Van Gogh Artistic Assist

[Coyote]

I bought both at Home Depot,, NOTHING Fancy,, paint I beleive just some Rust Oleam, Krylon or equivalent,
suitable for metal application, and outdoor --- I don't remember the clear coat, but again, anyone in an orange vest at the Depot can assist!!!
Anything else you need to know about your ODay 28'? I did alot to that gorgeous boat!

 

[Jtcf78911]

Nice. If you don't mind your handle is going right into my resource Rolodex. I have far too many questions to ask being a new boat owner and sailor. I don't want to make a nuisance of myself. Thanks again for the guidance on the signage. I had gone into a stall and was not progressing. It's the little and sometimes big things that kill me. Tom O'Day 28.

 

[Coyote]

ask away Buddy,, happy to help...
Coyote

 

[Jtcf78911]

OK. You asked for it. Unrelated to boat maintenance, am I mistaken to think that once I come out of a tack or gybe my navigation course should have changed by 90°? This never seems to be the case for me. It's always something more. Makes it a little difficult to determine the correct point of course redirection when you're not sure what the resulting course will be. I hope that makes some kind of sense. Thanks. Tom. PS that thought was just kicking around in my head... over and over and over again..... like a broken record

 

[kappykaplan]

On average, yes. On my boat, it's around 110 degrees close hauled using the autopilot, then fine tune. For a gybe, it's 90 degrees on the autopilot.

 

[Davidasailor26]

Like Kappy said, 90 degrees might be a little too close for tacking an O'Day. The exact angle will depend on things like wind speed, seas, sails, etc. Going downwind, there's not necessarily a hard limit like there is upwind. You could sail as far down as about 10 degrees by the lee, then gibe without turning at all. Or you could go broad reach to broad reach, which is probably closer to the 90 degree mark.

 

[jssailem]

Tom. Good question. In general you need to trim to that 90 target or you will not be going up wind very fast. (That is two 45's, one into the wind and one off.) Boats that are highly tuned can do better than the 45 degrees off the wind.
Guessing here but my suspicion is when you make your turn you loose speed during the maneuver. The sails are a little slow in crossing over. When you do get the sails set on the opposite tack your past the 90 degree point. The boat is sluggish so you dip the bow a little further say 110 and the sails start to fill speed comes up and your sailing on your new course.
You have two options. Be satisfied with the format or change it.
First step is boat and rigging. Make sure it has a clean bottom, tiller and rudder are clean lubed and functioning, and standing rigging is tuned with mast vertical and properly raked or bent based on your boat. Next affirm the sails are in good shape (new is nice but not necessary) and are properly raised. Examine your running rigging. Can you get your sails close hauled and do they form the proper shapes.
If this is gibberish get a book on sail trimming, take a class, or ask a friend (preferably someone who races) to take you out for a sail while you crew.
Then take your boat out and practice. Your target is a smooth efficient tack that takes you from 45 on the port side to 45 on the starboard side of the wind direction. Repeat. Repeat. Maintain speed through the tack till you do not need to dip the bow to catch the wind.
Practice and you may find the 90 degrees is old hat. Maybe you will be closer to 80 degrees.

 

[Jtcf78911]

Thanks guys. Geometry never was my strong suit. Speed is not typically my issue as I try to make sure I have at least five knots before I tack and I hold the sail back a bit at midship to have the wind help pull me through the change (hard to put that in words). However, I do seem to overturn quite often and that seems to also put me in no mans land and a good bit beyond the 90°. JS, are you moored in Salem Harbor? I live on a BHC mooring and use SWT for boat shuttle services. Best. Tom.

 

[jssailem]

Tom, I would truly enjoy going sailing and exploring the fun. But alas, I am over 3,000 miles to the west in Salem OR. I sail in the beauty of the Pacific NW. My boat is moored in Everett WA and I'm headed there next week. If you catch a plane to Seattle, I could share the wonders of Puget Sound sailing. A cautionary note, some folks have ventured out here and have been known to not go home.
Fair sailing. I figure there will be a trip east for me in the next couple of years and hope I can find a sailor or two to explore their waters.

 

[Davidasailor26]

I hold the sail back a bit at midship to have the wind help pull me through the change (hard to put that in words). However, I do seem to overturn quite often and that seems to also put me in no mans land and a good bit beyond the 90°.

If you're coming into the tack with good speed then you shouldn't need to back the sail to help turn. Just break the old sheet off once the headsail is luffing and you might find it's easier to hold your new course once the sail starts to fill on the other side.

If you have a windvane at the top of the mast then you should be able to use it to help make sure you're pointing as high as you should be. Before a tack the tail of the vane should be aligned with one of the tabs. After you tack and come back up to speed the tail should be aligned with the other tab.

 

[jssailem]

As David said... The windvane tabs are a useful tool. They are usually set about 45 degrees off center, unless they have been sat on by Kermit's Osprey friend or run in to a low bridge....

 

[Jtcf78911]

I'll have to look a bit closer for the wind vane tabs. They could be up there and I wouldn't even have noticed - still learning my boats anatomy... Tx. guys. T.