Glenn's Blog: A New Flying Scot? Part 2 - Where to begin?

In my first installment I discussed the decision to buy a new Flying Scot.  Here I discuss beginning the process of actually placing the order.

I started by checking out the Flying Scot Inc. web site.  I knew I was interested in the Radical Racing Package since it included most of what I want.  Here is the actual ordering form.  It includes:

• forestay adjuster
• spinnaker halyard led aft with take-up reel,
• internal ultra-lite spinnaker sheets with auto ratchets,
• spinnaker pole with Forespar ends,
• spinnaker guy hooks and cleats at chainplates with flat adjusters,
• spinnaker turtles on seat corners,
• jib sheet led to seat with auto ratchet,
• hike-out line on centerboard cap,
• thru-deck pole down haul with shock cord,
• 360 swivel cleat for centerboard line,
• 6:1 internal wire outhaul,
• Ronstan X-10 universal tiller extension (40" fixed length),
• Spar-Fly masthead wind indicator
• triple console cleating on the centerboard cap for the 12:1 cascade boom vang, 6:1 cunningham, and 2:1 pole lift.

Being an engineer (read as "he can never leave well enough alone")  this is not going to be the actual order.  Rather it is my starting point.

The next step is to look over the newer boats in the fleet and pepper the owners with an endless stream of questions.  Of course Mike Noone, as always, is a tremendous source of Flying Scot knowlege and is my primary source of information.

So what will I add to the standard package?  The ordering form provides some clues:

• dry slip cover
• lifting bridle (needed at some launch venues)
• swim ladder (a safety item)
• anchor (FSSA Regatta requirement)
• rudder lift system (for convenience)
• adjustable tiller extension
• Plastimo tactical compass
• aluminum trailer (see the previous installment for why)

Sailors Tailor skirted mooring cover

The dry slip cover seems to be a good investment.  Currently "DJ" has a storage and trailering cover purchased at Cabela's.  It was originally intended for a motorboat but works well.  We also have a tent style mooring cover which I will keep for those rare occasions the boat is stored in the water.  The new cover will span the entire length of the boat and provide protection down to the waterline.

Ronstan RF 3131 tiller extensionBy default the new Scot would come with a Ronstan fixed length "battlestick" tiller extension.  A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to sail George's "Silver Girl" equipped with one.  I found it to be too long for my taste.  I'm accustomed to the adjustable tiller extension currently on "DJ".  I find the retracted shorter length to be more efficient and when I need a longer extension it is available with a quick turn of the wrist.

The compass is a luxury particularly on Lake Nockamixon.  We currently have a handheld compass which we mount and do find useful, primarily before the start sequence when planning the starting approach.

These decisions are actually the easy ones.  There are others to be discussed in future installments including: jib sheeting, hull color, console placement, through seat spinnaker block selection, and centerboard lift choices.  They are unconventional choices.

Glenn

FS 3834 - DJ

Here is the next installment!