info / specifications starved for my new (72') Cal 29' Sailboat!

I recently made a deal to purchase a very well cared for 1972 Cal 29. I'm going to be sailing it back home to Port Orange, Florida next month ( it's a 2 day sail) and have run across *the Cal_Boats Group*. Thank you all for publishing this site and information. I'm *info / specifications starved* for this boat and am wondering if you have any more or can point me to where I can find more of the spec manual? * I love the way this boat sails* as well as the room below. I am initiating a couple of projects this new year: Project #1, I have already set into motion, is I'm having a aluminum trailer built and plan on incorporating a mast stepping solution to allow me to trailer her as well as launching / retrieval on a almost demand basis. Project 2 is to convert the tiller to an Edson Pedestal wheel steering. I'm looking forward to Great fun ahead and anything you have in the way of information regarding the Cal 29 would be greatly appreciated! Regards, -- Walter (Mick) J. McNichols wa… [at] mc-nichols.com

Walter, Welcome aboard! You have one of the best Cals ever. I love my 29 as well. If you want to see a real special 29 go to David Wilkie's website, mariposasailing.com. His is a 2-29, differs in that it had factory wheel steering and a diesel and a few other differences, mostly trim and finish. Mine has a retrofit wheel, which I sometimes would trade for a tiller. Especially this winter, when I need to drop the rudder. I'm going to have the yard do it, I'm getting too old to climb in that lazerette and try to take it apart. Rudder is full of water and I think it's time for a call to Foss Foam. Ouch, probably 2 boat bucks, at least. I'm in Chicago and we already have 5 inches of snow, more to come tomorrow. But we're thinking sailing, I attended a seminar today at the Chicago Yacht Club regarding the 2008 Chicago-Mackinac race, the 100th race. I'll be sailing on a Newport 30, in the cruising divison. We're already getting geared up. The training and preperation for a 333 mile race has to begin now, and the race is in July. We've already sent our request for invitation, it's an invitational; if the selection committee doesn't like your credentials they won't invite you. No appeal. I'll be a watch captain, I've done 3 Macs as crew, I've crewed on this boat for the last 2 years, as have the 2 other core crew. We get along and compliment each other's skills. We need 2 more crew. Three to a watch will work, we won't be flying a chute. You just have to remember, go north! This year will probably see 400 boats competing. Everything from GL 70s, multilhulls down to 27 footers. (Sorry Jerry, no 24s) Now I just have to convince the skipper to upgrade his food selection. Hot food makes a big difference when you've been beating through big seas for 4 hours. Wait a minute, this is supposed to be fun. But when you get to the island, you can tell how old the crewmembers are; the young guys head for the Pink Pony, the older guys go for a shower. One of our clubmembers has done 54 Macs, and he'll be doing his 55th. Well, he's the owner of a GL70, so I don't think he'll work too hard. A GL70 is our version of a Santa Cruz 70, I don't travel in those circles so I don't know the difference, but it's a honking big boat. I'm sorry, I've been rambling, but you have to remember, it's December, my boat's on the hard, and I had a sail fix today. How about it Reggie, is Flathead Lake frozen? Regards, David Dobbs Cal29 411 Walter McNichols <wa… [at] mc-nichols.com> wrote: I recently made a deal to purchase a very well cared for 1972 Cal 29. I'm going to be sailing it back home to Port Orange, Florida next month ( it's a 2 day sail) and have run across the Cal_Boats Group. Thank you all for publishing this site and information. I'm info / specifications starved for this boat and am wondering if you have any more or can point me to where I can find more of the spec manual? I love the way this boat sails as well as the room below. I am initiating a couple of projects this new year: Project #1, I have already set into motion, is I'm having a aluminum trailer built and plan on incorporating a mast stepping solution to allow me to trailer her as well as launching / retrieval on a almost demand basis. Project 2 is to convert the tiller to an Edson Pedestal wheel steering. I'm looking forward to Great fun ahead and anything you have in the way of information regarding the Cal 29 would be greatly appreciated! Regards, -- Walter (Mick) J. McNichols wa… [at] mc-nichols.com --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.

Nope! Flathead Lake is not frozen yet. and we have no snow at our house in Lakeside, Montana. Reggie To: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.comFrom: tm… [at] yahoo.comDate: Sat, 8 Dec 2007 20:01:35 -0800Subject: Re: [Cal_Boats] Walter, new 29 owner Walter, Welcome aboard! You have one of the best Cals ever. I love my 29 as well. If you want to see a real special 29 go to David Wilkie's website, mariposasailing.com. His is a 2-29, differs in that it had factory wheel steering and a diesel and a few other differences, mostly trim and finish. Mine has a retrofit wheel, which I sometimes would trade for a tiller. Especially this winter, when I need to drop the rudder. I'm going to have the yard do it, I'm getting too old to climb in that lazerette and try to take it apart. Rudder is full of water and I think it's time for a call to Foss Foam. Ouch, probably 2 boat bucks, at least. I'm in Chicago and we already have 5 inches of snow, more to come tomorrow. But we're thinking sailing, I attended a seminar today at the Chicago Yacht Club regarding the 2008 Chicago-Mackinac race, the 100th race. I'll be sailing on a Newport 30, in the cruising divison. We're already getting geared up. The training and preperation for a 333 mile race has to begin now, and the race is in July. We've already sent our request for invitation, it's an invitational; if the selection committee doesn't like your credentials they won't invite you. No appeal. I'll be a watch captain, I've done 3 Macs as crew, I've crewed on this boat for the last 2 years, as have the 2 other core crew. We get along and compliment each other's skills. We need 2 more crew. Three to a watch will work, we won't be flying a chute. You just have to remember, go north! This year will probably see 400 boats competing. Everything from GL 70s, multilhulls down to 27 footers. (Sorry Jerry, no 24s) Now I just have to convince the skipper to upgrade his food selection. Hot food makes a big difference when you've been beating through big seas for 4 hours. Wait a minute, this is supposed to be fun. But when you get to the island, you can tell how old the crewmembers are; the young guys head for the Pink Pony, the older guys go for a shower. One of our clubmembers has done 54 Macs, and he'll be doing his 55th. Well, he's the owner of a GL70, so I don't think he'll work too hard. A GL70 is our version of a Santa Cruz 70, I don't travel in those circles so I don't know the difference, but it's a honking big boat. I'm sorry, I've been rambling, but you have to remember, it's December, my boat's on the hard, and I had a sail fix today. How about it Reggie, is Flathead Lake frozen? Regards, David Dobbs Cal29 411 Walter McNichols <wa… [at] mc-nichols.com> wrote: I recently made a deal to purchase a very well cared for 1972 Cal 29. I'm going to be sailing it back home to Port Orange, Florida next month ( it's a 2 day sail) and have run across the Cal_Boats Group.Thank you all for publishing this site and information. I'm info / specifications starved for this boat and am wondering if you have any more or can point me to where I can find more of the spec manual? I love the way this boat sails as well as the room below. I am initiating a couple of projects this new year: Project #1, I have already set into motion, is I'm having a aluminum trailer built and plan on incorporating a mast stepping solution to allow me to trailer her as well as launching / retrieval on a almost demand basis. Project 2 is to convert the tiller to an Edson Pedestal wheel steering.I'm looking forward to Great fun ahead and anything you have in the way of information regarding the Cal 29 would be greatly appreciated! Regards,-- Walter (Mick) J. Mc… [at] mc-nichols.com Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.

Mick There is info on the Cal 29 in the Links section of this site and don't forget to enter yourself in the database. We have a Canadian built Cal 2-29 and love it. I've hauled her for the winter (not that I needed to our water doesn't freeze here) to let the hull dry out and so I could perform some upgrades that the first mate is demanding. Good luck with your boat, they are a real treat to sail. Neil Optima Victoria BC. In Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com, "Walter McNichols" <walter@...> wrote: > > I recently made a deal to purchase a very well cared for 1972 Cal 29. I'm > going to be sailing it back home to Port Orange, Florida next month ( it's a > 2 day sail) and have run across *the Cal_Boats Group*. > > Thank you all for publishing this site and information. I'm *info / > specifications starved* for this boat and am wondering if you have any more > or can point me to where I can find more of the spec manual? > > * I love the way this boat sails* as well as the room below. > > I am initiating a couple of projects this new year: Project #1, I have > already set into motion, is I'm having a aluminum trailer built and plan on > incorporating a mast stepping solution to allow me to trailer her as well as > launching / retrieval on a almost demand basis. > > Project 2 is to convert the tiller to an Edson Pedestal wheel steering. > > I'm looking forward to Great fun ahead and anything you have in the way of > information regarding the Cal 29 would be greatly appreciated! > > Regards, > -- > Walter (Mick) J. McNichols > walter@... >

Hello Walter - welcome to the group; here's a few Cal 29 links: Basic specs http://pages.sssnet.com/go2erie/cal29.htm As sold: http://www.bangorpunta.com/Cal/1973-Cal-29-FastEnoughToWin.html The designer sailed one himself - one of his favourites http://www.bangorpunta.com/Cal/1973-Cal29-HowLapworthUnwindsOnWeekends.html A 29 modified for a run down the Hiscock Road http://www.user.dccnet.com/rdarcy/calspec.html One thing you really ought to know about is the dreaded Steel Beam - forms the bottom of the mast/shrouds/step polygon. It may be rusted to the point of failure in some old Cals. It should be inspected and if necessary replaced. Brave mice and some men have accomplished this. Perhaps some of the other members can provide links for further details on how to do this. Wilkie Owen's site has this good info: http://www.mariposasailing.com/beam.html http://www.mariposasailing.com/Replacement.html Another issue for some is the rub rail that covers the hull-deck joint. It can get very chalky in later years - I think Seals Spars has replacements: http://www.sealsspars.com/gunnelcatalog.html Some have done well just painting it with a vinyl buoy paint, in particular one called Vinylon, (page down to see) http://www.seamar.com/crab.html Regards - Nick From: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com [mailto:Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Walter McNichols Sent: December 8, 2007 5:15 PM To: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com Subject: [Cal_Boats] info / specifications starved for my new (72') Cal 29' Sailboat! I recently made a deal to purchase a very well cared for 1972 Cal 29. I'm going to be sailing it back home to Port Orange, Florida next month ( it's a 2 day sail) and have run across the Cal_Boats Group. Thank you all for publishing this site and information. I'm info / specifications starved for this boat and am wondering if you have any more or can point me to where I can find more of the spec manual? I love the way this boat sails as well as the room below. I am initiating a couple of projects this new year: Project #1, I have already set into motion, is I'm having a aluminum trailer built and plan on incorporating a mast stepping solution to allow me to trailer her as well as launching / retrieval on a almost demand basis. Project 2 is to convert the tiller to an Edson Pedestal wheel steering. I'm looking forward to Great fun ahead and anything you have in the way of information regarding the Cal 29 would be greatly appreciated! Regards, -- Walter (Mick) J. McNichols wa… [at] mc-nichols.com

Mick, I forgot to ask if you know the hull number. Mine is a 1972 also, and doesn't have the standard CABxxxxxx number. You may have a state assigned number, usually when a title is issued. You can find the real Cal Boats number by looking in the starboard lazerette, up high on the hull. A three digit number painted and covered with polyester. Mine is 411. I found this info right here. David Dobbs Cal29 411 Walter McNichols <wa… [at] mc-nichols.com> wrote: I recently made a deal to purchase a very well cared for 1972 Cal 29. I'm going to be sailing it back home to Port Orange, Florida next month ( it's a 2 day sail) and have run across the Cal_Boats Group. Thank you all for publishing this site and information. I'm info / specifications starved for this boat and am wondering if you have any more or can point me to where I can find more of the spec manual? I love the way this boat sails as well as the room below. I am initiating a couple of projects this new year: Project #1, I have already set into motion, is I'm having a aluminum trailer built and plan on incorporating a mast stepping solution to allow me to trailer her as well as launching / retrieval on a almost demand basis. Project 2 is to convert the tiller to an Edson Pedestal wheel steering. I'm looking forward to Great fun ahead and anything you have in the way of information regarding the Cal 29 would be greatly appreciated! Regards, -- Walter (Mick) J. McNichols wa… [at] mc-nichols.com --------------------------------- Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage.

Walter McNichols wrote: > > I recently made a deal to purchase a very well cared for 1972 Cal 29. > > Project 2 is to convert the tiller to an Edson Pedestal wheel steering. > You'll probably have to put up with the grumpy old contingent who wonder why anybody would want to get rid of their tiller and add a wheel. Complexity, expense, loss of feel.... Chris Campbell Cal 20 #1220, wheel-free

I'll second that thought. I've always found that the boat is more responsive with a tiller than wheel. The driver has more direct feel to what the boat is doing. For cruising, I admit that the wheel is slightly less "hands-on" but I've been aboard 29's with wheel steering, and it seems rather difficult to get around the wheel when working or relaxing in the cockpit. Have you sailed aboard any boats of similar cockpit space with a wheel? You might want to put something of similar dimension in the middle of your cockpit and just try walking around it to see if it's too much of a PITA. If you do go ahead with the wheel installation, take photos of the installation process. I'd love to post it to the list photo page, so we have record of how it's done. Charlie Husar and I have taken similar photos of various restoration projects on Cal 25's including mast pedesdal replacement, transom beam installation, etc. It's amazing how much work these boats can be, as well as how much fun they are to sail. Good luck with your projects! Scott S. Cal 25 #1651 Indefatigable To: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.comFrom: cl… [at] charterinternet.comDate: Mon, 10 Dec 2007 10:10:20 -0500Subject: Re: [Cal_Boats] info / specifications starved for my new (72') Cal 29' Sailboat! Walter McNichols wrote: I recently made a deal to purchase a very well cared for 1972 Cal 29. Project 2 is to convert the tiller to an Edson Pedestal wheel steering.You'll probably have to put up with the grumpy old contingent who wonder why anybody would want to get rid of their tiller and add a wheel. Complexity, expense, loss of feel....Chris CampbellCal 20 #1220, wheel-free Put your friends on the big screen with Windows Vista® + Windows Live™. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/shop/specialoffers.mspx?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_CPC_MediaCtr_bigscreen_102007

Scott Sauvageot wrote: > > I'll second that thought. I've always found that the boat is more > responsive with a tiller than wheel. > A long time ago I was really seduced by wheels. They seemed so sophisticated, so "big boat," so "serious sailor." They are what you saw in the photos of the America's Cup boats and the serious ocean racers. Tiller's were the poor man's steering device, great things for dinghies but just not appropriate for the big guys. Then I figured out how simple and effective tillers are. You're connected directly to the rudder. It's one of those wonderful low-tech perfect devices. ChrisCampbell

Well said, Chris. I've sailed on a lot of big, sophisticated boats with wheel steering and every one carried an emergency tiller. I have yet to see a tiller steered boat carry an emergency wheel. I've also had direct experience with racing two Cal 40s, one with a wheel and the other with a tiller. For many reasons the tiller was superior. Perhaps Mr. Lapworth knew what he was doing! From: sentto-16485695-9749-1197306312-george.a.elwers=sa… [at] returns.groups.yahoo.com on behalf of Chris Campbell Sent: Mon 12/10/2007 9:05 AM To: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Cal_Boats] info / specifications starved for my new (72') Cal 29' Sailboat! Scott Sauvageot wrote: I'll second that thought. I've always found that the boat is more responsive with a tiller than wheel. A long time ago I was really seduced by wheels. They seemed so sophisticated, so "big boat," so "serious sailor." They are what you saw in the photos of the America's Cup boats and the serious ocean racers. Tiller's were the poor man's steering device, great things for dinghies but just not appropriate for the big guys. Then I figured out how simple and effective tillers are. You're connected directly to the rudder. It's one of those wonderful low-tech perfect devices. ChrisCampbell .

--- In Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com, Chris Campbell <clcampbell@...> wrote: > > Scott Sauvageot wrote: > > > > I'll second that thought. I've always found that the boat is more > > responsive with a tiller than wheel. > > > > > > > A long time ago I was really seduced by wheels. They seemed so > sophisticated, so "big boat," so "serious sailor." They are what you > saw in the photos of the America's Cup boats and the serious ocean > racers. I think they are useless in anything smaller than 50 feet. I drove a friend's Carter 39 with twin wheels in heavy air in a Mexican race and was wishing for a tiller the whole time. >Tiller's were the poor man's steering device, great things for > dinghies but just not appropriate for the big guys. Then I figured out > how simple and effective tillers are. You're connected directly to the > rudder. It's one of those wonderful low-tech perfect devices. The other factor is that a tiller folds back and leaves the cockpit unencumbered while at anchor or on a mooring. I have yet to own a boat big enough to have a wheel. And never will. Mike Kennedy Conquest Cal 40 # 96 > > ChrisCampbell >

Ha Ha Ha. Looking back in the Cal List archives you will find many pro and con statements about Tillers VS Wheels. I've tried to trade my wheel for a tiller setup on several occasions. It's not something that anybody has yet wanted to do, especially since my wheel setup is probably approaching the end of it's normal life span. So, mark me as a tiller advocate trapped on a wheel boat kind of a guy. I love driving Dan Casey's 9.2. It's fun to watch him come in after a race, also. He can skid that baby sideways when he makes the turn into his slip and sails her all the way in most of the time. I do appreciate my wheel for the simplicity of using a wheel pilot. Tiller pilots are a little less satisfactory. They work fine, just set up and all. I'd still rather have a tiller, though. Tiller's rule. Wilkie From: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com [mailto:Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Elwers, George A. Sent: Monday, December 10, 2007 9:21 AM To: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com Subject: [Cal_Boats] Tiller/wheel (Chris) (was specs for Cal 29') Well said, Chris. I've sailed on a lot of big, sophisticated boats with wheel steering and every one carried an emergency tiller. I have yet to see a tiller steered boat carry an emergency wheel. I've also had direct experience with racing two Cal 40s, one with a wheel and the other with a tiller. For many reasons the tiller was superior. Perhaps Mr. Lapworth knew what he was doing! From: sentto-16485695-9749-1197306312-george.a.elwers=sa… [at] returns.groups.yaho o.com on behalf of Chris Campbell Sent: Mon 12/10/2007 9:05 AM To: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Cal_Boats] info / specifications starved for my new (72') Cal 29' Sailboat! Scott Sauvageot wrote: I'll second that thought. I've always found that the boat is more responsive with a tiller than wheel. A long time ago I was really seduced by wheels. They seemed so sophisticated, so "big boat," so "serious sailor." They are what you saw in the photos of the America's Cup boats and the serious ocean racers. Tiller's were the poor man's steering device, great things for dinghies but just not appropriate for the big guys. Then I figured out how simple and effective tillers are. You're connected directly to the rudder. It's one of those wonderful low-tech perfect devices. ChrisCampbell .

David, I have wanted to convert my wheel back to a tiller also. I always thougt I would only have to move the travler. How would you attach the tiller? Wilkie wrote: > Ha Ha Ha. Looking back in the Cal List archives you will find many pro and > con statements about Tillers VS Wheels. I've tried to trade my wheel for a > tiller setup on several occasions. It's not something that anybody has yet > wanted to do, especially since my wheel setup is probably approaching the > end of it's normal life span. > So, mark me as a tiller advocate trapped on a wheel boat kind of a guy. I > love driving Dan Casey's 9.2. It's fun to watch him come in after a race, > also. He can skid that baby sideways when he makes the turn into his slip > and sails her all the way in most of the time. > I do appreciate my wheel for the simplicity of using a wheel pilot. Tiller > pilots are a little less satisfactory. They work fine, just set up and all. > I'd still rather have a tiller, though. > Tiller's rule. > Wilkie > -----Original Message----- > From: Cal_Boats@yahoogrou ps.com [mailto: Cal_Boats@yahoogrou ps.com ] On Behalf > Of Elwers, George A. > Sent: Monday, December 10, 2007 9:21 AM > To: Cal_Boats@yahoogrou ps.com > Subject: [Cal_Boats] Tiller/wheel (Chris) (was specs for Cal 29') > Well said, Chris. I've sailed on a lot of big, sophisticated boats with > wheel steering and every one carried an emergency tiller. I have yet to see > a tiller steered boat carry an emergency wheel. > I've also had direct experience with racing two Cal 40s, one with a wheel > and the other with a tiller. For many reasons the tiller was superior. > Perhaps Mr. Lapworth knew what he was doing! > ____________ _________ _________ __ > From: > sentto-16485695- 9749-1197306312- george.a. elwers=saic. com@returns. groups.yaho > o.com on behalf of Chris Campbell > Sent: Mon 12/10/2007 9:05 AM > To: Cal_Boats@yahoogrou ps.com > Subject: Re: [Cal_Boats] info / specifications starved for my new (72') Cal > 29' Sailboat! > Scott Sauvageot wrote: > I'll second that thought. I've always found that the boat is more > responsive with a tiller than wheel. > A long time ago I was really seduced by wheels. They seemed so > sophisticated, so "big boat," so "serious sailor." They are what you saw in > the photos of the America's Cup boats and the serious ocean racers. > Tiller's were the poor man's steering device, great things for dinghies but > just not appropriate for the big guys. Then I figured out how simple and > effective tillers are. You're connected directly to the rudder. It's one > of those wonderful low-tech perfect devices. > ChrisCampbell > . > ____________________________________________________________________________________ Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

Mike, I want to agree with you about tillers vs. wheels, but I used to crew on an Erickson 35, with a tiller and I could NOT drive that boat. I was all over the place, I could not find a groove. I finally said, I ain't driving, I'll trim the genny, the chute, whatever, but I'm not driving. It's a very successful racing boat, so they were glad to get me off the helm. Tillers are more responsive, but when you start to get above 30 feet they don't have the same effect they do in a 22 foot boat. I sailed a 22 for years and could make it do what I wanted. But when I tried to drive that displacement hull 35 it wasn't the same. Maybe I just needed more practice, but we were racing so I left the driving to others. My Cal has a wheel, which I have adjusted to, but there is some lag that a tiller steered boat doesn't have. I have adjusted to it now, but there really is a difference. Regards David Dobbs, Cal29 411 mtkennedy1 <mt… [at] cox.net> wrote: --- In Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com, Chris Campbell <clcampbell@...> wrote: > > Scott Sauvageot wrote: > > > > I'll second that thought. I've always found that the boat is more > > responsive with a tiller than wheel. > > > > > > > A long time ago I was really seduced by wheels. They seemed so > sophisticated, so "big boat," so "serious sailor." They are what you > saw in the photos of the America's Cup boats and the serious ocean > racers. I think they are useless in anything smaller than 50 feet. I drove a friend's Carter 39 with twin wheels in heavy air in a Mexican race and was wishing for a tiller the whole time. >Tiller's were the poor man's steering device, great things for > dinghies but just not appropriate for the big guys. Then I figured out > how simple and effective tillers are. You're connected directly to the > rudder. It's one of those wonderful low-tech perfect devices. The other factor is that a tiller folds back and leaves the cockpit unencumbered while at anchor or on a mooring. I have yet to own a boat big enough to have a wheel. And never will. Mike Kennedy Conquest Cal 40 # 96 > > ChrisCampbell > --------------------------------- Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.

It's all personal preference but I have driven a Carter 39 downwind in 30 knots 100 miles offshore and wished for a tiller. We took my Choate 40 to Hawaii with a tiller and spent a few nights surfing in 35 to 45 knots with no roundups and no crashes. In the gusts, the knotmeter, which was digital and registered to 22 knots, would go to zero because the impeller, which was forward of the keel, was out of the water. We had a 296 mile day. Not bad in a boat under 40 feet overall. We sailed almost exactly 2400 miles in 11 days, 20 hours. That's over a 200 mile day average and the first five days were blast reaching at about 7 knots. The Ericson 35 was a light air boat. The Carter was an extreme IOR hull while the Choate was a beamy boat with a wide stern. Much more controllable in heavy air. Mike Kennedy Conquest Cal 40 # 96 On Dec 10, 2007, at 8:04 PM, david dobbs wrote: > > Mike, > I want to agree with you about tillers vs. wheels, but I used to > crew on an Erickson 35, with a tiller and I could NOT drive that > boat. I was all over the place, I could not find a groove. I > finally said, I ain't driving, I'll trim the genny, the chute, > whatever, but I'm not driving. It's a very successful racing boat, > so they were glad to get me off the helm. Tillers are more > responsive, but when you start to get above 30 feet they don't have > the same effect they do in a 22 foot boat. I sailed a 22 for years > and could make it do what I wanted. But when I tried to drive that > displacement hull 35 it wasn't the same. Maybe I just needed more > practice, but we were racing so I left the driving to others. > My Cal has a wheel, which I have adjusted to, but there is some lag > that a tiller steered boat doesn't have. I have adjusted to it > now, but there really is a difference. > Regards > David Dobbs, Cal29 411 > > > > mtkennedy1 <mt… [at] cox.net> wrote: > --- In Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com, Chris Campbell <clcampbell@...> > wrote: > > > > Scott Sauvageot wrote: > > > > > > I'll second that thought. I've always found that the boat is more > > > responsive with a tiller than wheel. > > > > > > > > > > > > > A long time ago I was really seduced by wheels. They seemed so > > sophisticated, so "big boat," so "serious sailor." They are what you > > saw in the photos of the America's Cup boats and the serious ocean > > racers. > > I think they are useless in anything smaller than 50 feet. I drove > a friend's Carter 39 with > twin wheels in heavy air in a Mexican race and was wishing for a > tiller the whole time. > > >Tiller's were the poor man's steering device, great things for > > dinghies but just not appropriate for the big guys. Then I > figured out > > how simple and effective tillers are. You're connected directly > to the > > rudder. It's one of those wonderful low-tech perfect devices. > > The other factor is that a tiller folds back and leaves the cockpit > unencumbered while at > anchor or on a mooring. I have yet to own a boat big enough to have > a wheel. And never > will. > > Mike Kennedy > Conquest Cal 40 # 96 > > > > > ChrisCampbell > > > > > > Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! > Search. > >

Michael Kennedy wrote: > > It's all personal preference but I have driven a Carter 39 downwind > in 30 knots 100 miles offshore and wished for a tiller. We took my > Choate 40 to Hawaii with a tiller and spent a few nights surfing in > 35 to 45 knots with no roundups and no crashes. In the gusts, the > knotmeter, which was digital and registered to 22 knots, would go to > zero because the impeller, which was forward of the keel, was out of > the water. We had a 296 mile day. Not bad in a boat under 40 feet > overall. We sailed almost exactly 2400 miles in 11 days, 20 hours. > That's over a 200 mile day average and the first five days were blast > reaching at about 7 knots. > Sounds like fun. I'm not sure surfing at night in 35-45 knots is as easy as you make it sound, but the right boat must make a big difference. We're just waiting for iceboating season around here. Apparently a few of the small inland lakes had ice with "some holes." That means that unless you're obsessive, stay home and wait. Or wear your dry suit. The iceboat steers with a tiller. Chris Campbell

--- In Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com, Chris Campbell <clcampbell@...> wrote: > > Michael Kennedy wrote: > > > > It's all personal preference boasting snipped > > > Sounds like fun. I'm not sure surfing at night in 35-45 knots is as > easy as you make it sound, but the right boat must make a big difference. Those were squalls that would last 15 to 30 minutes at a time and would come through about every hour or two. Steady breeze would be about 25. During the day, when the wind dropped below 25, guys would stick their head up from below to see why it was so quiet. We had a steady 15 knots of boat speed most days once we got in the trades. The past two Transpacs have been slow, though. I shot a movie of the race which I am working on to restore it and transform it to DVD. I've got most of it in digital clips now. MIke Kennedy Conquest Cal 40 # 96

David, I thinki the slot is as much a hull and sail plan item as it is stick or wheel. Many years ago I saile on a Rogers 32 a number of times (don't ask me why), and I could not find a driving slot. I would kind of ooze through the max speed/angle zone going to windward with no feel on the stick. Very difficult to drive upwind. Cheers anyway Charlie From: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com [mailto:Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of david dobbs Sent: Monday, December 10, 2007 11:04 PM To: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Cal_Boats] Re: Mike, wheels, etc. Mike, I want to agree with you about tillers vs. wheels, but I used to crew on an Erickson 35, with a tiller and I could NOT drive that boat. I was all over the place, I could not find a groove. I finally said, I ain't driving, I'll trim the genny, the chute, whatever, but I'm not driving. It's a very successful racing boat, so they were glad to get me off the helm. Tillers are more responsive, but when you start to get above 30 feet they don't have the same effect they do in a 22 foot boat. I sailed a 22 for years and could make it do what I wanted. But when I tried to drive that displacement hull 35 it wasn't the same. Maybe I just needed more practice, but we were racing so I left the driving to others. My Cal has a wheel, which I have adjusted to, but there is some lag that a tiller steered boat doesn't have. I have adjusted to it now, but there really is a difference. Regards David Dobbs, Cal29 411 mtkennedy1 <mt… [at] cox.net> wrote: --- In Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com <mailto:Cal_Boats%40yahoogroups.com> , Chris Campbell <clcampbell@...> wrote: > > Scott Sauvageot wrote: > > > > I'll second that thought. I've always found that the boat is more > > responsive with a tiller than wheel. > > > > > > > A long time ago I was really seduced by wheels. They seemed so > sophisticated, so "big boat," so "serious sailor." They are what you > saw in the photos of the America's Cup boats and the serious ocean > racers. I think they are useless in anything smaller than 50 feet. I drove a friend's Carter 39 with twin wheels in heavy air in a Mexican race and was wishing for a tiller the whole time. >Tiller's were the poor man's steering device, great things for > dinghies but just not appropriate for the big guys. Then I figured out > how simple and effective tillers are. You're connected directly to the > rudder. It's one of those wonderful low-tech perfect devices. The other factor is that a tiller folds back and leaves the cockpit unencumbered while at anchor or on a mooring. I have yet to own a boat big enough to have a wheel. And never will. Mike Kennedy Conquest Cal 40 # 96 > > ChrisCampbell > Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. <http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=51734/*http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsear ch/category.php?category=shopping>

David, Took the boat out yesterday for a couple of hours to get holding tank pumped out and test (engine) running speed against stiff breeze and tide running out as well as down wind etc. We spent some time looking for the hull number with no luck. Also (if it helps or not) she is a documented vessell with no state assigned number. I'm thinking from what I've seen 1972 mid production was when they changed over to the CAL 2-29. So I must be late Cal-29? Any suggestions on where else to look, how pictures etc? Regards, Mick Walter (Mick) J. McNichols wa… [at] mc-nichols.com On 12/9/07, david dobbs <tm… [at] yahoo.com> wrote: > > Mick, > I forgot to ask if you know the hull number. Mine is a 1972 also, and > doesn't have the standard CABxxxxxx number. You may have a state assigned > number, usually when a title is issued. You can find the real Cal Boats > number by looking in the starboard lazerette, up high on the hull. A > three digit number painted and covered with polyester. Mine is 411. I > found this info right here. > > David Dobbs > Cal29 411 > > > *Walter McNichols <wa… [at] mc-nichols.com>* wrote: > > I recently made a deal to purchase a very well cared for 1972 Cal 29. I'm > going to be sailing it back home to Port Orange, Florida next month ( it's a > 2 day sail) and have run across *the Cal_Boats Group*. > > Thank you all for publishing this site and information . I'm *info / > specifications starved* for this boat and am wondering if you have any > more or can point me to where I can find more of the spec manual? > > *I love the way this boat sails* as well as the room below. > > I am initiating a couple of projects this new year: Project #1, I have > already set into motion, is I'm having a aluminum trailer built and plan on > incorporating a mast stepping solution to allow me to trailer her as well as > launching / retrieval on a almost demand basis. > > Project 2 is to convert the tiller to an Edson Pedestal wheel steering. > > I'm looking forward to Great fun ahead and anything you have in the way of > information regarding the Cal 29 would be greatly appreciated! > > Regards, > -- > Walter (Mick) J. McNichols > wa… [at] mc-nichols.com > > > ------------------------------ > Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage.<http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=51438/*http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs> > > > -- Walter (Mick) J. McNichols wa… [at] mc-nichols.com