This forum is for you! Enjoy
Rick

Thanks Rick,
I will spread the word to the others

Rob

I am looking at a 70's vintage fiberglass hull Shark in real good condition. Hoping for a drier sailing experience than my Hobie 18 and possibly some camping with it in the islands of northern lake Michigan. Would this be a good boat for me? What's a fair price for one? How fast and how much breeze can this thing handle? Thanks much, Marc

I bought the Shark I mentioned above. Could someone send me info on nationals at Put in Bay? I'd like to check it out. thanks, Marc

Check with Christina Perrin
<shark609 at bluefrog.com>

Hi Marc,
Here is the link for information regarding nationals: http://sharkcatamaranclass.org/2009%20invite%20to%20nationals.htm

Hope to meet you there!
Christina

I know a lot about the old sharks and I have parts. Is it an old Gibbs?

Yes it is an old Gibbs. I hope to go to Put in Bay to see how everyone else makes theirs go. Any info on tuning or improvements would be appreciated! thanks

One thing I am having trouble with as a new Shark owner is my mast doesn't rotate well and the base is wanting to spread apart. Does anyone bolt these two halves together? Do you grease it too?

I think you may see that the sharks are using a different base than what you have. Grease will help(an appropriate silicone spray). I know the one shark that i saw that had a split base had a half dollar on it- part for superstitious good luck, and part to help the mast rotate.

The biggest thing to make a shark go fast is new sails. It puts even the older boats up close to the new ones.
Second, check your boards and make sure they are smooth, as well as the rudders. Measure the rudders on the leading edge and trailing edge to be sure they are parallel.
The gaskets underneath need to be in good shape. If they are loose or sloppy, that means drag
Do anything to get excess weight off the boat. The class weight is 450lbs. Fiberglass boats are going to be heavier, but can still be competitive. The flotation foam put in some sharks is notorious for absorbing water over time.

Have fun in Put-in Bay!
Rob