I've always wanted to sail... but I thought it would be too big of an expense and too much to learn. I learned about laser sailboats when I started checking out a sunfish boat that was on craigslist.
Read some on what I should look for in a boat, then ignored it.. (lol) Not really. I bought a cheap ($300) laser and off I went.
Now, the more savvy I'm getting the more I'm seeing problems in the ole laser. Some things are rattling inside (like small pebbles or screws?) I sailed the lake several times and had a blast, took into the sound in a bit higher wind and ... capsized four times... boat became extremely unstable.
I'd forgotten the drain plug and didn't realize until i'd lugged the boat to the beach, rigged it, and was about ready to start. Not being one to quit I improvised the best I could with a piece of ole garden hose and .. a stick. It did stay in.. I didn't even notice that much water coming out of the drain plug at the end... Yesterday I went out again.. and... no capsizing, winds where gusting and unstable.. but I stayed in. When I was de rigging the boat I put it on it's side and water gushed out of some thin cracks in the gunwales.
So, I've got to fix that and don't have too much of an Idea where to start. Also, It makes me think I need to do a bubble test. I assume it's like a tire test, with soapy water. I also read about attaching a vacuum to the drain plug to make the air pressure for the test.. Sound right? I haven't had a chance to weigh the boat.. it feels heavy, but I can't help but wonder if I've just gotten weak or if it's just awkward. The boat seemed solid.. After purchase I realized I'm too small for the current rigging.. i assume it's standard, I'm about 140. It's a hoot to sail tho... and I'm not looking to spend a bunch. especially on a hull that might be garbage. So, What things should I pay special care to learn (what is most important) and what should I watch out for on boat care and .. hell, just give any advice you might have for a beginner that will save time and $$$.
Oh, and I've been rigging the boat on it's side and popping it upright. Since I'm new It takes awhile and I hate the sail flapping wild while I figure out the ropes. Is this bad? It seams like the way to go if there is any wind going on.
oh, and here is a pic of my funky trailer set up for getting it down the dock.. I know your not suppose to trailer it using the deck.. I'll probably rig it so most the weight is on
the edges by the gunwales.
So, I just want to sail as cheap and easy as possible... I welcome any tips.
Read some on what I should look for in a boat, then ignored it.. (lol) Not really. I bought a cheap ($300) laser and off I went.
Now, the more savvy I'm getting the more I'm seeing problems in the ole laser. Some things are rattling inside (like small pebbles or screws?) I sailed the lake several times and had a blast, took into the sound in a bit higher wind and ... capsized four times... boat became extremely unstable.
I'd forgotten the drain plug and didn't realize until i'd lugged the boat to the beach, rigged it, and was about ready to start. Not being one to quit I improvised the best I could with a piece of ole garden hose and .. a stick. It did stay in.. I didn't even notice that much water coming out of the drain plug at the end... Yesterday I went out again.. and... no capsizing, winds where gusting and unstable.. but I stayed in. When I was de rigging the boat I put it on it's side and water gushed out of some thin cracks in the gunwales.
So, I've got to fix that and don't have too much of an Idea where to start. Also, It makes me think I need to do a bubble test. I assume it's like a tire test, with soapy water. I also read about attaching a vacuum to the drain plug to make the air pressure for the test.. Sound right? I haven't had a chance to weigh the boat.. it feels heavy, but I can't help but wonder if I've just gotten weak or if it's just awkward. The boat seemed solid.. After purchase I realized I'm too small for the current rigging.. i assume it's standard, I'm about 140. It's a hoot to sail tho... and I'm not looking to spend a bunch. especially on a hull that might be garbage. So, What things should I pay special care to learn (what is most important) and what should I watch out for on boat care and .. hell, just give any advice you might have for a beginner that will save time and $$$.
Oh, and I've been rigging the boat on it's side and popping it upright. Since I'm new It takes awhile and I hate the sail flapping wild while I figure out the ropes. Is this bad? It seams like the way to go if there is any wind going on.
oh, and here is a pic of my funky trailer set up for getting it down the dock.. I know your not suppose to trailer it using the deck.. I'll probably rig it so most the weight is on
So, I just want to sail as cheap and easy as possible... I welcome any tips.