Recent content by Steve in Idaho

Seems you are approaching two separate issues here. Stability of vessels is a very thoroughly studied subject, and - to oversimplify - is a product of hull shape and load distribution. Marine architects know how to design a boat for stability, at the expense of forward efficiency - and...

Ron - I think I may have a line on someone who can repair the mast. He's out of town until next Monday, so it will be after that before I can talk to him in detail. I'll keep you in mind if it doesn't look good.

Had a little dumb accident I don't want to go into details about - but the result is the mast on my C-Lark 14 is broken about 2' from the top. It's a clean break, and hanging on by one side. Can this be welded - or am I looking at a new mast? If a new mast is required, what are my options - or...

Hi. I just acquired a C-Lark 14. It looks complete and the hull and sails are in good shape. Needs a little work on the wood parts, and some minor odds&ends. Does anybody know of a source for info about rigging this sailboat? I have only sailed a Snark and a Sunfish up 'til now, so my...

Just take her sailing ASAP. Worked for me. :)

Thank you! That is the information I needed. I will sand and refinish the round-bottom board over this winter and hang on to the other one as a spare or stock for a rudder. Thanks again, guys!

Good idea. I was going through all my mahogany stock on hand, and found none thick enough for a spare rudder. So, can the original-profile DB be improved any - or should I just use it as-is?

Hi folks. I have two dagger boards. One is the original board that came with my '75 Sunfish that I bought earlier this year. It seems to have a little "modification" at the tip of the leading edge, where it must have been damaged at some point. About three inches of the blade have been...

You might want to read this thread... http://www.sunfishforum.com/showthread.php?t=34889

Does sound like you have a handle on it. If you go with a splash top, make sure you get one with a good system to seal the bottom around your wetsuit so it won't ride up when you fall in.

In the low 60's isn't too bad if you aren't paddling hard. ;) Breath-ability is a must though. When I am wearing mine in warmer weather, I have just a thin synthetic layer underneath for wicking - and I work up from there as the temps drop. No cotton...none. Anything above low 60's and...

Those spring temps should concern you. I have done some experimenting - enough to know that 40-50° water can render my feet and ankles uncontrollable in a very short time (a few minutes). I never bothered to see how the rest of my body would do. But these guys did...

Good on you for thinking about dressing for immersion. As I mentioned in the other thread about launching in cold weather, my experience as a year-round paddler proves out the wisdom of being prepared for the unplanned swim - according to the weather and the water temps. My opinion on the...

Coming at this from the angle of a river-runner (canoe)...I'm a little surprised that no one has keyed in on the fact that the OP is talking about launching in cold water and/or weather. In paddling circles, we talk a lot about dressing for immersion. If it's too cold to get wet when you...

I first took sailing lessons at age 15. Wasn't long before I "learned" to do this quite by accident. Found it to be quite repeatable. Didn't sail again until recently and I haven't tried it yet with my own Sunfish... The "stirrup" has been used by sea kayakers with good success, from what...