FAQ

FAQ

Q. When was the standing rigging last replaced?

A. Unknown. In 2011 , the rigging was professionally inspected and pronounced faultless. There remain no signs of problems. On-line some folk say to replace every 10yrs or so, others report having 30yrs old rigging! For “My Muse” I have relied on the redundant stays and the proven performance. The rigging is 1x19 strand. Should anything happen the running back stays and inner forestay are available to carry the rig pending repairs. My philosophy has been “why fix what ain’t broke” with the redundant rig my insurance!

Q. Is “My Muse” category 1 compliant?

A. It is only necessary to obtain a Cat 1 certificate if going offshore as a New Zealand vessel. Looking at the cat 1 requirements (list is on board for reference) I believe only the following would need attention for cat 1:

·         New Flares

·         Life raft  ..The “My Muse” life raft is out of survey and has been discarded

·         EPIRB : “My Muse” carries an In Reach satellite communicator with emergency capabilities but this may not be compliant with NZ regulations.

Q, What is the vessel performance?

A.       Theoretical hull speed is 9 knots.. this is achievable on a reach or down wind in 12 knots true wind (refer above report “Under sail, we saw 9-plus knots in 12 knots of breeze going upwind; on a spinnaker run, 9.6.”. In practice “My Muse” often exceeds 10knots boat speed and has topped out at 15 knots. We have experienced several days with runs of over 240m..ie 10knt average speeds however in passage planning we would typically plan on an average of  8 knots. Under motor, in the calm conditions of the Panama canal, we averaged 6.5knots but typically, at engine rpms 2400 we would get 5knots and burn approximately ½ gal diesel per hr. On a full tank 500miles range in calm seas is achievable. This increases markedly if sail assisted. Normally we would motor sail, with one engine only, in light air at around 6 knots.

Q. What about osmosis?

A. we stripped “My Muse” back to bare hull due to an incompatibility with poor antifoul we picked up in Ecuador. There was no sign of any osmosis. The bare hull was built up again with an epoxy barrier coat before the new antifouling was painted on.

Q. Is “My Muse” dry ?

A. Several ports dripped when we purchased My Muse so all hatches and  have been pulled and re-sealed. The polycarbonate saloon windows began to leak a little after 5 yrs so these were pulled and  rebedded again in 2017. Since then there has be no leakage and “my Muse” is exceptionally dry. The bilges are clean and dry. The bimini was extended in 2011 2m further across the beam and fitted with solid forward ports. In consequence, under sail,  the cockpit rarely sees any water splash but rain from behind will wet the stern cushions.

The galley escape hatch on the floor of the galley has been known to have water forced in when underway. A one way drain valve has been purchased to release any water back to the sea.

Q. Bridge deck clearance and wave slam

A. “My Muse” has a similar bridge deck clearance (21”) to other vessels designed by Alexander Simonis (ie. The Leopard series of cats) but the wide body of ‘My Muse” provides a larger area between the hulls than most catamarans. This allows wave force to better dissipate and slamming on ‘My Muse” in most conditions is low. Like ALL catamarans some bridge deck slamming is expected when beating to weather in big seas. I doubt “My Muse” slams any less than other cat’s in her class under these conditions.