can you just strap the ginny pole to the boom while storing/sailing? Do the "ears" obstruct free movement of the boom?

Hey Phil, I'm researching DIY CNC router tables. Can you make any recommendations? The purpose of the table would be for my F-85 build.

Your best bet would be to talk to Mark. He built his own CNC machine and did all my CNC work.I'll send you a message with his email address.

I have sent you a message with Mark's email address.

Thanks. I got the PM. A question on your hull paint. Did you end up covering the 2 pack paint with an epoxy barrier coat below the water line? I'm trying to determine if I will apply barrier coat on top of my paint. My boat is trailer sailed, but may end up in the water for up to a week at a time.

No I didn't. A week in the water isn't a problem if you give the bottom a scrub before you pull it out of the water. Not much boat in the water so it is pretty easy.

That's music to my ears. I determined I'd be OK, but there are a lot of "experts" on the forums that spoke otherwise.

Phill,

As I understand from the main forum, this catsailor site/board may soon close or become defunct as Rick's family has very little interest in continuing it.

Is all of this wonderful build information available elsewhere in case that happens? Your work on the boat (and documentation here) is a veritable gold mine (and eye candy) of information

Jay,

I have a backup of everything that I have posted including the missing photos that were lost when this site's photo albumn stopped working. I also have many hundreds of other photos.

If this site goes down I will most likely edit what I have adding in the missing photos plus any others that I think may help and put it all somewhere else.

You can save up to 7kg by using dyneema netting as opposed to vinyl coated fablock type of netting. You can also save a lot of money because it is very easy to finish the edges without sewing. I finished the edges of my nets and fitted them for a cost of around $100 ea. I got a really good deal on the dyneema netting from ebay. For anyone looking at replacing their nets it could be worth a check of ebay first. Look for Golf practice nets. Mine are dyneema SK75.

Here is a pic of the net. It still needs to be taken off so the wing net rail can be painted.
When I do that I'll redo the edges and trim the excess netting now it has stopped creeping.

[quote][/quote]

We sailed the Mad Hatter from Lake Macquarie to Gosford and back last weekend.
I finally had a chance to try out the Go Pro that the kids gave me.
The video goes for 5 mins. Take note it is 5mins you won't get back if you don't like it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dUDIktAsCY&feature=youtu.be

Nice video Phill. Thanks for sharing

Hi Phil,
can you ,eave a little information about your nets? How thick (mm) are your strings and how wide are your mashes?

Thanks, Michel

Michel,
The mesh size is 22mm and the woven thread width is either 3mm or 3.5mm.
The edging is just the mesh wrapped around 8mm double braid polyester rope with a 3mm cord zig zagged through the squares in 3 rows.
This is then lashed on with 6mm double braid.
Initially I was concerned about the mesh size as I wanted it smaller but having used it I think it is perfect. I find it reasonably comfortable and even my better half says it is comfortable. The added bonus is it is just the right size to get a good hand hold when needed as ones fingers can fit through the mesh .
I hope this helps.

I've posted another video on youtube of last Sundays race.

https://youtu.be/pEiLQ4z8e8A

Float rudders are on there way.
Pics show all.

I finally tried out my float rudders. Just with main and jib.
While the steering on Mad Hatter has always been good It just feels a little more precise with rudders on the floats.

The lock down and pull/ kick up system that can be operated from the steering position in the cockpit works great too.

It has always tacked well but I think that has improved as well.

I went out for a few hours yesterday and started off testing the ackerman by letting them run free and steer with central rudder under motor.

I had two overlapping cross arms so I could see variations in the overlap when turning hard. I only have 100mm ackerman , per side, built in , in theory it should be more, but the testing did indicated that was enough.

After testing I just taped the cross arms over lap in the position they seemed to want to sit when running free. They will each ride on the same track with a car each as the pull up kick down lines will run internally in the cross arms and come out to cleats that will be on the link between the cars.

The cleats will allow me to hold the rudders up out of the water while on the mooring or lock the rudders partly down while coming into a beach..

The track will be mounted just behind the traveler bringing the helming pos fwd of the traveler. A bit like a beach cat.

The centre rudder will not be used and was not used yesterday after we finished testing and started sailing.

Just a trial to test out the geometry, I will now finish them off with the track and cars .