New core sound 17 owner

[BillT]

Hello,

I just purchased a new (to me) core sound 17, sail #159. I had been thinking of building either a 17 or a 20 and this one came up at a reasonable cost so I now get to skip the building part.....

The boat came without sheets for either the main or mizzen. I have sen recommendations here for ~42' for the main and 35' for the mizzen. I should note that it appears that this boat has the recommended hardware for routing of the sheets, main to the base of the mizzen and mizzen to the transom. How about line diameter? 3/8" good enough or 1/2".

The one repair that needs to be made is to the centerboard. It has split on its trailing edge, will need to either rebuild or repair.

also, is anybody using a line on the rudder to hold it up? Mine has a line to hold it down, but I sail in some pretty shallow waters so instead of dragging the rudder I would prefer to be able to adjust it's depth. Any wisdom on modifying the stock rudder and rudder head for this?

Thanks,

Bill

[MisterMoon]

Hi Bill,

My boat came with too short 3/8" dacron for both sheets. I replaced both with some much longer 1/4" Sta-set I already had. I don't find the thin rope to be an issue at all. Sheeting forces are pretty light on these boats. Some day I'd like to replace the main with some 3/8" but it's not a priority. Half-inch is overkill.

I only have a downhaul on my rudder. I'm planning to replace the clamcleat with one of the automatic release ones sold by Duckworks. I've run aground on mine and had hard time pulling the rope out of the cleat, there was so much pressure on it. A cam cleat would be better than what I've got. I don't see much of a need for a rudder hold-up. It doesn't draw very much when down so it's going to be rare that you sail in waters where you'd only need it partially up. Because the rudder floats, you can adjust it's depth just fine with the downhaul.

[BillT]

Thanks John. I may go with 1/4 in for now for the same reason.

Is your outboard a short shaft? Found a great deal on a 3.5 tohatsu that was advertised as long but is short. I would need to add a motor mount but the price is right even with that additional purchase. Dies a short shaft work out ok or is it to close to the water?

[MisterMoon]

Mine has a 20" (long) shaft. I'd have to go and look at my mount to see if it cold be set low enough to accomodate a short shaft. I'll try and remember to do this later this evening.

[Randy Jones]

Bill,

Congratulations on the new boat. I bought my cs17 in 2008 and have never regretted it. I recommend you get the plans for the boat from the previous owner because they will come in handy.

My rudder has a loop of line used that serves as both up haul and down haul. I've tied a loop in the up haul portion and I simply hook it over the cleat on the tiller that is used for down haul. I like having the rudder up and out of the way when beaching or launching, especially when pushing off the beach.

I would think twice before installing a motor, or at least try living without one for a little while. Gas, Brackets, stink, and fouling of the mizzen sheets are serious tradeoffs. Sailing into and out of the dock is not difficult. Rowing when the wind dies is sometimes necessary but very practical if you are only day sailing. I originally thought I'd need a motor but have gotten to like not having one.

Happy sailing.

[MisterMoon]

Motors are nice for going through drawbridges against wind and current. My mizzen sheets are much more apt to foul on the stern cleats than on the motor. I do strongly suggest getting a bracket istead of hanging the OB directly on the transom. Otherwise it is in the way of the mizzen sheet no matter what you do.

However, I do encourage trying to live without a motor because it makes you a much better sailor. I could live without my motor, but I have to admit it's really nice having one when I need to be on a schedule. I also think where you sail makes a big difference. If you've got consistent winds and little currents to deal with it's a lot easier than if you live in a place were the winds are fluky and prone to die or yu have to deal with strong tidal currents. In those cases having a motor is often the difference between going boating and not going boating.

As far as rowing your CS17, it rows like a sailboat which is to say not very well. I've rowed mine for a couple of miles at a stretch only a couple of times and I found it to be pretty awful compared to boats designed for rowing. But I may be spoiled becuase I've owned a really good rowboat one time and tend to compare everything to it.

[BillT]

I certainly understand the recommendation to do without a motor. I launch in a marina that has pretty tight fairways, not sure I would be able to row and sailing within the marina is very much frowned upon. So, motor is to get me in and out of there as well as to run out to spoil islands on windless days. If it is just me, I sail if the boat is making way, if family is with me they are less patient.

I started building a set of oars per Michalaks take on Pete Culler oars extended to 9ft. I will give rowing a shot and if I make an attempt at the Ultra Marathon next year I will need some practice.

[Hirilonde]

............and sailing within the marina is very much frowned upon. ............

This is my favorite reason to sail near/in a marina.

To be honest, the fears of others who may not have the skill is no reason for you, me or anyone not doing something we are in control of. I am not suggesting stupid behavior, but people have been sailing into harbors for thousands of years.

[Charlie Jones]

Yes but, unfortunately some marinas won't allow sailing inside the marina. I got told I couldn't sail inside a marina in Kentucky (Lighthouse Landing). I had to paddle in and out.

And others I saw in my cruise around the eastern part of the country had signs up banning it.

Crappy, but that's the way it is.

[Hirilonde]

And others I saw in my cruise around the eastern part of the country had signs up banning it.

Wow, I have never seen such a sign in New England. I seriously question the legality of it on salt water. Even though the marina "owns" the moorings, they do not own the water or the right of way. This issue and local areas via their harbor masters that prohibit anchoring, even outside mooring fields are going to be creating legal debacles as time goes by I am afraid. It is already getting harder to cruise some areas without renting a mooring at night.