CL14 Dinghy

[Deparlocean]

The West System by Gougeon Brothers is the one I have been using for the past 30 years and it makes great results. They also have technical publications as to how and where to use their epoxy system.
You can look at westsystem.com for more info.

 

[Fuzzy_logic]

I was considering this. West systems has quite a reputation. I Will look further into it. Now I am debating whether I should use epoxy or a single component sealant like sika.
The joint doesn't really need to be strong, but watertight and flexible.
Prep is going to be a challenge as there is quite a bit of dirt and hard to get to. The product needs to be of a peanutbutter consistency.
I will check west page for more info. Thanks!

 

[Fuzzy_logic]

Filleting the joint and glassing over it may also be a solution.

 

[Deparlocean]

Why don't you wash the joints by spraying with commercial cleaner, rinse with garden hose pressure, and then let dry in the sun before doing other work? It should be sufficient for bonding afterwards!

 

[Fuzzy_logic]

I have already pressure washed them with water. I will use some cleaner as suggested, then scuff the space with sandpaper folded in half, try to wash it with acetone, and I should be good.

 

[Deparlocean]

Sounds good!

 

[frank hassler]

So we just purchased #1571 CL14 and would appreciate any advise on stepping the mast efficiently and safely. Advice from previous owner suggested we attach both side stays first ( loose enough to place bottom of mast into the tabernacle) then walk mast up into place with a forward pulling assist from the jib halyard.

 

[Fuzzy_logic]

That worked great for me. Expect some tension from the sidestays. Also, first attach the safety line around the mast. You should have connections at the top of the boat. Getting a shackle on one of these will help immensely, and this line will prevent the mast from crashing to the back of the boat.

 

[frank hassler]

That worked great for me. Expect some tension from the sidestays. Also, first attach the safety line around the mast. You should have connections at the top of the boat. Getting a shackle on one of these will help immensely, and this line will prevent the mast from crashing to the back of the boat.

What number is your CL14? I ask because from your photos it appears that your tabernacle is set up for a pivoting mast? The tabernacle on our boat (early 1990’s) is a three sided box that does not allow any pivoting. We found that we had to lift the mast over the centerboard handle then lower it into the mast step. ( rather awkward) Fortunately my son-in-law showed up at that critical moment to lend a much needed hand.
We had NOT attached the side stays so without his help the whole operation could easily have gone “sideways” quite literally

 

[jssailem]

Welcome Frank to the SBO Forums. Congrats on your new boat.

The instructions you received regarding raising the mast are exactly how I would rase the mast if I was there with you.

I would attach the jib halyard to the bow securely. One person pulls the jib halyard as you lift the mast, position the base at the tabernacle and raise/walk the mast up. On my 15ft trailer boat I used a mast base that had a hinge. It gave the mast base a locked position. Then as I raised the mast it pivoted on the base. I went to this after I raised the mast a bunch of time and locked it in.

Good luck and go for it.

 

[frank hassler]

Thank you for the reply “JS” . We were dedicated penguin racing dingy sailors: my wife on Lake Erie on the Canadian side and me on rivers off the Chesapeake Bay. So for about 30 years we admired the CL boats whose headquarters were about a ten minute drive from the Canadian summer house of our parents. ( Fort Erie, Ontario). Now we’re old and living close to Lake Champlain, Vermont still loving sailing now with daughter and Labrador Retriever on board.
Our sailing canoe.

 

[jssailem]

The image helps. It appears the mast sits on the center board frame. That should be pretty easy to raise, while in the boat or with the boat on a trailer. Looks like you have a furler for a foresail. I’d consider adding a line to use for hoisting. Attach a block 2/3ds up the mast. Run a line up to the block and down to the forward base where you mount the foresail furler. Standing beside the boat a person could pull down on this line while you lift the mast forward into place. Holding your lift line you could then fasten the furler to the forward base. When the mast is raised just tie off the line to a cleat on the mast Ready to use when you want to lower the mast.

The CL 14 should be a great sailboat for you.

 

[Fuzzy_logic]

Looking at the picture, my mast setup is identical, but as you noticed mine is set for pivoting. The only difference I see is the lack of a bolt going through the fibreglass and the mast. This should be easy to fix with a drill....
At the base, my mast has a plastic connector which slides into a groove in the boat. I can comfortably raise and drop the mast by myself, with some muscle work tensioning forestay. I will improve over time as suggested by jjsailem. No rush on that, the boat is in the marina on dry but with the mast up. My goal is to be self sufficient in launching, sailing and retrieving the boat.