Messages

Thanks Kyle for your response and for directing me to the thread on weight/trim--super helpful.  I pulled my "pigs" out (aching back) and set them on the floor under the strongback, to be removed when alongside a dock, with strong friends.   Just that made the stern look better.

Cheers!
bruce.

Hello all-

I've read the discussion of lead weights in OB Ariels, whether to remove, etc.  but wondered what removing them does to the waterline, assuming no further messing with weights.  Mine are there, in their original position (I think) and my problem is that with only two averaged sized people sailing the cockpit, the O.B. motor opening is scooping up water when sailing hard.  It sloshes around the lazaret area, sometimes 4 - 6 inches deep, even floating my gas tank around if not lashed down.  Will removing the lead pop the stern of the boat up a little, or raise the boat along the whole waterline?  (maybe either would help).    Thanks for any insights!

bruce (Urchin - 318)

I built new coaming boards for my Ariel, by tracing the old cracked/weathered ones onto a long sheet of paper.  If anyone needs new coaming boards and either has them still attached (hard to trace new template, and they often break when trying to remove) or can't access old ones, then this may be helpful.  Free--just need actual postage--probably around $3.  

email:  rbthompson@maine.edu

My rudder gap was not noticeably bad...These picture actually don't look too bad.  I think my "slop" problem was indeed loose pins through the wood.  

Roberthebruce:
Is/was the gap on the top and bottom of your rudder as bad as mine or worse or better.
Thanks

Thanks!  I now get the geometry involved in removing/attaching the rudder:  a lower bearing would make it impossible, without removing the shoe.  I got my rudder off very easily by just dismantling the top, removing the bronze strip, lifting the rudder an inch, then scooting the bottom out of the shoe. (though had to dig a little trench in the dirt) to let the rudder down/out.

So there's nothing to be gained by adding a lower sleeve bushing I guess?  One just seems to belong there...

Cheers-
bruce.

Very helpful thoughts!  I believe my rudder post bearing at the tiller is fine, so maybe it was waggle in the bronze pins/shafts holding the wood.  More to explore... Cheers!  Bruce.

Hello Ariel/Commander friends-

New Ariel owner (hull 318). I've learned a tremendous amount from the collective wisdom here. Lots of little projects--mostly woody ones, and will post pictures--mahogany forward hatch, companionway slats, coaming boards, etc. My brother-in-law and I sailed it home from Boothbay, ME to Portland in one long fabulous day. I got 3-4 more august/sept. days out in Casco Bay before the tired genoa blew into pieces. It had a good run (52 years!). One issue: There was always slop/lash in rudder that felt ominous. I finally discovered the source: no bearing in the rudder post down where it comes out of the hull (the one at the top was present). I've seen lots of picture of Ariel rudders, but none with a lower bearing. Is this normal? When I reinstall I plan to push a nylon bearing up into the hole in the bottom of the hull and fit the rudder. I'm expecting a big improvement. Any similar observations/experiences out there?

Cheers-
bruce