Ben Posted April 8, 2012 Report Share Posted April 8, 2012 In the 80's I really enjoyed fanging around the Gold Coast's Broadwater in various catamarans. I'm now in the 'Gong, and have had some fun recently hiring Maricats from what must be the last holdout from the insurance companies on nearby Lake Illawarra (Yachtshop). Yesterday I bought a little catamaran of my own - a Windrush 14, sail # 535, paid $870 with trailer. I'm guessing this boat is 25+ years old, but is in pretty good nick for that age, as far as I can tell. I took it out for a quick "getting-to-know-you" this afternoon/evening, and am quite impressed with the simple, even elegant, rigging. Got on the water in about 20 mins :-) There was very little wind, just enough to move along at about the same pace as my wife in her kayak. Perfect for a first sail... I'd like to say "thanks" to all who've posted in this forum, I've been lurking for a month or so and it's been very helpful. There are a few things, mostly little, that need repair, and I'd like anyone's opinion on: - one of the front shrouds is about 60% cut through at the ferrule, where's the cheapest place to get a replacement? (actually, I just checked the yachtshop's web site and I see they specialise in wire, so I guess I'll go there on Tuesday) - there are no righting lines - what's the best setup to recover from a capsize? - there are rust-coloured stains on the sails, any suggestions to remove or diminish these? - the previous owner kept it in his yard uncovered, the hull's a bit spotty and colour has faded - is there an easy fix to spruce her up a bit? (car cut and polish?) Regards, Ben Here are a few pics from today: [ATTACH=CONFIG]752[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]753[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]754[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]755[/ATTACH] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darcy1945 Posted April 9, 2012 Report Share Posted April 9, 2012 You don't need the forestays when sailing sloop rigged, also, the forestay needs to be tight and the main should be pulled up further (there are 2 swages on the main halliard) its cheaper to buy new parts from windrush WA than to have them made, they are usually in the mail on the day ordered. for a righting rope just tie 3m of 8mm line to the front beam and tie to the foot straps with wool or bungee until required, throw over the high hull gives extra leverage for righting. You don't need the vang use that tackle for the downhaul/cunningham. Wash the boat with "30 seconds" then with "oxcalic acid/white brick cleaner", both should be available at any good h/ware store, 30 secs will also work on the sail stains. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Posted April 9, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 9, 2012 Thanks Darcy; I was wondering if the jib was sufficient (in lieu of forestays). Looking again at the pics I can see the creases in the sail, oops - "how embarrassing" :-) I went out again today for a longer spin and got the sail up properly this time - I gave up hoisting too early yesterday, it's a bit tight for the last 10-20 cm. Re. vang: you mean as in this wikipedia article on the topic: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/64/Cunningham.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sando Posted April 9, 2012 Report Share Posted April 9, 2012 Ben, Port Kembla Sailing Club is adjacent to the harbour you rigged your new Windrush 14 at this weekend. We sail on Saturdays - with only a couple left this season. If you would like some help or advice on rigging a W14 - myself or one of half a dozen guys will be there from 10ish to after 4pm. We have about 6 W14's sailing regularly from PKSC. Hope you can make it before season end on 21/4. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Posted April 9, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 9, 2012 Thanks for the invite Sando - I noticed the nice club house, and do plan on coming down. I'm away the next two weekends, though I've already put a reminder in my calendar for early September. Rgds, Ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sando Posted April 11, 2012 Report Share Posted April 11, 2012 Ben, send me an email address and i will add you to the club weekly newslettter. That way you will be up to date on when we return in Sept. email: treasurer@pksc.com.au Sando Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edge Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 If its the original sail then this is a genuine late 1976 early 1977 boat. Just out of its 35 year W'tee!!!! Still looks in great shape and has had deep rudders fitted to it at some time in its life. Enjoy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Posted April 16, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 16, 2012 Wow - I'm amazed at how well this boat has lasted. I gave the hulls and sailbox a good clean with "30 seconds" and it has come up really well. I tried the 30s on the rust stains on the sails too, but they didn't budge (oh well). Re. the rudders: it came with what I guess must have been the original disc rudders, they're "stubby" rounded wood ply that were sealed at some point but have seen better days. The previous owner noted he'd stuck 'em under the house when he bought the boat 5 years ago, and I've now done the same - are these useful to anyone? Ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darcy1945 Posted April 16, 2012 Report Share Posted April 16, 2012 Yes Ben, the vang is the bit of kit that holds the boom down when the main is released, because you have a full width traveller you don't need the vang, you can use the fittings in conjunction with the existing downhaul to increase the purchase from 3to1 to 9to1, handy for depowering in extreme conditions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madboutcats Posted June 3, 2012 Report Share Posted June 3, 2012 G'day Ben have you still got the shallow rudders? I'd be interested in them Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Posted July 25, 2012 Author Report Share Posted July 25, 2012 G'day Ben have you still got the shallow rudders? I'd be interested in them (sorry about tardy reply here...) Yes, I've still got 'em. Happy to send to a good home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madboutcats Posted July 26, 2012 Report Share Posted July 26, 2012 Thanks for the reply, I'll PM my address to you. If you click notifications at the top right corner you'll see my message regards Jeff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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