gems back to her original glory and unite all Gemini owners,
regardless of model, together in one place. ~All the best, Jenn
New Gemini Owners
Nancy & Robert Colon –
Legacy 35 – Hull 1159 –
Jersey City, New Jersey
Jane Iddings/Ken Normington
– 105Mc – Hull 1000: ―Slice‖
– Clifton, New Jersey
Lois Hugghins & Danny
Conner – 105Mc – Hull 782:
―No Stress‖ – Horseshoe
Bay, Texas
Brian Tobin – 105Mc – Hull
1109: ―Bearcat‖ formerly
―Katatonic‖ – Alexandria,
Virginia
―Leisurely Adrift‖ –
Hartfield, Virginia
Karen Frazer – 105Mc –
Hull 1000: ―Gemini 1000‖
– Delray Beach, Florida
Geraldine Barraco & Gary
Davis – Legacy 35 – Hull
1175 – Hot Springs, North
Carolina
Joan & Don Birkeness –
Legacy 35 – Hull 1179 –
St Petersburg, Florida
Massachusetts
David Smith – Legacy 35 –
Hull 1184 –
Channel Islands, California
Thomas Richman – 105Mc –
Hull 898: ―CS Time‖ –
Los Angeles, California
We try to acknowledge
all of our Gemini owners.
Harold Shimm – Legacy 35
– Hull 1167 – Seoul, Korea
Pat & Moe Sabourin –
105Mc – Hull 1059:
―Gemini Dream‖ –
Cape Haze, Florida
Gina & Jeff Cox—Legacy
35—Hull 1169—San Diego,
California
Shirley & William Kimmich
– Legacy 35 – Hull 1180 San Diego, California
Mike Bishop – 105Mc – Hull
1112: ―Sponge Bob‖ –
Madison, Indiana
Rita & Dennis La Frenier –
Legacy 35 – Hull 1181 –
Winthrop, Massachusetts
If I have, please reach out
to me with your model,
hull number and/or name
and where she sails.
Ron Hatcher – Legacy 35 –
Hull 1170 – Sanibel Island
Florida
Fred Steele – 105Mc –
Hull 859: ―Foot Prints‖ –
Cocoa Beach, Florida
[email protected]
Sarah & Charles Dougherty
– 105Mc – Hull 880:
Bunce & Colt – Legacy 35 –
Hull 1186 – Newbury Port,
However our records are
only as good as the
information we are given,
therefore I may have
missed you.
Thank you!
VOLUME 28, ISSUE 1
Page 3
Save the
Date
Gemini Events Sponsored by Our Dealers
Additional Events on Page 9
GREAT LAKES SAILING, TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN
NORTH LAKES YACHTING, TORONTO, ONTARIO
Open House May 15 to 17
Port Credit Spring Boat Show May 23 to 26
Bay Harbor Boat Show June 13 to 15
UnSalted Island Hopping Event June 21 to 27
UnSalted Sailing Floatilla August 16 to 22
ADVANTAGE YACHT SALES. NEWBURYPORT, MASS
Gemini Legacy Test Sail Event June 28
WEST COAST MULTIHULLS, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
Strictly Sail Pacific Boat Show April 10 to 13
Open House & Demo Day May 17
San Diego Summer Boat Show June 19 & 20
ANNAPOLIS CATAMARAN CENTER, ANNAPOLIS, MD
9th Annual Catalina Owners Rendezvous August 21 to 24
Annapolis Spring Show April 25 to 27
Page 4
When Gemini Catamarans President Laura
Hershfeld, daughter of Sue & Tony Smith
(Founders and Engineer of Performance
Cruising) volunteered to spend her family
Thanksgiving delivering 2014 Gemini
Legacy 35 Hull 1174 from St Augustine to her new home
in Fort Lauderdale, it provided the perfect opportunity to
see if the Gem she had designed could pass the litmus
test. What her and her family found is that this Gem
does indeed continue the family’s tradition—legacy …
being a fast fun cat that brings people together!
A Family Legacy Continues …
The Hershfelds: Cate, Laura (Smith), Will and Sara.
O
ver Thanksgiving 2013, we took a Gemini Legacy 35 from St Augustine to Ft Lauderdale. A
pretty easy trip by most delivery standards but
as we were doing it with two young kids and had never
done a delivery trip before we may as well have been
climbing Everest. The unexpected thing for me was
how eye-opening the entire trip was. How I was able
to reconnect with my girls over something as simple as
figuring out how to make toast on a boat together (It
sounds simple, but for those who know me, it was a
real accomplishment) and how just being on the boat
together, 24/7 for 7 days would bring us all back to
reality. Something which surprised me was the level of
simplicity and intimacy you feel with your family
where there is nothing but the boat and the four of you
and your days are measured by your meals and how
many dolphins you have seen. The routine developed
Here is a quick synopsis of our trip:
We flew into Jacksonville airport and gathered our
provisions before heading to the boat that was in St
Augustine.
Our first night was at St. Augustine Marine Center
where the boat was moored. We had a great dinner in
town and walked around a bit then headed back to the
boat with a nice bottle of wine to be enjoyed in the
cockpit.
We left St Augustine first thing in the morning on Saturday the 22nd. The first day was beautiful weather. We
really couldn’t have asked for more. Calm waters as I
sat on the bow with the girls and watched the scenery
go by, all the while looking for dolphins.
The second night we pulled into Daytona Beach. Stayed
at a great little marina called Loggerhead Marina. The
marina had a pool and restaurant so the girls were
thrilled. We took a taxi over to the beach for a couple of
hours before dinner so the girls could play.
The second full day we made it all the way to Cocoa
Beach. The wind was behind us and a cold front was
coming in. This was a pretty miserable day but the
thing that shocked me was it was one of the most fun for
the girls and myself. We were totally stuck inside with
the wind behind us and the rain preventing us going
outside so we spent the day making rainbow loom
bracelets and giving each other ―makeovers‖. And
thank goodness for movies on the iPad! I should mention here that we realized the enclosure is a MUST on
this boat for anyone that will be doing any cruising.
Poor Will was stuck outside and we couldn’t even keep
the door open because the rain was sideways at some
points.
Getting into Cocoa Beach was challenging to say the
least, as we had to maneuver around the jetty and back
into a 26-foot wide slip with at least 26 knots of wind
blowing us into the dock. For me the fact that we were
able to get the boat to do exactly what we needed her to
do with just the two of us really grew my confidence in
VOLUME 28, ISSUE 1
Page 5
Cruising the Florida Coast
our ability to do this. It also reaffirmed my decision to
get a hotel room that night! A fun and challenging family vacation is one thing, but a night being tossed
around in 25-knot winds and 5-foot waves is just not for
me!
The next morning fresh from our free continental breakfast we started off again. The weather was chilly but
there was no more rain. Unfortunately the wind had
turned 180 degrees so we were now headed directly
into it. This was quite a bit more uncomfortable and we literally did not pass a
―How I was
single other boat during the entire day.
able to
reconnect with
my girls over
something as
simple as
figuring out
how to make
toast on a boat
together,‖
That night we got to Vero Beach and
stayed at the Vero Beach City Marina. A
short walk to a cute little restaurant called
the Riverside Café, then a couple rounds
of arcade golf and then back to the boat
Our final night before making it into Ft Lauderdale was
spent in Boynton Beach. This was my favorite place by
far. We got there too late to officially check in and did
not have the correct shore power cord. This had me a
bit freaked out as I was worried I would not sleep without AC. The temperature however was absolutely perfect though and the place we stopped, The Three
Georges, was awesome. A great little restaurant with a
place for the girls to feed fish from the dock.
I have to admit it was pretty bitter-sweet when we finally pulled up to Ft Lauderdale. I felt like I was really
about to get back to reality and it was a shock to my
system from the simple, intimate family time we had
spent on the boat.
for an early night.
The run that day took us to Stuart. About an hour away
from Stuart the weather finally broke and we decided to
treat ourselves and head into a resort. The Hutchinson
Island Marina Beach Resort was fabulous! A muchneeded pina colada and a great little pool for the girls
to jump into really topped off the day.
The next morning we left nice and early, as the weather
was absolutely fabulous. This stretch of the inter-coastal
really has much more to look at with beautiful houses
along the coast. At one point we passed by Steve Job’s
boat, which was very cool as we are both huge Mac
fans. Will and I both agree it was good Steve Job’s didn’t get involved in yacht design.
At one point we just missed a bridge and the next opening was not for an hour. So we simply pulled off to the
side and let the girls jump off the boat and play around
in the water. It was fabulous!
I can say I was truly shocked at how much I enjoyed
this. I have travelled all over the world and done all
the beach and Disney vacations with my family but
every one of us would take a vacation like this over
those any day.
~Laura Smith Hershfeld
Page 6
Queen Priscilla Reigns Supreme on Tennessee River
K
evin Jeske and Andrew Polyak have enjoyed
living aboard a 75' houseboat on the Tennessee
River for nearly ten years when they decided it
might time for something different. Happy in their
houseboat, they thought an addition would be best.
When they found a 30' Gemini in dry dock this past
December just ninety minutes from where they lived, it
seemed the perfect time and vessel to add to their
"fleet."
name - ―Queen Priscilla‖ honoring
Andrew’s black Pomeranian puppy.
Kevin
and
Kevin, a licensed captain, intends to share ―Queen
Priscilla‖ with locals and vacationers by offering
cruises and overnight stays on the Tennessee River
beginning this month (April 2014)
Formerly named "Streaker", Hull 142 owned by Laura
and Mick Longon, was in remarkably good shape. She
was a gem of a Gem, making the decision to make several improvements while she was out of the water an
easy one. Among other things, a new head & waste
system was installed along with a marine HVAC system
and an inverter.
She was ―dressed up‖ with a new coat of paint and
pretty red and black stripes and christened with a new
There is always something fun to see and do on a vibrant waterway, especially one that flows through a
major southern city. Captain Kevin and Andrew invite
you join them for good times on the Tennessee River
aboard the Queen Priscilla – a 30′ Gemini Catamaran
offering private cruises and short vacation stays in
downtown Knoxville. Nestled among the bluffs at the
city’s magnificent waterfront, the Queen Priscilla is
conveniently docked within walking distance of Knoxville’s lively downtown entertainment & cultural districts, the University of Tennessee, and Neyland Stadium.
VOLUME 28, ISSUE 1
Page 7
Gemini
Sightings …
I
s this your Gem? Or do
you know who she belongs to??
Each issue, we will feature a
Gemini catamaran that has
been seen while cruising. If
she belongs to you, or you
can provide some helpful
data on her—Hull number,
name, model, year built,
etc—Gemini Catamarans
will put you in a raffle to win
free admission to our annual
Owners Rendezvous at our
headquarters in Annapolis.
Please send in your own
sightings for us to publish
and also receive a chance to
win!
HINT: She was spotted by five year old Sara Hershfeld, granddaughter of Sue & Tony Smith, while cruising the east
coast of Florida from St Augustine to Fort Lauderdale in November 2013.
D
Dogs Love Cats!
ogs have long been popular mascots in the United State sea services for their ability to build morale. In the
early days, dogs often served a more practical function by leading patrols onto foreign shores to seach for
food and warn of any dangers lurking out of eyesight. But mostly, dogs provided welcome relief from the
monotony of being at sea for months on end. In this issue we met Kevin Jeske and Andrew Polyak who named their
precious Gem after their four legged precious gem, ―Queen Priscilla‖ aka ―Prissy.‖ The Smith-Hershfeld family,
especially ―dad‖ Will, doesn’t go anywhere without seaworthy ―Maggie‖ on board … sometimes even at the helm!
Please send in your favorite “Dogs Love Cats” photo for inclusion with Gemini Gems publication and website.
Page 8
Submitted by Mike Dellario, OFF LEASH, Hull 988, Gemini 105Mc
Locking the Gemini Door
I
f you spend time in unfamiliar anchorages or
marinas some of your
crew may not sleep as
soundly as you would like
because the standard Gemini door did not come with a
way to lock the door from
the inside. The addition of a
hook and eye latch may not
give you a lot of confidence
because everyone knows
how easy it is to quietly slip
those open with a credit
card. Adding a dead bolt or
a pad lock of some sort may
start to give your door the
look of Fort Knox and possible make it difficult to respond quickly as your anchor drags across the bay
during the first blows of a
late night thunderstorm.
Here is an elegantly simple
upgrade we found to address the issue.
1.
Drill a small hole all the
way through the inside
metal latch, the black
plastic latch stop and
the first layer of fiberglass.
2.
Insert a 2‖ clevis pin, or
even just a long screw in
the hole.
3.
Simply put it back in the
hole for storage.
Unless your window is open
it will be extremely difficult
for someone outside to reach
in and remove the pin without all kinds of noise.
~ Pleasant Dreams
Light Up Your Gem with LEDs
R
eady to light up your Gem? So what IS the best
choice when ordering a new build or embarking
on a refit? From everyone I’ve heard from there
seems to be one choice in today’s marketplace: LED
lighting.
LED is an acronym for Light Emitting Diode. They are an
electronic device that generates light. Technology has
been advancing rapidly in marine LED components and
the latest types have the potential to save a significant
amount of battery drain and savings over traditional
lighting. They have finally matured enough to make
them bright enough, the right color (early white ones
were very bluish in their light emission), extremely energy efficient, and quite long lived.
One of the most compelling reasons to consider an upgrade to LED lighting is a significant reduction in energy
consumption. Frequently measured in milliamps, at 12
volts, a 1.3w LED cluster is drawing approximately
110ma. The average compact fluorescent light (CFL)
bulb draws about ten times that amount, but the LED is
generally free of or contains very minimal amounts of
mercury. Not to mention the fact that LED lights win out
significantly over halogen lamp technology in heat generation.
Expected service life is even more interesting. A decent
LED should have a minimum service life of 50,000 hours.
If you left the light on that translates to almost eight and a
half years on constant duty. This means it will be ultra
rare that they will need changing, nice perk especially
when you have to climb a mast to replace them!
LEDs are also far more durable, with no glass and no
filament, making them able to withstand jostling and
bumping that would destroy an ordinary light bulb. So
when you accidentally whack your LED spreader light
with a gaff, or hit the LED lamp with a weight while making a cast, chances are it will escape the accident unscathed.
Rounding out the great benefits of LEDs are their versatility and unlimited options. LED lamps come in all
shapes and sizes, meaning you can find LED lamps to
mount to railings, canopies, under gunwales, and even
in your existing lamp fixtures. If you have a space with
enough room to attach a mounting bracket or drill a
hole, you can probably find an LED light that will fit.
Even better, LEDs are available in all the major colors
including red, blue, green, amber and white as well as
infrared for those of you who like to use high tech night
vision onboard your Gem.
Now sure, things are never quite that easy. Not all LEDs
are created equal, you will need to be sure you buy your
LEDs from a reputable marine LED provider. And are
USCG certified. Look for tested and approved solutions
from vendors. Reach out to other Gemini owners for
input and experience. LED lighting is not an inexpensive path, but the long term rewards are there.
VOLUME 28, ISSUE 1
Page 9
Annual Northeast “Impromptu” Rendezvous
Meeting Claire and Wayne Gammo, Gemini 3000 Hull 200 ―Jus Jay,‖ at the New England Boat Show in Boston this
past January was not only a sheer pleasure, but also quite fortuitous. Claire shared stories with me on a long
standing impromptu Gemini Owners Rendezvous held since 1992 at Three Mile Harbor in East Hampton, Long
Island, New York. The event will be held again July 18 to 20. Come join in the fun with all Gems represented!
I
met Phyllis McDonald this year at the Strictly Sail
Chicago boat show at Navy Pier. She was very
enthusiastic about her role as President of the
Midwest Women’s Sailing Conference. And with good
reason! The organization is a non-profit 501(c)3, run
totally by volunteers and instructors who donate their
time and energy for the
love of the sport. Phyllis
said, ―We do this to support
women sailors ... and the
sport of sailing safely. I’m
glad sailing is a small
town.‖
An excerpt from their
Greene:
website submitted by Liz
SPRING LINES ARE YOUR FRIENDS
Jan Guthrie and Phyllis McDonald rose to the challenge
of teaching a dock line handling course inside! Their
trick of backing onto a spring line running from the stern
cleat of the boat to a wrap around a dock cleat at the
W
beam, then back to the boat, made us look like rockstars
as we left the fuel dock all season long! We also now
have a carefully measured “stopping line” for our boat.
A spring line attached to our midship cleat is always
ready to be tossed over a cleat on the dock as we approach. It works like a charm! Once the line is attached,
the boat can be controlled
with a small amount of forward throttle to sit alongside
the dock as you secure the
rest of the lines. No jumping no danger. Brilliant.
For more helpful
insights like this, as
well as information on
their annual
conference,
please see:
ww.womenssailing.org
hat could be better than spending a beautiful day in May, surrounded
by the exciting and historic waterfront city of Norfolk, attending educational seminars, socializing with fellow Loopers, and enjoying excellent
cuisine?
AGLCA’s Spring Rendezvous & Reunion is scheduled for May 58, 2014, at the gorgeous Sheraton Norfolk Waterside.
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At the Rendezvous, there will be seminars covering navigation
and information on the portion of the
Loop between Norfolk, Va., and
Rogersville, Ala., site of the Fall Rendezvous. Side seminars include side trips,
engine maintenance and much more. Please go to www.greatloop.org to learn
more about AGLCA and the Rendezvous!
Page 10
2005 Gemini 105Mc, Last Draft. This catamaran for sale was recently surveyed
and ready to sail to your dock! This vessel has several upgrades including new
bottom paint with two coats of Trinidad Pro Black, new hammock seat, exterior
shade covers for all ports, hatches and doors, and full canvas on port and starboard sides of cockpit. Also replaced Autohelm belt and gears, helm gearbox
and steering cables. New Magnum MM1212 inverter/charger. Asking $137,000.
2006 Gemini 105Mc, C’s Time. This well-equipped Gemini 105 MC is a fast, shallow draft catamaran cruiser capable of taking you to paradise, with her ability to
sail very close to the wind and motor at 7 plus knots, all while sailing in comfort.
C’s Time will accommodate up to 8 people for sleeping while there are three
separate staterooms with one head. The interior has 6’3‖ headroom. The cabin
sole molding includes engineered teak and holly inserts. Asking $125,500.
2009 Gemini 105Mc, Tony. This cat has 6’0‖ to 6’5‖ headroom throughout. Berths
for up to 8, all cushions 4‖ foam with fabric cover. Queen size in master cabin 5’4‖
x 6’6‖. Double bed in each aft cabin 47‖ wide. Headlining part fiberglass molding, part foam back fabric. Floor molding with teak and holly laminate flooring
inserts. Master cabin with fully lined hanging locker and vanity with six bins for
storage. Galley 7’6‖ x 19‖ wide, with Formica top, 2 drawers, storage under surface. Propane stove with two burners, oven and broiler. Teak Shelf unit beside
fridge. Square dinette – salon area, with 4‖ foam cushions, storage under, converts to bed, folding teak table. Hella fan and window blinds in salon. Asking
$135,000.
2010 Gemini 105Mc, Albatross Jr. This 2011 Gemini 105Mc, Albatross II, began
her life in the balmy breezes and vibrant turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Sailing guests from Cancun to the island of Isla Mujeres, she quickly became
THE Gem of all the treasures of the sea. After two years celebrating life’s best
adventures, she is back in her home state of Florida looking for a new couple or
family to begin again. Equipped with all the standard amenities Gemini fans
have become accustomed to … she boasts the new for 2011 360 degree pilothouse views, upgraded DesignTouch interior, retractable centerboards providing
an 18‖ draft, and so much more. Asking $169,000.
2012 Gemini Catamaran for Sale! Hull 1115. One of the last very well proven
and popular 105Mc catamarans built. This yacht shows like new…and in fact with
only 206 hours, she is almost new. This Gemini features the standard configuration of 3 cabins and 1 head. Entering the saloon you see a very comfortable area
for eating and socializing. The galley is to starboard while a nav area and the
large head is to port. Good headroom and welcoming ambiance is a feature Gemini owners always like. The Master cabin is forward with wonderful visibility. Dual
Air Conditioners keep her civilized in summer. The lucky owner traded her on
the new 35 from Gemini. This is your chance to save. Your family will Love this
cat. Asking $179,000.
For information on any of our Gems, or to add your own to our list, please contact Jennifer Jolly at
[email protected] or 954.449.7646
VOLUME 28, ISSUE 1
Page 11
2014 Gemini Legacy 35
Ne w
fo r
2014:
M aste r
Cab in
C abi n e t
In the 2013 model this area was used for water tanks,
which have now been relocated to the aft of the boat
next to the fuel tanks. This improvement also takes the
weight off the bridge deck and moves it lower and farther aft, which improves the motion of the boat. Interior
of the cabin has a wood finish.
New for 2014: Aft Starboard Cabin Headliner and Hatch
Redesign
In redesigning the aft cabin the headliner is now flush
with the contour of the deck thus allowing much more
head and elbow room around the bed. The cockpit
hatch was angled into the aft cabin above the bed and
is now flush in the cockpit seat producing much more
room above the bed on the inboard side.
New for 2014: Three Cabin, Two Head Option
The forward starboard cabin can easily be configured
as a third cabin or a combination second head/crew
cabin. This redesign has a step that covers the toilet
and a slide out panel to increase the length of the bed.
This change also incorporates an additional window,
allowing for more light.
Spectacular, room salon with over-stuffed leather cushions and an open layout with plenty of ventilation.
Standard dinette table fits over the optional cockpit table or the coffee table so either space can be used
for dining. Salon converts to huge guest bed. Storage cabinet for dinette table or bed conversion cushions when not in use.
New for 2014: Upgraded Interior Package
Second upholstery package featuring ultra-suede salon seating along with a white leatherette back
splash resulting in a more light and airy feel.
Please email [email protected] or call 410.626.2720 for more information about parts and service for your Gemini Catamaran.
FOR SALE: Replacement Bellows: $90 plus
shipping.
FOR SALE: Sillette Sonic Saildrives. Inquire
for detailed pricing.
FOR SALE: 2010 Caribe inflatable with 20 HP
Honda outboard. Caribe model L 11, 3.38m.
Tiller control Honda outboard. The outboard
has minor scratches on the cowling. Selling
the package for $6,000.
FOR SALE: 2010 Honda 20 HP outboard.
Brand new in the box! $3,900.
A BLAST FROM THE PAST …
Submitted by Paul Roberts, JOLI SPOT, Hull 812, Gemini 105Mc
H
aving had the pleasure of owning our Gemini since 2004 and cruised her in Biscayne Bay and the Keys, and
from Key Largo to Belize, Key West, and Bimini, Georgetown and the Abacos in the Bahamas, we’ve added
a number of improvements to her derriere, as shown in these photos. I shall briefly describe their benefits.
We’ve had numerous entanglements with fishing line and lobster trap rope which had to be removed from
the prop. The horizontal platform to port of the outdrive greatly facilitates dealing with prop and outdrive problems
without having to lower the dinghy or get into the water. It was fabricated for us and is 1‖ thick with non-skid surface,
and is secured with SS backed carriage bolts attached through a 6‖ rise at the transom and a 3‖ dip at the port hull.
While returning from Belize under sail in heavy weather our outdrive bounced
from side to side and up and down so violently that we had to lower it into its
locked drive position (even then we were making 9 kts under sail). To remedy
this, and to take pressure off the cylinder when in port, we permanently installed
a line and O ring around the outdrive shaft and rigged lines going to cleats port
and starboard on the outboard ends of the stern rail. The line on the port side
runs through 1‖ PVC and has a SS hook at the end, which enables us to easily install and remove it from the stern steps. After the outdrive has been raised by the
pump in the starboard lazarette and the hook has been inserted in the O ring, the
lines are tightened on both sides and cleated off. Then we relieve the pressure on
the cylinder.
Our friends with PCI installed davits advised us of the need to remove the dinghy
motor for Gulf Stream crossings and in heavy seas. We installed the stronger 1638
Kingston Davits (available at Defender but not at West Marine), which will take
the weight of our rib with a 70# motor attached, and have had no problems. We
did add SS crossed lines to minimize sway in heavy seas, and have tied the boom
securely to the outboard ends of our stern rails. We also added Starboard skids
to the tops of the inboard rails on our stern stairs to prevent the dinghy from damage while lowering or raising it.
The 4‖ capped PVC under the starboard inboard stern stairs holds 3 extra cans of propane
for our barbeque. We have added a traveler with pulleys and cleats to ease using it in high
winds. On the stern of the port hull behind the circular skid for the dinghy we have added an
outboard motor bracket so we can use the dinghy motor as a kicker. On a trip to Key West
we successfully used it with our 6hp outboard to go 10 miles and maneuver into a slip.
The TV works great in the US and Bahamas, and if you subscribe to DirecTV or Dish Network
at home you can add a receiver to your boat for a very reasonable monthly charge, which
can be suspended when not in use. The arm coming off the pole supporting the TV dish holds
an LED anchor light, which is quite powerful and draws minimal power. After burning out 3
bulbs on our masthead anchor light we are very happy with this one, which is high enough to
be visible over the cabin.
Reprinted from Gemini Gems April 2008
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