Thomas B. Miller
New Member
I bought a 1982 Spindrift Rascal from a man who did not know how to rig or maintain it. I replaced all the dry rotted wood and rearranged the sheets and halliards, but in the 2 times I have had it out, I cannot get it to point up. I tacked back and forth many times, but kept getting closer to a lee shore. The second time out I wound up in the water- and this boat, with a 6' beam, is NOT easy to right. I lowered the sails and hung my 190 lbs on the centerboard with no luck at all. I was only in chest deep water, so I was able to walk it over to a dock and get help, but if it would point I wouldn't have needed it.
Should I add weight to the centerboard? It is wooden- teak, I think- and so light it doesn't help stability except with lateral water resistance.
Why won't it tack to windward? Should I adjust the stays to rake the mast either forward or back? All I can get is a 90 degree broad reach, and lose some every time I come about.
Should I add weight to the centerboard? It is wooden- teak, I think- and so light it doesn't help stability except with lateral water resistance.
Why won't it tack to windward? Should I adjust the stays to rake the mast either forward or back? All I can get is a 90 degree broad reach, and lose some every time I come about.
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