In a message dated 12/22/2005 4:15:29 PM Pacific Standard Time,
steve@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx writes:
My take on this is when I am at this stage my tiller will need to be:
* Straight
* Light
* Strong
* Not prohibitively expensive
If I can achieve these objectives by getting a carbon tiller over here
without making it myself that is what I will be doing.
Always good to hear from you Steve.
Actually, the 49er tiller worked fine. The problem was that we ran the
North American vendor our of nearly all 49er parts and had to come up with
ways
to make our own. Our tillers are only a minor and likely insignificant
improvement. On the other hand, our launcher throats, forestay fittings,
rudder
cassettes, blades, and spars are a huge leap forward in weight, cost, and, in
many cases, strength.
This is not in any way intended to imply that the 49er parts are not good.
It simply points out that the talent and ingenuity that our members develop
building their boats teaches / allows them to build superior parts for less
money. Jane looks with amazement at the parts I build in the garage now and
wonders why that talent doesn't surface on the work I do around the house. I
continue to point out that there is only sooo much space on the "talent hard
drive" and unfortunately, it was used up on the Swift.
I'm enjoying the building process but I'm looking forward to the sailing
more so if I can get out there asap that is what I'll be doing!!
Your next Swift will allow you to sail the first while building it--the very
best of both worlds!
Best regards,
Bram
|