Definitely want to try upwind. For downwind, there were plenty of
homemade options that didn't require drilling holes for masts. I don't
know yet how successful I willl be sailing upwind, with no sailing
experience, but I will have a pretty versatile rig.

So a leeboard is a good idea. Maybe something like this:

http://www.abdn.ac.uk/~ltu006/images...s/leeboard.htm

Or using a spare paddle like this:

http://www.sailboatstogo.com/img/cat...stabilizer.jpg

Or some modifications to the rudder to make it fatter and a little bit
like a centerboard.

On 28 Feb 2006 09:59:34 -0800, wrote:

So a leeboard is a good idea. Maybe something like this:

http://www.abdn.ac.uk/~ltu006/images...s/leeboard.htm

That's what is referred to as a daggerboard. It will work fine as
long as its vertical position remains reasonably rigid when pushed
down into the water and under sail.

Or using a spare paddle like this:

http://www.sailboatstogo.com/img/cat...stabilizer.jpg

Spare paddle will work too, although the rig shown is pretty
elaborate. A simple clamping arrangement that will allow you to pivot
(lower) the board into the water and have it remain fixed in that
position is all that is required. I would prefer a pivoting board,
with a teardrop shape. so that if any underwater obstruction is
struck, the board will swing up without damage to either the board or
the boat. You can also raise the board when sailing downwind since it
is not necessary then.
Whatever choice you make, the board should be long enough to remain in
the water when the boat is heeled in the wind.

Or some modifications to the rudder to make it fatter and a little bit
like a centerboard.

Not really a great idea. It would place the turning moment of the
boat too far aft and make it a bear to keep on course. In a moderately
strong breeze it would cause the boat to try to pivot around its own
rudder. If you use a leeboard (or daggerboard), it should be as close
as possible to the center of the boat so as not to introduce
additional turning force. If you make a simple clamping affair with a
pivoting board you should be able to move it fore and aft to help you
find the optimum location on your boat.
--
jimbok

On 28 Feb 2006 09:59:34 -0800, wrote:

Definitely want to try upwind.

I should have added that any foremounted sail rig will cause the boat
to try to turn away from a crosswind. So, in your case, a leeboard
mounted somewhat forward of the boat's center might give you better
balance. If you make a simple, movable, clamping rig for your board,
you can experiment with it to find its best location on your boat.
Hope that helps.
--
jimbok

Yes, this helps quite a bit. A simple rig where I can adjust the
placement sounds best. Then I can adjust it forward or place it on
either side. The deck rigging just forward of the cockpit sounds like
the place to start. The mast is between that and the forward hatch.

Of course, I still need to finish the sail and try it out. I'm hoping
to not need outriggers.

On 28 Feb 2006 14:14:45 -0800, wrote:

Of course, I still need to finish the sail and try it out. I'm hoping
to not need outriggers.

As long as you don't let the boat get overpowered you can probably do
some reasonable sailing without outriggers. If you want to sail in
stronger winds then they will probably be required since your boat
will have no ballast, except you. In either case just make sure the
mainsheet has a quick release - such as a cam-cleat - so that you can
release the mainsheet quickly to spill wind from the sail. Otherwise,
you might find gusty winds more exciting than you bargained for.
Good luck and good sailing.
--
jimbok