G'day fellas,
Mozzy# 1365 finally hit the water again just before xmas after more than two years in someone's back yard. I'd sanded and repainted the decks, fitted new inspection ports,tramp,trap wires, jib sheets and the heavy,rusty steel tiller bar that was also about 3 inches too long. After the first sail with the two kids on board I replaced the snapped outhaul and the rudder lockdown system with something that worked. After the next time out, replaced all the screws and bolts that weren't stainless steel and attacked the rudder blades and centreboards with the plane and sander to make them a bit more hydrodynamic- they were more like planks than foils and one gave off a terrific drumming sound when getting up to about 10 or 12 knots.One centre board also needed a litle repair after hitting a sand bank and sending my 60 something uncle over the front beam and then out the back between the transoms! Yesterday took my dad (75yrs) out on the Broadwater in about 15+ knots and had a ball. Dad used to sail a Mirror he built in 1970 and was spun out by how fast we were going. We went in after 45 minutes and dropped the jib then went out on my own for the first time- what a blast, had the wind hull flying easy most of the time, no noises from the foils, nothing broke, still yet to trap tho.
No racing yet either, still chasing up insurance. When I do at Southport YC there will be A classes, Arrows, various Nacras and Hobie16s to chase.
Drew, I would be keen to head up your way one weekend for a social sail at least, to see what other improvements I can make.
cheers
BJ