[Rhodes22-list] Ballast report : picts of 2nd reef position in 8-12 mph winds (with gusts in the mid teens)

[John Shulick]

Hi Rob,

 The modifications for this year was the addition of 300 lbs of lead inside
the hull. 100 lbs. port and starboard in what I call the "hallway" meaning
the 2' or so between the sleeping platform in the bow and the bulkhead
between the head and the galley. The remainder went under the floor in the
galley. All was secured to prevent shifting while underway. ( VERY important
! ! ! )  The other mod was to replace the standard battens with full battens
set parallel to the foot of the Main (for rolling the sail on the boom)  and
the addition of the 2nd reef. Jerry at Sailcare referred to the 2nd reef
point as geezerising the boat but I beg to differ. Eventually I would like
to move up to a bigger boat and take on the Great Lakes but first I need to
get the Admiral and myself used to being comfortable when the wind begins to
whistle in the rigging. Standard main Rhodes (at least mine) have a rotating
gooseneck and outhaul cap. I added a cleat to the outhaul cap so it can be
used as an adjustable topping line. I also put a block at the top of the
mast so the topping line doubles as a pennant line as well. (that's how the
pirate flag got up there.)
Using the topping line in conjunction with the Boom Vang allows me to
control sail twist at all point of sail.
Enclosed is the link to Dwyer for the parts needed if someone else is
interested in boom furling.
https://www.dwyermast.com/items.asp?cat1ID=30&cat1Name=Booms&familyID=5&familyName=DM-275+Boom
<https://www.dwyermast.com/items.asp?cat1ID=30&cat1Name=Booms&familyID=5&familyName=DM-275+Boom>  

 Conclusions : With the additional ballast and the use of boom furling my
Rhodes has become a very well behaved boat in all conditions. I can single
hand the boat in any weather up to 25 mph of wind and still lock the tiller
to go below for a few moments to use the head or mix a beverage being
confident a stray gust wont get me into trouble. Less heeling means more
wind energy is transfered to driving the boat forward rather than pushing it
over.  What I need next is a modern Rhodes with an IMF and the diamond keel
for a friendly race around the barrels. 3 yrs ago Mike Chung showed up at
Kinzua for a weekend when I had the original (37 yr old) sails no mods and
he beat me like a stepchild in pointing ability.
A rematch would be fascinating, any Cleveland Rhodie's reading this ? ? ? 

Pulling the boat tomorrow (sigh)
Best regards
John S   
 



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