I have an 18 foot v hull cuddy in the back yard and I have a rotating mast/sail/rigging in the shed. What would I need to consider to make the cuddy into a sailboat?
I have a pintle style rudder/tiller designed for a smaller boat, but I think it would work.
Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated.
2007-04-06 10:08:19 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Boats & Boating
The biggest concern would be a keel or centerboard which is a must in a sailboat otherwise you sail sideways.
Small sail boats can be balanced with body weight but at eighteen feet you probably require ballast to counteract forces in the sail. Either keel or iron center board which would require a winch to raise.
Unless you really like to tinker, you might be wiser to buy a sail boat..
2007-04-06 11:40:37 · answer #1 · answered by Caretaker 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't want to get into this. $$$$$$$$$, and you will never be satisfied with the results. The cuddy is a planing hull and a sailboat is a displacement hull. With no ballast the weight of the mast and sails will make the boat very unstable and an uncomfortable ride for all. With no centerboard you will never get where you're wanting to go. I'm sailing a MacGregor 222 and I have less than $1500 invested. You might even get enough for the cuddy and mast to pay for a decent project boat.
2007-04-08 19:48:33 · answer #2 · answered by Neal B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You definitely need a keel/centerboard. It could be done with outriggers or bilge boards. You need ballast at a low point also. I would mount the sail rig through the cuddy roof to the cockpit sole.
Is the hull shape really adaptable to making a sailboat? It may not be. You most likely would be better off trading for a hull that is suitable, a sailboat hull with a lot less stern drag..
2007-04-07 02:19:46 · answer #3 · answered by science teacher 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I am not familiar with a Cuddy, but you will need lee boards or a centerboard to stay on course. I rigged a sail on a folboat and found I could sail back and forth but could not go to weather. The mast hinge will need to be considered, for raising and lowering the mast. The shrouds should be with the mast.
2007-04-08 02:12:34 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like a lot of work. First check to see if boat was ment to be a sailboat and if no, dont try to make it one as you have to consider the balance aspect and probably have to modify the bottom to counter balance the sail area. You might be better off selling what you have and buying a sailboat!
2007-04-07 09:19:09 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋