A few reader letters:
“I’m enjoying all your online content. I especially find the in depth analysis, research, and precise measurements of Jerry Culik (Tech Bights). Jerry Culik’s approach and conclusions rivals that of Practical Sailor, another fine but pricey publication.
Thanks for keeping his articles coming.
Fair Winds,
Mark Bertacchi”
Regarding Marty Loken’s article You Can Restore an Old Wooden Boat, reader Gary Christensen wrote: “Excellent article! As I near retirement (61 years old), I am looking at older 18—20ish-foot wood sailboats. Having had some ‘firewood’ boats, and built an 18 1/2' foot stitxh-and-glue kayak, I'm excited about finding my project. Thanks again for an excellent article!”
Reader Robert Denny empathized with Josh Colvin’s rant about Toy Boat Design, writing: “I agree, they are pretty stupid!”
Reader Paradise Connections wrote: “Loved it. Thanks for the laughs!”
Reader Charles Williams thought the topic was unbecoming. He wrote: “Josh, Really? All that time and artwork and words! Really? I don’t know, I just think this one was below you. Maybe I’m all wet!”
Regarding Jerry Culik’s feature Headsail Furlers for Trailersailers reader Phil Truitt wrote: “Mr. Culik, Nice summation as far as it goes. Very small jibs like on the Potter 15 and many others can, in fact cheat the rules of thumb. I've used small drums like the ones you classify as AON to furl and/or reef merely by adding a piece of fairly heavy wall aluminum tube over the headstay and pinned one way or another to the drum and sewed or laced the sail on. Worked pretty well. Problems with shape being frequently eased by the fact that absolute efficiency is less of a problem when the wind pipes up. I do try to get a bigger than necessary drum to make it easier to haul by hand.”
Spooky Stories! Last chance to submit your short recap of a scary incident on the water for our October horror show. Tell readers all about that time you had gremlins in the rigging and aparritions at the helm. •SCA•
Thanks, Phil, for adding your comments. Using a bigger drum/larger inner spool diameter for more leverage, especially for reefing and furling a bigger genoa, makes a whole lot of sense. And adding a tube around the forestay, I'm with you...Stay tuned for Part 2 on DIY furlers.