H216 - Singlehander Modification

[Lamar Sumerlin]

In the March/April 2006 issue of Good Ole Boat magazine (page 71) there is an article on a suggested modification that would make raising and lowering sails much easier for those that singlehand their boats. In summary, this was accomplished by adding a double bungee cord between the boom and rudder. The overall effect of this addition was to keep the boat headed into the wind when raising the sails or taking them down. The device was stated to work somewhat like a heaving to manuever but keeps the bow into the wind. Have any of you tried this on a H216, and if so, how did it work?

 

[Jeff Prideaux]

sounds like a good idea

I'll let you know in 3 or 4 weeks.I hope to go sailing for the first time this year towards the end of March... (weather permitting).I'll check that article out!!!I usually do this little dance of going from the main halyard to the tiller (back and forth) until I have the main fully raised....thanks,Jeff

 

[Mr.Ernie]

Lazy Jacks

I don't sail singlehanded much anymore but for many years did so on my Catalina 27. I added a Lazy Jack system and that made it much easier to handle a good size main by myself. Also helped when I had to add or shake out a reef.

 

[Jim]

singlehanding

Sounds like a pretty close heave to to me. I'll try it as soon as I can(late April, early May). Damn!I envy you guys in the South who are on the water while I'm still bottom painting. Regards, Cap'n Jim

 

[Ranger Paul]

Bungee Reefing

I wonder if the same method would work when reefing? I could have tried it today during our scheduled club race down in the flatlands but it is snowing at my house in the Upstate California mountains and I don't think I can get my boat up my 1/8 mile driveway (uphill with a nasty hairpin)! Sigh... Maybe I'll laze in front of the fireplace and read Latitude 38.