Hello all,
I bought a DS III at the end of last season and haven't sailed it yet, but i'm trying to make some configuration changes before the coming spring. I've never sailed a daysailer and while I have my ASA keel boat certification, I would say that i'm still learning to sail.
I've been reading the forums and hoping i might get a little guidance here.
First change is replacing the jib cam cleats. I was thinking that I would copy Greenlake's setup which seems ingenious. So i'm planning to install inspection ports in either side to get access to the rail to back with a plate, then I would replace the existing rail with a harken rail and jib cars, then use a 57 Ronstan ratchet block on each (or 40, I have to see what the diameter of my jib sheets is). I would then angle some cam cleats on the centerboard trunk.
Questions:
1. Do i need to replace the rail? They seem fine otherwise. Is there a way to put just new jib cars on and attach a ratchet block?
2. How big of an inspection hole do I need? I was thinking 4", but I have some waterlogged foam in there, so maybe I should think about 6" so I can possibly get more access in case I want to replace the foam?
3. This is dumb, but which side of the cam cleat needs to be angled upwards? Is it the side closest to windward? Or the side where the jib sheet enters the cleat? As everyone can probably tell, i've read enough to know that other folks are angling the cleats, but don't have good enough knowledge around the 'why'.
Second objective is replacing the main sheet blocks. After reading Green Lake's argument for ratchet blocks, i'm sold on the need. However I don't have a great understanding what the ideal setup is. Do i just need to update the boom block with a ratchet? Or should i update the fiddle block that stands up on the centerboard with a ratchet fiddle? Should I do both?
I really don't want to mess around with the swivel base, so if there is any way to avoid that - it would be ideal. Does anyone know if there is a swivel base with the same screw/bolt pattern ? I think i might have seen in the forum that the Harken 140 maybe is a direct match?
In an ideal world I would replace just the fiddle with a ratchet fiddle, unscrew the eye strap that sits on the cam cleat currently, and leave the boom block as it seems redundant to have two ratchet blocks on the main sheet. However I have no issues spending the extra $100 or whatever if it makes sailing safer or more enjoyable. I capsized a hobie with my then girlfriend (now wife) about 10 years ago - the last words I heard were 'I thought you said you knew how to...'. It took her another 10 years to get into another boat and this time around i'm very interested in not turtling another boat with her in it.
Any other good ideas? I already purchased new standing rigging from Rudy. The used sails I bought are in immaculate shape. I'm putting a new RS Quest masthead float on (I know...probably not a popular choice, but i've got a history, and where I sail is the absolute worst place in terms of getting a mast stuck in the mud...if I was in almost any other water I would just deal with an occasional swim).
Really appreciate the wealth of knowledge already in the forums and for any and all advice...pictures below.