We got the right wind conditions (that aligned with other life stuff) on Saturday.
We launched at Altona this time - this was a lot better than the Warmies (Williamstown). We raised the newly adjusted jib at the dock and it looked good. We then put it away and rigged main only.
We solved the retrieval issues. I purchased 2 of 6" rollers and frames to replace the offending 2 just forward of the wheels. We launched then I replaced them. During replacing it became obvious why we couldn't easily retrieve. The port side roller stem bracket is welded on crookedly. The 6" roller fixes the width problem..
Two issues:
1. The Outhaul tends to rotate the boom about 20 degrees due to the padeye being off the side of the boom slot. This stuffs up the mast steering shackle. I think this is easily solved with a bit more thought from me on how I tie the outhaul to the padeye at the end of the boom.
2. Getting the bolt rope into the mast slot as I hauled it up was a pain. It kept wanting to jam at the top of the slot opening. (Googling I find this is common - since this was my first time I'll reserve judgement for now).
Anyway, once up she sailed well on the main but four attempts to tack failed - in irons. No jib, no dagger boards - I hope that's all it was. Crew was very concerned most of the time - hence no jib and daggers.
From what I read since then it was pretty optimistic that I could tack with no daggers down. The Jarcat has quite flat hulls unlike a beach cat so I would think it really needs the daggerboards to steer well.
During the previous week I added grab handles to the front of the cabin roof. Now I don't have to throw myself across the roof (in waves) when going forward. The picture show the starboard handle just above the green navigation light. I realise that they may pose a problem for the genoa in future but they are pretty streamlined and the sail shouldn't get caught on them.
From what I read since then it was pretty optimistic that I could tack with no daggers down. The Jarcat has quite flat hulls unlike a beach cat so I would think it really needs the daggerboards to steer well.
During the previous week I added grab handles to the front of the cabin roof. Now I don't have to throw myself across the roof (in waves) when going forward. The picture show the starboard handle just above the green navigation light. I realise that they may pose a problem for the genoa in future but they are pretty streamlined and the sail shouldn't get caught on them.
