New 222 Shakedown run

[Rudder Nonsense]

As a new member, but old lurker, I thought I'd say howdy now that I'm a Macgregor/Venture owner.

After a couple years pondering and searching, I found and purchased a semi local 1973 222. Using all the tips on what problems to look for I'd gathered from this and other sites, I think I've done quite well with my purchase. It will need some cosmetic repair and a few minor hardware items replaced but is quite sailable in its current status with one exception.

After an easy launch and mast stepping, my stepson and I motored out of the harbour and proceeded to raise the main. We found out quite quickly that it jammed badly and often when pulling on the halyard. Our solution was to have him pulling the halyard and I eased the sail into the receiving slot and raise slowly and incrimentally. However, we also found out the hard way that the tiller tamer wasn't doing it's job. (Later in the day, we found out the PO had added a washer that wouldn't allow the tightening of tension.) Needless to say we fell off the wind a couple times before I figured this was embarrassing and utter nonsense. Or more appropriately Rudder Nonsense! Ureaka!!! The boat was named before it even officially sailed! LOL!

Anyway after finally getting both main and genoa up and trimmed we proceeded not only to catch but pass those boats that set sail and left us in their wake. This helped the old ego out a bit. I was quite impressed with the upwind performance as I've heard these boats lack in this regard. We held a close hauled tack for about 3 miles before practicing our tacking skills. It was only blowing 8 knots as I confirmed from online weather records, but the boat performed well in these light winds. I'm very happy with my purchase.

Now I'm looking into fixing the jamming issues with the main, it appears that the mast sail slot has been widened a bit above the sail entry point (as I noticed tool marks there) and the bolt rope? jams in the wedge shaped slot created by the widening. Anyone know how tight the mast slot should be at this location?? or should I just experiment narrowing it little by little?

In the end, I have all winter to fix and enhance this boat to the point I want it. My approach will be do one thing, test, then do another. That way anyback stepping that may occur will not be a major setback hopefully. Cheers all!

[mastreb]

Probably the simplest thing to do would be to go with sail slides if your mast slot is damaged. The plastic ones have quite a bit of natural lubrication and they're fairly easy to add to the sail. There are quite a few posts you can search on the topic.

Otherwise, a mainsail feeder is an excellent add-on. I put one on to support bringing the halyard aft. Mine is a spinlock--about $70 from WestMarine.

[GaryMayo]

Welcome! I am also a new owner of these fun Machines,

[steveb48]

Hi,

I just got my 222 a couple months ago. The previous owner had the same issue and added a mainsail feeder from Spinlock. It works great.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... sNum=10216

Steve

[Rudder Nonsense]

I found a sail feeder in a box of hardware bits in the boat. I didn't know what it was before Next trip out I will give it a try. I guess I'll have to play with the height location when I step the mast and look for a sweet spot. Thanks for the tips!

[steveb48]

I may be able to take a picture of mine although the mast is down right now. I can certainly take a couple of measurements.

Steve

[Rudder Nonsense]

Steve!
thank you. I'd appreciate that. I can't step my mast at home due to trees, so the shorter time at the ramp, the better for me!

[steveb48]

My guide is mounted right below the flair in the sail track, about 5.5" above the boom gooseneck (center to center). Here's a link to the spinlock page.
http://www.spinlock.co.uk/en/hardware/s ... uff-feeder

Good luck,
Steve

[Rudder Nonsense]

Thanks Steve,
The feeder wasnt perfect, but definately a major improvement!