Re: micro pointing and tacking stats?

If you want a racer, there are

> other better boats, without a doubt.

Not looking to race anything faster than a punt. Simply would like
to compare my boat to a normal one to see how far off the mark she
performs. I want to know if my centerboard hangs on equally well as
the shoal keel in normal conditions and if i have figured out all
the details on this bastardized rig of mine.

I'm real pleased with the way my changes have come out. Rig looks
good albeit freekin' huge, same area as the chinese gaff....going to
be sailing with a reef full time in all but the lightest airs. The
centerboard/trunk looks nice and takes up next to no room when it's
down and doesn't really bother usable space when it's up.....i.e.
when it's on a trailer or sitting on the hard a compromise i'm
willing to live with. Whether or not the rudder will hang on is yet
to be seen as it's pretty stubby, hope the endplate works as well as
bolger claims regardless i'm figuring i'll have to shift the cb
pivit point and possibly redo the rudder as i doubt i got it right
on the money first time around. The recycled ballast went in nice
under the sole and bunks all 425lbs of it. Can't wait to haul her
over via the mast head in the shallows and see where the point of no
return is. I'm guessing somewhere around 100 to 110 degrees. If not
i'll torch a steel or AL plate to make a new CB.

Jason

> that windage. Anyone ever figured the micros pointing ability and
> tack through the wind ability via gps? I'd like to have something to
> compare with.

To me, the biggest unique feature of the Chinese Gaff is the
extreme difference between the amount of sail, from full up to full reef.
All handled from inside the cabin. The 'full up' looks to me to be
a lot for a 15'4" boat! So, I bet the Chinese Gaff might out perform
the Sprit rig in light air.

In medium winds, I suspect that the skill of the person
who cut the sails, and the skill of the person sailing the
boat might determine the winner.

In heavy winds, I expect I would prefer the greater safety of
handling sails from inside the cabin. Plus the freedom of
not having to expose myself out on deck.

http://community.webshots.com/album/200179250OKHUpK?295

Micro Navigator is, after all, intended as a Pocket Cruiser,
safe and comfortable. If you want a racer, there are
other better boats, without a doubt.

Though, I am not sure you could find a more capable
cruiser under 16 feet L.O.A..

Hoisting the gaff, I found that even with the two pulley
mechanical advantage, it was tough overcoming the
friction of the gaff jaw and batten jaws sliding on the
mast. Anybody have advice on this? I was thinking
of rubbing down the mast with paraffin. In hindsight,
I could have left more clearance when cutting the
size of the jaws.

Also, I am working out in my mind the best way to
gather up the loose sail panels after reefing. I am
leaning towards some sort of braille system.

As my severely twisted micro navigator approaches launch i wonder if
there is a baseline out there for the boat's abilities? I can only
guess the regular micro points higher than the navigator will alll
that windage. Anyone ever figured the micros pointing ability and
tack through the wind ability via gps? I'd like to have something to
compare with.

Bruce your rig looks nice, any chance you could come up with some
numbers for us/me? I 'm about 2 to 3 weeks behind you. Don? What the
heck. oink lives on an island...get her to the briny! Derek how bout
your nav rigged micro? Nels/peter ever clock Lestat?

Thanks folks,
Jason