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Nacra prindle 18 19

Nacra prindle 18 19
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Nacra prindle 18 19

Product catalog summary
Introduction
This manual provides comprehensive guidance for the assembly, maintenance, and operation of Prindle Catamarans, specifically models 15, 16, and 18. It encourages joining the Prindle Class Association for community benefits and events.
Section I: Assembly
Preparation: Outlines necessary tools and initial setup steps, including unpacking and identifying parts.
Crossbars: Instructions for greasing and attaching crossbars to the hulls.
Trampoline: Steps for installing the trampoline, including threading and tightening procedures.
Jib Systems: Details on setting up both standard and deluxe 4-way jib systems.
Rudder System: Instructions for installing and adjusting rudder components, including alignment and helm adjustment.
Section II: Sailing
Guidance on sail trim, trapezing, launching, tacking, jibing, and balancing the catamaran.
Section III: After Sailing
Instructions for loosening the rig, lowering sails, and trailering the catamaran.
Section IV: Maintenance
Maintenance tips for various components such as the dolphin striker, battens, hulls, rudders, and sails.
Section V: Tuning Performance
Advice on optimizing mast rake, mast rotation, and using the barberhauler for improved performance.
Section VI: Supplemental Information
Includes a glossary of terms, knot illustrations, and a description of major boat parts.
Key Points
- Ensure proper alignment and tension of components during assembly.
- Regular maintenance is crucial for optimal performance and longevity.
- Participation in the Prindle Class Association enhances the sailing experience through community events and resources.
Specifications and Setup
  • Batten Installation: Fiberglass battens should be tight to remove wrinkles, while foam battens should be loose enough to move side to side.
  • Mainsail Hoisting: Face the boat into the wind, attach the twisted shackle to the main halyard ring, and ensure the halyard follows the mast's curve.
  • Boom Connection: Use a clevis pin to connect the boom to the mast bracket and secure the sail's clew ring with the outhaul car.
  • Mast Rotator: Adjust mast rotation using a 2:1 purchase system for optimal sailing angles.
  • Downhaul System: Properly lead the downhaul line through pulleys and cleats to maintain sail tension.
Sailing Procedures
  • Sail Trim: Center the main traveler and adjust the main and jib sheets to optimize airflow and boat speed.
  • Reaching and Downwind Sailing: Adjust the traveler and sheets to maintain proper sail shape and airflow.
  • Trapezing: Practice onshore before attempting on water, ensuring proper harness fit and positioning.
  • Launching: Techniques vary based on wind direction, with specific methods for onshore and offshore winds.
  • Tacking: Execute smooth turns with controlled rudder use, maintaining sail tension to avoid stalling.
Maintenance and Safety
  • Rig Tension: Adjust shrouds and forestay turnbuckle to achieve desired mast rake and tension.
  • Righting Line: Always carry a righting line for safety, ensuring it is properly stored and accessible.
Conclusion
This manual provides comprehensive guidance for setting up and sailing Prindle catamarans, emphasizing proper rigging, sail trim, and safety practices to enhance performance and enjoyment on the water.
Sailing Techniques
Reversing and Jibing: To reverse, keep the sails reversed until the boat is pointed in the desired direction. For jibing, ensure the path is clear, move the skipper aft, and turn the rudder slightly. Swing the hiking stick, maintain rudder position, and pull the sail across when heading downwind.
Balance: Proper balance is crucial for speed and ease of sailing. Adjust crew position to maintain the correct trim, ensuring the leeward bow is slightly out of the water.
Righting the Boat
Prepare for capsizing by installing a righting line. In case of a flip, quickly move off the top hull to prevent turtling. Use the righting line to bring the boat upright, ensuring the bows are into the wind.
Reefing
Lower the mainsail by about 4 feet and secure it using the halyard lock. Roll and tie the extra sail using reef points, ensuring not to tie around the boom.
Post-Sailing Procedures
Loosening the Rig: Loosen rig tension before lowering sails by adjusting the mainsheet and traveler. Move the shroud to the appropriate position for future sailing.
Lowering Sails: Point the bows into the wind, uncleat the downhauls, and lower the sails carefully. Store sails properly to prevent damage.
Trailering
Secure the boat on the trailer using appropriate lines. Remove rudder blades and ensure the mast is properly supported and secured. Store rigging to prevent tangling.
Maintenance
Dolphin Striker: Keep the dolphin striker snug to maintain the boat's structural integrity. Regularly check and tighten the striker rod and associated bolts.
Battens: Ensure battens are properly inserted and trimmed. Loosen them during long storage periods to preserve sail life.
General Tips: Regularly check and tighten all fasteners and fittings. Use paraffin to ease operations of rudders and sails. Properly store sails to prevent color transfer and extend their lifespan.
Conclusion
Following these guidelines will help maintain the Prindle Catamaran in excellent condition, ensuring safe and enjoyable sailing experiences.
Section V: Tuning for Performance
  • Mast Rake: To measure mast rake, ensure the mast is up with rig tension snug. Use a carpenter’s level on the trampoline and adjust the boat until level. Attach a weight to the main halyard and measure the distance from the aft edge of the mast to the plumb center. Recommended rake is between six and ten inches.
  • Mast Rotation: The Prindle 15 and 18 have an adjustable mast rotation control. For most sailing, set rotation between 60 and 75 degrees. For downwind sailing, rotation should be between 80 and 100 degrees.
  • Barberhauler: An optional system used for broad reaching and downwind sailing, primarily for racing. It adjusts the jib’s clew for better shape and trimming.
  • Four-Way Jib System: Offers various positions for different wind conditions. Adjustments include fore and aft track and side-to-side lead based on wind strength.
Section VI: Supplemental Information
  • Glossary of Terms: Provides definitions for sailing terms such as aft, asymmetrical, batten, boom, cleat, and more. These terms are essential for understanding sailing mechanics and operations.
  • Glossary of Knots: Lists common knots used in sailing, including figure eight, reef knot, cleat half hitch, and bowline.
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Catalog excerpts

Nacra prindle 18 19-2

INTRODUCTION This owner’s manual is provided to ease assembly, maintenance and use of your Prindle Catamaran. We believe these instructions portray the simplest methods. Do it our way the first time and learn from us. Then, if you discover a better method, feel free to tell us about it by faxing (714) 541-6643 or e-mailing [email protected]. You may see your idea appear in the next edition of the owner’s manual. We are sure you will enjoy your Prindle Catamaran and hope that this manual will make your enjoyment easier to come by. Make sure you join the Prindle Class Association - it’s fun...

 Open the catalog to page 2
Nacra prindle 18 19-3

Prindle 18-2 & 19 Owner’s Manual Section I: ASSEMBLY Preparation Tools needed: large screwdriver pliers needle-nose pliers 1/2” offset wrench combination 1/2” & 9/16 box-end wrench adjustable wrench silicone sealant Your Prindle Catamaran comes packaged in two hull containers, one large hardware box and one mast box. Place the two hull containers approximately 6 feet apart with stapled seams at the top of the Open the hardware box and familiarize yourcartons facing each other. This will insure that self with the major parts of your boat. The contents of the hardware box should include: both hulls...

 Open the catalog to page 3
Nacra prindle 18 19-4

If the 3/88” bolts bind at all, remove the bolts and check fit of bolt without the beam on. DO NOT force bolts as you could strip out the aluminum plate inside the hull. If the bolt continues to bind, use a 3/8-16 tap and rethread the hole to rectify the problem. Tighten all rear beam bolts until about 1/8” from being fully snug. This allows beams to properly align themselves. Snug down all 8 bolts and then tighten all 8 bolts. Lay both the front and rear cross bars on the hulls with the outside edges even with the outside edges of the hulls. The curf (groove) on the front crossbar should face...

 Open the catalog to page 4
Nacra prindle 18 19-5

The trapezes are continuous from one hull to the other. TRAMPOLINE Lead trapeze shockcords before putting trampoline on hulls. Tie one piece of 1/8" x 2’ paracord to one end of shock cord using a small bowline knot. If one of the fairleads should come loose during assembly, simply apply some silicone sealant and push into place. To install the trampoline, first unzip and remove the rear section. Slip the front of the trampoline onto the front crossbar. Feed the line through the white fairlead on side of hull and out the other side. Continue across to the other hull and repeat procedure. 5

 Open the catalog to page 5
Nacra prindle 18 19-6

Center the trampoline in the front. Lace up the back of the trampoline with 1/4" x 19’ lacing line. Begin by tying a double overhand knot in one end of the line and thread through the right/aft grommet. Slide the sides down each side of the trampoline track. Two people are needed here. Slide the rear piece and zip the two pieces together. 6

 Open the catalog to page 6
Nacra prindle 18 19-7

Always tighten rear lace line first. Stand at the back of the boat and tighten lines by bracing your foot or knee on the rear crossbar for leverage. Pull tight. Tie line off under trampoline. Do not trim excess line as it leaves something to hold onto when re-tightening trampoline. Tighten starting at the front. Complete lacing. Lace up the side of the trampoline with 1/4" x 19’ lacing line. Begin by tying a double overhand knot in one end of the line and thread through the forward/inboard grommet. 7

 Open the catalog to page 7
Nacra prindle 18 19-8

STANDARD JIB SYSTEM Attach jib adjuster plate to both sides. Attach jib block to padeye on side jib tracks. Note: there will be an aluminum cleat on the deck just forward on the jib track, this is for future addition of the 4-way jib system as is the "sock" on the trampoline. Attach jib crosswire to adjuster plate, leading wire through the tramp sock, choosing one of four middle holes on each side so the wire is snug. NOTE: You may find it necessary to remove the plate to put the "O" ring on the clevis pin. DELUXE 4-WAY JIB SYSTEM The parts are included in a separate bag. Attach the small bullet...

 Open the catalog to page 8
Nacra prindle 18 19-9

Shackle the jib blocks to each of the two bullet blocks on the crosswire. Adjust the cleat angle as high as possible using the side set screws. Most people prefer this position. The jib blocks have a ratchet which can be turned off and on by using the button on the side of the block. Tie each 1/4" x 8 1/2’ line completely around the jib block shackle – not through. Lead the line around the bullet block on the adjuster plate and through the aluminum cleat on the opposite side of the boat leading line through the trampoline sock. 9

 Open the catalog to page 9
Nacra prindle 18 19-10

Lead the shockcord through both loops in the lines around jib shackles and tie shockcord together. Slide the knot into the sock to hide from view. Entire 4-way system completed. JIB SHEET Tie a 1/4" shackle to the middle of the 3/16" x 6’ line provided. Tie the small jib clew blocks to each end of the line using a small bowline. Thread the 5/16" x 33’ jib sheet line by tying off one end to jib ratchet block with a bowline. Thread through small jib clew blocks, through cleat of jib block, across trampoline and through opposite jib block in opposite direction. Jib sheet should be one continuous...

 Open the catalog to page 10
Nacra prindle 18 19-11

RUDDER SYSTEM TILLER CROSSBAR Remove cradles out from under hulls and peel off protecting paper from Prindle logo on hull. Open rudder box, it should contain: left & right rudder castings with tiller arms and complete workings installed, and two rudder blades with lock pins attached. To attach tiller crossbar to tiller arms, remove 1/4" bolt, washer, and lock nut from end of tiller arm. Place tiller crossbar over tillers with large hole at end facing up and end cap pop rivet facing aft. Drop 1/4" bolt down through crossbar, putting washer between tiller crossbar and tiller arm. Insert 1/4" bolt...

 Open the catalog to page 11
Nacra prindle 18 19-12

Tiller extension should be able to touch trampoline easily. If it does not, the tiller crossbar has been installed backwards. The rudder lock bolt is on the forward edge of each rudder blade. It is necessary to adjust this bolt to obtain proper helm. Making the bolt longer produces more weather helm (heavy steering) and shortening the bolt decreases weather helm (easier steering). RUDDER BLADES ADJUSTING HELM To install rudder blades into rudder castings, untie ends of downhaul and uphaul lines in castings, but do not unlace. Remove 1/4" bolt with lock nut. Place rudder blade between casting...

 Open the catalog to page 12

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