Curt Varner

I have a circa 2008-2009 CS17 Mark I. Unless I overlooked it, the plans call for three lines leading back from the main mast to the cockpit (halyard, downhaul, snotter). For taking in reefs without leaving the helm is it possible to install additional downhauls for the first and 2nd reefs, or is there a better method?

Has anyone tried an unstayed gaff rig on CS17 or CS20? Ideally, I would like to be able to set one up with only a lite jib stay and a shorter wooden mast for single hand sailing and beach camping. I would of course be keeping my two aluminum masts so I can sail as a cat ketch when I like, but for solo overnights I was thinking the gaff would be easier to reef under way, go under more bridges with its shorter mast, and allow for a simple boom tent camp setup. Also would be easier to row on my own without straddling the mizzen mast. Thanks to another member for the photo of his old boat...

Getting cleaned up for first launch this season....

Thanks very much to all for the ramp and launch suggestions!

I was able to pick up the 1103 with a sacrificial zinc (for salt water use) for around $2,200. Very pricey, and I am of course a little worried about effective range. But I really like the idea of taking it apart and stowing so I can sail with a free transom with no worry of fuel or oil getting in my boat. Also, for single handed sailing all I need is a few knots to putter out from ramps that are too far upstream to tack out. Then I can anchor, stow the motor and detachable SS mount, raise sails and go. Reverse operation when I get back to the ramp or to an overnight location. I figure if I get into rough weather when I am out no outboard is really going to bring me home, I'll have to go the old fashioned way and sail the boat. All that said, I am keeping my sweeps onboard..... I'll post some performance data and a couple of videos once I get the kinks worked out this season.

Any experience using a hammock tent slung between the two masts - can the masts and step handle the load of one person (200 lbs)?

Thanks Joe, I will check out the full specs on the long shaft and if it looks like a fit that's how I'll go. Off topic, but I see you are summering (love that term) on Narragansett. I am up in Hopkinton, MA. Any suggestions for CS17 launching sites on the Narragansett or surrounding areas would be much appreciated. Curt.

Thanks, I just realized the Mark III has an elevated sole. Duh.

My CS17 plans did not include self draining tubes (this was circa 2009-2010). I noticed the self draining tubes running from the back of the CS17 MK3 cockpit through the aft locker and out the transom. Any reason I could not make this upgrade to my open cockpit CS17?

Thank you - I am leaning toward the Torqeedo (was not aware they were sold through B&B). Has anyone had experience stowing in the aft or forward hatches when not in use? Also, suggestions on long or short shaft versions?

I have a CS 17 that I built back in 2010 or so. Never had a chance to get a motor for it (have been using sweeps), but now looking for suggestions to power in and out of sailing areas and if the wind dies, etc. I was thinking of the 3 HP torquedo with an external motor mount bolted through the transom. Any suggestions?