T. Nelson Surbrook Posted February 6, 2003 Posted February 6, 2003 I had the opportunity to test the new headsail yesterday with intresting results. The day was beautiful with only a slight breeze and calm water. It was on Lake Coeur d' Alene in Idaho and I took off at about 1PM. Keep in mind that this was with very soft winds that at times I couldn't feel on my face at all. The boat seemed differant than before as this seems to have all but eliminated the weather helm. With the sails trimed I set a starboard tack at about 45 degrees to wind and for over 15 minutes didn't touch the wheel as no adjustment was required. It seemed very ballanced and handled smoothly. The larger sail made a lot of differance in the ability to go to wind and to ghost along in the light air. Of course I had to relocate the blocks for the jib sheets to about 12 inches forward of the cabin bulkhead and close to the trunk. All in all for the first test I really like the way the big genoa works. When the wind blows harder I can always use the roller to set less sail if I need to. I have to say shipmates, that I really do love to sail. For me one day sailing is like being on vacation for a week. Quote
Frank Hagan Posted February 6, 2003 Posted February 6, 2003 Tom, are your jib sheets outside of the shrouds in this configuration? I'm thinking of getting one of these as an alternative to my standard jib, and installing a $15 roller furler with it. Quote
T. Nelson Surbrook Posted February 6, 2003 Author Posted February 6, 2003 Frank, The jib sheets are on the outside of the shrouds. If youare going to have Paul make the genoa for you be sure to specify that you will be using it on a roller\furler. The cut will be special. I know sailing off Oxnard there are times when lots of sail would be a good thing. Quote
Gordy Hill Posted February 7, 2003 Posted February 7, 2003 Nelson, Sounds great! On my 17ft Silhouette the weather helm didn't show up until the wind got to about 12 to 15 knots. At that point I would reef the main. (rolled around the boom) The boat would sit up and sail much better and the weather helm would be gone. I've never had much luck with roller reefing. It's great for storing the sail, but I just never got the nack of making it work well when reefed. I'd be interested to hear how it works with more wind and wether you find it better to reef the jib or main. Gordy This IS the rest of your life. Quote
T. Nelson Surbrook Posted February 7, 2003 Author Posted February 7, 2003 Gordy, I am looking forward to trying the setup in stronger winds. I will let you know how she handles with differant reefing configurations. Quote
Guest Anonymous Posted February 7, 2003 Posted February 7, 2003 Nelson, is this Paul's 'lapper' sized sail? ...and isn't it a bit cool for sailing right now? Got you're ice breaker attachment on? If you can sail right now...and you are only 2 1/2 hours south of me....I'm moving :roll: Tim Diebert Grand Forks BC www.timtone.com Quote
T. Nelson Surbrook Posted February 7, 2003 Author Posted February 7, 2003 Tim, pack up and head down! I have sailed each month except January. As long as there is no ice on the ramp you can sail. Lake Coeur d' Alene is very high right now and no ice at all. When I went out the other day it was 40 degrees and sunny. All the boys in their stinkpots were at home and I had the lake to myself. This head sail is one that I make from a sail off a J24. I cut it down to fit the Weekender and it has very nice shape and works good so far. I think we need to go sailing this year and see how the boats compare. I wouldn't mind taking the trip north or you could always head south. Let's do this for sure. Quote
Tim Diebert Posted February 7, 2003 Posted February 7, 2003 Ah ha. I plan on doing the same thing. A buddy from the coast sent me two old head sails I plan on recutting for a lapper and maybe a smaller 'storm' sail. Man, I would love to head down there right now but it stripped down my boat to bare hull late in the fall and plan on a major refit/ reconstruction. I figured if I tore everything out, put it in the shop and left the boat naked and lonely on the trailer...then I would be motivated to get it all done for spring fun. So far it has not worked out that way. I have been poking away at replacing all my wifes kitchen doors etc for a couple of years. I figured I better get that done before diving in on the boat. I plan to make a big gain on cubberdoorz this weekend and fly at the boat over the next 2 months or so. :roll: You may recall (or not) that I 'acquired' this boat...I did not build it. (I traded a motorcycle for it...) Though it was only a couple of weeks past being born, I really felt strongly about adding some of my own 'character' to this boat. All of the joiner work is pretty rough and the sticks are all coming apart. So I have created a much too big list of chores to do. The boat is worth the effort, I love sailing it. New mast (hoping to come up with another tabernacle design) and boom and gaff. I may be changing the shape of the main to a gunter. I am also hoping to get the boom at least 6 inches higher at the aft end. All new sails. The main might still be poly, the headsail will be real. I might play with the idea of an added inner stay...cutterized. New foreward hatch cover, new companionway hatch, slides and door. A daggerboard and reshaped keel and new rudder. 200 lbs of lead ballast cast and set into the keel. Just little stuff. Yes, we should sail together this year. That would be fun. Personally, my tow car (Sherman) has a 460 in it and it would cost about a $1000 to get to Coeur d' Alene and back...not likely from my end. It's just dumb to take that car any further than to Christina Lake and back. My other car is a 3 cylinder that gets 50mpg...if only it would work to use that one...but the boat, loaded on the trailer would outweigh the car :roll: Ah, you need an exotic trip to exotic Canada anyway...right? Christina Lake is not huge but a premier vacation spot for BC. Cheers, TT Quote
capt jake Posted February 7, 2003 Posted February 7, 2003 Great explanation Tom!! Keep us informed of the performance in heavier winds!! Paul and I have yet to get together to talk about an improved roller/furler. I am expecting taht it will be within a month. Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.