Recent Posts

Most everyone now is building planks with an epoxy system like West System. Back before these systems glue was used. I’m not sure which type though. The only problem I can see is getting enough gluing pressure, that is proper clamping, while it’s in prebend ( the over bending necessary to get the desired crown after the glue dries).
Bob

Hi,
Quick question to the group of building experts!
Has anyone ever used PPU glue to build a plank?
It is a polyurethane glue i used to build sailboat nasts in the past.
I believe it is known for being flexible and not crack when flexing
Thanks,
Nic
KC5508

I won one at the NA’s raffle a few years ago. So far so good.

One more thing concerning proposal two, iceboaters are not a particularly litigious group however who ever builds these tiller heads had better have some really good liability insurance since they are going to have to be marketed as a safety device.

The three new proposals are interesting. I think number three, hull number removal is great and about time.
Number two makes sense as long as existing sails are legal and don’t have to be retrofitted. I am totally against number two, the tiller release requirement. If you want one great, go for it but don’t require it. There can’t be too many sources for them and they’d probably be expensive. The other thing is what’s the standard, at what force must they release and who is going to check them and how would you know the new toy you just bought is setup correctly. How about shear bolts, would they be okay? Too vague and too expensive.
Bob

Hi Bob,
I never really had any issue in gusty winds. I am able to let go the sail if I need.
I have to admit I prefer to get the mast to bend !!!
Take care,
Nic

With the 2X holding power does it release quick enough in gust situation?

Hi, I use it and I really like it.
I am not that old, but appreciate the extra grip on a long racing day.
Would definitively recommend it.
Cheers,
Nic
KC5508

anyone using the harken 57mm 2x carbo ratchet block, that block looks like it has a better grip on the main sheet, better for us older guys.

Bob, this is not a direct answer to your question but ...

The European Secretaries supported a proposal from Peter Hamrak that the "Steering post head shall incorporate a safety feature to release the tiller upon impact of the skippers body".  Most such 'features' rely on a slot.  Your 'shear bolt' would do the same thing, although it might not obviously respond to the proposal as written.  It speaks the to Governing Committee's discomfort with the rule change.  Personally, I'm happier with the shear bolt concept than the slotted tiller head, notwithstanding the number of satisfied users of slotted Euro-style tiller heads.

The rule change proposal was intended for last Autumn's ballot, but uncertainties led to its deferral - not to mention that a change to the official plans would have been required.

It has been many years since I dropped a runner in a crack and I don't wish to repeat it, especially the separated sternum.  A break-away tiller of some description is an attractive idea.  One issue - for a Euro tiller head the pivot bolt also carries the ratchet block, although I suppose it doesn't have to do so.