Recent content by klemsaba

I rigged something similar for my wife on her Sunfish and works well.

I started messing around with this last year along with a longer 1/4” mainsheet. I think it’s nice in high wind. Lighter wind I go back to my regular mainsheet because the 2:1 setup requires a lot more length and is a pain to manage in light wind. I don’t use the traveler block. I think I have...

Two people on a Sunfish in 20+ kt wind is no big deal. Just need to teach the new sailor how to move properly on the boat when tacking and let them know in advance everything that could happen.

Two cam cleats would get in the way if you ever take someone sailing with you. Ouch!

Looks like about a mile in that part of the lake. With the wind from the N/NW you’ll have plenty of room sailing and practicing your skills. Since this is your second sailing adventure, stay away from the jetty/dam rocks. For sure you’ll need to take on the gap eventually, but save it for...

Wood is the old standby. All 3 of my tillers are wood and original from ‘83, ‘74, and ‘68. I don’t know if the aluminum ones are better or worse. It’s hard to tell from the photo in the link but I would think it should just swap out with one single bolt currently used on the rudder blade.

Welcome! That’s a homemade tiller probablly from some sort of painting handle. I would be concerned how well it would hold up in stronger winds especially when extended. A proper tiller and extension with a universal joint would be safer and more convenient in all types of conditions.

My Battlestick is 37”. I cut mine down from a larger one off a different boat. I had no idea so just guessed on the length. My wife and daughter have 33” Battlesticks on their Sunfish. Everyone that sails my boat complains about the setup. I complain about the shorter extensions. Everyone is...

I wouldn’t tell people how to determine if you are in trouble. What if the blinking light didn’t work or you were under the sail? I don’t want to train other boaters to ignore sailboats. Let them come over to check on you. A quick “I’m good. Thanks for checking!” is all that is needed. Or ask...

I like it when it’s around 15 gusting to 20.

Wow. Paradise!

I have the Intensity cleats on 3 boats and they do work but I wish it was a little bigger.

Yes, the old style rudder can be popped back in place with the tiller and a little practice. The trick is lining up centered with the bracket. There’s a screw that adjusts the tension as well. Waiting? The new rudder sails a lot better and a boat will eventually come along but it will probably...

Front part of the cockpit next to the mainsheet. Let her hold and control the mainsheet as well! The cockpit edge is a good to grab. Also let her try working the tiller. That’s how I started with my daughter when she was barely eight. Lighter winds of course.

A Sunfish without a bailer? Could be worse. Try an Opti without a bailer! I feel sorry every time I see a kid bailing out their swamped boat.