Fire away.
> Stupid question #1: I have a working jib and a lapper. I’ve been
> running the jib sheets outside of the shrouds. Is that correct or
> should they go on the inside?
The opinion of those who have tried both ways is that inside works better.
> Stupid question #2: My keel has four hinged bolts that lock it into
> place once its lowered. My first time out I left these loose. Is it
> important to secure the keel? Or maybe a better question is; when is it
> important to secure the keel? It doesn't seem to be going anywhere.
> Also, since the Great Salt Lake is a very shallow body of water with
> lots of sandbars, etc. I'm assuming that the keel will pop up if I run
> aground. Is this correct? And if so, is that a good thing?
If you get surprised by a gust and get knocked down, an unbolted daggerboard
could slide into the cabin and keep your boat on its side or worse. I sail
in 50+ feet of water, so it's easy for me to just bolt it down. Your shallow
water poses a bit of a problem. I'd suggest that, if you're thinking about
reefing, you should reef -and- bolt the keel down.
And congrats on the first sail!
-- Eric L. Pederson P-19 #970, Necessity Bloomington, MN