Especially in the 50hp class... Anything But a Honda. My as-bought outboard was the biggest time and money waster I've ever owned. Finally replaced it, best improvement I've made to the boat. The Yamaha is dependable, easy to find parts for, easy to find mechanics for, and requires no pampering. Unl...

The X rudder design changed in I think '98 from the original elongated oval shape to a more squared off shape that seems to have less area. But the boat has dual rudders, the design accomodates control under sail by keeping the downwind one well in the water while heeled over. Reminiscent of a catam...

A wood dowel would snap on impact allowing the rudder to pivot but then you've got to get it down again to be able to control the boat. I think a better solution would be to just buy some shock cord (bungee cord, rubber rope....) at a marine store in a size that fits in your leading edge hole and re...

The boat is 11. Assume the outboard will be replaced and if you can accomodate that you should be happy. The motor is the biggest replacement cost item on the boat. Most everything else on the boat is simple and inexpensive to replace if you need to, just make sure the hull is in good shape. My Hond...

The Catalina 30 is a nice boat for longer cruising. I've sailed on a friend's a half dozen or so times. There is a "tall rig" version with more sail area and the taller sail makes it faster if you're into racing. Nice sail controls, boom vang, traveller, etc. Loads of space below, built li...

I just would not do that. Double Ditto. The hull is structure and no way would I want portlites below the rubrail especially in open sea. The ventilation for sleeping situation is a big reason why I chose a used X. It has that nice "big" forward V berth. Go with some nice fans. The best b...

Last weekend in 15-25 kt winds the starboard steering arm bolt sheared off on me. I was able to tiewrap the motor arm/rudder bar/rudder bracker together and get in ok. Yay tiewraps. ;) Anyway, is there a stronger replacement bolt for these things? What was there was just threaded bolt, looks like 1/...

I recently installed a digital depth gauge but I wanted a non-permanent mount temporarily to find a good location for the puck. I placed the transducer in my X under the first aft port compartment, outboard of the ballast tank. Silicone worked on three tries, but only until it cured. I guess once it...

Wow... impressive work Sumner! I couldn't follow the links but navigated to your boat site from your home page. Sumner's wife is quite a skilled craftsperson, all of her canvaswork really adds to that boat. I'm with Sumner that it would be easier to sew and attach a throwover cover than a skirt but ...

If the nav lights are moved to the cabin, are they still visible under sail? Looks like my genny would obscure a cabin mounted light from being seen. If so another boat coming toward me could see a single light and it would make me appear to be on a more oblique (crosswise) heading than I would real...

Ok i give...
You still can only sheet in the genny to just outboard of the shrouds where the 100% main can be sheeted inboard of the shrouds to the jib tracks...
How does the fairlead help?

When I was scoping out boats I looked at a pretty new Cat 250, the waterballast version. My impressions: Sailing, it probably sails better than an X, having approximate same sail area, sheet angles, length and ballast, but a full sailboat hull. I've not sailed one, but I raced one once for fun.. you...

Actually since they're like $3 a piece I don't bother removing, testing and reinstalling them. I'd just replace them.
A plug can crack and arc internally and you'd never see it.

But since it's a HONDA my dollar still says one or more carbs are cheesed.


Happy with my Yammy
-argo

I highly recommend taking a look at this article about a marina fire. Once the powerboat burned free of it's moorings it was driven across the channel by wind into some sailboats, damaging them as well. Gasoline doesn't burn, gasoline mixed with air (vapor) combusts... and THAT is the stuff you're s...

Lazyjacks & lines led aft can make it easier and safer while singlehanding. That said, I don't have either on my :macx: , and still go up on deck when singlehanding. Organization, speed, and agility are what I rely on. Singlehanding it's safer to stay off the deck. I used to scramble forward to...