1st time Out!

[crazycarl]

Well, after owning our Compac 19 for 15 months, I finally splashed her today for a shake down cruise.
The plan was for my friend Chuck and I to drive north to Delevan WI, but the rain made us change direction and we headed south to Clinton Lake where I immediately spotted another Compac 19 in the mooring field, and an Eclipse at the docks .

The set up went smooth and we sailed out of the marina into 20 mph winds.  With genoa reefed down, but the main fully set,  Chuck and I sailed across the lake and into a nice cove for lunch.  6 tacks later we cleared the cove and headed back toward the marina.  But wait! What do I spy to port? A Hunter 260 with a reefed main and furled headsail headed the same direction!  It must be a race! Unfurl the genoa!  Tighten the main sheet! Thar be a boat to catch!  And catch we would have if we had more water!

I was pleasantly surprised at the speed and pointing ability as I've read so much how our boats lack in these areas.
The ride was smooth despite the chop, and we had no problem retrieving her from the water. 

What I learned today:       The main sail would serve better as a bed sheet as it is quite soft and stretched to it's limits.
                                     The main sheet hardware needs work as the lines didn't release as they should.
                                     The Bottomsiders are very comfortable.
                                     2 quarts of Gatorade wasn't enough for me on a 95 degree day.
                                     The boat is nearly ready for CLR!

                                                                                                          Carl
                                   

[rdcvsmith]

What a great first sail ! Congratulations !

I also need a new main (all in due time), and also question the workings of the main sheet system design in general. Other than upgrading the blocks (which I need to do as well) I havn't really read anything on site here about any major design modifications except one (forgot who), that put in a mid boom sheeting system with a traveler over the hatchway, that did look cool.

As replacements go, I'm assuming now, 28 years later with techology and innovation that the block with the cam cleat built into It must be much better now than my original equipment one. All in due time, just sailing this summer with what I got!

Looking forward to hearing more.

I've been taking out a gallon sized cooler jug thing of ice and water in this heat! Stay hydrated!

-Ray

Wish I had that wind! The Sound has been pretty flat this week

[Salty19]

Well, it's about time, Carl.   You know we're going to have to pick on your for this at CLR, right??

One of the things about the CP19 that makes it different from 16/23 line is she does indeed sail to windward a tad better.  At least that's my observation between the 16/19.  Who knows, maybe the 16 wasn't setup as optimally as it could have been?

As for the mainsheet, smooth feeding is a common problem on older boats.  Lines get stiff, blocks don't spin as easily.  And as ray pointed out, designs get better over time.   Replace the blocks, or lube them.  Replace the line with 5/16" stayset or better.  Take apart the standup block/cam cleat, clean it up and lube it.  Rontan makes nice standup blocks with angled cam cleats if it's worn out.   My boat had not seen a lot of use and is a 1998 so everything was in pretty good shape--however the double block was fairly stiff despite lube. Replacing that with a large double block made it feed much more smoothly.  In 20 mph winds, my line FLIES through the blocks. Using "salsa" single braid for the mainsheet--love it--smooth feeding, easy on the hands, tangle resistant.  It's spliced to the becket off the starboard side block.

Check it out at CLR it you like.

[Billy]

"I was pleasantly surprised at the speed and pointing ability as I've read so much how our boats lack in these areas."

As Gerry Hutchins told me, "the 19 is no slouch!"

"The main sheet hardware needs work as the lines didn't release as they should."

Skip replaced his mainsheet block (figure with a double block, I'm sure he will chime in and show you a pic. He says it works better. But yea, just lube the block and make sure your lines are the correct size and not too old and stiff and you should notice a big difference.

Also, I washed my lines w/ fabric softener (another one of Skips ideas) and it helped. Plus the lines feel alot better in my hands now.

Billy

[crazycarl]

I had replaced the main sheet with some new 3/8" I had.  Perhaps it is too large.  I did the washing and softner bit with the sheets and halyards that came with the boat, and it does make a huge difference.  I'll try rigging the original lines and see how it feels.  As for the main sheet block, the spring at the base needs replacing, so that compounds the proplem.

This morning I went out to move the boat to her proper place and found what looks like tar speckled all over the hull and deck.
I still have to go up top to inspect the furled genoa to see if it reached it.  So, it looks as if I have my work cut out for me today.

Better get to it,  at least it's not hot out yet!
                                                                                      Carl

[kickingbug1]

    hmmmm carl is talking "speed" sounds like he is ready for a "race". end of next week we will see. wait until he meets john woods. cant wait to meet you guys and watch "miss adventure" scoot. have a safe trip everyone