First - thanks for all the info on this site. It's amazing how many projects I've enjoyed as a result of online forums the last fifteen years. This forum especially is top notch and I'm excited to share my journey with you all.
I bought the fish last weekend. It's in good shape (I think) and has been kept indoors most its life. I'm the third owner, and as far as I can tell, the halyard and sheet are original, as are the tiller, rudder and centerboard. PO said it's got maybe 25 total trips on it.
There is no main block, nor is there a cleat on the mast - two things at the top of the list it seems. I'm also looking to replace the sheet and halyard - I have 3/8" Samson (lefotver from another project), and this may be a silly question... but does it matter what color the sheets/halyards are? Also, is it advisable to use 3/8" line as a halyard? Seems like 5 mm (aka 3/16") the proper choice.
The sail is worse than I thought, but hopefully serviceable. I'm going to wash it (woolite, vinegar and water), patch it (sail tape, gorilla tape, duct tape, 5200), and treat it (I think) with 303 aerospace treatment (I have a gallon from an Amazon lightning deal I've hardly used). I know just about all these techniques are frowned upon as a budget option, but if the boat flies ok, I'll be shopping for a sail soon enough. I'm not worried about appearance right now, especially if I can save the expense of a sail until winter.
I'm hoping I can test sail with the hardware as-is (including the tiller, rudder and centerboard) and forego the fancy block in favor of the old style "hook" just inside the cockpit.
Service the sail, replace the lines, call out sick and get wet. Dumb idea?
Also considering a couple lessons for confidence - there's a fleet nearby (300 I think, in Dewey Beach, Delaware), and they give lessons. Any members of the RBSA on this forum? I'm considering checking it out for next season.
Oh yeah, pics.. happy Friday!
PS - it's got a boss trailer I'm hoping to stack a couple kayaks on top. Stay tuned.
I bought the fish last weekend. It's in good shape (I think) and has been kept indoors most its life. I'm the third owner, and as far as I can tell, the halyard and sheet are original, as are the tiller, rudder and centerboard. PO said it's got maybe 25 total trips on it.
There is no main block, nor is there a cleat on the mast - two things at the top of the list it seems. I'm also looking to replace the sheet and halyard - I have 3/8" Samson (lefotver from another project), and this may be a silly question... but does it matter what color the sheets/halyards are? Also, is it advisable to use 3/8" line as a halyard? Seems like 5 mm (aka 3/16") the proper choice.
The sail is worse than I thought, but hopefully serviceable. I'm going to wash it (woolite, vinegar and water), patch it (sail tape, gorilla tape, duct tape, 5200), and treat it (I think) with 303 aerospace treatment (I have a gallon from an Amazon lightning deal I've hardly used). I know just about all these techniques are frowned upon as a budget option, but if the boat flies ok, I'll be shopping for a sail soon enough. I'm not worried about appearance right now, especially if I can save the expense of a sail until winter.
I'm hoping I can test sail with the hardware as-is (including the tiller, rudder and centerboard) and forego the fancy block in favor of the old style "hook" just inside the cockpit.
Service the sail, replace the lines, call out sick and get wet. Dumb idea?
Also considering a couple lessons for confidence - there's a fleet nearby (300 I think, in Dewey Beach, Delaware), and they give lessons. Any members of the RBSA on this forum? I'm considering checking it out for next season.
Oh yeah, pics.. happy Friday!
PS - it's got a boss trailer I'm hoping to stack a couple kayaks on top. Stay tuned.