When my 1972 Taylor-built Contessa was re-engined about 20 years ago with a Yanmar 1GM10, the previous owner cut -- but didn't remove -- a pair of copper lines that apparently connected the old engine to the exhaust thru-hull. Can anyone tell me what purpose these lines served? They are about 1/4 inch in diameter and run along the port-side of the engine compartment back to the exhaust manifold on the transom thru-hull. Thanks.

3

(0 replies, posted in Sails & Rigging)

My Contessa has a roller boom that's 3.45 meters long (11 feet, 5 inches). That's nearly a half-meter longer than the standard boom length listed for the Taylor-built Contessa on sailrite.com and sailboatdata.com. I've never used the roller-feature -- slab-reefing works best for me. I'm considering getting a new mainsail with a foot running the full length of the boom, but I'm worried a sail that large would result in weather helm problems. Anybody else have a boom this long? What size mainsail works best with long booms? I appreciate any advice. Thanks. (I've also posted this question on the Technical forum.)

4

(0 replies, posted in Technical)

My Contessa has a roller boom that's 3.45 meters long (11 feet, 5 inches). That's nearly a half-meter longer than the standard boom length listed for the Taylor-built Contessa on sailrite.com and sailboatdata.com. I've never used the roller-feature -- slab-reefing works best for me. I'm considering getting a new mainsail with a foot running the full length of the boom, but I'm worried a sail that large would result in weather helm problems. Anybody else have a boom this long? What size mainsail works best with long booms? I appreciate any advice. Thanks. (I've also posted this question on the Sailing & Rigging forum.)

Thanks for the recommendation. That's what I needed to know.

I've got to make a decision on a new mainsail. I'm leaning toward going with a loose-foot. Has anyone had any problems with that style? Thanks in advance for any advice.

I'm replacing my worn-out mainsail, which has a fixed foot -- the sail slides into a groove along the boom.
I'm considering going with a loose foot. I'm told it would provide more control of the shape of the sail.
Any recommendations?

Thanks, much! I'm going with three reefing points.

I'm buying a new mainsail for my Contessa. Do I need three reefing points or is two enough?
My homeport is Sandusky, Ohio, in the west end of Lake Erie, but my wife and I plan on exploring the Great Lakes so we have to expect to run into some unexpected weather. Thanks in advance for any recommendations.