Winter projects

[Don from Peconic Bay]

  Snoopy is put away for the season. I'm beginning plans for late winter early spring overhaul. New mainsheet and jib hardware and lines are on the list, as are new halyards. I want to fit bushing in the rudder mount as the aluminum is pretty worn and sloppy. Interior needs to be redone and hull needs to be polished out and restriped.  I'd like to add an electrical system with LED running lights, a small motorcycle battery and solar charging. Have to add a compass and maybe a depth finder.
  Beyond that, and depending on available funds, I'm looking at some major replacements or upgrades. Original rudder is badly pitted so looking at replacing it.  Sails are 35 years old so should probably be replaced:stitching is OK but I'm sure they're pretty stretched out by now. My questions there are what size head sail to get and should I bother with roller furling. On the main should I go loose footed or bolt rope and should I switch to jiffy reefing and 1 or 2 reef points.
Love to add stern rails and life lines but am concerned about the scope of that job. A bow sprit addition would be nice but that may be overkill. 
Any advice, encouragement and warnings are greatly appreciated.  I'm looking forward to restoring Snoopy to her former glory and giving her a new life here on Peconic Bay.
  Hoping for a short, mild winter and a great sailing year ahead.
Thanks, Don (Snoopy's new dad)

[Tim]

I did a bowsprit out of a heavy anchor roller and it really helped pull the boat straighter in heavy wind. Out of all of the projects mentioned, I think this one will give you the most bang for your buck. AND it will not be a huge undertaking.

[Bob23]

Hi Don. If your sails are 35 years old, yes it's time to replace them. When I replaced the original sails on my 1985 23, it was like having a new boat! And they weren't as old as yours! I'd recommend roller furling for your head sail if you can swing it. Not a necessity but you'll love it. A new foiled rudder blade will also help the boat's performance. I have no idea how much they cost- I built mine around the original flat blade. Not much $ but a lot of work!
  I'll let the rest of the 16ers weigh in here. Best to you!!
Bob23

[Don from Peconic Bay]

Thanks Tim,
I guess a bow sprit would change the size and shape of the headsail so that would have to come first.  How did your rudder project turn out. I like the idea of using the wood forms for the shape and strength.
Don

[Don from Peconic Bay]

Thanks Bob,
I think I might try my hand at building a foiled rudder.  I'll search the archives for ideas.  If I had a 23 I wouldn't think twice about roller furling but that 16 jib is pretty small (unless I go with a 150).
Don

[Tim]

Don,

The rudder turned out awesome. It is just as others say when converting over to a foiled rudder...power steering!
The project did take a while though and was pretty involved. After a few sails reshaping and refining the shape I threw a coat of Interlux VC performance on it and it was a cherry on top of the project.

The wood forms were the way to go for me. I needed them to help as a guide for shaping. Plus I am most comfortable working with wood. I used Atlantic white cedar and might go with a lighter pine if I was going to do it again.

Tim

[Bob23]

Don: All the photos I had on the site here have disappeared due to the Photobucket debacle. I'll try to find them on the HAL 9000 or on my phone and email 'em to you. It was a lot of work but it's pretty, it works well and has held up well in the last 9 years I've used it.

[Bob23]

Don: I emailed you some random photos of my rudder project. It was much harder than it looks.