Also keep in mind that the plywood forms strength in the hull, especially at the V-Berth. I have a '72 V21 and it looks like (after the hull was released from the mold) a single layer of glass fabric was laid in the joint between the hull and the plywood and then fastened in place with a generous ab...

My tire guy always talks about the worst case condition for a tire being one that isn't driven much and that sits outside in the sun. In the olden days, you often saw RVs and trailers with wheel covers and it turns out these weren't just for show. If your trailer sits outside, keep the wheels out of...

That's an interesting idea ... I don't see why not, though the rope used for a downhaul can be much cheaper than that used for a halyard.

On second thought, with the arrangement you describe, you'll need to be very careful about where you put your knot ... like the head of the sail maybe?

I carry a copy of the PA Boating Regulations too ... maybe I should carry two? In any case, the PA regulations match the coast guard rules for US inland and coastal waters. I guess I could throw it at anyone in the country then? My most recent experience with a lot of boats was much more pleasant. W...

Aren't these just more arguments for carrying a flare gun instead of hand flares? Just kidding but you know that most of these guys have never read the Coast Guard rules for right-of-way. And of course, we need to ALWAYS yield to human-propelled craft or we don't really have a right to complain (oka...

My '72 V21 has nice white seals around both the forward and laz hatches. If I remember correctly, the forward hatches are the same on the V21 and V25. The seals are no longer any good at keeping water out as they've gotten stiff, but the do still meet enough to keep the bugs out. I don't have a pop-...

If you're only adjusting at the forestay, won't you be changing the rake of the mast and therefore the COE? I have a '72 V21 with the fractional rig and a PO had replaced the side shroud adjusters with turnbuckles, so it's pretty easy to adjust everything so it's tight AND has the correct mast rake....

I had been thinking about circumnavigating the shores of lake Seneca with my family during leaf peeping season, but this sounds nice too. Do you have any more details? How much sailing is possible on the Hudson? It looks like up and back on lake Seneca is doable almost completely under sail with the...

I just put a bigger motor and boarding ladder on the transom of my V21 and I did something very similar to what you're proposing, but one of my criteria was to not put any holes through the hull near or below the water line. Inside the laz, I sanded the bottom of the boat from the transom to about 4...