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Why didn't anyone tell me?

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Harleyworker
1st Mate

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USA
73 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/20/2011 : 10:27:49

This winter I did some major upgrades to my boat. I got a used CDI furler really cheap and used the kit from sailrite and modified my 150. I also got one of the new balanced rudders from Don at Foss foam. And I installed a bimini.
All I can say is why didn't anyone tell me to do this last year when I first got my boat!!!! These 3 things greatly improved my boat, I just thought I loved it before, now I'm head over heels for it.
The handling of the boat is great with the new rudder. Last year I was using arm-strong steering, this year is one finger steering. Last year I would actually find myself with my feet pressed up against the opposite seat for leverage. This year I can actually let go of the tiller and grab a drink before the boat starts rounding up.
After that first time furling the sail in and out I bet I looked like a cheshshire cat I was grinning so big. I was down right giddy. How did I ever do without a furler is beyond me. Cutting my sail was my biggest worry but everything came out fine.
I was able to install my bimini and still have enough room to sail with it up. I have a tall rig and out of pure luck I was able to find a pontoon boat one that fit off of craigslist. Had to modify the height just a bit but got it where it just touches the boom. In these Midwest heat waves I was baking last year being out without one. This alone is gonna add to my boat big time, I can now get some shade and extend my time out on the water.
My next project is installing a autopilot that I got off eBay, but I can't find time to do that cause I'm enjoying the boat so much more now.

Harley
1979 C25 tall/fin
Hull# 1246
"Mein Engel"

Edited by - on

Davy J
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1511 Posts

Response Posted - 07/20/2011 : 10:46:59

You apparently missed this thread:
http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=23414& SearchTerms=best

The consensus seems to be that roller furling is the #1 modification for the boat. I listed autopilot because I installed furling and bimini within weeks of buying the boat and probably couldn't or wouldn't know how to sail the boat without them.

Edited by - on

Alan Clark
Captain

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406 Posts

Response Posted - 07/20/2011 : 14:32:29

Another Great investment we made was a solar charger if you do not have access to shore power for a battery charger. That was a VERY worthy investment for us.

Edited by - on

piseas
Former Treasurer

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USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 07/20/2011 : 20:03:24

Harley, my C250 came with furler and autopilot. And I do appreciate them. But it took me 3 years before I got my bimimi. I held off because I could not get what I wanted as far as coverage and cuz of costs. Now that I finally broke down and got a custom one done, I can kick my self for not getting one years ago. Its definately the best investment I have made. Lets hope others heed our words.

Steve A

Edited by - on

redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3476 Posts

Response Posted - 07/21/2011 : 05:16:37

<< Lets hope others heed our words. >>

regarding Bimini.

I've used them on several boats. They rock. They also block my view of the sky. To me it turns the boat into more of a camper than a sailboat. I don't like them where I'm at on a lake outside Atlanta. I prefer using a small spinnaker for shade and I rig it as needed, when needed.

It sure saves you from exposure if you are way down south. We had one on a Catalina 30 at Panama City Beach, and if that boat had not had one that would have been one of the first things I would have added.

Edited by - redeye on 07/21/2011 05:18:27

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9081 Posts

Response Posted - 07/21/2011 : 07:01:27

Roller furling changes your life.

Edited by - on

pfduffy
Captain

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USA
317 Posts

Response Posted - 07/21/2011 : 07:34:29

My roller furler not only makes sailing more convenient, it makes it much safer. This past weekend the winds piped up and my inexperienced crew was getting scared / uncomfortable. We were sailing under headsail alone. Nobody needed to leave the cockpit to go deal with the jib, just pull the furling line and start the motor. No fuss...no muss...no COB drill!

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 07/21/2011 : 08:38:02

We had our C-22 for almost 20 years before buying a bimini or a 4 stroke o/b. wish we had done both many years earlier. Now, I can use the same bimini on either boat.
The cash outlay is the only thing that has stopped me from adding roller furling to our boat. I guess it would free up a bunch of storage space in the dungeon - I've got 4 headsails, 1 stays in a zip-up cover on the headstay, 3 in the dungeon.
Using a jib dousing line, I can get the headsail down without anyone leaving the cockpit, but securing it once down does require going forward. Fortunately, on our lake that is very rarely a problem.

Harley, we've got a TR also, where did you mount the bimini?

Edited by - on

piseas
Former Treasurer

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USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 07/21/2011 : 16:14:41

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Stinkpotter
 Roller furling changes your life.

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Dave, Not that I would ever get a bigger boat at my stage of life, but if I did, I would certainly require a furling mainsail. Now that would be life changer to me.

Windlass too since we are getting so upetty!

Steve A

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9081 Posts

Response Posted - 07/21/2011 : 19:06:33

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by piseas
 ...Windlass too since we are getting so upetty!<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">Yup--makes single-handed cruising much easier!

Sarge's bow

Edited by - on

Harleyworker
1st Mate

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USA
73 Posts

Response Posted - 07/22/2011 : 04:10:06

Davidp, I mounted the bimini on the sail track, on sliders. It is right at 5' 1" from the cockpit floor, I have to duck standing under it, but sitting you don't notice it.

Edited by - on

DaveR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2015 Posts

Response Posted - 07/22/2011 : 06:16:23

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Roller furling changes your life.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Ican'thearyouIcan'thearyouIcan'thearyouIcan'thearyouIcan'thearyou

I've got my blinders on and love my hank on 50,110, and 150

Seriously, when the cash becomes available I'll do the furling and sell the hank on sails.

Edited by - on

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4304 Posts

Response Posted - 07/24/2011 : 16:35:49

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by DaveR
 <blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Roller furling changes your life.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Ican'thearyouIcan'thearyouIcan'thearyouIcan'thearyouIcan'thearyou

I've got my blinders on and love my hank on 50,110, and 150

Seriously, when the cash becomes available I'll do the furling and sell the hank on sails.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
I loved my 110 and 150 too, right up until the time I got my furler installed earlier this summer!

Edited by - on

TCurran
Admiral

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USA
588 Posts

Response Posted - 07/25/2011 : 02:55:08

I have both, a furler on the C25 and hank ons on the W25. I actually prefer the hank ons... I like the flexibility of hanking on, you just don't get a good sail shape with a partially rolled up jib. Maybe if we sailed in area that was a little rougher I would think differently, but where we sail, getting forward to bring down a sail isn't that scary here. Geography definitely dictates what accessories are required...

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9081 Posts

Response Posted - 07/25/2011 : 06:37:48

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by TCurran
 I have both, a furler on the C25 and hank ons on the W25. I actually prefer the hank ons...<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">I guess I can't argue with that... Don't understand it, but can't argue with it.

Edited by - on

JohnP
Master Marine Consultant

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1520 Posts

Response Posted - 07/25/2011 : 08:44:08

My slip neighbor moved up from a C-25 several years ago. His Island Packet 42 has a big roller-furling jib and also aft of that another smaller roller-furling jib, along with in-mast furling for the main. The skipper of the IP often sails his big sloop single-handed from the cockpit, and has much less work than I do with my hanked-on jib and flaked main, every time he goes out on the bay.

That's what I'll do when I get my IP, too!!!

... in my dreams ...

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9081 Posts

Response Posted - 07/25/2011 : 12:00:21

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by JohnP
 ...along with in-mast furling for the main...<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">I think I'd opt for in-boom furling for the main. In-mast makes the mast fatter (affecting airflow), precludes horizontal battens (and therefore much of a roach), and is a bigger problem if something jams.

Edited by - on

piseas
Former Treasurer

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USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 07/25/2011 : 12:07:21

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Stinkpotter
In-mast makes the mast fatter (affecting airflow), precludes horizontal battens (and therefore much of a roach), and is a bigger problem if something jams.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Dave, thanks for that. I was looking at upgrading to a Catalina 309 with in mast furling main but you just saved me big bucks. Think I will keep my c250 to avoid the jams.

Steve A

Edited by - on

dave holtgrave
Captain

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USA
427 Posts

Response Posted - 07/26/2011 : 08:44:45

harley

how about some photos of the bimini??

what width did you buy??

dave holtgrave
5722 sk/tr
hot hot hot at carlyle lake in southern illinois

Edited by - on

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