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Safe A-cat landing #276163
11/09/14 02:06 AM
11/09/14 02:06 AM
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 337
Arizona
AzCat Offline OP
enthusiast
AzCat  Offline OP
enthusiast

Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 337
Arizona
I am thinking about getting an a-cat but have a couple concerns.
the lake that I sail on most, and , that has the best winds in the area, has a shoreline that consists mostly of rock, some jagged rock, boulders, shards of jagged rock, lava, and what we call Arizona sand, which is anything smaller than 1" in dia.
The reason I want an acat, is so that I can single hand when I don't have crew for the I20. Or when I don't want crew for the I20. Also easy setup, and it's an A-CAT!
I am having a hard time wrapping my head around how I am going to land the boat without taking some real chances of destroying the boat. Winds can also be switchy and puffy. Also in the summer, dust devils.
I thought about mooring beach wheels off shore etc.
Coming ashore is scaring the hell out of me!

Anyone have a similar situation and some tips?


Auscat MKV 444 A class
NACRA I-20- 440/CATHATKA
-- Have You Seen This? --
Re: Safe A-cat landing [Re: AzCat] #276166
11/09/14 06:09 AM
11/09/14 06:09 AM
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,383
Kingston SE South Australia
JeffS Offline
veteran
JeffS  Offline
veteran

Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,383
Kingston SE South Australia
How do you get your Nacra's on shore? In theory the A Class being lighter should be a piece of cake to drag up the beach once your on the beach wheels


Jeff Southall
Current boats
Nacra 5.8 1703 Animal Scanning Services
Nacra 5.8 1667 Ram Raider
Nacra 18 Square
Arrow 1576
Re: Safe A-cat landing [Re: AzCat] #276167
11/09/14 08:53 AM
11/09/14 08:53 AM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,049
Sebring, Florida.
Timbo Offline
Carpal Tunnel
Timbo  Offline
Carpal Tunnel

Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,049
Sebring, Florida.
With crew obviously, one guy holds the boat while the other gets the beach wheels, but solo it's not so easy to do both at the same time.

Is it a shallow run up to the rocks, or does it get deep quickly?

If it's shallow, you could moor the wheels (and hope someone doesn't take them while you're out sailing) or perhaps bring a 8'x 8' scrap of rug to lie on the 'beach' at the water's edge where you can park the boat on the rug while you get the wheels.

OR...place an anchor (a cinder block) with a small float and a line on it just off the beach, where you can tie the boat when you come back, then go get your wheels.


Blade F16
#777
Re: Safe A-cat landing [Re: AzCat] #276168
11/09/14 09:12 AM
11/09/14 09:12 AM
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 12,310
South Carolina
Jake Offline
Carpal Tunnel
Jake  Offline
Carpal Tunnel

Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 12,310
South Carolina
Cary a small mushroom anchor and a fender. Before launching, wade out and set the anchor with the fender tied to it some safe distance from shore. Wheel your a-cat into the water and wrap the fender around one of the forestays at the hull. Take your wheels up the beach while the boat just swings on the anchor. Do the reverse when coming in. I've done this quite a bit when launching the a-cat by myself.


Jake Kohl
Re: Safe A-cat landing [Re: Jake] #276169
11/09/14 10:12 AM
11/09/14 10:12 AM
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,355
Key Largo, FL and Put-in-Bay, ...
RickWhite Offline

Carpal Tunnel
RickWhite  Offline

Carpal Tunnel

Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,355
Key Largo, FL and Put-in-Bay, ...
Also what we have found in solo sailing a Wave is to get a handle for the wheels. That way you can stay in front of the boat and with the handle slide the wheels under. No need to go from side to side tying them on. '
The tube that goes on the axle comes with bearings so the cradles always go upside down, which is a hassle. So, what we all did was set the cradles right side up and drill all the way through and put in a bolt. That way the cradles are always right side up.


Here is the link for the handle:
http://www.onlinemarinestore.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=14184&idcategory=
Rick


Rick White
Catsailor Magazine & OnLineMarineStore.com
www.onlinemarinestore.com
Re: Safe A-cat landing [Re: AzCat] #276170
11/09/14 11:15 AM
11/09/14 11:15 AM
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 337
Arizona
AzCat Offline OP
enthusiast
AzCat  Offline OP
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 337
Arizona
Ok, some additional info here. In the mornings, the wind always comes from the north. I always set on the lee side of whatever area I choose for obvious reasons. Problem is. The wind generally switches 180*mid day. That's approximate. Sometimes the wind changes closer to 90*. So what was the lee shore, is now windward shore ore parallel shore.
Depending on water level, sometimes I can find an area that has a gradual slope, sometimes not. Due to the lake being a reservoir, water levels fluctuate fifty feet over the course of a year. So, different times of the year, we launch from different areas. Sometimes I can find a gradual slope. Other times the water will be chest deep 8' off shore.
With the old cats this wasn't a huge issue. I could bring the cat in find a softish spot and plan on a bottom job once in a while. The I20 , I usually have crew to hold the boat while I get the beach wheels. Depending on wind direction and water depth this can be a bit hairy at times, but the inter can handle bumping a rock. I also have thick foam pads that I beach the boat on. Also, the boat weighs enough that if there is a weird puff, it will stay put till I can roll up the main.
A carbon fiber a cat on the on the other hand , am I over thinking this?
What my mind wants is to have a simple single handed sailing solution. And what my mind is ending up with is a boat survivability nightmare.

Last edited by azcat; 11/09/14 11:17 AM.

Auscat MKV 444 A class
NACRA I-20- 440/CATHATKA
Re: Safe A-cat landing [Re: AzCat] #276171
11/09/14 11:29 AM
11/09/14 11:29 AM
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 13
S
sasha Offline
stranger
sasha  Offline
stranger
S

Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 13
When landing on a lee shore: make a transit of the beach and select a spot to land, sail to a point directly up wind of that spot and bring the boat head to wind, stop, bring up all the foils, uncleat the sail, position yourself as far forward as possible bringing the transoms out of the water. The boat will drift slowly to the selected landing point. Step off and tie the boat to your mooring.

Last edited by sasha; 11/09/14 11:37 AM.
Re: Safe A-cat landing [Re: sasha] #276172
11/09/14 01:01 PM
11/09/14 01:01 PM
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 337
Arizona
AzCat Offline OP
enthusiast
AzCat  Offline OP
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 337
Arizona
I think you may have missed my point . Big sharp rocks. Lee?


Auscat MKV 444 A class
NACRA I-20- 440/CATHATKA
Re: Safe A-cat landing [Re: AzCat] #276173
11/09/14 01:22 PM
11/09/14 01:22 PM
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 13
S
sasha Offline
stranger
sasha  Offline
stranger
S

Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 13
When the wind is blowing toward land. In that case it can be hard to stop the boat, so if you drift down slowly you'll have more control. Same procedure leaving shore with a strong wind behind you.

Big sharp rocks? If you were able to launch over them then what's to stop you from landing? If you come in slowly with control where is the danger?

Re: Safe A-cat landing [Re: AzCat] #276174
11/09/14 01:25 PM
11/09/14 01:25 PM
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 337
Arizona
AzCat Offline OP
enthusiast
AzCat  Offline OP
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 337
Arizona
I guess I'll just have to see how it goes. I just dont want to get the boat messed up. Submerging the trailer and tying it down that way is also an option. I don't like submerging the axels for long periods either. I guess re packing the bearings is cheap in comparison to potential damage.


Auscat MKV 444 A class
NACRA I-20- 440/CATHATKA
Re: Safe A-cat landing [Re: AzCat] #276175
11/09/14 01:57 PM
11/09/14 01:57 PM
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 13
S
sasha Offline
stranger
sasha  Offline
stranger
S

Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 13
Lots of floating docks on the market. A cats are light, shouldn't take much to knock one (dock) together.

https://www.google.com/search?q=diy...=tblfVMmAFoXmsAT81YCYCg&ved=0CDsQsAQ

Last edited by sasha; 11/09/14 02:01 PM.
Re: Safe A-cat landing [Re: AzCat] #276177
11/09/14 02:11 PM
11/09/14 02:11 PM
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 337
Arizona
AzCat Offline OP
enthusiast
AzCat  Offline OP
enthusiast

Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 337
Arizona
Can't put a dock on this lake. I would need to take it home when I leave


Auscat MKV 444 A class
NACRA I-20- 440/CATHATKA
Re: Safe A-cat landing [Re: AzCat] #276178
11/09/14 02:16 PM
11/09/14 02:16 PM
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 13
S
sasha Offline
stranger
sasha  Offline
stranger
S

Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 13
Your problem is insoluble.

Re: Safe A-cat landing [Re: AzCat] #276179
11/09/14 06:35 PM
11/09/14 06:35 PM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,049
Sebring, Florida.
Timbo Offline
Carpal Tunnel
Timbo  Offline
Carpal Tunnel

Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,049
Sebring, Florida.
And yes, you are overthinking this...


Blade F16
#777
Re: Safe A-cat landing [Re: AzCat] #276180
11/09/14 07:21 PM
11/09/14 07:21 PM
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,969
B
brucat Offline
Carpal Tunnel
brucat  Offline
Carpal Tunnel
B

Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,969
This is one of the better threads we get here. Lots of practical info to address a real cat sailing problem. Keep the ideas coming guys; and azcat, don't be afraid to keep asking questions until you're comfortable with a solution.

Mike

Re: Safe A-cat landing [Re: AzCat] #276182
11/09/14 11:47 PM
11/09/14 11:47 PM
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 890
Dunedin Causeway, FL
David Parker Offline
old hand
David Parker  Offline
old hand

Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 890
Dunedin Causeway, FL
[Linked Image]

Re: Safe A-cat landing [Re: AzCat] #276183
11/10/14 02:38 AM
11/10/14 02:38 AM
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 858
Victoria Australia
Pirate Offline
old hand
Pirate  Offline
old hand

Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 858
Victoria Australia
Originally Posted by azcat
.... am I over thinking this? ....


yep & in a BIG way !!! grin


Your launching from multiple areas isn't doing you any favours at all either, be better to use one or two main areas and get to know those spots much better, even clearing unwanted debris from them will make your life much easier in the longrun

Its also a bit odd to me that "With the old cats this wasn't a huge issue" .... so why is it a sudden issue with a new cat ???
So I take it that you didn't take much care of the old boat and are treating the new one with kid's gloves ???
Just how bad are the scratches etc on the old boats eek

As for a cure.....

I launch from a couple of ugly beaches too although their issues aren't like your lava lake problems they do have issues that aren't at all 'hull friendly'.....
Might I suggest you head down to the local carpet wholesaler and ask for some old carpet, these companies often do large job-lot replacements, and will 9 times out of 10 simply trash the old stuff, at the lake simply roll the carpet out into the water and forget it, over time the carpet will trap the finer "sands or silts", it will assist with aquatic vegetation growth whilst it makes the sharpness of the volcanic stone much more tolerable to sit a boat on and walk on too, the best bit is it will slowly breakdown over time and wont be an issue to the environment as it does so....

If you cant leave the carpet there for what ever reason, then try for a synthetic carpet,(like they use in outdoor sporting venues) this wont "water-log" as such and once the boat is on the cradle the carpet could be rolled up and stowed on the trailer to do the final draining as you packup

I use a couple of 'strips' of shag-pile carpet, each bit is around 5metres long by a metre wide (~6yards by a yard), it works a treat and is cheap as chips
wink




Yar, & this ere post be done without a sin'le drop o' rum passin' me lips

Kingy
started with Impara Cadet #3 / Mosquito #245
& now Mosquitos #1182 & #1740

Re: Safe A-cat landing [Re: AzCat] #276186
11/10/14 08:24 AM
11/10/14 08:24 AM
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 382
SE MI / NE IN
rehmbo Offline
enthusiast
rehmbo  Offline
enthusiast

Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 382
SE MI / NE IN
"so why is it a sudden issue with a new cat?"
It's a longshot here, but I'm guessing the previous boats were all double-handed where he had someone to hold the boat.


Jeff R

H18, C2 USA1193
cramsailing.com
crescentsail.com
Re: Safe A-cat landing [Re: AzCat] #276188
11/10/14 11:28 AM
11/10/14 11:28 AM
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,658
Florida Suncoast, Dunedin Caus...
catman Offline
Pooh-Bah
catman  Offline
Pooh-Bah

Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,658
Florida Suncoast, Dunedin Caus...
Simple........ Move to a better place to sail.


Have Fun
Re: Safe A-cat landing [Re: Pirate] #276189
11/10/14 01:25 PM
11/10/14 01:25 PM

M
MN3
Unregistered
MN3
Unregistered
M



Originally Posted by Pirate
at the lake simply roll the carpet out into the water and forget it, over time the carpet will trap the finer "sands or silts", it will assist with aquatic vegetation growth whilst it makes the sharpness of the volcanic stone much more tolerable to sit a boat on and walk on too, the best bit is it will slowly breakdown over time and wont be an issue to the environment as it does so....


that may be one solution but unless you own the lake, that's called criminal dumping and in Maricopa County AZ. is a crime with up to 6 months imprisonment & $2,500 fine or to one year if charged as a Class 6 Felony –

Also carpet is typically made of plastics and nylons... not exactly free of "issue to the environment" - i would be pissed if someone threw that in my local waterways

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