self tacker innovations

Ok, so I'm bored at work. Received the jib from Rick last night and ready to install the system. I know many of you have tweaked your set-ups and am curious what you like best, what doesn't work and any diagrams of blocks, lines etc. Again this is going on a TheMightyHobie18 with curved beam. Would like to keep it as simple as possible and as clean as possible. I have seen self tackers but never sailed with one so please inform me!!! I have the new style system from an '06 I-20.

check the end bolts at the outboard end of the track. They were tapped and screwed in on the one I got, and on day three of sailing with it, it stripped and the car came off of the track and through a brand new jib. The jib was replaced and I thru-bolted the end screw on each side, and have no complaints! A really easy fix for a potential problem that could be avoided. Not sure if this is a specific problem to me, or if it has happened to anyone else.
Chris
accelerated chaos

Im curious to see how it fits on a curved beam....hummmm...
Bring it to CSC New years, we will assemble it around the fire with beer....should work GREAT!

Great idea, lets do something no one has done before and lets drink while at it. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Actually its not a bad idea to get several experienced sailors to look at it and give their ideas. I know Jake would be helpful with this. Maybe I can just send the boat, you guys install everything and then I could pick it up. That sounds good to me. I will be in Myrtle over New Years, kind of a tradition. Great partying can be had in Myrtle.

Windy
i take it that you have got a new jib. Have you changed the mainsail too? Do you think that a square top would work on the 'soft' diamond rig of the TheMightyHobie18?

I find that you only need 2 track positions on a self tacker - In a bit from the end for flat water or right out for rough/windy.

TEAMVMG,
Have Tiger jib now. Allready running Tiger ST main and chute. Put SX mast on, running 500lbs in the diamonds to pre-bend a little. The comptip is certainly an issue with the squaretop. The 18 jib disturbs the main and spin so changing to a self tacker with Tiger jib.

I would think that the Tiger self tacker would have worked better. The one I had you could side the post along the track to help fit the beam and you also could cut the post off to help fit the curved beam. On the N20 self tacker the post do not move and cuting them and making the post fit back in the bracket will be harder. Bring it to CSC over new years I have some battery drills and we all know how I like to drill holes in boats. Maybe Jake can bring a welder

Dave,
I would say you are right. I got quite a deal on this unit as it had been damaged on Trey's new boat. The legs do not slide but can be attached in different areas. I'm not sure if they could be cut down or not. Mt thoughts were that the center recieved less load than the outside so moving the feet to the outer ends and resting the center on the crossbar would work. My S.C. plans for New Years are not set in stone but the spouse, that doesn't want me to race anymore, would have to give the green light. I'm not so confident about that happening.

I'll also have all my parts and equipment with me in Columbia to do this kind of retrofit. Drills, a rather large rivet gun, and a box of toys.

Trey is lying.

You know why?

Because he's a redneck

and rednecks' toolboxes only have two things.

Duct Tape for things that don't stick that ain't stickin

and

WD40 for things that stick that don't need to be stickin

Hope you like duct tape :P

Hey, if you can't duct it, f**k it.

Where I'm from its called Racin' tape. Can hold on at 100mph or better. I've requested the time off to attend this event, don't have clearance yet. When will you guys arive? Where are you staying? I would think its going to be too cool to camp. And is the race one day only? Should I come in Sat or Sun?

Motto from the Duct Tape Council of America:
"Duct tape, because nothing in life is permanent."

David
now A cat and starting over on the learning curve.

Speaking of tape, anyone have experience with this stuff(Gorilla Tape)?
Its looks impressive

If you're really good at using duct tape you can enter a contest. This would be good for junior sailors as there's scholarship money awarded.

http://www.ducktapeclub.com/contests/prom/

I'll be there on Friday sometime to set up the N20. I will probably leave sometime on Sunday evening, possibly Monday morning. So....try to be there all weekend if you can.
I'll be camping regardless of weather.

Wait! what if the distance racing is on Monday! You going to leave me boatless?

Uh oh the natives are restless! :P

NEVER! I don't have to be back at NC State until the 10th...

Man you guys will hijack a thread in a heartbeat. I was looking for the thread on the CSC New Years Regatta when I found this so I'm jumping in here. Weather looks good. Not much breeze but good temps. I'm hoping to get on down there if I don't have to work and if y'all don't mind someone from this close to the Mason Dixon line murking up the spring fed lake down there. Ed

Duct tape, WD and Vise Grips... All set.

Crewdog, come on down, if you have any questions call me. I will pm you my number. What kind of boat are you sailing?

How about some details on this event! Anything on seacats? CSC site? Need to sell the spouse and so far you guys have given me nothing, except your excellent offers to help with my boat. When, what festivities? Free beer? New Years party? Whats up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

www.columbiasailingclub.org has details about the party sunday night, I dont think Im going to it, we usually have our own party and campfire/fireworks on the beach either sat or sunday night. Bring something to grill and some fireworks, and RSVP to the CSC party if you want to go there. Either way will be fun. The Racing will be up to us, were not following thier schedule, but we usually eat the chili and hang out around the fireplace after the racing. I think its like $5 for the racing and chili. I'll buy your beer(if you limit it to 1!)