Amphibian's first sail, the aftermath

[kahpho]

First sails are also a time to discover what changes need to be made to the boat, large and small. The Legacy comes with everything that really needs to be there as well as some really well planned extras like the BoomTender Quick Rig system. Many of the niceties have been left out. No doubt Hutchins tried their best to keep the price down on these. I'm good with that. Actually I thank them for that. Lets me do things my own way. Not that I'm complaining of their work, high quality all of it.

My list so far. The usual, install the compass, windvane and depth gauge that I didn't have time to do. I've already installed a block on the main outhaul and a down haul on the jib (glad I did that!). Also, change the main sheet lock. It locks way too easily, I want something that requires a deliberate up motion, almost horizontal to lock and any down motion unlocks. Other things, a handle on the companionway hatch, tiller extender (wished I'd done that), another cleat on the boom so the topping lift and outhaul each have their own, cleats on the aft cabin top corners for fenders and other stuff.

Some things that have worked well for me... sheet bags hanging on the lifelines help keep lines neat, a bucket in the cockpit (now there's a handy catchall) and a backside cushioning device (note to self: never forgit the BCD again).

I'm sure I'll think of more.

mel

[gmerrill]

i read your improvements you made and while i'm still new at this sailing game i understood all the improvements
except the change on the jib sheet.  please give me more in-depth info and the benefits to that.  you made the comment (glad i did that)
so it must had made a big improvement

thks
greg

[kahpho]

Hi Greg, hope you're getting some "quality" sailing time on your boat this year!

I think you're asking about the jib down haul? It's nothing more then a line from the top of the jib to facilitate pulling the jib down. I tie a small line (think I used 1/4" or so) to the jib halyard shackle and run it down inside the the jib hanks to a block at the tack, then back to the cockpit. From the cockpit, release the jib halyard and pull on the down haul and the jib comes down toot sweet! Also keeps the wind from lifting it back up the head stay, holding it on deck more or less.

I was glad I did it the first time out 'cause I was just using the main at first, was busy fussing with clearing the lines and fenders away, securing the outboard, holding the main sheet in one hand... you know all the stuff that needs to be done. Anyway the wind decided to try to raise the jib for me when I wasn't ready so, a tug on the down haul, stick it in the jib sheet cleat and I could forgit about it until I was ready. No jib flappy and thrashy and I didn't need to jump to the foredeck when other matters were keeping my attention. I don't have a furler so this was some extra (cheap) jib control.

Hope this made some sense to you. I'm not always as clear as I think I am! Look forward to hearing some of your experiences too.

mel

[gmerrill]

it does make sense as i have dealt with that problem many times as i mostly sail alone.  thanks for the info
and i'll make the modifications .  i am hoping to get some oct nov sailing in as we had good winds and our weather is
not as cold.  wish you the best.

greg

[Salty19]

Kaph-  Congrats on your first sail.  I don't see any harm in cleating off the mainsheet for most sailing conditions.  If the weather picks up and you get nervous, you can always hold the sheet ready to uncleat, or hold it uncleated.   But all the time...tiring and as you've mentioned difficult to tend to other items all at once.

Never saw the urge to manually hold it in the 19.  On the 16, which I understand is real similar to your legacy, I probably held the sheet uncleated twice in three years.  But I did hold the sheet while cleated (ready to uncleat) whenever the weather was questionable or if I was pushing the boat hard.  That was maybe 15% of the time sailing it, at most.

Can you post a pic of your mainsheet cleat? Perhaps we can suggest an alternate to your liking?

[kahpho]

Thanks Salty19,

I don't doubt you're right about cleating the main sheet. My last boat was a pretty frisky sailing dinghy and I've managed to flip myself into the lake on more then one occasion. I've just gotten in the habit of holding the main sheet cause our lakes can be cold when that happens. I expect I'll get over that with the Legacy.

Still, I'd like the cam cleat for the sheet to NOT lock up without a deliberate action on my part. Holding the line anywhere forward of the mid point of the tiller handle causes it to lock in. Too easy in my opinion.
http://www.tays.com/compac/Legacy/074.jpg
I don't have a picture but this one on the Tred Avon site shows the setup (if you look close). Cam cleat is on the lower block which is attached to the gallows. I think the cam just needs to be mounted at a different angle? If you have another idea, by all means, I'd sure like to hear what you think.

mel

[Salty19]

Kaph-  Ya I hear you on the cold water and fast dinghy situation!  Been there a time or three (never turtled though).  You'll get over the fear of flipping I'm sure with the legacy.

The cam cleat does look to be an awkward angle. Ronstan and Harken make a bazillion combos to consider. But I vote sail it a little longer to see if you adapt first. And have fun sailing your new boat!