Corsair in a slip

[hotrodlarry]

How easy is it to fold the amas when entering a harbor. Would you do this on a regular basis to spend the night? Or would you reserve this capability for trailering only. How does the continued use of the folding function impact the hold down bolt and the captive nut (molded?) in the hull. I don't mind leaving the mast up, boat on the trailer and putting it in the water for weekends. In fact I would prefer to do this. However in my location I would need to fold the amas to tie up for the weekend if possible.

[Sailmonkey]

While I have no long term experience I did race on an F-27R for two seasons. The bolts should provide no problem as long as they're kept lubed. We did fold and lift the boat every night after racing, so typically 3 times a week for 6 months a year with no I'll effects. If you leave it in the water folded for any length of time you'll want anti foul in strange places.

[Banjo]

Good evening,

I had an F9AX for a few years and kept it in a small marina where there was no room to "swing a cat".
For a few months I was allocated a slip that was so narrow, that although wide enough to accomodate the opened up boat, getting to fit in was so tight I had to fold one side to berth the boat. Once berthed I could open the boat again but with the fenders on both sides pushing hard agains the docks on either side.

Anyway, I singlehanded the boat most of the time I went sailing. I found I could easily enter the little harbour and once inside stop the boat and just let it be. While drifting I would quickly undo the cap shroud and the two bolts on the float to be folded. Then fold the one side and dock the boat. It requires a bit of a grunt to fold the float on the F9 by yourself, but no big deal.

What also works well in a small space and if only tying up for a short overnight stay. is to fold the one side only. (fold the side which is away from the dock).

Even folded the boat was easy to steer. Most important is to always have the dagger board right down.

Have fun, these boats are great.

Regards.

[dskeywest]

I had a F-28cc for 3 years, and then upgraded to a C-31uc and have had that for almost 10 years. I have always stored it folded in a slip (on a lift). It is not hard to do, although on the 31 you do have to have some decent upper body strength...but it only takes a minute or two. Sometimes we fold or unfold at the dock, but almost as often we do it while underway (it is actually a little easier when the boat is moving.
If you do motor around while folded, you do want to be careful not to get caught in any large wake or sideways in a strong wind. Corsairs can roll over while folded...
Have fun!
Dan
C-31uc Fandango
Key West, FL

[roverhi]

There is an F31 across from me at the marina. They are snowbirds and trailer the boat to storage during the summer. In the winter when they are here boat is kept in the slip with the amas collapsed. They sail the boat the boat many times a week so can't be that much of a problem to collapse the amas or they are really dedicated.