The outhaul and Cunningham (very old school, no pulleys/blocks) are rather worn and pulling through the cleats (? if due to worn cleat or old line or both)
Many sources for these; but you can also just use some plain old line to make a few wraps around the boom and tie it off with a square knot.There's no clew strap
You definitely need that. Don't want the boat or cockpit filling up with water. Once you identify the one you need, get a spare or two, as they're cheap and these things are easy to lose. Spend a little time figuring out which transom plug you need, as there have been a few different sizes/configurations over the years.and it need a new plug,
Most stuff can be left on the boom, but the old-style rigging, being simpler is still a bit faster to rig.Will the Cunningham and outhaul upgrade allow for easy rigging still - can most be left on the boom?
yesI believe the existing outhaul and Cunningham cleats either get replaced in kit or won't be used so I don't need separate new ones?
either one is fine.Is this a good upgrade kit - I see APS has a different one.
Browse around the web for photos of how others have done it. Basically they use the small "bullet" blocks from harken or other suppliers.Any value in adding a block to the vang - if so what should I get
without going out to my boat, I think I use 1/4"What size shock cord for the centerboard?
If it's windy, you'll definitely appreciate a ratcheting block. I type for a living, my hands are fatigued from a lifetime of typing, and this was the one upgrade I absolutely needed.Is it worth replacing mainsheet block (the one in the cockpit) - the one in the boat works fine, doesn't cleat or ratchet - from what I've read cleating not desirable to most, is ratchet??
A new sail is overkill. You can place an ad/watch for ads on TLF asking for a used regatta sail that will still have much more life left in it than your old one. Also "Intensity" makes a sail that is not legal for class racing but is less than half the cost of a new class legal sail and is just fine for blasting around your local lake. Depending on how old the old one was, I'd probably change my sail for $200 before I blew $200 on outhaul/cunningham upgrades. But if the sail is sturdy enough that you can't tear it with your hands, it's good enough to go sailing with.Sail is old-looking but intact, is a new sail worth it or overkill for my casual needs?
OK, thanks. If it is too weak/small to allow a drill hole then perhaps a shackle secured/lashed around the lower mast and below the vang "tab" ?? I don't have the boat nearby but I can no doubt rig something up.
Hi, I just got an older Laser (probably mid-80's) for free from our cottage neighbour. I'll use it mostly for recreational casual use with one informal race a year at our cottage regatta (small lake in Muskoka). I've done casual sailing for a few years, but no expert. Boat hasn't had much use.
Used it on the weekend and it needs a bit of upgrading. The outhaul and Cunningham (very old school, no pulleys/blocks) are rather worn and pulling through the cleats (? if due to worn cleat or old line or both), there's no clew strap and it need a new plug, other than that works fine and very little leakage, none at mast step. Given the price, I'm happy to spend a little to get in in good shape!
I'm thinking of getting the Vanguard Cunningham and outhaul "Performance Upgrade kit" for 239 cdn, leaving the current vang. Add a clew strap. A few of questions:
I'd appreciate any input or advice from this great group!
- Will the Cunningham and outhaul upgrade allow for easy rigging still - can most be left on the boom?
- I believe the existing outhaul and Cunningham cleats either get replaced in kit or won't be used so I don't need separate new ones?
- Is this a good upgrade kit - I see APS has a different one.
- Any value in adding a block to the vang - if so what should I get
- What size shock cord for the centerboard?
- Is it worth replacing mainsheet block (the one in the cockpit) - the one in the boat works fine, doesn't cleat or ratchet - from what I've read cleating not desirable to most, is ratchet??
- Sail is old-looking but intact, is a new sail worth it or overkill for my casual needs?
Thanks
Mark
lungdoc , where are you located & how much are you selling your old Mistral for ?