Hi All,
I've just got myself into a J24. Been sailing on other people's boats for several years (not J24's) and figured it's time to take the plunge. She's in good nick functionally, but cosmetically needs a bit of TLC. usual culprits, bad topside paint job, bad deck grip paint job, poorly maintained bright work, old lines. Figure 40-50 hours or so will have her shining like a diamond.
Troubles I'm facing stem from general unfamiliarity with a new boat, so some of this is up to me to get myself accustomed to her, but I'm hoping this forum will be a good resource.
One thing I've noticed immediately, is that the mainsail balloons near the top of the mast, preventing me from pointing closer to the wind than about 30-40 degrees. Is this normal? I was of the impression that the J24 was a strong upwind sailor. Also, I've found that, even with the aft stanchion tensioner as loose as possible, I've still got significant rake in the mast. Is this normal? Possibly a cause of my ballooning issue? Potentially just an old sail problem too, but the main and jib are nice and crisp, so I'm doubtful this is the case.
Another worry is every time it rains, I'm getting a lot of water in the cockpit, with everything buttoned up tight. Seem to pump out 5 gallons every time it rains (she's on the hard, so it's definitely not a hull leak). Any ideas on preventing this?
Anyway, that's just two things of a long list of many things. Look forward to learning more as I get more time aboard and hope to see some of you out there.
I've just got myself into a J24. Been sailing on other people's boats for several years (not J24's) and figured it's time to take the plunge. She's in good nick functionally, but cosmetically needs a bit of TLC. usual culprits, bad topside paint job, bad deck grip paint job, poorly maintained bright work, old lines. Figure 40-50 hours or so will have her shining like a diamond.
Troubles I'm facing stem from general unfamiliarity with a new boat, so some of this is up to me to get myself accustomed to her, but I'm hoping this forum will be a good resource.
One thing I've noticed immediately, is that the mainsail balloons near the top of the mast, preventing me from pointing closer to the wind than about 30-40 degrees. Is this normal? I was of the impression that the J24 was a strong upwind sailor. Also, I've found that, even with the aft stanchion tensioner as loose as possible, I've still got significant rake in the mast. Is this normal? Possibly a cause of my ballooning issue? Potentially just an old sail problem too, but the main and jib are nice and crisp, so I'm doubtful this is the case.
Another worry is every time it rains, I'm getting a lot of water in the cockpit, with everything buttoned up tight. Seem to pump out 5 gallons every time it rains (she's on the hard, so it's definitely not a hull leak). Any ideas on preventing this?
Anyway, that's just two things of a long list of many things. Look forward to learning more as I get more time aboard and hope to see some of you out there.