Hi,

I'm about to buy a Blade, but before I order it, I would like some comments on what you guys immediately wanted to change. I can imagine not everything was in the right place.

For exemple:
- Where to put the footstrap?
- Is the cunninghamblock easy to lock ? It seems to low to handle from the wire .... I was thinking of putting a spilock instead.
- The block for mastrotation is also very low to handle from the wire, Hobie FXOne has the block at the same position but it points upward, which makes it easier to use ...

Anyone noticed this also .... Other remarks ? I would like to decide on them before I buy it, instead of drilling other holes in a new boat ...

Oh yeah, are you free to choose you sailingnumber ... ?

Regards,
Gill

Hi Gill,

Great news on buying the Blade!



Still wondering about that one. I tend to end up with my back foot wedged behind the rear beam, and that's reasonably secure, but I'm still considering adding a foot strap.



It is fairly low, but I've not found it a problem.



I assume you mean the cleat? If so, then I've not found it too low. The only problem I've had is that it can be pretty heavy to do when sat in. I've been experimenting with some extra blocks under the tramp to reduce the angles taken by the rope around the grommets. Not sure exactly which boat you've seen: I know that Geert has his cleat in line with the shroud, whereas mine is about a foot further back. I picked up a few thigh bruises on the first couple of sails until I learnt where it was, but I'm used to it now <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

The only thing that I really want to sort out is some tidying of the control lines, especially the downhaul. I'm still figuring out exactly how to do it, but may end up adding some extra grommets to the tramp.

Paul

I have not changed the routes of any control lines. I want to give myself a season to get used the boat and then rethink the placement of controls.

I did add a footstrap and I put it as far aft as I could. Did this by talking to some of the US east coast sailors and they'd wished they placed them further back.

Probably the first change will be rerouting the spi set and retrieve system.

Oh yeah, I forgot about that one. My retrieval line goes through the mast rotation grommet rather than to the block on the back beam. I guess this comes down to personal preference, but I find it much better like this. Here's a photo of the underside of my tramp. You can also see the two extra blocks I've added to give the mast rotation line a cleaner pull (red = spi rope, purple = mast rotation).

Paul

Does the spi retrieval line run pretty smooothly through the grommet? I've never liked having to turn toward the stern to douse the spin, plus you can get on your knees and pull straight up for leverage.....

The only thing I have changes is a few blocks:
Mainsheet, upgraded from Ronstan 6:1 to a Harken Carbo 7:1.
I changed the location of my mast rotation cleats, but I am not very happy with their current location. I am planing a new setup.
I changed my rudder kickup system. The initial kickup system on the blade was a true PITA once it kicked up. I can now release the leeward rudder from the windward hull without moving too much. Its a sweet setup, but expensive.
I also changed the front jib block location. I moved it further aft because at first the line would get caught on the spin pole making it hard to slack or release the jib sheets.
I also removed the self tacker block and now I just have an eye mounted perdendicular to the spin pole.
I added foot straps, they are mounted as far aft as posible as well.
I did have chicken lines for a while, but the setup was not very efficient. I want to install another system, but that is further down the road.

I have done quite a few changes, but nothing substantial. Mostly things that will acomodate my type of sailing.

Future changes are:
Spin retrieval setup. Tom, I would be interested to see how you do yours.
Self centering steering.
Increased purchase on mast rotation line. I also want it to where I can control it from the back of the boat and not from the front.

Yep, no trouble at all, provided that you thread it between the two mast rotation lines. If you get it to one side or the other, you'll have real trouble getting it up or down if you haven't let the mast rotation off. Only made that mistake once...

Paul

Paul,

How difficult would you rate dousing the spi' while racing uni (as compared to the standard setup)?

Terry

tshan,

Could you send me a picture showing where you placed the footstrap. I want to make sure I'm not blocking the rudders, nor being to close to the water ....

Gilo

I find it much easier, but then, I was already used to this setup and only gave the other system a handful of outings before changing it. I'm much happier fiddling with the spi whilst looking where I'm going and what's going on with the sail.

Paul