Install a daggterboard retainer cord.How can I keep the daggerboard down in place?
I had the same problem with my daggerboard. It doesn't matter which way the daggerboard is installed. I suspect that the metal clip is not bowed enough, making it too narrow for the daggerboard trunk, so the clip doesn't grib well. Installing a daggerboard retaining strap was the only solution that worked for me. Laser Performance sells a daggerboard retainer strap for about $20, but all it is is a bungee with two custom clips. You can use a $2 long shock cord, stretched from the bow handle, back around the daggerboard, then forward again to the bow handle.Turn it around and put it in the right way![]()
You got it.I can just get some ? 3/16 shock cord and make a loop that ties to the bow 'andle and snugs against the aft end of the wooden DB (friction).
You might have to play with the shock cord length a little before you find the right tension.So, this will then keep the db in position -- partway up, all up, etc.?
The shock cord should double as a tether. It should also keep the board from sliding out of the slot to begin with.Then, (ahem) do I also hook on a leash or keeper to keep it from floating away should I capsize? Can I make a hole in the wooden DB? Top cap or vertical wood near top?
Nothing magic, brummel clips (aka sister clips) are just a quick way to hook together two ends of a line. A loop tied in one end and a snap clip tied on the other works too. Heck, a square knot works, it's just a pain to untie at the end of the day.What do those two Bromel hooks do? What do I miss if I forego them?
. . . "the Sunfish "falls-off" instead "I have the board raised about three inches all the time. Gusts doen't threaten a capsize so readily—the Sunfish "falls-off" instead.
1) What am I "giving up" in sailing to windward in moderate breezes?
2) Is the ability to "pinch" around buoys significantly reduced? (I can't tell).![]()
In stronger wind, the boat side-slips or gets turned off the wind. At lower wind speeds the boat stalls in irons at a lower angle to the wind direction. Both these conditions make beating to windward arduous with many low angle tacks. The boat refuses to point higher than the low to mid region of what would normally be considered close reaching. Now the upper region of close reaching has become the boat's new pinching limit.![]()
Because of the difference in pressure between the two sides of the sail created by the Bernouli effect, the boat is pulled in the direction of A. If we break down A into two parts, we get two “forces” in the directions of B and C. Since the keel (underwater wing) at the bottom of the boat checks the “force” that tries to move the boat in the direction of C, the boat has no choice but to move in the direction of B.
Close-hauled: To sail a boat as close to the wind as possible.
Pinching: Entering the no-sail-zone or sailing just on the boarder to it.
Would keeping the board raised about three inches—while sailing to windward in gusty conditions—reduce the inconvenience of capsize sufficiently to make it worthwhile to the recreational sailor?In stronger wind, the boat side-slips or gets turned off the wind.
There are two issues, heel and sideslip. If the wind is below a certain threshold you will sideslip, above that threshold the boat cannot react fast enough so, lacking some of the below water resistance, you will heel over more rapidly.Would keeping the board raised about three inches—while sailing to windward in gusty conditions—reduce the inconvenience of capsize sufficiently to make it worthwhile to the recreational sailor?![]()
This reduction in counter-leverage to the wind’s force against the sail will affect all points of sail to windward commensurate with wind strength.Or, if loaned a board three inches "short", at which points of sail would I notice lackluster performance—given (each) light, moderate, and heavy winds?![]()
On a race course it would make a difference, but if you're sailing recreationally, I think you'd be fine.The previous owner shimmed the trunk satisfactorily: the board is stiff, but works OK.
However, my question is related to having a board "floating".
I have the board raised about three inches all the time. Gusts doen't threaten a capsize so readily—the Sunfish "falls-off" instead.
1) What am I "giving up" in sailing to windward in moderate breezes?
2) Is the ability to "pinch" around buoys significantly reduced? (I can't tell).![]()