Rigging and Launching tips

[Rick Evans]

Fellas, I've been out of touch for awhile because I've been sailing in places where computers just aren't that easy to find.  But, Ive' returned to Texas and my beloved Sweet Laraine for some fall and winter sailing.  I'd like to share with you three things I've done to speed up the time it takes to rig and launch Sweet Laraine.  If you want, I can post photos although I haven't taken any yet.

Idea one:  Everybody struggles with the mast crutch system.  I tried a few different ones using bungees and stuff but it was still a headache.  So, I went to Home Depot and bought some chain link fencing accessories.  You know the U shaped piece that hold a gate in place? I took that and bolted it to a section of galvanized chain link fence post which is basically just a large diameter lightweight pipe.  It basically is like a little pitchfork without the center tine.  I bolted the pipe to the trailer winch.  The pipe is about 6 feet long and serves as the permanently mounted forward mast crutch.  I then took a much shorter length of pipe and screwed it onto the rudder stock.  It's only about 7 inches long or so.  A tapered piece of pipe has the U shaped part bolted to the top and the tapered piece slides into the piece bolted onto the rudder stock.  It serves as the aft mast crutch.  Unlike the forward piece, it's not permanent but slides in and out.  I take it out when sailing and slide in a teak flagstaff to hold the U.S. Flag which streams off the stern while underway.  When I get back to port, I pull out the flagstaff, stick in the pipe and the aft crutch is ready to go.  The forward crutch is permanently mounted on the trailer so when I pull Sweet Laraine up on the trailer, all I have to do is lower the mast and my two crutches are already there to hold it.  Simple as pie.  Solid as a rock, cheap to make and unbelievably easy to use.  

Idea two:  This isn't rocket science but I got a three step ladder from Home Depot and use three bungees to hold it on the trailer.  It lays flat on the trailer in between the winch post and Sweet Laraine's keel.   When I arrive at my destination, I just take out the ladder and have easy in and out access to the cockpit.  It sure beats climbing in and out using the fender.

Idea three:  This isn't my idea so I can't claim credit for it.  I stole it from somebody else who posted it on this website.   However, I wanted to mention it because it sure made life easier for me.  I've got a 4 hp Suzuki outboard which is too heavy to let stay on the stern motor mount while in transit.  I don't want to stress the mount that much when I hit potholes.  So, I bolted some 2 x 12s to the trailer by the winch post.  I mount the motor on it while in transit.  It pops off easily so I can walk it back to the stern of Sweet Laraine.  It sure beats laying the motor on it's side in the back of my car and having to bend over to pick it up.  

By the way, for those of you who haven't sailed in truly heavy weather with your CP 16, let me share a story with you.  I've been in bad weather before and once captained a 50 foot Beneteau through winds that truly were Hurricane force at 104 knots.  Thankfully, it didn't last long but it was a sobering experience.  I've also been out in some other storms over the years and learned a little about heavy weather sailing.  Now, to the point.  I took Sweet Laraine out at daybreak when winds were calm.  As the day wore on, a storm came in and things started to kick up.  I have a portable handheld knot meter and clocked the wind at a steady 25 knots with gusts to 35.  Seas weren't extreme because there wasn't that much fetch but, that said, waves were about 3 feet.  I had a blast.  There was no lightning and I was close enough to shore that if I really had to get in, I could have done so within minutes.  But, instead I thought I give Sweet Laraine a real sea trial.   That little boat busted through the waves with a smile on her face.  It was bouncy but she remained in control the whole time.  I've got a 32 foot Beneteau I sail on the Gulf of Mexico and sailed in very similar conditions.  I found myself feeling just as safe in Sweet Laraine as the much bigger Beneteau.  This little boat is and was way ahead of its time.  I can't figure out why they don't make them again.

Rick
San Antonio, Tx

[Nate]

sorry this is a lame question, but what do you mean by the rudder "Stock"?  I am pretty excited because I finally have a vehicle that can tow my boat safely and I plan on towing it all over the place next summer, and I like your ideas.  Over the winter I plan on getting the trailer all tricked out and make bug screens etc etc.  Should be fun!
Nate

[Rick Evans]

No such thing as  lame question.  If that were true, I'd be about the lamest sailor around.  Anyway, when I refer to the rudder stock, I was referring to the metal part of the rudder that is attached to the boat's transom.  It's not the part of the rudder that's actually in the water but is above the waterline.  Does that make sense?  Anyway, I drilled holes in the metal pipe and the rudder stock and used stainless steel nuts and bolts to fasten the length of pipe vertically on the rudder stock.  You'll have to drill a total of 4 holes in the pipe (basically two holes through and through the pipe) so you can have your screwdriver hold the bolt securely while you tighted the nut on the opposite end of the rudder stock.  This may not make a lot of sense so I can send you photos if you'd like.

Rick