Raising The Mast - 1989 Precision 18 - Sail La Vie

In this video I show how I set Sail La Vie up to go sailing. Raising the mast. Mounting the solar panels. I hope someone out there finds this video helpful to the set up of their own sailboat.
Trailer Sailor, sailboat camping, micro cruising
Precision 18 Sailboat, Navionics, Rudder Craft Rudder, Raymarine ST1000 Auto Tiller, Solar PV System, Bimini Top
My Sailing Website: mtjones08.wixs...

[@MattB-vm2rl]

Love these boats. Looks like you didn't rely much on the main sheet to lift.... is it possible to raise the mast without that, and then just walk the forestay forward?

[@ibelieveican3138]

Matt, how long does this process take? I'm thinking of getting a Precision 18 ! I'm in Buffalo.

[@joecraven2034]

I have a P21 and raising the main is a little stressful. I worry about it tilting left or right while raising. The boat is new to me and I'm still learning. Thanks for the excellent video.

[@livingmatt3729]

No problem, I am glad you found it helpful

[@deweypug]

I LOVE my P-18! Very stable and forgiving boat. I'd like to see how your genoa block/sheet arrangement...

[@livingmatt3729]

They are great boats. I've had her out in some rough conditions on the Chesapeake and she never let me down. I haven't made any specific videos on the block/sheet arrangement for the genoa but you are welcome to check out some of my other videos that I think will capture this. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4O5Zpyjar-YeaM It's a 150 genoa. The sheets run back to a blocks fixed to the base of the mid ship stanchions on either side and then makes the hard turns into the cam cleat mounted on the cockpit coaming in line with the mid sheet stanchions.

[@modshaman]

Where are you located in Pennsylvania, im up in Erie Pa.

[@livingmatt3729]

I'm just south of Harrisburg.

[@TheOffCycle]

How well does the 5hp push the boat?

[@livingmatt3729]

It did a great job. I never had any issues making headway even with opposing tides in narrow inlets.

[@CarvingAPath]

Nice looking boat. It looks like you have it set up proper. How does that upgraded Rutter work?. We have a 1987 precision 18 awesome boat we love them. Anyways we both enjoyed watching thanks for posting this video

[@livingmatt3729]

Thank you for watching. Its a Rudder Craft rudder. It works well for me. It has a gas strut in the assembly that either pushes it down into the water or pulls it back up.

[@georgewashington7444]

I just bought a P18 so going through P18 stuff. I’ve had numerous 16-23’ trailer sailers mostly sail on Erie single-hand. Did you add any additional ballast? I’m getting a idea 100# additional might help self righting.

[@livingmatt3729]

Hi George, I did add some lead shot in contained sacks in the small space of the keel. The Precision 18 has plenty of self righting as is but I thought a little more weight down as low as I could get it could only help improve this.

[@JstJacko]

Between "launching" the boat from the trailer and driving the trailer back off the ramp and parking, what happens to the boat? Is there a dock by boat ramps you tie alongside? A mooring ball? What happens when the ramp is super busy? I'm not familiar with any of this stuff, but I love learning about new things.

[@livingmatt3729]

There is usually a dock that you tie your boat up to after you launch it. Then you go park your truck and trailer. Then you untie and head out. If the ramp is busy you still do the same if you are by yourself.

[@glennmitzel4726]

Hi Matt, Nice video! I also have a Precision 18. Where did you purchase your mast gate? Thanks!

[@livingmatt3729]

Hi Glenn, Thank you. I purchased it from mastgates.com/

[@garymilstead4199]

You’re boat is very similar to my O’Day 192. I trailered it all over the southeast. It’s been happily tied to my dock for the last 15 years. I’m now taking my grandsons sailing on it.

[@livingmatt3729]

That is great Gary. I hope you are making great memories.

[@bigbearoutdoors1999]

Hello friend buying one of these. Be interested in teaching me everything you know about this boat and sailing it. I live in Elmira ny

[@livingmatt3729]

Hi there, I hope all went well with your purchase and that you enjoyed sailing her this season. Wishing you all the best!

[@patrickcrowder9267]

That’s actually the traveler, your main sheet is what raises your main sail… great vid

[@GregDeLozier]

The main sheet _controls_ the main sail, the main _halyard_ is what raises it. Great video, I agree.

[@deweypug]

Moved up to a P-21 and thinking about using your idea to use the main sheet to aid in stepping the mast. Brilliant idea!

[@livingmatt3729]

Great! I am glad it was helpful.

[@andresponce305]

Damn I need to get me a precision 18 😂 looks like it would be a great first boat for me!

[@livingmatt3729]

Hi Andres, They are great boats. I hope you find one you like and get out there to do some sailing.

[@jdcell5984]

Thanks for the video. Very useful. I wonder if you can elaborate on your mast raising system? What are you attaching the sheet to on the mast? Clever. I want to try similarly on my P18, but don't see any hardware where you have it attached. Thanks!

[@livingmatt3729]

I riveted a mast shroud tang to the front of the mast about 6ft up from the base of the mast and tied a 12in diameter 1/4in line lope around this. I used the line so that I could attach the tang higher up for better mechanical advantage and still be able to reach the bottom of the loop to attach the main sheet. You can make the line as long as you want to adjust for your height to reach it to hook and unhook the main sheet from it. I just didn't want it to be to long to get caught on something or get in way. I can't attach a photo here on KZbin but here is a link to a similar tang. www.velasailingsupply.com/ronstan-mast-tang-double/?sku=RONRF43A&gclid=CjwKCAjw092IBhAwEiwAxR1lRnC67bybrJa7swomBTyBMGwV900PvNL7xVrxtwdag7qd6T3zYta98xoC-B8QAvD_BwE

[@9b85e5da6d]

@@livingmatt3729 This why i searched the comments. I was looking for info on how you rigged the main sheet attachment point. Thanks