Out for a sail and continuing to work on balancing the boat. This Siren 17 had strong weather helm, to the level of making single-handed sailing in heavier winds very challenging and tiring. Loosening the side stays and taking up the slack with the forestay has reduced this to a manageable level. Raising the centerboard one or two cranks also seems to help while tight on the wind. Installing a tiller lock was also very helpful, providing muscular relief on the tiller and an opportunity to look at other things besides just the boat's heading. (I am not a salesman for this product, it just worked for me, is solid, and well made in the USA. There are cheaper alternatives. www.wavefrontmarine.com/) With the lock engaged, I could actually relax for a bit and reach into the cabin to grab something to eat without the boat heaving to or tacking. In lighter air I could now also venture to the bow to make adjustments.
Next thing I plan to do is tie a simple metal ring on the jib halyard to act as a pulley and gain more purchase when tensioning. It cost less than a buck for the metal ring vs. $15 for a small Harken block. If I view it as worthwhile, I will film the changes. I have added a small block to the mast base mount and a cleat to the cabin top to allow the main halyard to be led back to the cockpit. This allows raising /lowering and tying off the main from the cockpit. I will test this next time out, and also check to see if an additional block is necessary between the mast and cleat to route the halyard around the hatch top. I don't want to be drilling holes in the cabin top unnecessarily.
Maybe I should plan a sail for next year that has me anchored/docked overnight somewhere?
Негізгі бет Спорт Siren 17 - 2nd sail on Lake Erie - Lorain, Ohio
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