Ed Harris Posted March 24, 2003 Posted March 24, 2003 I launched my PC for the first time today. This was the first time I towed a trailer or sailed, so I was a little nervous. However, everything went pretty well. The hardest part was backing up the trailer. It took me several trys to back up for the launch. I guess it will get easier with more experience. The boat sailed beautifully as far as I could tell. It tacked easily and went wherever I wanted it to go. I sailed with only the mainsail up. I didn't want to use the jib until I get more experience (I had enough to worry about without using two sails). I plan to go out again later this week. [attachment over 4 years old deleted by admin] Quote
Derek Posted March 24, 2003 Posted March 24, 2003 Congrats Ed! Good to hear all went well, and especially that you enjoyed yourself. A fine looking boat! Quote
Frank Hagan Posted March 24, 2003 Posted March 24, 2003 She's a beauty, Ed! Were you alone for your maiden voyage? 8) Backing up gets easier as you practice it ... but the worst time to practice is at a crowded ramp, with tons of on-lookers and anxious power boat guys waiting to wash the fish blood off their boats. Not that I would know that from experience or anything ... :wink: The PC sails pretty flat, like the Weekender, from what I understand. That makes it pretty easy to sail and a good boat to learn in (I had never sailed before I launched mine). You will have a blast this summer! Quote
Bill Paxton Posted March 24, 2003 Posted March 24, 2003 Congratulations, Ed! She's a real beauty. Looks like you did an outstanding job on her. You've got a very fun summer ahead as you get to know your new boat. I hope you fully enjoy the satisfaction known only to those who build their own boat. Way to go, Ed! Quote
High C Posted March 24, 2003 Posted March 24, 2003 Bravo Ed! What a beautiful boat. Hey, you'll be sailing backwards in no time! 8) Quote
capt jake Posted March 25, 2003 Posted March 25, 2003 Sweet looking PC!! I like it!! Glad to hear all went well. Quote
Ed Jones Posted March 25, 2003 Posted March 25, 2003 Great job on your PC, I just hope mine turns out half as good. Quote
MikeStevenson Posted March 25, 2003 Posted March 25, 2003 Nice job! Launch ramps are not fun. I know a distant acquaintance who will sit with a cooler just watching the hi-jinks in San Diego. Of course he was there the day I had my biggest launch-ramp-fiasco! Congrats on the Pocket Cruiser; I like the color scheme. Mike Stevenson Quote
Ed Harris Posted March 25, 2003 Author Posted March 25, 2003 Thanks for all your nice comments. Yes, I was sailing alone. Fortunately at this time of year there were few other boats and the ramps were not crowded. Usually during week days there are only a few fisherman on the lake and a few sailboats. Motors are restricted to less then 10 hp on this lake which makes it nice for sailing. Quote
Mike Pennington Posted March 26, 2003 Posted March 26, 2003 Very Nice Ed, We will be looking for more posts of your adventures. Now if and when your down in the dumps, you can just go plunk yourself down in the water and feel much better. Remember any sailing adventure is better than no sailing at all. Pogy Bait Mike Quote
Sailor3356 Posted March 26, 2003 Posted March 26, 2003 Your boat looks great. Are you going to post some pictures of it in the water? Quote
Fintan Murphy Posted March 27, 2003 Posted March 27, 2003 Congratulations, I hope to follow your fine example soon. The best advice I read about backing up a trailer (I think it was Angie on the other forum), is as follows. When backing up, put your hand on the bottom of the wheel, and move it in the direction you want the trailer to go. It seems counter-intuitive, but works every time. Quote
Bill Posted March 27, 2003 Posted March 27, 2003 I found that Church Parking Lots are a good place for people to practice. Usually during the week they are basically pretty clear of obstructions and you can wind around as you wish. Interestingly, the shorter the trailer the more problems you will have, as the trailer will pivot quite a bit faster than a bigger/longer trailer. My trick was to watch my mirrors, hand(s) on top of the wheel. If I saw trailer in the mirror, move your hand towards the trailer in the mirror as if to "erase" the visible trailer. Use small movements, people tend to way oversteer when learning. If you start to screw up badly, just pull forward a little bit and the trailer will straighten right out behind your vehicle, and start over. It all does take some practice and some people do seem to have a knack for it quicker than others. Practice in a parking lot for an hour every now and then and it will all fall into place. I have over a million miles tucked in my back pocket in 18 wheelers, and have managed to park in more god-forsaken places than you could imagine, patience and practice was the biggest key!! I don't drive anymore, but the theory is still good!! Good Luck, Bill Quote
Robert Cox Posted March 28, 2003 Posted March 28, 2003 Fantastic looking PC Ed. What lake around Indy did you launch at. I'm from the Muncie area origanally and loved fishing at Whitwater State park because of the Electric only restriction. I'm hoping to get back up to Indiana for a visit this summer. Plan to haul the Vacationer up that way for some sailing in Brookville Lake. Maybe we can get together while I'm there. Bob Quote
Barry Pyeatt Posted March 28, 2003 Posted March 28, 2003 Very nice looking PC. Sounds like your first sail was a great success. Don't worry, the confidence will build a little more with each outing. I learned to back a trailer by taking it to a shopping center and backing it between the lines until I had it, then backing it between a couple parked trucks and finally between the gate posts in a narrow driveway. Thought I was doing great until I started backing a 36' horse trailer, then I learned quick! It all comes with practice. :wink: Quote
Ed Harris Posted March 28, 2003 Author Posted March 28, 2003 I sailed again on Thursday. Backing up the trailer went much better this time. As Bill suggested, I think I was over correcting. I found that by backing up slowly and making small corrections, I was able to back up in a fairly straight line. I am sailing at Eagle Creek resoivour which is only a few miles from my house. I put up the jib sail this time out and found that I didn't have to mess with it much. My hat blew off and went in the lake and I was able to turn around and pick it up as I came by. That gave me some confidence in handling the boat. Quote
Derek Posted March 28, 2003 Posted March 28, 2003 Ed, glad to hear you had another successful and pleasurable day. I really enjoy reading posts of folks' experiences sailing these boats. I too have never sailed and am inspired to hear how quickly your confidence grew with only a couple of days sailing. I look forward to getting mine wet. As others have said, and I know it easier said than done, but if you can, grab some shots while you're out. Would love to see what you are experiencing! Quote
Johannah Posted March 28, 2003 Posted March 28, 2003 Ed, your boat is a beauty and it sounds like you are well on the way to seaman first class. Quote
Guest ken connors Posted March 29, 2003 Posted March 29, 2003 beautiful boat! glad to hear im not the only one that has trouble backing up. im gonna try some of the tips mentioned. good luck! Quote
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