windancer55 said:I have two different rudders for my S-12 boats. Depending on your resources, it may be possible to make a replacement. I would be happy to send you pictures of these rudders and measurements.
It is just good to see someone else messing around with these boats!
dkampenhout said:I just bought one of these on e-bay a few days ago. Mine is made of fiberglass, and I think was made in 1977. I took her out on the lake yesterday and had a great time. Seems like a sturdy boat, and I'm looking forward to many fine days of sailing ahead.
The person I bought it from showed me some pictures which showed the boat rigged with a jib. Anyone know where I could find more information about how to jib rig my Alpex s-12?
Hunting?While looking for tax papers, I found the boating article I'd been saving. Because the information comes from the 70s, there's little mention of this aluminum catamaran. (I would like to have given it a chance!)
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On this rig is the rigging tied to the rudder?A bit off the subject, but about 1970, a manufacturer made an all-aluminum 18-foot catamaran. (The name began with the word "Sea-?????—"Sea-Squirt"?). Like the Hobie 16 catamarans, it had no boards, and relied on the hull shape to go to windward.
Same complaint as above—too heavy.
More info on the AlumaCraft S-12:
Alumacraft fiberglass sailboat
The rig pictured is called a Gunter rig—a modified gaff rig. The hull itself (in fiberglass) is like a scow-class sailboat—which is to say—they do sail quickly!
I just noticed this thread began in 2004!
It appears so: Like the Porpoise II, that location returns the tiller back to your hand.On this rig is the rigging tied to the rudder?
1) What is the diameter of the spar you want to connect to?Hello,
1. Where can I find the plastic sail hoops that attach the sail to the mast? Will sunfish hoops fit?
2. Ive seen pictures of the jib but how do you attach it correctly and how do you sail with the jib on a S-12?
3. Is it possible to sand the top and bottom of the haul and refinish? Or is it better to leave it alone? I don’t mind putting the time and effort in.
Thanks in advance as I hope to locate some fellow owners who want to share thoughts.
oh the attached pictures are from today when I took it out for the maiden voyage. I haven’t sailed since I was 12 and things went pretty smoothly.
Chris
1) What is the diameter of the spar you want to connect to?
Dollar Tree stores sell shower curtain rings that might fit.
2) Given the blocks' (pulley) attachment points, a jib should be easy to reconstruct. It will overlap the mainsail, and give more power than it's size would suggest. There should be holes for additional jib blocks' (pulley) attachment-points on the deck and the top of the mast. (But not the upper spar).
At the aft-end of the boom, there should be a hole there for tensioning the foot (clew) of the sail. If not, I'd drill one.
Some members describe lateen (Sunfish) sails on their S-12s. A jib isn't going to work then. The gunter rig (pictured) will support a jib.
Sailing with a jib will be intuitive.
Thank you for the details. There seems to be a block (cork screw shaped attachment) on the deck aft of the mast, on each side of the deck. I’m not sure if these are for the jib. There is a horizontal cleat (sp?) in front and behind the mast that I tie in the rope when I raise the main sail. There are also two vertical cleats mounted behind the mast inside the boat. There is also a block (cork screw shaped attachment) on the top of the mast.
I guess at this point I should post more pictures.
I don’t know how intuitive sailing with the jib will be. I seem to struggle when turning with the main sail as it is. At the end of the day I don’t need the jib. I’m just curious. And I need some lessons. I sailed when I was around 12 but I didn’t retain much and as I am older I’m finding this boat is for someone more limber.
As for the mast hooks I’m not sure if dollar tree will work. The mast is like 3” in diameter and the two hoops I have left seem to be able to handle the tension needed to hold the sail. Every mast hoop I find online is for a sunfish. I guess I need to figure out the mast diameter for a sunfish.
thanks again for the information you provided.
Chris
HI, Did you ever find a source for those Mast Hoops for the Alumacraft S12? I have been looking for that item for a few years.Did you ever find mast hoops that worked? My plastic ones have disintegrated and I've been using zip ties. I was hoping to find some new ones. I've had my boat since 1986, but I was only 10 when I got it and I'm not sure where my Dad got my hoops from.