Does anyone have experience using either a Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander as a tow vehicle for a 26X with a dual axle trailer? I would be interested in your experience. Both vehicles are rated for the tow weight. However, in the AWD versions, both are primarily a front wheel drive vehicle. The rea...

When I installed a Johnson Lever on my forestay on an 26X, I purchased a new shorter forestay with fittings on it (from Rigging Only, or something like that, I believe). This was 10 years ago, but I don't remember it being that expensive.

Bill

When I have a problem with the boat that requires attention, hoving to settles things down quickly. The boat drifts about 2 knots to leeward very sedately even in 25 knot breezes.

Bill

I have occasionally left my 26X (no bottom paint) on a mooring in Narragansett Bay, RI. Two weeks is OK. However, at three weeks it is starting to collect ugly growth that is hard to remove.

Bill

My dealer, Havencraft, told me to tie a bowline in the hole for raising the rudder and have it towards the rear of the rudder. This provides sufficient leverage to raise the rudders on my 2000 26X with little difficulty.

Bill

You didn't specify if your interest in a "wheel tamer" is under sail or under power. If under sail, I have learned to balance the sails and the boat (2000 26X) will hold course for several minutes without correction, allowing me to go below briefly. If under power, I just put the engine in...

I had a topping lift on my 2000 26X and removed it. I found it to be an unnecessary complication. I now use the mast "crutch" to support the boom when the mainsail is down and remove it when the sail is up. Works much better for me.

Bill

Or, which was the original intent of my posting, he can run the jib halyard and a downhaul to the cockpit. He can now go sailing singlehanded and defer the decision on the roller furler.

By the way, I still use my original jib with the Johnson Lever. It does not interfere with the hanks.

Bill

I installed the Johnson Lever about 10 years ago. I believe it is the larger one shown in the West Marine catalog, #246167. I paid about $50, so the current price of $73 is probably about right. In order to use it, I purchased a new (shorter) forestay, another $50 by my memory, to accomodate the lev...

I singlehand regularly using a hank on jib. My jib halyard is led to the cockpit along with a jib downhaul. I can raise and lower the jib in the cockpit as well as tie the head down (by securing the downhaul). Tighten the sheet and the sail stays down and secure (in heavy winds, a bungee or two can ...

I have a 2000 26X with a Mercury 50 HP Bigfoot engine. I have the 14" diameter 10" pitch 3 blade prop. Be sure to get the one with the rubber hub. My replacement doesn't and it chatters at idle speeds (in gear). I don't have my notes handy, but the engine rpm goes to within a few hundred r...

My 2000 26X leaked from the factory through hull for the head sink (when brand new). With the boat heavily loaded and the ballast tank full, this would be below the waterline. The only way I could stop it was to plug the opening from the outside.

Bill

When I first got my 2000X (new) I tried to answer this question using a gps and the Vmg function. I found that if I set the boat up to tack through 110 degrees the Vmg was best (using the original furled jib and main). At both 100 degrees and 120 degrees Vmg was less.

Bill

I have used an anchor sail on my X for about 7 years. I hank it onto the backstay and run a line from the clew through the port side jib block and then back to secure on the port stern cleat. It cuts my swing in about half.

Bill

Thanks for you suggestions on my bow light problem. I guess I am dense - I still don't see how to run the wire from a side mounted nav light. My problem is fishing it through the deck (side). If I drill a hole, say 1/4" and push the wire through from the outside, the end will be between the dec...