Viper 640 Sailboat
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Hauling the Viper back from Beantown, July 2011
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First sail - in the driveway to check the fit of everything.



 A light air day on Lake Erie


 

-July 2011-

Topping lift



One inch long pin, two aluminum washers to retain the Harken cord, stainless ring to keep the lines from chafing, Tape to keep the ring off of the mast, 1/4" nylon lift line.
 Nylon line wraps around boom twice, then ties off on a loop about two feet above boom.
To release, just slide the line forward along the boom.
To engage, slide back.  This worked well all season.


Extra mast support for full length transport.
 

   



These white straps are available at BMW motorcycle dealers.
They are used to tie down the bikes when they cross the pond.
Many dealers give them away.
I use 7 to strap down the running rigging and shrouds.
 

WalMart (pool toy), foam floatation tubing.

 

   


Wood spacer for Torqeedo electric outboard.
 


This keeps the motor's lower unit out of the water when tilted up and clear of the trailing edge when down.
2.25" thick (with 3" long mounting bolts) and 4" higher.

   
   


 

-August 2011-

Mast project


Aluminum spacer tube at bottom of mast.





Finish machined  mast insert.

Shroud extender.
 3/4" hex aluminum works as hand hold when adjusting rig tension, no tools required.



Tall rig - Note space between top of keel and boom.
Compare with picture #2 & #3 above.
Mast rests 5.9" (150mm) higher.
Tacking is much easier with the extra headroom - picture #4.

   


 

-October 2011-

Rudder project 

Rudder set 25 degrees forward - Vertical
 


 

 

 



Testing vertical rudder

 


Sailing on Lake Erie - October 30, 2011
Last sail of the year, Nov 6th

 

-December 2011-

New two piece Tiller for use with vertical rudder.

New tiller with 20 degree angle change,
leaving 5 degrees up slope to clear deck.




An 8mm bolt holds the two halves together.

 


New parts pack away nicely in Rondar rudder cover.
 

 


 

-January 2012-

Repositioning lower shrouds

Lower shroud moved forward 20".
  Holds mast in column (side to side)
without affecting fore / aft bend.

Close-up of U-bolt made from 6mm threaded rod.


U-bolt installed at forward MOB attachment point.



Half round 7/8" aluminum bar under deck lip.

 

 
     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
   
   

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