Hello all!

[J.Jackson]

I am about as hard headed as they come. I wanted to learn to sail so I bought a Catalina 22'. What I have learned most about sailing is........
Wiring, fiberglass, keel work, hardware replacement oh and if all else fails, just turn loose of the damn sails.lol
I know there are plenty of you on here whose knowledge I need and would appreciate. We've had a few good days on the water and about a week of hair pulling out, going in circles with a motor that won't fire. Anyway, like me, its a work in progress and I know it will all be worth it when I get a better understanding of how to actually use the sails and not just the wind. I have questions about re doing the hull, minor hull leaks, instruments and such I will post later. Just wanted to say hello.

[boatman61]

Hi J... Welcome to CF.
Hard heads are useful mate.. especially when you find out why the thingy you attach your main to is called a 'boom'

[Talbot]

Welcome to the wonderfully fulfilling (and expensive) world of boat ownership.

Just be thankful you did not start with a wooden boat

[Neo]

Welcome to the club! You probably learned a lot in those few days, the trick is figuring out what it is that you learned. Good luck.

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by J.Jackson

I am about as hard headed as they come. I wanted to learn to sail so I bought a Catalina 22'. What I have learned most about sailing is........
Wiring, fiberglass, keel work, hardware replacement oh and if all else fails, just turn loose of the damn sails.lol
I know there are plenty of you on here whose knowledge I need and would appreciate. We've had a few good days on the water and about a week of hair pulling out, going in circles with a motor that won't fire. Anyway, like me, its a work in progress and I know it will all be worth it when I get a better understanding of how to actually use the sails and not just the wind. I have questions about re doing the hull, minor hull leaks, instruments and such I will post later. Just wanted to say hello.

Hard headed huh? You should fit right in here!

[Waterway Guide]

Welcome aboard, and welcome to the wonderful world of boating!

[HappyMdRSailor]

Welcome J!

Isn't life grand??? You discovered the REAL way to begin your sailing career!


You will be 1000X the sailor that never touched a sander or a mixing pot...

Sounds like you have had at least a little fun mixed with your investment of ownership...

In N. MS right now..... Welcome to the fraternity!

[J.Jackson]

Our first family trip on the lake was a success until the return trip. The wind picked up real fast and I had my wife and 3 daughters on board. The boat heeled way more than any of us had expected and I was so concentrated on holding the tiller that I never thought to let the sails out and dump the wind. My 7 year old was down in the cabin screaming I DON'T WANT TO DIE!!
Needless to say, the next time we went out I never even wrapped the sheet around a winch. I just held them and when it got to be uncomfortable I just let go and dumped the wind.
I don't know if that is proper procedure however it worked at the time. I need a lot of practice. lol

[Bash]

Originally Posted by J.Jackson

Wiring, fiberglass, keel work, hardware replacement

Yes, that's level one. Level two is: rigging, splicing, navigating and electronics.

Then, with any luck, you'll move up to a bigger boat where you also have to learn about plumbing.

Welcome to the forum.

[Kevin84]

Welcome! Next time, check the weather forecast. If they're calling for winds over 20-25 kts, reef your main. And if your using a genoa, either reef it or replace it with either a jib or staysail.

[J.Jackson]

Reef the main......
seen it done on you tube.lol guess I need to practice that as well. Got sick of my "untrustworthy" 2 stroke so upgraded to a 5 HP 4 stroke Merc. Gonna try it out this weekend. I will practice reefing the main as well as how to use the boom vang (kicker?)