Singlehanding 14.2 - Need suggestions

frostgfx

New Member
Hello everyone,

Does anyone have suggestions for singlehanding the 14.2.
Rigging changes, trimming/tuning the rig?

Also looking for input about how to rig a cuddy area float bag (if necessary) and a method of organizing lines, PFDs, safety stuff, inside the cuddy so everything is at arms length... I was thinking along the lines of a shower curtain bar or similar glassed into the cuddy, which could be removed by simply screwing in the bar to release tension.

Also looking for suggestions on mounting GPS, VHF and Weather station/Inclinometer to the mast track. Any suggestions (with photos preferable).


Namaste,

Jon Frost
 
Once suggestion I have is to bring the halyard and roller furling jib line (if you have one) into the cockpit so that you have easy access to reduce sail area or take the sails in completely. Also consider a tiller tamer so that you can let go of the tiller if you have to without risking a chance in course.
 
Thanks for the suggestions, I was wondering how to lock the tiller somehow when I have to go forward... Were you referring to the Jib or Main Halyard to bring into the cockpit?

Jon
 
Jon,

My boat has a roller furling jib, and that is why I suggested bringing the furling line into the cockpit. If your boat does not have a roller furling setup, my advice would be to get one if you are going to sail single handed. It makes things a whole lot easier.

I do not know if you can easily take down a halyard based jib from within the cockpit or not. I suppose others will chime in and let us know.
 
Tiller Tamer?

paulsheller said:
Once suggestion I have is to bring the halyard and roller furling jib line (if you have one) into the cockpit so that you have easy access to reduce sail area or take the sails in completely. Also consider a tiller tamer so that you can let go of the tiller if you have to without risking a chance in course.

Can you be more specific about what a tiller tamer is? I have run a bungi cord around the tiller handle and the rear hiking strap as a means of keeping the tiller from moving but I'm sure there is a better way.
 
frankfps said:
Can you be more specific about what a tiller tamer is?

I bought one of these: http://store.hamiltonmarine.com/browse.cfm/4,3014.htm a few years ago. You have to mount it underneath the tiller because the tiller extension is so long, and you need a couple of cleats or eyes along the ends of the stern wall to attach the line.

The advantage is that when you let go of the tiller,it stays in the exact position from when release your hand from it.

The problem with this particular device is that it exerts a tension aft which tends to pull the tiller back out of the mounting bracket on the rudder. I suppose you might be able to mount the cleats forward of the device, but I am not sure that would look very nice or work as well. An alternative solution (my preference) is to secure the tiller to the bracket with a bolt or other arrangement so it does not slip back.

The one I have is a bit noisy, but it works well. If anyone else tries one, let us know what you think about it.
 
I ordered a Tiller Tamer and already have added 6" cleats to the stern and just forward of the shrouds for fenders/mooring/etc. Also added Topping Lift, 1 set of reefing points on mainsail with associated rigging.

I ALWAYS wear my PFD, just like my seatbelt in the car... everytime... all the time. As I am newly separated, I plan to sail local lakes singlehand and when I can find another crew member, on the NE Shoreline from the Cape to the Northern coast of ME.

This being my first boat, I am finding it quite the adventure... from registering/titling (3 trips) to making out a rigging/equipment list (affectionately know as the 'Black Hole' list) and planning for pick up day...maybe next week.

I talked to the previous owner about a couple of items, and I am quite excited to get her on the water soon. Her name will be "Namaste".

If anyone is local to Western, MA... PM me if you want to go sailing in Pittsfield, Lee or in Northfield, MA sometime.

I really appreciate all the input and great ideas/suggestions.

Namaste,

Jon
 
Cleats

I noticed you said you added Cleats just forward of the Shrouds.

Pay careful attention as you dont want them interfering with the Jib or the Jib Sheets.

My Jib hugs the deck and anything stiicking up between the Shrouds and Forestay would invite a hang up during a tack.

Fairwinds and Good sailing , Rob
 
Rather than use a cleat near the shrouds, I just fasten a line to the eye hook where the shrouds attach. When I am sailing I leave the line in the cockpit. When I get to the dock, the first thing I do is attach this line to the cleat on the dock.
 
Why dfidn't I think of that...?

I believe the cleats forward of the shrouds are far enough forward to avoid the jib sheets. I'll have to wait and see. The marina didn't seem wary of my wanting to add cleats there... If needed, I'll remove them and pulg the holes. I'm used to bigger boats which have cleats in this location, so was working auto pilot when I made out my work list.

With any luck, I'll have Namaste in my yard later this week for check out and outfitting.

Has anyone seen a spec sheet for the 14.2 similar to that for the Precision P185? It lists the lenth of all lines, shrouds, etc. Would be nice to have that info for the 14.2!

Adios...

Jon
 
Thanks for the suggestions... I picked her up yesterday and trailered home last night. Have everything laid out and working on final outfitting. Found 2 Herniations in the main halyard, so want to replace aSAP. Does anyone know the length and size/type of line to use... original looks like nylon, maybe 5/16' diam.

I ordered the C14 Assoc. Manual, so hope that arrives shortly. Planning first sail for Monday at Laurel Lake in Lee, MA.

I know she's only a sailing dinghy, but... since I am single handing most of the time, I wanted to add touches to make it simple for me to sail and dock. As it turns out, the forward cleats weren't installed... so much the better.

A soapy wash this morning (before the rain) and a wax (after the rain) and she'll be the belle of the ball..


Jon Frost
 
Single Handed

I am almost always going single. No problem, just try to tune the rig before setting the sails. You don't need much trimming on the cunningham and boom vang; once setuped it's good for the journey except you want to go competition/regatta. Then you will need 4 hands.
 

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