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My First Sail (warning... long post)

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Justin
Admiral

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502 Posts

Initially Posted - 01/30/2006 : 21:25:15

Well, I had my first sail with my Catalina 25 yesterday (Sunday 1/29/06). It was quite the short adventure. Okay, so my younger brother Brian and I spent the weekend on the boat so we could get more work done and save time since it’s currently a 2 hour drive away. The interior is clean and finished, so we don’t have to worry about the chemicals anymore for over-nighting. On Saturday I reinstalled the exterior teak, checked some electrical connections and got a few other things done. The weather was beautiful, ~55F, 10 mph winds, and sunny. As I was attempting to rig the boat, I found several lines/halyards that I did not know which did what. I figured out the main, but for the head sail, it appears that the halyard for the rolling furler is stuck at the top of the track that the sail slides into. I actually took out my binoculars to look at the top of the mast and see how it works. It appears that there is a clip the slides in the track, up and down and there is a line (halyard) attached at one end, but I cannot bring the needed end down. It looks like the only way in getting it down is going to the top of the mast. I improvised by using what seemed like a halyard, only too short to reach, so I extended it with another line to be able to raise my headsail. I was hoping to be able to go out for my first sail, but by the time I re-rigged the boat, the sun was setting. Not all my navigation lights are working so I didn’t want to take any risks with that. We ended up going out to eat and then organized the interior a bit before we got some sleep. I was only using one cabin light to conserve electricity, but I noticed the light dimming within about 15 minutes. I checked the voltage and it was down to 8.89V, so I immediately switched over to the second battery. I checked the voltage and it was 11.77 volts prior to switching over, but I don’t know how long it has been since they have been charged. It was much brighter for around 15-30 minutes and then began dimming. I shut off all the power and used flash lights for the rest of the night.

Brian slept in the rear berth and I slept in the V-berth. He slept great; I on the other hand had a so-so night. I found the cushions stiff and being 6’ tall in the V-berth doesn’t leave much extra space length wise. I also was woken by the dock lines hitting the side of the boat after they slack against the side from swaying back and forth in the slip. When I decided to get up, I noticed all the condensation along the cabin walls in the V-berth. I had the doors and hatch closed, so all the moisture from breathing over night was all over the walls, even dripping in spots. It was around 40F over night, so it was pretty chilly as well, but with my mummy bag and my brother bringing several blankets we were alright.

When we got up Sunday, I tried soldering on the new PL-259 connector for my VHF antennae, but since I don’t have an electric hookup, I tried using Solder Weld and a lighter. I didn’t have any luck with that and also I think the connector I bought from Radio Shack needs an optional piece that attaches to it. Anyone have recommendations on soldering without electricity or the expensive butane torches I’ve seen? Anyone have luck with Solder Weld?

Well, the forecast was for rain in the afternoon and possible light rain in the morning. I figured we would go ahead and go on a short sail just to take her out. I was leery about not having my VHF operational, but I figured we should be okay since we’re not going far and we have cell phone reception. I decided to go ahead and take a short sail. I started the outboard, usually about 3-4 pulls and it starts right up. We took in all the dock lines and made our way out the channel. So far so good. We make it out into the main part of the river, it’s very wide, and I turn the bow into the wind. We start by raising the headsail and since the rolling furler doesn’t work, I had to treat it as a hank on. We raised the genoa 150 and then raised the main. We got in the cockpit and started cruising. It was a nice steady breeze, the forecast the day before said ~10-15 mph winds, and it seemed great, maybe even a bit more than needed for my first time. I was cruising along easily at 4-5 knots. Then within probably about 10-15 minutes, my brother noticed the genoa tearing! Okay, on Saturday I just picked it up from the sailmaker paying $80 to have some previous tears patched up. Well, the sailmaker did show me how the fabric was worn and it almost tore like paper. He patched it up and strengthened some seams and said it may last a little while, but I will have to buy a new sail eventually. Well, I don’t think it’s worth repairing since it appears to be tearing on the seams all over due to sun rot. So, now I’m in the market to replace the headsail. So, we immediately drop the sail and put it in the cabin. I then cruise around for about another 20-30 minutes under the main only. It was less stressful, especially since during tacking all I had to worry about is the main. I didn’t think it would be that hard to take out my younger brother who doesn’t know a whole lot about sailing, but it was hard to explain what to do. When we tacked with the genoa on, it was more stressful because I was trying to explain what needs to be done and I do what I needed to do. It was his first time, he loved it, and he really wants to learn. With practice we’ll both get much more proficient. Well, it then started raining lightly and I was thinking it was time to head back to our slip. I follow through the channel markers and had the wind coming directly from the port side. I was heading straight for my slip which was still probably about a ¼ mile straight ahead. I was only going about 2 knots with my main when I ran aground! Yes, I ran aground on my first time out. I was still very far from shore and there was only the one pair of channel markers. Once you go through, it was very wide and I was thinking it was still going to be deep. I didn’t pay attention to my depth meter (B&G Network Quad), which is pretty fancy. I need to find out how to use all the features, but it has a shallow depth alarm. Too bad it was set around 3’, beeping when I was already grounded. We took down the main because the wind was beginning to make the boat heel over since the keel was stuck in what was probably mud or sand. Since my keel was down (~5’ draft), I then immediately told Brian to crank the keel up as I tried to start the engine. Well, I learned that next time wait to crank up the keel until the engine starts. Normally the Honda starts with 2-4 pulls, this time I was trying for what felt like 5 minutes. I was feeling like giving up, when it finally started. I kept checking to make sure it was primed, in choke, and that the shut off button was pulled out to on. If I recall, it may have been the shut off button and that I initially didn’t pull it all the way quite to on. Good thing it did start because since we pulled the keel up, we only drifted into shallower waters. My depth meter was saying 2’ which is right under the hull. I was worried about my rudder grounding since the keel was all the way up. So, it was such a relief that it started, it put it in reverse and slowly gave it a little throttle and watched the knot meter. It stayed at 0 knots for a few seconds then slowly began to back up out the way we came! Talk about a wave of relief! I then backed us out to the middle of the channel and the water was more like 10’ and just motored slowly to my slip. When I got to my slip, amazingly I docked my boat perfectly on my first try! I was impressed because docking was something I was worried about. The conditions may not have been bad, but there was still quite a breeze, probably around 10-15 mph. I just coasted in neutral into the slip area and then blipped it in reverse for a second or two in order to reverse or make adjustments. Brian helped tie the lines to the pilings and we finished our first sail!

It was quite the adventure and not the laid back, relaxing sailing I was first expecting. Having the headsail tearing up and then running aground was not fun. I learned that my ability is not as great as I thought. In the past I always sailed with experienced sailors. I was so confident in all the reading I had done with the combination of my previous sailing experiences; I thought it would be easy. Once I got out there, I know how pretty much every thing works, but I really need to work on my proficiency and methods. I also need to have someone take a look at how I rigged the boat and help me with getting some things set up correctly (museum that I bought from said they will do that, need to see if they will follow through).

So, now I have to buy a new headsail. I will probably get another genoa 150 unless some of you recommend otherwise. I knew I was going to have to buy another sometime, but I wasn’t planning on having to buy it now. On the bright side, I’ll probably buy a new sail and also get a navy blue UV edge cover to match the boat and main cover instead of the ugly brown edged original. Since I’m going to be sailing my C-25 across the bay most likely by March 1st, I will probably need to have my sail by then. That’s another thing, sailing across the bay. After studying charts and how I would navigate my way across through the rivers, I was thinking I might be able to do it with my brothers and friends. Now, after going out for the first time by myself and seeing how when you are far from shore, it can be hard to distinguish different areas, I think I will want someone experienced to help me on my journey across. The museum said they might be able to have someone help me sail across.

I’m glad to finally have sailed her. After reading some threads on here about swing keels taking on water, I’m relieved to know that she appears to be dry and with no trunk damage that I could not have seen previously. I remember reading one story how the owner fell in love with the boat, it wasn’t taking on water in the slip when he bought it, but when he took it out, it turned out to be taking on a lot of water because of stress on the keel under sail. I now also know that the head sail needs to be replaced and it is better to know now in advance to my journey across the bay.

Another thing I found again is that there is in fact a tiny crack on the side of the rear berth ceiling where I pointed out 2-3 weeks ago. My power drill battery was dead, so I plan to drill a small hole and investigate it this coming weekend. There was a small drip of water slowly coming out. I’m pretty sure the cockpit floor was stiff. I do recall the starboard cockpit bench flexes more than the port, but that might also be since it is about 4’ long and the port side is about 2’ long and probably stronger with the openings to the hatches.

Next weekend I plan to install my new 4 spring motor bracket from Catalina Direct which just arrived today along with a few other projects such as new bow nav lights, transom trim piece, new stainless steel hasp/eye for the companionway, and work on some other things.

Here are a few pictures:
Me sailing:
[URL=http://img231.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn138217or.jpg]

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My brother Brian enjoying his first sail ever:
[URL=http://img84.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn138418jb.jpg]

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I took some newer/better photos of her in the water and after some of the work I’ve done:
[URL=http://img297.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn138915tm.jpg]

[/URL]

[URL=http://img84.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn138713ph.jpg]

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Well, if you read this far, hope you enjoyed my story of my first sail. This is the beginning of my life in sailing and I look forward to many adventures in the future.

Justin
Previous Owner of Sapphire Breeze - 1982 Catalina 25 SK/SR
My sail blog site: https://reveriesailing.com/

Edited by - on

djn
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1561 Posts

Response Posted - 01/30/2006 : 21:54:13

Hi Justin, great story. Sounds like a day anyone of us could have. It seems that every time I go to the boat I find something else wrong. I wish it was that warm here, I'd be out there too. Cheers.

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
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Response Posted - 01/30/2006 : 22:04:58

What an adventure... you've got the experience of tearing up a sail and running aground out of the way... ;>)

>"tiny crack on the side of the rear berth ceiling where I pointed out "

Older C25's will have lots of little gelcoat cracks around the corners of the cabin liner. Fiberglass flexes... gelcoat doesn't.

Edited by - on

OLarryR
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USA
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Response Posted - 01/30/2006 : 22:09:19

Justin,

Having just read the above thread of the 36 footer and the sea conditions, your story, though not life threatening, was very interesting but from a different perspective. It's very hard dealing with multiple problems. But you came thru your first sail and I am sure once you get your new sails and etc fixins, you will really enjoy your boat.

I also grounded soon after sailing on my boat purchased this past Fall. Made a blunder by not paying attention to which markes I passed and which ones I had not. Grounded in soft mud at low tide with a wing keel. Not sure what worse - the 2 1/2 hours waiting for the tide to sufficiently raise or the annoying 13 foot sailboat that kept wizzing past me on all sides...maybe just to rub it in !

But...I learned my lesson and have watched others make the same mistake as I had that one time. So...what did I learn from that experience ?...Study the charts/depths, have it out to refer to, check the depthmeter often, make sure you can communicate via cell phone (have numbers of nearby marinas/yacht clubs) and also make sure the VHF radio works if you need a tow/help. Most importantly...bring abook or something to do for the hours you may have to wait till the tide comes in...and OH !...make sure you only get grounded during low tides !

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 01/30/2006 : 22:53:11

On my first sail I could not get my daysailer away from the dock, you did well.

The Catalina full fiberglass liner is a condensation nightmare. Other designers mock it. It is another reason I have airconditioning, I "condition" my air in all seasons to control the condensation. (The Catalina 25 V-berth is very short, look at my quarterberth mattress.)

About your furler. The slider you saw at the top of the track is what you pull down, the sail is raised by the loose line and goes in the track on the opposite side from the "traveler". You do not need to take your mast down to get the traveler. (The previous owner was supposed to tie a messenger to it before he pull the sail down.) Go to the CDI site and download the manual for the furler, it is an FF4. When you need more help ask, I have no problem taking mine on and off with the mast up.
[url="http://www.sailcdi.com/sailpdf/FF4&6%20manual%204.04.pdf"]FF4 PDF[/url]

catalinadirect.com has sails in stock you can have a new one this week.

Great job on docking, some people are naturals.

Edited by - on

stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts

Response Posted - 01/30/2006 : 23:15:38

Your story brings back memories - after months of dreaming and scheming and over analyzation - you finally get out there and instead of joy its stress.
My first sail was about 20 minutes long and I think I learned about two years worth of lessons in that short sail.
I ran aground twice this summer - a result of being too casual about things and thinking that having one whole year of my C25 under me, that I was an old salt. Well, I found out that everyone who sails has these incidents and that we should always be planning for those what ifs and be properly outfitted to get ourselves out of the situations we put ourselves in.
Like yourself, I was saved by the swing keel - or at least my ego was saved by the swing keel.
You have a beautiful looking boat, that blue hull is a real eyecatcher.

Edited by - on

Justin
Admiral

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502 Posts

Response Posted - 01/31/2006 : 08:44:47

Thanks for the input everyone. Frank, I'm not sure if I have that same furler. Here is a close up picture of mine:

It doesn't have the cover around the drum and the line to spool around is tied in a knot inside the drum, then screwed shut. I skimmed through that manual and it did not look familiar.
Here is a photo of the top where you can see the two lines attached to the furler. Line "A" appears to be the line I need in order to slide the track down to attach the sail to, but it is tangled at the top. Line "B" is tied off on a cleat on the mast.

Also, I've looked around for sails. I remember someone posting recently about the CD sails and that they put a big CD logo on the sail. Does anyone have a picture? I'd rather not have that logo on my sail from what others were saying. I read that some people have been happy with their sails from National Sail Supply. I can get a Genoa 150 for $749. Here is the info:
Catalina 25 Std Rig 150% Roller Furling Deluxe Genoa
4.5oz Dacron, Sunbrella UV protection strip on leech and foot (choice of color). Sail comes with a 2 year warranty and includes leech line with cleat, tell tales and sail bag.
Price: $749.00 http://www.nationalsail.com/
This sounds like a great deal and it would include a navy blue UV strip to match my boat.
Catalina Direct's sail is $930 and this is the info off the site:
Catalina 25 Offshore furling genoa, standard rig by Ullman. 150%, 5.53 ounce premium high performance Dacron sail cloth. Includes foam luff, foot and leech line, plus a high quality sail bag and a sail tie. It's also cross cut with a UV resistant cloth cover on the leech and foot.
http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display& Product_ID=851
Anyone have input on choosing a sail?

Edited by - Justin on 01/31/2006 08:49:12

Lightnup
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1016 Posts

Response Posted - 01/31/2006 : 08:55:31

IMHO, any sailing trip that ends with a return to the slip is a successful sailing trip no matter what happens "out there."

Welcome to the "yes, I've run aground" club. Believe it or not, there are still some sailors who deny having run aground but then they lie about other things too.

And speaking of trying to start the outboard during a semi-panic moment, I learned from unpleasant experience that they won't start if they aren't in neutral. Make sure it's out of gear as you shut it off.

Love the blue hull.

Steve

Edited by - on

Lightnup
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1016 Posts

Response Posted - 01/31/2006 : 09:00:52

One more thing....when the end of my furler halyard was stuck at the top of the mast, I unhooked the main halyard from the mainsail, brought it around to the deck in front of the mast and proceeded to "whoop up" on the top of the headstay. By whipping the halyard against the piece I needed to come down and swinging it so I could pull down on it when it would wrap around the top of the headstay, with the help of gravity I was able to slowly but surely get the halyard end down.

Edited by - on

tinob
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1883 Posts

Response Posted - 01/31/2006 : 10:05:40

Justin,

Can help only in identifying your furler as a CDI 4/6 model B. I have the same furler. It came with the boat when I bought her in '92 and it was possibly original equipment. It has required minimal repair the past 14 years.

Good luck with the boat.

Val on the hard DAGNABIT # 3936 Patchogue, N>Y>

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 01/31/2006 : 10:05:41

Justin, you are right, I was wrong, it just sounded like an FF4 from your description. As for the sail, I would not go cheaper than Catalina Direct, it is already a very reasonably priced sail and it was designed specifically for your boat by the sail designer with more Catalina experience than any other loft in the world. Your halyard looks like a casting event, know anyone with a fishing pole? Maybe even a tennis ball with a line tied through it.

Edited by - Frank Hopper on 01/31/2006 10:08:43

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 01/31/2006 : 10:14:15

Justin,

Sounds as if you had quite the adventure your first time out! It brings back memories for me because my first time sailing was with my brother too with both of us having zero sailing experience. Fortunately, our first time out wasn't as eventful as yours, it was still somewhat stressful from all the unknowns.

Anyway, you lived to tell about and in the years to come, you'll have a good story to tell of your first sail.

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Justin4192
 ...So, now I have to buy a new headsail. I will probably get another genoa 150 unless some of you recommend otherwise...<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

The size of your headsail should be determined by the prevalent wind conditions of your sailing venue. Just having roller furling means that you are willing to make compromises for the convenience of the furler and part of that compromise is headsail size. Most sailors choose a Genoa size that will be predominantly used according to local conditions. For me in my area, a 135 is the right sail about 75-80% of the time, and it appears most sailors, not all, opt for a 135 genoa because it is a good all-around size, not too big and not too small, that can be roller reefed to about a 100% jib and still be relatively usable.

So before ordering that 150, make sure this is the sail you need for your local conditions and the type of sailing you do.

Happy sailing!

Edited by - dlucier on 01/31/2006 10:16:41

Justin
Admiral

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502 Posts

Response Posted - 01/31/2006 : 10:47:50

Can any fellow Chesapeake sailors please give me some input on what would be an ideal size of headsail? My slip will be off the Rhode River and I will be generally sailing probably in the middle region of the bay mostly. Not sure if that really makes a difference.

Oh yeah, and in my signature you may notice I'm thinking of a new name for my boat. I'm leaning towards "Sapphire Wind". It's blue, very unique, and also the birthstone of my mother and grandmother. Whisper is alright, but I was thinking I want to name it myself and something that has more meaning.

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5909 Posts

Response Posted - 01/31/2006 : 10:51:45

Justin, the Chesapeake winds are light much of the summer, so you need a lot of sail area. But the Chesapeake isn't always so docile, and the ability of a roller furling 150 to sail to windward really degrades if the wind pipes up and you have to start rolling it up. The choice between a 130 and a 150 is a toss-up. The previous owner of my boat bought a roller furling 140% jib, which I think is a good compromise. But, when the wind is really light, you need a sail that can help the boat keep moving, especially off the wind. I suggest that, whatever you get for your principal headsail, you supplement it with a cruising spinnaker. You should be able to find a decent used cruising spinnaker for a reasonable price at Bacon's Sails in Annapolis. You can check what they have in stock on-line at www.baconsails.com I'm looking for one for my boat, and expect it will be worth it's weight in gold during next summer's doldrums.

Edited by - on

tinob
Master Marine Consultant

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1883 Posts

Response Posted - 01/31/2006 : 10:57:05

Justin,

I had a loose halyard like that and was able to bring it down with two treble hooks taped to the other jib halyard and fished it down. Took a little doing but worked, and with the wrap that you have it should be easy to snag the line.

Edited by - on

Don B
Captain

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USA
317 Posts

Response Posted - 01/31/2006 : 11:14:15

Justin, every time you head out on the water, you will learn something new...review and assess each trip...ie. how should I have changed my sail plan to better fit deteriorating weather conditions?. The more time out on the water, the more you build your skills and confidence.

Also regarding the genoa...FYI...a few months ago I replace my genoa 150. I removed the old sail with no problem. As my new sail was sliding up the track, about half way up, it jammed. I couldn't get the sail up or down. So, up I went in the bosun's chair and found that the sheave at the top of the furler had broken into little pieces and therefore, the line had jammed. No problem...a trip to the local marine store and back up the mast and the new sheave was an easy install. Works very nice now.

Edited by - on

Ericson33
Admiral

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USA
892 Posts

Response Posted - 01/31/2006 : 12:52:29

My first time out was just like yours, the wind came up, I was frantic, the moter wouldn't start and we were heading for the rocks. The problem with my moter was that if you have it in gear, It will not start. Sorry to hear about the Genoa, Maybee this will help

I am getting rid of allot of my CRAP laying around the Garage. What size sail do you want? I have 2 150% for the Capri 25 I will likly never use, One has the furler Canvas on it, Its Not Blue but RED. The other 150% is a North I would rate it a 6 out of 10 First $130.00 plus shipping will get you this sail. The Furler Sail came with the boat, It's clean and in good shape It needs the canvas sewn up in a couple of places (its just loose on the sail in some spots, and you can sew it up dont pay someone.) I would rate it a 7, $150.00 And the last sail I have is a 135/100 I have never seen a sail like this one but its got reefs in the foot. This sail is a 7 of 10 $150.00All sails have a #5 Luff Tape. They were used on a Harken Furler. The numbers are 30x15 ruff. I dont even know what the numbers are for the 25- I don't know if you have a TR. Check the numbers

Edited by - on

Justin
Admiral

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502 Posts

Response Posted - 01/31/2006 : 13:31:12

I'm reading up on buying a sail. I'll think about your used ones. Does anyone know off hand if the Capri 25 sails fit my standard rig?

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5909 Posts

Response Posted - 01/31/2006 : 14:14:45

The maximum luff for a Capri 25 jib is 31'. The maximum luff for a Catalina 25 Standard rig jib is 29'. The Capri 25 jib wouldn't fit your boat.

(The maximum luff for a tall rig Catalina 25 is 32', so the Capri 25 jib should fit a tall rig, although it would be smaller by a few square feet.)

Edited by - on

JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 01/31/2006 : 14:15:33

Justin, you got a lot of problems out of way in your first sail. Hopefully, your subsequent sails will be more fun. Here's some advice.

(1) don't sleep in the V Berth! You can easily convert the main salon to a queen sized bed.

(2) Your genoa sounds like junk. Don't waste any more money on it.

(3) I have a butane torch with a soldering gun attachment, got it at home depot, works well. The torch is also useful for melting the ends of lines, etc.

(4) Your batteries are DEAD. You need to recharge until they reach 13.6 volts. Once fully charged, you should always operate the boat with the switch on BOTH. My 2 batteries will power the boat for about 3 or 4 days without running down.

(5) The boat collects moisture inside. I use a AC powered dehumidifier when not in use during the winter.

(6) Tacking and gybing is easy and fun, you'll get the hang of it. I was nervous and frightened at first too. I made a point not to drink coffee before going out. Now I can sail in and out of the slip if needed. It just takes practice and the attitude that this is fun. The boat is small. Nothing much can go wrong. Have fenders and boat hook ready.

(7) I got rid of the man-overboard lanyard button on my Honda and replaced it with a momentary switch just used to kill the motor. Its always ready to start and usually starts on the 2nd pull.

(8) The boats are very easy to dock, they turn sharply, handle easily, and don't drift to leeward very much.

(9) The boat is beautiful, sailing is fun, and the money and time you invest will be worth every penny!

Edited by - on

Ericson33
Admiral

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USA
892 Posts

Response Posted - 01/31/2006 : 14:36:14

Kepp in mind that it is for a furler, The foot will be shorter than normal. I would measure your Genoa first to get a good idea of what you need to replace. The sails are priced dirt cheap. 300-400 on the used market. Good Luck

Edited by - on

Sloop Smitten
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1181 Posts

Response Posted - 01/31/2006 : 14:50:36

Battery powered soldering iron

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6151688/

Edited by - on

Justin
Admiral

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502 Posts

Response Posted - 01/31/2006 : 15:28:31

Joe, great idea. I now remember seeing one of those on TV a while ago, but forgot about it. Good to see in the review that it does actually work well. It's only $20 too, I wasted $8 on the solder weld. I'll probably buy one of those coldheat soldering irons locally or online.

Jim, thanks for the tips. About the condensation, I plan to get one of those solar vents installed eventually.

For my batteries I want to get a solar system. If one is installed with a charge monitor, is it okay to just leave the panel up all the time, such as all week when I only get to sail on weekends?

I've been reading up on sail makers, using google and this forum. I'm starting to lean towards Rolly Tasker Sails from National Sail Supply. I haven't read anything negative, they appear to be better quality than some other of the cheaper sail makers, and Rolly Tasker appears to have a good reputation. Has anyone here used them before?

Edited by - on

DaveC25
Navigator

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Response Posted - 01/31/2006 : 16:53:19

Hey Justin,

Congrats on the first sail. I had mine about 3 weeks ago. I didn't have quite the adventure you did, but I'm sure my time is coming.

I know about the condensation. While I worked getting the bottom in shape I didn't visit the cabin for about three months. When I went back in, since it's in warm, humid Florida, the bulkheads were covered with white mold! I had to clean and oil all the wood in there. It looks okay now, but it looked nasty for a while.

Good luck and happy sailing!

-DaveC25

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JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 01/31/2006 : 18:04:24

I have 3 United Solar Flex 11 solar panels. The produce a total of about 3 amps. That is too much to leave on all the time without a regulator. You could probably get one 11 watt panel and a regulator. Discover Solar here in San Diego does a great mail-order business. I can vouch for them, I've bought all my stuff there. Its much cheaper than any other source.

The flex panels you can just toss on deck or in the cockpit when you are away. They plug into a cigarette lighter type plug, or you can solder something up.

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Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5909 Posts

Response Posted - 01/31/2006 : 19:31:10

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Rolly Tasker appears to have a good reputation. Has anyone here used them before?<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">I had a Rolly Tasker main and 150 on my C25, and liked the main a lot. The 150 was designed for use with a roller furler, and, since I wanted a hank-on sail, the sailmaker just added hanks. It worked OK, but I didn't like the fact that it had the cut of a roller furler. IMHO, Rolly Taskers are pretty well made, but I don't think they will have the durability of the higher priced brands. I think they would give very good service for 6-8 years, but then I think they would start to lose their shape. I don't think they would last as long as my old North sails, for example, that were still good after over 20 years. I don't think the sailcloth used by RT is as good as is used by the higher priced sailmakers, but, if you plan to keep the boat for a few years and then move on to a different boat, they'll be fine. Rolly Taskers were popular where I used to sail, even among some very competitive racers.

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