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Hi again!  OK, sad news, I need to get rid of my Ariel.  I'll post more pics, but I have rudder issues and cannot afford the repairs.  I'm on the Bohemia, if anyone is intersted in this boat - please email me at ariel@hehman.com
 
thanks, denny.

Mike,
 
I didn't make it to the boat this weekend.  It may be a few weeks before I make it down after the haul and can get some info on the genny for ya.  
 
Sorry for the delay...  I promise to get you more info when I get to the boat.  Thanks for calling; it was pretty cool to speak with another Ariel owner.  And if you get a chance to post a photo of your rudder modifications, I'd much appreciate it.  
 
Denny

I got a 180 genny - she's a little rough, but we should talk.

[which you guys say is OK (using 3/8" rope through the masthead)?]

What kind of 3/8ths rope?

Are you sure it's low-stretch enough?

-m

Frankly, I'm not sure.  It is Samson XLS 3/8"

http://mauriprosailing.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=SAM456024

I'm going to try and get my way up the mast this weekend and figure it out.  It's starting to feel overwhelming at this point and I need to get back to basics and re-inventory my running rigging.  If you can't tell, I'm new to sailing.  And even though I did effectively sail her "home" from Annapolis, I'd like to ensure the safety of this vessel before I go nuts.  (I know how to sail, BTW - but still green).

Right now I'm focusing on an April launch with a safe & worthy boat.  I'm going to need to singlehand - I just can't generate much interest from friends and family - I'm OK with that.  I don't have much invested to this point and have a wonderful 26' sailboat with endless possibilities; and an endless list of improvements

Thanks for all the responses.  I'm going to replace the jib block and switch to an all rope jib halyard.  Then, I'm going to have to try and pull new 3/8" rope through the masthead from the deck; which you guys say is OK (using 3/8" rope through the masthead)?  If I can do those two things I gain a lot of safety and confidence; I can get rid of the old SS halyards and shackles; and I *think* I can run the halyards to the rear deck (for singlehanding)...  OK, I'm getting ahead of myself, but you get the idea.

I can't stop thinking about all this *grunt* - not to mention trying to figure out how to get myself up the mast!

That's true Bill - but I don't think I can pull the splice through the masthead...  Or, at least, I hadn't considered that an option.

Ebb, I don't know about the plate you speak of - I'm still having a difficult time visualizing the inside of the mast.  You said not to add on any more halyards, but I only plan on replacing (and running) the jib hy, the main hy, and the top lift.  That should be OK right?  

I'm going from worried to confident to terrified.  I know I shouldn't be sailing with this old equipment though - just too dangerous.

Thanks Bill.  That's a nice sketch to show what you mean; we all  understand the repercussions of a lost "duct tape whip."    

My concern with whipping 2 lines together is I'll be replacing SS cable with 3/8" rope.  That's why my original question was about fitting 3/8" rope through the masthead (and over the sheave).

Here is a sketch of my masthead (as I understand it).  I'm going to replace the jib block as you recommended - that part I'm OK with.  I'll have to switch that out by hand since I'm replacing the block anyhow...

But to pull new 3/8" through the masthead I think I need to cut the SS and use that, since I don't currently have 3/8" running through over the sheave.  

man, I can't wait to get this rigging back in order...  Thanks again Bill.

- Denny

Hey Bill, thanks!  My topping lift is also the old wooden block - I guess I should replace that too while I am up there...

So does the main halyard simply "rest" in a groove inside the masthead?  Or is there an actual pulley for the main halyard?

I ask because I'd like to run the new main halyard before I rig up a bosuns chair.  I'm thinking of cutting the wire and duct taping the new 3/8" end-to-end, and pulling it through the masthead.  Of course, if that doesn't work, I loose my last line up the mast

Hence my anxiety.

Hi,

I have a ton of 3/8" line I bought when BW went out of business and would like to replace my old SS wire/rope halyards with all rope.  

What size block can you recommend for an all-rope jib halyard?  I have the skinny block made for 1/8" SS cable, and I'd like to install a modern 3/8" block in place.  Any cautions, etc. you have for someone switching these blocks when going all-rope?  How strong of a block will I need?  Any special tools for removal/install?  

Same question for the main halyard, though I'm afraid I know the answer.  Can I use 3/8" rope in place of the SS cable as the main halyard?  I know the sheave is made for SS rigging, but I couldn't tell from reading previous posts if rope would fit/operate through the masthead without problems.  I'd obviously like to avoid taking the masthead apart; but I wan't to do it right...  Using the rope I already own would be nice and could save me $ (as long as I don't need to spend a lot making the conversion).

Thanks in advance - this is a great forum!

- Denny

As one first timer to another I strongly advise you to invest as little as possible in time and money right now. Do just enough to get the boat out on the water safely and sail it as much as you can. My perspective on what my boat needed changed drastically as I discovered what I enjoyed most about sailing. The boat will sail just fine with dull paint and no varnish. Old sails will get you out there. Rebuilding an Atomic 4 is a great winter project but for now borrow an outboard or buy a used one that you can resell later. I've sold a lot of things used on E-Bay I never should have bought new at West Marine. Give it a real good scrub inside and out, get a PFD, flares, a sleeping bag, some throwable cushions, a chart book, a radio and GO SAILING!

YES YES YES!  I bought 282 (Panacea) for next to nothing last fall.  Since, I got the safety gear and painted 3/4 of the bottom - and that's about it!  Don't be shy about sailing her!  It's the only way to learn and the BEST way to enjoy your boat.  From one new sailor to another - FAIR WINDS!  

Thanks! RE: pic no. 1 - look how nice and high she rides on her lines. That must be THE lightest Ariel of the fleet!

She's just about EMPTY right now, and has the two lead ignots in the bilge... Maybe she is light!
 
Next I need to install the OB, re-wire most the house electronics (VHF, GPS, etc), varnish some of the woodwork (advice?), and kill the spiders underneat hthe sink
 
- denny

Racing is a great teacher, I bet most cruisers would benefit from some time going around the bouys.
 

That's what I was thinking.  I'm not much afraid of humility.

...clever solar mount there, does it keep your battery topped up?
 

I'm not sure how much juice I've been getting. My house battery isn't used for much right now, but I've got a car battery hooked to the solar panel now for about five months. For as little as it cost me I think it is worthwhile. I don't have any generator on-board, so I'll need to be creative with energy resouces. There aint no microwave on this ol girl
 
Speaking of; I need to figure out a stove/cooking situation soon. About the only thing keeping me from extended camping. Any suggestions? I have camp stoves (propane) but that scares me on a boat. I was thinking butane, but that could be just as scary.

Never get tired of looking at pictures of these beautiful boats!
 
Man, they sure look 'clean' with the decks clear of lines and pulpits.

Well, that's not exactly intentional. As you know, the Ariels don't like reverse very much, and on her trip last Oct, I bumped the marina wall and ripped the rail from the deck. The result was somewhat disasterous, but the rail is still intact - just not on the bow. I've re-glassed the deck and built some new backing plates underneath - needs some finish work and I'll have the rail back on. However, I'll be approaching fuel docks much slower this season
 
Oh, and I need an aft rail - any suggestions on where to start looking for one?

Just a few more pics.  Enjoy!