Tips and Tricks
(T&Ts)
The inside scoop, the latest word - whatever you want to call it. Under the category of "everyone is entitled to their own ridiculous opinion," I present a number of articles that should spark the imagination of CR owners.
Let me preface all that follows with the absolute base line requirement that none of the tips and tricks are designed to make your boat faster - that is flat out against the rules. What T&Ts are, however, are ways to make handling, and maintaining your boat easier.
Consider this - if your boat breaks down while racing, or you lose control, you have lost a lot more than any amount of skill or knowledge can overcome. So T&Ts do affect the outcome of races by giving your boat a better chance of getting to the finish line!
Before we start - If you have a good T&T, or an improvement on these T&Ts, please share it with the rest of us. Just send it to me in a word document, and, if I think it merits publication after close scrutiny with my candle down in the bilge - you're on. I need all the help I can get!
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Paint Yer Wagon - I have been asked many times how to paint the CR-914 successfully - and "tell me the details too". So this article gives you the steps I take to come out with a high gloss finish every time. I work with only the best - NO paint booth, and a $2.89 paint sprayer!
String's the Thing, Man - This article discusses the use of string adjusters to replace the boom rings that come in the kit. The problem with boom rings is that they fail when you least expect it, AND, even worse, they catch on other boats during close sailing. So "string's the thing, man."
CA or My way! - All of us have had our fingers glued together working with this unusual super glue. This article tells you things about CA glue you will find very interesting.
Topping Lift - Using a cantilevered jib boom develops tension in the jib leach. In many sailing conditions, this is perfect, but in light wind sailing, you may find that a jib topping lift will allow your jib to set better.
Servo Growl - No, this is not about a virtual dog! Most skippers have experienced the growling or glitching of their servos at one time or another. This article explains what it is all about and whether you should be concerned.
May the Force be with You! - The case for rechargeable batteries and what you should consider.
Bow Plug or Blug - For a long time, the drain plug has been in the CR kit, but oddly enough, there was no mention of what to do with it. This article outlines the steps to a very successful use of this wonderful little plug.
Stealth Antenna - Now you see it, now you don't. A nifty way to hide your antenna completely below deck and yet have it perform better than ever! Got a straw?
Tune In, Jack - When you first set up your boat, and several times during the sailing season, you should check the basic tuning of your boat. Of course you will develop your own little things - but this is the big picture.
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