Follow up... I drilled out the bolts on the old block to get it off, and put a new block on by hanging it off the two braces that extend from the top of the mast to hold the top of the backstay. I drilled a hole through the braces, and put a 1/2" bolt through the shackle on the block. I hope th...

The top picture is good, but where your bolts are inside the mast structure, mine are in the slot where the sail slugs go.

Build my own tool? I see this as an exciting opportunity.

Thanks.

--john

I am replacing the halyard block at the top of the mast on my 26S. The previous (and still current) block is bolted through the lip on the slot, affording very little working room. I've drilled out the old screws to get the block off, and then cut some of the bolt shank but it is tough to get the ha...

We spent an hour or so yesterday practicing MOB drills. While I think the figure 8 is a good way to get back to the victim, we found that heaving-to stops the boat within easy swimming distance (provided the victim is in good shape, other than being a bit wet). My crew is good but not confident at t...

I would 100% take ASA 103 and 104. Find a school where you live aboard the training boat.

I think those classes will give you the confidence to take (reasonable) risks, because you'll know how to prepare.

I'd also take ASA 105 (navigation).

--interim

Just want to jump back in because my first post was a bit ambiguous. The genny is sheeted tight to windward. If we are sailing on a starboard tack, we turn to starboard but leave the genny alone. It is full, stable, and backwinded. The main moves over to the starboard side (port tack), but is trimme...

We have a 94 26S, and heave to quite a bit. In fact, we also consider it a safety technique. If the captain goes overboard and the first mate is overwhelmed, asking them to do a figure 8 is too much. Heave-to, and I can swim to the boat. We do it with our board down, tiller to the lee, and 135% genn...

I think gusts and shifts are part of inland lake life. I agree that the problem isn't heeling; the problem is the constant change. That is what makes crew and passengers uncomfortable. We can sail along at 15-17 degrees of heel, and everyone is happy as long as it stays there. I don't know that in a...

hard to tell, but the coach top looks like the wrong profile.

--interim

if you are handy with marline and a needle, tie a loop on one bitter end and do the same on the other halyard, but with the loops intersecting. This is similar to whipping a line, but you are left with a free loop on the end. It is strong, flexible, and no bigger diameter than the halyard. --interim

Do you have a battery selector, so you can preserve one battery for staring the engine and the other runs the "house"?

--interim

I have a 9.9 on my 26s. I step in the motor well, and raise the bracket. Then reach to the back of the motor head, and tilt it up to get the prop all the way out of the water. The weight isn't bad, but if you picture this in your mind you will note that 25% of my mass is aft of the transom. Probably...

I use one long line, but instead of a cow hitch I have two half hitches on it.

--interim

Interesting... I am using an original trailer on my 26S, and I had a bearing/hub failure. I don't think they replaced the axle, though. Just new hubs and bearings. And rims and tires. Yes, a near catastrophe.

--interim

I have two cables, and they each are held on by the bolt that goes through the rudder. One cable loop on each side of the bolt.

I would also suggest that you replace the rope connection to the tiller with a shock cord, so the rudder can kick up if you hit something.

--john