I've got a new boat!

[DanTribe]

I\'ve got a new boat!

Well not strictly true, just the old one but with the behind the mast roller reefing removed.
What a difference, the old tub is now fun to sail, accelerates out of tacks like a dinghy and actually responds to the helm. Should have done it years ago. All this with a mainsail umpteen years old, should be even better if/when the new one ever arrives. The downside is that it takes two minutes longer to put the sail cover on.

 

[BobGiles]

Re: I\'ve got a new boat!

nice to hear another happy yachty,,,,,,,its all worth it in the end...or so they tell me

 

[pragmatist]

Re: I\'ve got a new boat!

Agree with you 100% - our boat came up 2" at the bow. Buy a stack-pack and even putting the mainsail away takes no longer ! Enjoy your new boat !

 

[chubby]

Re: I\'ve got a new boat!

I came within inches of taking a hacksaw to our behind mast reefing at the start of the season when the main kept jamming: it seems to have sorted itself out as the freshly laundered sail has settled into life back on the roller, but I have been thinking of doing what you have done: were you able to use the track lurking behind the add on roller and was it much hasstle setting up reefing lines, lazy jacks etc, have you gone for a sail with more roach etc? Our motorsailor needs all the help it can get to be more of a sailor than mobo! should we follow suit?

 

[DanTribe]

Re: I\'ve got a new boat!

Hi
I drilled out the old rivets [90 odd] and removed the reefing gear. The luff groove is integral on my Selden mast so that was not affected and is in good nick.
I had to buy a new gooseneck fitting because the original had been replaced by the reefing gears own gooseneck, but the holes were in the right place. I also had to buy a new sail insertion gate.
The outhaul track on the boom was removed and the old foot rope groove was OK.
Reefing lines are run internally inside the boom after taking off the outer end for access. All the sheaves needed easing after being out of use for years. I haven't bothered with lazy jacks yet but can't see that they would be any different to any other boat.
I'm currently using the very old mainsail that came with the boat, but a new sail will be delivered next week. Well it was only ordered in October, can't expect too much.
The improvement in performance is very noticeable and the boat much stiffer. I have noticed a bit more wind noise below though.
Dan