Tried out my CDI reefer-furler for the second time yesterday. I
have a lesson learned to pass along.
When I installed the CDI I made two mistakes.
First, I wrapped TOO MUCH line on the furler spool so it gets
too full, and it jumped off twice. I unwrapped several turns.
Second, Not wanting to put any holes into the Potter until I
knew where it should be I used the center line cleat as the
first lead. It's not direct enough, contributing to the jumping
off. Temporarily ran it around the upright of the bow pulpit and
to the next leadeye. Then it worked better, no jamming.
Worked great. Reefed and unreefed several times and after
dropping the main close-in to the dock sailed almost in and then
furled the jib at the last minute.
I am going to install a permanent lead. Also feel that keeping
tension on the furling line while pulling on the jib sheet to
unfurl sail is important.
I used a forestay lever and its great for hooking up the
forestay.
Thanks to all for your CDI reports. Hopefully I will get
sailing a couple of afternoons in the next two weeks. This will
making singlehanding much more comfortable;
and when my wife is with me she won't have to say "Every time it
gets scary you go up there and make me steer the boat!"
Ted Duke
WWPs19 #626 The Duchess
Mountains of Virginia
Then it