Leaderboard

On 02 April we drove to the factory and picked up the kit using the modified catamaran’s trailer. As predicted, upon arrival the skies opened up and made for a drenching experience while loading. Prior to arriving Alan recommended picking up a poly tarp which we draped over the crate followed by numerous wraps of shipping film around the circumference. After skillful loading I was impressed the trailer was in darn near perfect trim and balance for a very wet drive home. The next day under clear blue skies I removed the tarp and film to find the crate dry and the contents unaffected. Thank you Alan! As parts were unloaded, inventoried, stowed and somewhat organized in the garage, it subtly came to me just what a huge project I’ve taken on. My mantra is to enjoy the journey and destination will be that much sweeter. Thank you all who have contributed to this forum, your posts provide me with such great amount of information and knowledge that provides me the confidence I can achieve one of my bucket-list goals.

I didn't know that a dog came in the kit! Welcome to the forum. Take it one step at a time and enjoy the journey!

Looking forward to seeing it come together. Glad to hear the kit stayed dry it was really pouring!

I find my 17 heaves-to a lot better if you raise the rudder. The bow goes right into the eye of the wind and stays there. You do tend to drift backwards pretty quickly in strong winds, so not for wicked lee shores.

Sounds like you had a wonderful sail. I will try to address some of your questions. I don't recall much of a history of snotter attachments pulling out of the mast, though there have been concerns. Wes was able to fish a nut all the way up, but he had special assistance. Some have used something called a rivnut, but they are pricey and not available in small quanities. I was able to make attachments to the mast where the tubes join allowing the threads to be cut into both tubes. I mounted two eyestaps about 120 degrees apart and attached them with a bridal. That puts much of the load in shear and distributes it across four screws. That may be overkill for a 17. I dipped the screws in boatlife caulk. I suspect someone else will chime in. The sails should come down easier than you describe. Check for any burrs on the inner lip of the sailtrack run down it with a small file. I think snotter tension will make lowering the sail difficult. I hope to be at Cedar Island in September perhaps will see you there. good luck.