jlweltz

Kudzu, If you like wood masts, take a look at www.sailingsource.com/ice/articles/mast_made_easy.htm it is from the DN ice boat. It would need to be modified for length and made free standing, but it is still fairly simple to build for the streamlined shape and could still rotate on the CS boats. Jerry

Brent, How many sq.ft. of sail did you hang on your CS20? It looks like a blast sailing the boat. I like hanging off the side at speed. I looked on the DN iceboat web page at how they make a mast for the bolt rope. It is a pear shaped mast of wood with a 5/8" aluminum tube with slot for the bolt rope. Carbon or glass and epoxy can be used to beef it up. It is only 16 ft. long and would have to be scaled up for the CS20. The DN does not use a free standing mast, another change. I like the idea of a foil shape on the mast and the bolt rope to allow reefing. Rotate the mast a little bit and you can get a very nice foil shape out of the mast and sail together. Another adjustment to play with if you like. Keep the rail wet, Jerry L Weltzin

Brent, It looks like your boat, if sail #33, that is up on the rail with the rudder less than half in the water. The water is fairly flat, looks like a lot of fun, but have you done the same thing in a good sized chop or large wake? I used to sail a catamaran and like getting it up on one hull. Also I sailed a DN iceboat at 130 mph plus, what a blast. You have to try one to feel how fast they can accelerate. They do feel good down in the gut when they take off and you rip across the ice on 2 blades, dress warm though. Later, Jerry

Terry, Brent, Oyster, Thank you all for getting in touch with the new guy. I have a question, the plans show the staysail, but does not state it's size. How large is the staysail in sq. ft.? It would be very handy on light air days or when you feel real brave and want to really rip. Some of the pictures on the CD show the CS20 sailing with the rail in the water (my kind of sailing, even if it isn't the fastest) and it appears there is very little of the rudder left in the water. Has anyone broached the CS20 with the stock rudder? I can see a wave lifting the boat just at the wrong time and the rudder has nothing but air to grab. I'm sure Graham has planned for this in his design. Just curious, because I tend to like sailing the heavy weather just for the excitement. Thanks guys, Jerry

Brent, Thanks for the welcome and encouragement on the CS20. Out of 63 sets of plans sold, how many are sailing now? Is there a list of CS20 owners and builders? I hope to start this spring or summer to build my CS20. I'll try to post some progress reports. Thanks again, Jerry L Weltzin

Terry, I sent you info on Grand Marais, MN. The north shore of MN is very beautiful and busy during summer. The sailing is usually very good, but get out of the way of a storm. The lake can change fast, watch the weather, any black clouds, head the other way. Don't plan on swimming up here in June, to cold. Bugs shouldn't be bad by the lake and in June, inland can be a different story. The picture of your boat is beautiful, I'd like to see it in person, maybe we can meet and do a show and tell. I have not seen a CS20 up close and personal. Some good sailing 25 miles from where I live on Lake Pepin, Lake City, MN. I live on a smaller lake myself, we have 3 acres of woods on the lake. Keep in touch, Jerry L Weltzin

I called Graham about a week ago and orderd plans for a CS20 #63 plus the CD. I'm still reading the plans and the forum when I have time. The CD is very much worth the $10, lots of pretty boats and some great ideas. I have a pile of plywood already. I need to clean out a stall in my garage to make room for the project. My wife and I have owned larger and smaller sail boats, also trailer sailors. We hate to set up a mast with all the wire and extra length, getting to old for that stuff. We like the free standing masts and the open boat that we can camp out of. The north shore of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands are some very pretty sailing areas for us. Most of our sailing will be on Lake Pepin at Lake City, MN. I looked at a Rhodes 19 cb to sail, to much wire and to heavy to haul up on the beach. The CS20 looks perfect for our needs and use. Graham, I feel you have a great design to market. I get MAIB mag and found info in there on the CS boats, what a great find.