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dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 04/21/2011 : 09:16:26

The vang, and mainsheet, should be loose when you raise the main. After the main is up and the halyard is cleated, next I would just take the slack out of the vang. That will keep the boom from raising up in a gybe. Now, if you are single handing the boat, you are ready to trim in the main or raise the headsail. Personally, if using the jib, I would go ahead and raise the jib and set it before trimming in the main. With crew, I set the main first and turn off the outboard before raising the jib/genoa. With the vang's fiddle block and cam cleat attached to the boom instead of the mast base/plate, the line will be hanging down close to the companionway and will be within easy reach if your halyards run aft to the cockpit.
Oh yes, be sure to release the boom from the pigtail attached to the backstay before raising the main.

Edited by - dmpilc on 04/21/2011 09:23:52

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 04/21/2011 : 09:19:20

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">pigtail attached to the backstay before raising the main<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

None of us experienced salts have ever forgotten that have we?

Edited by - on

PCP777
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1225 Posts

Response Posted - 04/21/2011 : 09:20:08

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by dmpilc
 The vang, and mainsheet, should be loose when you raise the main. After the main is up and the halyard is cleated, next I would just take the slack out of the vang. That will keep the boom from raising up in a gybe. Now, if you are single handing the boat you are ready to trim in the main or raise the headsail. Personally, if using the jib, I would go ahead and raise the jib and set it before trimming in the main.
Oh yes, be sure to release the boom from the pigtail attached to the backstay before raising the main.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

All good advice. I might add, if you have a cunningham make sure that is slack as well. Usually I unroll my head sail before I raise the main. This might be because I'm sailing out of the marina or because I'm not sure what the wind is like out in the lake and I want to check it before I throw all the laundry up.

As far as the pigtail, I don't use it anymore. I have a topping lift and I also prefer to hammer the boom and main to starboard on my cabin top traveler when at the slip so that everything's the way when enjoying the cockpit.

Edited by - PCP777 on 04/21/2011 09:23:01

Joe Diver
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1218 Posts

Response Posted - 04/21/2011 : 09:24:13

Good advice...thanks...I have a topping lift too, so the little pigtail is there, but unused.

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 04/21/2011 : 09:30:01

Thanks for mentioning the cunnungham. I forgot that. I have a topping lift as well, but I still use the pigtail when I put the boat away after a sail. It helps keep the boom centered while away and while setting up for the next sail. Also, it makes the boom a sturdier handhold when walking around the boat.

Edited by - on

sweetlou
1st Mate

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53 Posts

Response Posted - 04/22/2011 : 08:13:18

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"> It helps keep the boom centered while away and while setting up for the next sail. Also, it makes the boom a sturdier handhold when walking around the boat.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Agreed, however I learned the hard way that the pigtail must not go overlooked :)

I put a telltale on the pig tale as a reminder, sort of like an airplane's pitot tube cover. I haven't forgotten it since.

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9081 Posts

Response Posted - 04/22/2011 : 09:50:37

Indeed, the first time you forget the pigtail in a serious breeze (the most likely time), you'll probably decide never to use it again. Accordingly, mine stayed clipped to the stay from then until I replaced the standing rigging. New backstays from CD don't have a pigtail--a plus, IMHO.

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 04/22/2011 : 10:24:59

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Stinkpotter
 Indeed, the first time you forget the pigtail in a serious breeze (the most likely time), you'll probably decide never to use it again. Accordingly, mine stayed clipped to the stay from then until I replaced the standing rigging. New backstays from CD don't have a pigtail--a plus, IMHO.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Unfortunately, I had to have a few lessons in "forgetting to unclip the pigtail" on my first boat before I retired it permanently and installed a simple topping lift.

As to boom stability using the topping lift vs the pigtail, I've noticed no difference as the boom moves the same distance, an inch or two if you lean on it. Remember that pigtail is attached to a stay that goes to the same place as a traditional topping lift.

Edited by - on

Joe Diver
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1218 Posts

Response Posted - 04/25/2011 : 21:05:33

Yesterday after all the family Easter stuff I was able to get in a little time on the boat. One of the things I did was replace all of the slugs for the main. One of them broke and managed to wedge itself about 3/4 of the way up the mast, but luckily I had already ordered a dozen new ones from CD when I ordered a bunch of other stuff, so I could replace all of them and have a couple extras. Thanks to Eddy's son, who we hoisted up the mast with a screwdriver in hand, the errant slug was freed up.

I was surprised how worn out my slugs were....didn't really know until I removed them and put in all new ones. The new ones are really slick. Tonight I went on an evening sail and sunset cruise since the storms had all gone south and east, and the wind was very calm compared to what we've been having. When I hoisted the main for the first time, it went up with incredible ease. I didn't even need the winch. I pulled it all the way up and tight, closed my Spinlock and was good to go.

It was a really nice evening tonight....got in a few good runs across the lake before the winds almost totally died off, then dropped the main (went down as easy as it went up) and tidied up so I could relax as the sun went down.

Edited by - on

JohnP
Master Marine Consultant

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1520 Posts

Response Posted - 04/26/2011 : 08:47:05

Ahhhhh, that's the life!

By the way, you might not know that you can close your Spinlock rope clutch before hoisting the main, since it holds the tension on the halyard while allowing you to hoist further. There is a ratchet mechanism. The really old rope clutches clamped down on the line and held it from moving in either direction.

Happy sailing!

Edited by - on

PCP777
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1225 Posts

Response Posted - 04/26/2011 : 10:36:53

Weather has been nuts lately around here.

Edited by - on

Joe Diver
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1218 Posts

Response Posted - 04/26/2011 : 15:52:45

Yes it has....and it's nuts again today but luckily it's south and east of most of us. I've got a buddy coming over to watch the hockey game, otherwise I'd be out on the lake again tonight!

Edited by - on

Joe Diver
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1218 Posts

Response Posted - 04/30/2011 : 22:18:13

I finally tackled the head today. What a job that was. It wasn't really hard, it just took a long time. Just about all day.

I removed the old head, sanitation line and water intake line. I figured out what the mysterious device inline of the water line: filter and treatment dispenser. Looks like you put a little puck in it and it treats the water with every flush. That went in the trash.

I installed a brand new 3/4" water line from the seacock, a nice solid line without additional connections. Then I installed a new sanitation line. It was fairly difficult to work with since it's so stiff, but it's very nice, well sealed and smooth, unlike the original. I had some trouble getting it on the tank, but a pot of boiling water, a 30 second dunk, and it went on without issue.

The new head was a bit tricky. The mounting holes were not even close, and I had no access to the underneath. The original head set a little low for me, so I got a nice 2x6 cut to fit the area, mounted the head to the 2x6 and lag bolted the whole assembly to the compartment floor. It turned out much better than I had hoped it would. It's seriously solid! Really, that sucker aint going nowhere. Plus, it's a little higher now and just right for me.

The new head was adjustable so I was able to turn the sanitation line output elbow to match the line coming in perfectly. It went on much easier and I installed a new, heavy duty band clamp to lock it down. Testing the system, no leaks and everything passed perfectly.

The new head works great. It pumps strong, clears quickly and does not leak at all. This was the last major system to fix on the boat. I still need to do the fresh water system, but it only feeds the galley sink and right now I have a water jug there, so I'm not really missing any functionality like I was with the other stuff.

I've done alot in the last month since I bought the boat: Full detail cleaning, new DC system, new lights, new fan, new head system, fixed up galley with a campstove....plus I've outfitted her and fully equipped her so I can show up with clothes/food and I'm ready for a weekend away from the marina. I've restored her full functionality so now I can start enjoying her and doing the little things here and there.

I do have one more "big" thing to do: refinish all of the teak. I'm going to do a piece here and there until I'm done. I'll take a few pieces home with me on Sunday evening, then take the refinished pieces back out next time I go. Eventually I'll get them all done.

Edited by - on

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4304 Posts

Response Posted - 05/01/2011 : 07:33:18

Nice job! It's been fun reading about all your upgrades. Keep 'em coming!

Edited by - on

Joe Diver
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1218 Posts

Response Posted - 05/01/2011 : 07:51:58

Thanks Gary! Someone suggested a while back I start a blog. I thought I'd use this thread instead, so hopefully it would provide some good reading for anyone searching on getting a new sailboat, and provide some good content to add to all the rest for the Association.

Edited by - on

Arlington
Navigator

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USA
196 Posts

Response Posted - 05/01/2011 : 12:21:13

Scott: Our heads look just alike. Did you figure out how to actually flush the head. I haven't figured it out yet. Turn the valve to "blue" for fill, turn to "clear" to empty, pump like a wild monkey. Keep your face away from the hole. I know I read the instructions and looked at the diagram by the valve handle. Maybe mine is not working right because the only way I can try it is on the dry now. I hate to even ask because I know it can't be too complicated.

Edited by - on

Joe Diver
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1218 Posts

Response Posted - 05/01/2011 : 19:32:31

Mine's the Jabsco Twist & Lock....base model....the switch is either wet or dry. Turned to wet, every pump also brings in more water, used to rinse the bowl and lines and the bowl will refill with a little water for the next use. Turn it to dry and each pump removes what's there without refilling or rinsing. A pump or two and it's done....dry...

So, when I first get to the boat I open the seacock. Turn to wet and draw once or twice to prime it and put water in the bowl. Ready for use.

When I flush it, I turn it to dry, give it a pump or two, then turn to wet, another pump or two to rinse and get the bowl ready for the next use.

Keep on dry when not in use. You can also close the seacock when not in use, and I'm sure some will recommend this, for good reason....

Edited by - on

Joe Diver
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1218 Posts

Response Posted - 05/05/2011 : 07:40:23

Sailing Update:

For the first time, I enjoyed my boat. No work done. No tasks accomplished. No "little thing" fixed. Left work at 4:00 with a bud, was at the lake by 4:30 to go sailing.

It was a great evening! Temps were upper 70's, winds out of the south (mostly), 10 to 12 with slight puffs of a bit more. We rigged at the dock, tied up the sails and motored out of the harbor. With the wind direction, once out of the slough we raised sail, cut the motor, and trimmed a beam reach across the lake. I gave my buddy a quick briefing on sailing, what was what and why, then put him on the tiller so he could try it out and we could take turns at the helm.

Eagle Mountain is a decent size lake. Down by the dam it's fairly wide, a couple miles maybe, but running north/south it's maybe 3 or 4 miles. I've been staying in the lower end, sailing back and forth, but yesterday we decided to sail north a bit. This would put us on a run. Let the main all the way out, pulled the jib to the other side, and there we went, wing on wing! I had never done this before, only read about it and seen pictures, but she set up well and the wind was strong enough I didn't need the whisker pole for the short (30 mins) run. I was surprised how differently she sails wing on wing. She rolls alot. Nothing bad of course, but just, different. I can see how a whisker pole will make it much easier if staying on that tack for a while.

We turned around and started beating back down the lake. Sailed a very close haul toward the west side of the lake. Made great speed, bit of heel, splashing through the waves and actually got hit with a few drops of water. The boat club had a race going on, so we watched those guys as we sailed on by their course. It was really cool when they turned around and all those spinners came out. There must have been 15 boats in the race. Some were not so fortunate flying their spinners. Saw a couple of figure 8's happen, and one boat never did get their's flying right.

Once they went up the lake we started back across, behind them. The wind had shifted to the southeast, so we had to beat back across the lake, but it was fun getting to sail so close, tacking 4 times before we got back to our starting point. Timed it perfectly as the wind started to die out as the sun dipped below the horizon....we arrived back in the slough making a gentle 2.5 to 3 kts. Doused the sails, cleaned up and secured the gear, then motored back over to the dam so we could drift along and watch the stars come out. Grabbed some cold Cokes out of the cooler, added some Sailor Jerry, and relaxed in the cockpit.

Finally motored back to the marina around 10:00, tied up, closed up, and went home. It was a great evening sail...and that's all we did...sail....no work...no chores...no "to do" list stuff....just went sailing.

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 05/05/2011 : 08:35:28

In the head, wedged in a perfect spot between the bulkhead and toilet, I keep a gallon of water in an old antifreeze jug (with an ounce or two of deoderant added) that I use for the flush water. This eliminates the need to crouch down to open the freshwater intake valve, flip the head lever to wet, pump to fill the bowl, switch to dry, empty contents, oops..need some more flush water, switch back to wet, pump more water, switch back to dry, then crouch and close the intake valve.

Using my jug method, I spill some water in and never have to touch the intake valve, the head lever stays permamently positioned on dry, and no "low tide" smell brewing in the bowl, just a relatively pleasant smelling blue tidy bowl looking experience.

Edited by - on

PCP777
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1225 Posts

Response Posted - 05/05/2011 : 09:00:19

Sounds like fun Scott, last night was a perfect night for sailing. We raced yesterday with our brand new main from Mariner Sails on the C-27 and absolutely crushed B Fleet.Now we can point so high, this has doubled my resolve to get a new main for Stephanos. As we beat towards the last windward mark the sunset was beautiful. Of course being at the helm and sailing to tell tales I didn't get to enjoy it as much as the rest of the crew did. Then down wind with the spin, cold beer and a decisive victory, what could be better?

Edited by - on

Joe Diver
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1218 Posts

Response Posted - 05/05/2011 : 13:01:36

Peter - I thought hard about calling you up and coming out for the Wednesday evening races. It was a tough call, but sailing my own boat won out since it would be the first time my best friend had ever been sailing, and it would be a chance for he and I to spend some time together. He's home from Afghanistan...was just a short break but he's getting shoulder surgery next Friday so will be home for a few months now....and his wife just sacks him with "honey do's" all the time and makes it difficult for him to do anything other than what she wants him to do. I'll get out there with y'all soon.....next week I'll be in Little Rock for the weekend, leaving Thursday morning so next Wednesday is out.

Don - I'm on a lake, so I don't have near the critters in my water compared to seawater. I know that funky smell really well...I have a special enzyme cleaner for my wetsuits when we go to Cozumel. I always giggle to myself thinking about the poor, unsuspecting person who opens my dive bag to check it when we come back to the US....that sucker is wicked funky.

I'm thinking about eliminating the bow thru-hull and seacock....when I re-do the fresh water system, I my plumb a line from it to the head and use that as the water intake, installing the appropriate one way check valves and such.

Edited by - on

Joe Diver
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1218 Posts

Response Posted - 05/22/2011 : 19:36:01

Update:

Finally spent the night on the boat. After a long day of sailing Saturday, dousing and drifting as small storms passed by to the south, then sailing some more, I went back to the marina to meet family for my nephew's birthday dinner. After dinner I got back in the boat and set sail to cross the lake as the sun was setting. I found a nice cove and dropped anchor. It hit bottom at 30', so I patiently drifted, playing out line to the 90' mark, pulled hard and hooked in solid. I played out to the 120' mark and tied up. (4x depth)

As the sun set and darkness set it, I chilled in the cockpit drinking rum and coke, listening to Pink Floyd. It was absolutely perfect! A nice steady breeze of about 10 kts, temps in the mid 70's kept everything very comfortable. Around 11:00 I climbed into the V berth to lay back and play some games on a Nintendo DSXL I bought just for the boat.

As I lay there, gently rocking and enjoying the cool breeze being forced down the V berth hatch, I realized I may not have chosen my anchorage that well after all. A big party cranked up at one of the houses, and the music and noise was carried to me on the wind. I turned on the cabin fan and that effectively drowned out the party noise, but I would turn it off every so often just to check as it was a little cool with it running. They partied until well after 03:00. I don't normally sleep well in a strange place the first few nights, so I was waking up every hour or so anyway....but it was nice, feeling the breeze, the rocking of the boat, and looking up at the stars through the hatch.

I woke up around 7:30 to another surprise....one of the houses has peacocks....and if you've ever been around them you know what they sound like. I fired up my stove and brewed some coffee, and that was one of the most pleasant moments of the trip: having that coffee and a smoke in the cockpit as the lake started coming alive. I fried some sausage and scrambled eggs for breakfast, then I tidied up and pulled the hook.

The wind started to pick up big time as I drifted out of the cove, well above what had been forecast. There were whitecaps and long streaks of foam. Wind was easily blowing steady at 25kts+ with gusts to 35kts or more. I have a Midland weather radio on board and the local stations were reporting this as well. So much for sailing today. I motored back to the corner of the dam outside my slough and drifted for a while, just chilling out. Just before lunch I fired up and motored back to the marina.

So, it was a great overnight on the boat, my first one. I will not be returning to that cove, so one of the many on the lake I'll cross off my list. It's exciting though, exploring and I'm sure in time I'll find a "favorite" cove to drop the hook in. All the systems on the boat worked perfectly and I was very comfortable in my little "camper on the water".

Edited by - on

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 05/23/2011 : 05:04:18

We have heritage birds too. I know exactly what they sound like. Our neighbours don't seem to mind.

Edited by - on

Joe Diver
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1218 Posts

Response Posted - 05/23/2011 : 05:36:13

Beautiful birds. My grandparents kept them when they lived on a large ranch. At one time they had 2 peacocks and 2 peahens, lots of peachicks, but the chicks never survived (probably coyotes) and they sold 1 mated pair of cock/hen....so that left Petee (Pete ee) and Mrs Peteee.....they slept in a tree, up on a big branch beside the house but were always just out walking around. They stayed pretty close to the house. Every time I hear one of the many sounds they make, or the distinct call (aye yah, aye yah) they all make, it brings me back to my childhood and the ranch.

Edited by - on

PCP777
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1225 Posts

Response Posted - 05/23/2011 : 14:00:19

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Joe Diver
 Update:

Finally spent the night on the boat. After a long day of sailing Saturday, dousing and drifting as small storms passed by to the south, then sailing some more, I went back to the marina to meet family for my nephew's birthday dinner. After dinner I got back in the boat and set sail to cross the lake as the sun was setting. I found a nice cove and dropped anchor. It hit bottom at 30', so I patiently drifted, playing out line to the 90' mark, pulled hard and hooked in solid. I played out to the 120' mark and tied up. (4x depth)

As the sun set and darkness set it, I chilled in the cockpit drinking rum and coke, listening to Pink Floyd. It was absolutely perfect! A nice steady breeze of about 10 kts, temps in the mid 70's kept everything very comfortable. Around 11:00 I climbed into the V berth to lay back and play some games on a Nintendo DSXL I bought just for the boat.

As I lay there, gently rocking and enjoying the cool breeze being forced down the V berth hatch, I realized I may not have chosen my anchorage that well after all. A big party cranked up at one of the houses, and the music and noise was carried to me on the wind. I turned on the cabin fan and that effectively drowned out the party noise, but I would turn it off every so often just to check as it was a little cool with it running. They partied until well after 03:00. I don't normally sleep well in a strange place the first few nights, so I was waking up every hour or so anyway....but it was nice, feeling the breeze, the rocking of the boat, and looking up at the stars through the hatch.

I woke up around 7:30 to another surprise....one of the houses has peacocks....and if you've ever been around them you know what they sound like. I fired up my stove and brewed some coffee, and that was one of the most pleasant moments of the trip: having that coffee and a smoke in the cockpit as the lake started coming alive. I fried some sausage and scrambled eggs for breakfast, then I tidied up and pulled the hook.

The wind started to pick up big time as I drifted out of the cove, well above what had been forecast. There were whitecaps and long streaks of foam. Wind was easily blowing steady at 25kts+ with gusts to 35kts or more. I have a Midland weather radio on board and the local stations were reporting this as well. So much for sailing today. I motored back to the corner of the dam outside my slough and drifted for a while, just chilling out. Just before lunch I fired up and motored back to the marina.

So, it was a great overnight on the boat, my first one. I will not be returning to that cove, so one of the many on the lake I'll cross off my list. It's exciting though, exploring and I'm sure in time I'll find a "favorite" cove to drop the hook in. All the systems on the boat worked perfectly and I was very comfortable in my little "camper on the water".
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Ha, that sounds awesome! I spent the night Friday night on my boat as well, it was my birthday, and I was celebrating with some Sailor Jerry spice rum after some fun with the yacht club at the Pirates of the Caribbean movie. Didn't sail until Saturday, as there were storms and such around.

Some folks from the yacht club all geared up in pirate attire before we invaded the theater....

Then the next day an impromptu raft up with Joint Venture, the C-27 I race on. We grilled some Earl Cambells with some crackers and cheese.

Crew of JV

Moi

Both flag halyards now work...

Keelan's flag, it was fun when we were both chasing down boats on the lake...

Edited by - on

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