HERE GOES
Allen: 1. If you routinely sail in 8-12 knots, then you may even want to opt for a 150% geona. The bigger sail will really help performance in those lighter winds. You don't say if you've got roller furling, but if you do, then you could specify a foam luff which would allow efficient reefing from 150% to around 130%. If you go with the 135% then you can reef to approx. 110%. I bought new sails from Quantum Sails last spring, and was very happy with their service and workmanship. Your local sailmaker (Quantum or anyone else) will have a much better idea of what size sail would work best for you. 2. I have used the ST-4000 for the last 15 years and it is one of the best things I ever got for the boat! It does a very good job when upwind to a broad reach and tracks well under power. It doesn't do well directly downwind under either sail or power, especially when there is a sea running (of course, few if any autopilots do well there either!). 3. I've never used davits, but am considering them for my new Catalina 400. Lots of options out there. Look around the web. The big advantage of course ease of launching, but at the expense of a bit of weight aft (will cause the boat to porpose a bit more) and a cluttered stern (inability for those spur of the moment "swim calls" on hot summer days (OOPS, forgot you are in New England!). 4. As for running rigging. Do you mean "standing" rigging, eg the wire stays? If so, I'd either use my local rigger to ensure you get exactly what you want, fitted to YOUR boat or do the job myself. Really not all that hard and there are any number of manufacturers out there for the do-it-yourselfer (talk to your local West Marine center folks). If you really were talking about running rigging, then I'd definitely do the job myself. Simply remove each halyard/sheet, replace with a messenger (DON'T FORGET THAT STEP...TRUST ME!!!), and then get the same size/length line to replace. Piece of cake! Good luck. Sounds like you've got lots to work on over the winter!' Tim Leighton (S. Chesapeake Bay)
