Original Sail with battens made by Mountifield Sail £30
Perfect Spare centreboard made by Boon Boats. £125 reduced £95
Basic Rudder stock with tiller and blade with some fittings £35
Collect from Burghfield Nr Reading
MobNo 07815 769335
Various other classic solo fittings,blocks etc
Got my first ever win in a dinghy on Sunday, 2318 certainly flys in a breeze! unfortunately for me the tiller did not hold up to a second race and I had to be rescued! (see picture in the article) I will pick up a 'new' tiller tomorrow.
I really enjoy sailing this Solo!
Hello Solo Guru's I am setting up 2318 at the minute and was looking at the set up guides, they all mention that the mast heel should be 121 inches (3070mm) from the transom, well if I were to do that I would have to knock down my forward buoyancy tank! Mine measures a smidge over 119inches (3026mm) My question is my mast rake measurement must be different to the 'modern' set up as my mast starts in the 'wrong' position. If I set it to 233.9inches (5940mm) that must be incorrect? Any recommendations on appropriate mast rake for a 1973 centre marine solo full FRP, with a needlespar mast, taking into consideration my mast heel position would be much appreciated.
Looks just right. There are many factors none of which you cant change. ie the transom the bulkhead and thecentrebolt position. You could play with the hole in the centreboard. when worked out I think there is some play ie max 40mm . This can be worth playing with if the boat feels out of balance.(I wouldnt). so what are the other variables?? Well, your sail leech length, mas t type and bend, amount of kicker, boom height. Your mast will almost be around 3050mm from the transoms o thats just right. Put the mast in without chocks. Have the mast in the middle of the deck slot to start with held by the forestay, Set up the shrouds so there is 100mm of movement.Ignore the mast rake stated measurements.
Pull up the mainSail ensure that it is right up and doesnt slip. Outhaul to black band , Kicker on to minimum tension.
Now its the elbow test--- So elbow at the transom corner extend your hand and it should just touch the underside of the boom. Thats it.
Go sailing and see how it works. If the boat is in balance on the helm then thats it. JUst keep an eye out on the leech in the lighter winds as too tight a leech can act as a brake if pinching on inland waters.
Downwind you will find that sailing with the kicker off and sailing by the lee will work quite well if the course allows.
The Needlspar is a flexible mast and responds well to adjustment chocking and changes in rig tension so all good. They were the only mast to use when you boat was built. I f you decide to change mast I will take it off your hands. All this is perfect for a vintage Solo . x
Hi there I have 2318 and have been slowly fixing her up over the last couple of months, many cracks in the gelcoat ground out and fixed, I was hoping to join the vintage fleet open next year but I read in the round up in Y&Y that it is now for wooden hulls only? is that correct? my boat is 53 years old so surely counts as Vintage! thanks in advance image of one side fixed one side to go!
Petrus, your Solo does qualify for the vintage champs based on the age of the boat. Leigh on Sea SC put on a very good event each year and you will be made to feel very welcome.
Hi Steve, I’ve sent you a text message.