Knowing the Ropes

[RTB]

Having just bought the boat (an Invicta 27) it's now time to take it out the water! - Never done this before - never had a boat before - Various friends will help but - Do I remove all halyards ? all sheets ? - all rope ? - will that mean I'll have to thread a mouse ? (all lines are outside the mast) or is it just as well to leave everything in place throughout the winter ? - The boat will be on its cradle in the yard without much danger of mishap.
Any thoughts please ?

Ssgoodthis....intit?

 

[zephyrsailor]

don't take down all ur hallards at the same time!
if ur mice come down how u gonna get up the mast?
i leave mine on but i sail thru the winter

 

[squidge]

apart from the usual checks for chafing and getting the boat ready for winter,remember to drain all water that can freeze(once forgot the water heater to my cost).you could ,after running lines remove the halyards and wash them at the launderette or your own macheen if you have an understanding partner,to remove the salt,grit and other nasties which cause ware.Dont use harsh detergent.

 

[Miker]

If you leave your ropes in situ make sure that they are lifted away from the deck. Personally, I'd remove them but the replacement "mice" must be strong enough to withstand the elements and be capable of pulling the ropes back through again. Too thin mice can also jam on the blocks in the mast and boom as I found out to my cost last year.

 

[steffen]

Agree with what has been said before. To wash ropes i soak them in what we call Biotex (in Holland), a soaking detergent that breaks down the algea, etc. After that put them in the washing machine, 40-50 celcius max. Dont let anyone convince you to use a pressure washer on the ropes as it will blow the fibers apart and ruin the rope very fast.

Happy sailings, Steffen

 

[ianwright]

!, Remove all the running rigging.
2, Remove the standing rigging.
3, Remove the mast.
4, Clean and examine everything.

It has allways been A Bad Idea to lay up ashore with the mast stepped. I know the habit has grown in recent years but it is still wrong, have nothing to do with it.

IanW

Vertue 203, Patience

 

[Guest]

Why is it such a bad idea?

Jim

 

[ianwright]

Because a boat and it's gear are not designed to remain unmoving in the wind. A boat in a cradle with it's mast and rigging in place causes sudden and unfair stress that is best avoided. A boat chocked up in the traditional way can fall over,,,,,, onto other boats. I've seen a boat propped up on oil drums (bad idea) fully rigged (bad idea) with her roller reefing jenny still in place. (downright bloody stupid).

IanW

Vertue 203, Patience

 

[dickh]

Wash all the sheets and halyards in a washing machine with a non biological powder on a cool wash - they will come out like new. Make sure all the ends are securely whipped or heat sealed.
Replace the halyards with reasonable sized mouse lines for this winter while you wash the lines, but make sure you pull them clear of the mast so they don't frap against it during the winter(very annoying noise and it removes the anodising"!)
As previous poster says it would be a very good idea to take the mast out this winter to check the mast and shrouds thoroughly as it is your first boat - it will give you peace of mind for the next seasons sailing.


dickh
I'd rather be sailing...

 

[graham]

I agree that it is a good idea to lower the mast this year to check all is well but would not bother every year. That is a throwback to wooden masts that needed varnishing every year.

What is essential is to make your boat bullet proof against falling over. Storm force winds WILL occur before you relaunch and the vibration it causes can make props fall out.If you lay up in an exposed place you really need a cradle .Take advise from whoever manages the yard or club you lay up in.

Remove your sails the day you come ashore. Why let them deteriorate over the winter when your not using them?Also they create more windage .