Update...(pics soon)
We were able to raise the sails yesterday and spend some time on the water!! The seller had called me on Sunday to let me know that he found another mainsail (Carumba), trapeze rigging, and a harness. I picked them up on Monday and found that the "new" mainsail was in better shape than the another one!
It's been about 20 years since I sailed but I guess it's like riding a bike. My son caught on very quickly as we headed downwind and then tacked back home. Winds were about 10-12 and we were able to fly a hull twice, so I'm pretty sure he's hooked now! The boat's speed felt slow at times, partly to the windspeed and more likely, my rigging. I want to make the rudders hum so I hoping you guys can "rate my setup" based on these pictures and my descriptions.
Here's how it went stepping the mast, raising the sails, and most of the general rigging. I hope to include some pictures at the end of this post. Please give me feedback on them as I know things may be incorrect and could be improved on. My goal is to aid and speed the general rigging procedure. The boat will be stored on crossbars, up and out of the water, so when we want to sail, all we need to do is carry the sails out of the barn, rig it, and go.
We had some difficulty connecting the forestay. I held the mast while my son tried to get it connected to the 3rd or 4th hole. After one attempt, we lowered the mast so I could rest my arms, and then we tried again. He was able to get it connected to the 2nd hole.
Which adjustment hole is best and what is the easiest way to connect it? I tightened the shrouds to the 2nd bottom hole but there still seems to be a lot of slack in both shrouds.
How tight/slack should they be? What is the best way to check?I had ordered a new mast step link and it came with a bolt with locknut and a pin. The instructions were a bit vague, but I installed the bushing into the link and then connected the link to the mast step with the bolt and nut. Then, using the "16" hole, I connected the mast base with the pin. Once the mast was stepped, I pulled the pin, allowing the link to drop, but it's still installed in the mast step.
Is the link meant to stay connected to the step? Or should I remove it entirely? I guess I never noticed that the mast just floats in the step. I just want to make sure the mast doesn't "jump" out of the base.
The mast base has been repaired numerous times and looks like Swiss cheese. Hope that's not a structural issue.
The jib seemed slower to trim than the last boat I sailed. How can I improve that based on my type of jib system?
I would like to upgrade my mainsheet blocks so I don't have as many. I believe the newer boats only have 2 triples? Can I upgrade for less than $200?
I need to get the hulls cleaner and slipperier. Rudders could be cleaned and slicked up, too.
Hit me with everything you've got. The replies have been great and I'm hoping for more of the same! Thanks!!