that provided a 90 degree push-pulltwo On 3/21/2015 6:46 PM, George Iemmolo wrote:
Good Morning Wrinkle-Boat George,
Repeat slowly at least five times after reading this: No Cinder Block as ballast on board an M-15 ..... Why? - In a M-15 weight is your enemy in achieving good performance. - You can not afford to have something on board that is of absolutely no use to boat operation, to boat safety, or boat housekeeping. - Your cinder block "may" may only be useful if you are attacked by a hungry Krakken. If you throw it to him, he may swallow it and then leave you alone. The chances of that ever happening are so remote, however, that it isn't worth carrying a cinder block around forever and ever. Question: - Are you sailing using the original M-15 tiller? If so, then you are probably sitting in the middle of the cockpit and the transom is dragging in the water. That is BAD for sailing performance. Remedy: - First, move as far forward in the cockpit as you can. This will require: A) a new longer tiller, or B) some clever means of lengthening the original tiller so that you can use it in either its original length or in the extended length, that allows you to sit at the optimum location for solo sailing. (That is what I did and I weighed 170 lbs) - You will also need something like a Forespar Telescopic Tiller Extension mounted at the forward end of the long tiller so that you can sit comfortably at your new position and have a 90 degree push-pull input without having to strain to reach your tiller. With this combination; the longer tiller allowing you to sit as far forward in the cockpit as possible, plus the Forespar extension, you will go a long ways toward solving your boat longitudinal trim problem. - Next steps: If you carry a storm anchor ( I had a 7 lb Fortress, with 10 feet of chain and a 200 foot rode) put it in the forward compartment. It adds weight where weight is needed, and you are carrying a very nice "insurance policy" in case you ever find yourself anchoring in miserable conditions. You may never use it, but it's worth carrying for the feeling of added security it give you - If you have an electrical system on board, the battery could be moved forward as well. Any heavy items that are moved forward lift the transom out of the water. - Another approach would be to fill two empty gallon milk containers with drinking water. They will weigh less than your cinder block, but you can place them all the way forward at the bow, and the longer lever arm ( weight X distance from the CG) might be all the trim that you need. Krakkens, however, don't eat plastic containers, if that remains a worry.r Your aim is to keep the transom from being submerged in the water. Then the M-15 is sailing properly and you have minimized transom drag to 0. Messing About in Boats is fun isn't it? Happy sailing Connie ex M-15 #400 LEPPO One on my projects getting ready for the new sailing season here in NWI is boat trim. I have been thinking of adding weight in the form of a cinder block (40 lbs) in the forward compartment under the V berth, secured to the wall of the compartment using a battery tie down system. I have 2 questions 1. Is the 40 lbs enough to counter the engine (36lbs) and skipper (200+) on a solo sail? 2. Should I position the long length of the block along the beam or the centerline (more weight forward) of the boat? Any and all comments are appreciated. HAPPY SAILING SEASON George Merry Helen II 96 M15 #602