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Help a new owner in No. VA rig a brand new Tattoo 26

Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2014 11:58 am
by Tenacious
Hello all,

I am the new owner of a Tattoo 26 :tat26: "Tenacious". I am relatively new to sailing and could use a hand learning how to rig the boat and ensure I get the lines going through the proper blocks and etc. Unfortunately, I purchased directly from the factory so I am out of luck contacting a dealer.

I've raised the mast a few times and now feel comfortable raising and lowering without difficulties. The rest is a mystery still.

Does anyone know of any tutorials, videos, or anything that might help me out? I've read through the manual a few times but I'm more of a visual learner and am stumped. Any help is most appreciated. I figure, I better ask here before I break something.

I am located in Fairfax in Northern VA if any folks on the board are local and can help a newbie out.

Also, I have the CDI curler system not the standard Hank on Jib setup.

Thanks everyone,
Robert

Re: Help a new owner in No. VA rig a brand new Tattoo 26

Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2014 12:17 pm
by beene
Welcome aboard

Do you have a jib, small
Or a genny, large

I assume since you said you can get the mast up ok, you have been able to attach your forestay with the furler on it ok

Have you figured out where to run your furling line from there to cockpit

If you have a jib, run the sheets to blocks on too of the cabin, then back to your winches

If you have a Genny, longer, going past the mast, run the sheet outside the stays and to blocks on your track to either side of your cockpit, then back up to your winches

Do you have any lines led aft
Like main halyard, keel line, head sail halyard for spin maybe, furling line, etc...

Do you have a bimini, or full enclosure

Stern seats?

What kind of engine

Quick doconnect for engine?

Have you thought of any mods?

Did it come with any add ons...

PIcs of your new boat would be great

Take the pics, upload to an online hosting place like photobucket for example, then post links here

Cheers

G

Re: Help a new owner in No. VA rig a brand new Tattoo 26

Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2014 12:24 pm
by Tomfoolery
beene wrote:PIcs of your new boat would be great
Having an off day? :D :wink:

Image

http://www.macgregorsailors.com/forum/v ... 28&t=23524

Re: Help a new owner in No. VA rig a brand new Tattoo 26

Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2014 1:07 pm
by dlandersson
Robert,

Factory OR dealer - you still have'ta buy the pizza. :D

Re: Help a new owner in No. VA rig a brand new Tattoo 26

Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2014 1:20 pm
by Tenacious
beene wrote:Welcome aboard

Do you have a jib, small
Or a genny, large

I assume since you said you can get the mast up ok, you have been able to attach your forestay with the furler on it ok

Have you figured out where to run your furling line from there to cockpit

If you have a jib, run the sheets to blocks on too of the cabin, then back to your winches

If you have a Genny, longer, going past the mast, run the sheet outside the stays and to blocks on your track to either side of your cockpit, then back up to your winches

Do you have any lines led aft
Like main halyard, keel line, head sail halyard for spin maybe, furling line, etc...

Do you have a bimini, or full enclosure

Stern seats?

What kind of engine

Quick doconnect for engine?

Have you thought of any mods?

Did it come with any add ons...

PIcs of your new boat would be great

Take the pics, upload to an online hosting place like photobucket for example, then post links here

Cheers

G
G,

I have both the Jib and the Genoa for the CDI furler system. I could have just ordered the Genoa and furled it to Jib size but I like having choices and a backup sail if ever needed.

As for lines led aft, that is a standard option on the Tattoo 26. However, none of my lines are sorted yet. I have the main halyard run and is resting/tied up on the mast. I have not yet run the main halyard aft but will do so. As for the furler, I've never used one before so I have to figure out how to use it and run the associated lines. My past sailing experience was mostly in Flying Scots with a standard Hank on jib. The CDI furler is a whole other animal. I have lots of reading/studying to do.

I do not have a dodger (yet) or full enclosure. I plan on reading up here on the forum to see what most people do before making a choice. Although, I'll have to protect the new boat from the elements as the companion way cover doesn't look like it'd stop a hard rain.

I do not have the stern rail seats. I'm not sure if you can install them on a :tat26: but if you can, I might do that at some point.

As for the engine, I have the Evinrude ETEC 60. I've got to say, it's quite an impressive engine. I'm impressed thus far.

I don't have the quick disconnect for the engine (yet). I plan on contacting BWY to see if it fits the :tat26: . I assume it will.

As for mods, I plan on getting a second battery and make before break switch. Also, I plan on the aforementioned engine quick disconnect.

As for ad on's an options, I opted for the Marine Head, Cockpit Cushions, CDI Furler, Deluxe Trailer w/ Surge Brakes, Bilge Pump, Shower at transom, MainSail, winch x2, and helm covers, cooler box, and the Compass.

Thanks,
Robert

Re: Help a new owner in No. VA rig a brand new Tattoo 26

Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2014 1:21 pm
by Tenacious
dlandersson wrote:Robert,

Factory OR dealer - you still have'ta buy the pizza. :D
Lol, will do. I've been thinking of going to the NC Pirate Sail event, a great opportunity for you to cash in on the free pizza!

-Robert

Re: Help a new owner in No. VA rig a brand new Tattoo 26

Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2014 1:51 pm
by beene
Tomfoolery wrote:
beene wrote:PIcs of your new boat would be great
Having an off day? :D :wink:

Image

http://www.macgregorsailors.com/forum/v ... 28&t=23524
yes
sorry
did not see the other post

:o

Re: Help a new owner in No. VA rig a brand new Tattoo 26

Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2014 2:03 pm
by NavySailor
Tenacious wrote:Hello all,

I am the new owner of a Tattoo 26 :tat26: "Tenacious". I am relatively new to sailing and could use a hand learning how to rig the boat and ensure I get the lines going through the proper blocks and etc. Unfortunately, I purchased directly from the factory so I am out of luck contacting a dealer.

I've raised the mast a few times and now feel comfortable raising and lowering without difficulties. The rest is a mystery still.

Does anyone know of any tutorials, videos, or anything that might help me out? I've read through the manual a few times but I'm more of a visual learner and am stumped. Any help is most appreciated. I figure, I better ask here before I break something.

I am located in Fairfax in Northern VA if any folks on the board are local and can help a newbie out.

Also, I have the CDI curler system not the standard Hank on Jib setup.

Thanks everyone,
Robert
Hey there Robert - I'm in Manassas, so not too terribly far from you. What made you run out for a brand new Tattoo? I just bought my 1986 M25 a few months ago, figure I'll start small (and somewhat cheap).

Re: Help a new owner in No. VA rig a brand new Tattoo 26

Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2014 2:07 pm
by Chapontheriver
Hi Robert,

I am also in Fairfax and have a '97 :macx: so not sure how much help I can be but I would be happy to help where I can. PM me for contact info if you like.

Victor

Re: Help a new owner in No. VA rig a brand new Tattoo 26

Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2014 2:14 pm
by beene
Tenacious wrote: I have both the Jib and the Genoa for the CDI furler system. I could have just ordered the Genoa and furled it to Jib size but I like having choices and a backup sail if ever needed.

As for lines led aft, that is a standard option on the Tattoo 26. However, none of my lines are sorted yet. I have the main halyard run and is resting/tied up on the mast. I have not yet run the main halyard aft but will do so. As for the furler, I've never used one before so I have to figure out how to use it and run the associated lines. My past sailing experience was mostly in Flying Scots with a standard Hank on jib. The CDI furler is a whole other animal. I have lots of reading/studying to do.

I do not have a dodger (yet) or full enclosure. I plan on reading up here on the forum to see what most people do before making a choice. Although, I'll have to protect the new boat from the elements as the companion way cover doesn't look like it'd stop a hard rain.

I do not have the stern rail seats. I'm not sure if you can install them on a :tat26: but if you can, I might do that at some point.

As for the engine, I have the Evinrude ETEC 60. I've got to say, it's quite an impressive engine. I'm impressed thus far.

I don't have the quick disconnect for the engine (yet). I plan on contacting BWY to see if it fits the :tat26: . I assume it will.

As for mods, I plan on getting a second battery and make before break switch. Also, I plan on the aforementioned engine quick disconnect.

As for ad on's an options, I opted for the Marine Head, Cockpit Cushions, CDI Furler, Deluxe Trailer w/ Surge Brakes, Bilge Pump, Shower at transom, MainSail, winch x2, and helm covers, cooler box, and the Compass.

Thanks,
Robert
I would sgst installing the jib first
Give it a go
My guess is you will find it is just right for most wind conditions

If you main only has 1 deep reef point, I would recommend you add a mid point one less deep than that, and that is the one you will be using when needed, not the deep reef one
100 bucks at sail shop

you will need blocks on the cabin top for the jib sheets, not sure if you got them with the boat

number one mod I have on my M is an autopilot
something to think about in the future, changes everything about sailing your boat

as for the furling system
I had that and switched to hank-on
with yours, you need to run the jib up inside the furling track and attach a line to the head so if you choose to swap it with the genny, that line will follow the head back down the fulring system to allow you to attach the genny and hoist is up the track

a few pointers...
make sure your life lines are tight
tighten your rig so that your mast rakes back just a bit
the stays are tight
and you can just barely attach the forestay pin
best trick for that is to use a head sail halyard attached to the same hound your forestay is
haul down on that to get the leverage you need to attach the forestay pin

if you are sailing and you find you are rounding up a lot
loosing steering
do not apply more than 10-15 deg of helm
you will just stall out the rudders and loose speed
your in too much wind for the main
you need to reef the main to stop the rounding etc

boom kicker is a nice add on

bimini is a must have
gets hot out there

look for some snap on drink holders that attach to your stanchions
very handy

if you get any electronics
i recommend raymarine products
great autopilot systems and if you stick to the same brand, they talk well together

try to pick up a couple cheap dc fans for the cabin
moves the air around

a solar fan is a great idea
install on fwd hatch
switch its direction so that it pulls air from the rear hatch through the cabin and put the front hatch vent
excellent mould control

rope clutches are a great add on
cabin top
for all lines led aft

most of all
have fun on one of the most versatile best buy boats ever made!

G

Re: Help a new owner in No. VA rig a brand new Tattoo 26

Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2014 3:07 pm
by beene
oh.......

Here is my youtube channel

https://www.youtube.com/user/Pegasus26M/videos

lots of vids to enjoy

cheers

G

Re: Help a new owner in No. VA rig a brand new Tattoo 26

Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2014 4:17 pm
by Tenacious
G,

Thanks for all the help, I really appreciate it. I just saw a video on your youtube channel which showed the Furler attached when you still had it on the boat. Just having a picture helps a ton.

Also, thanks for the mod suggestions. Once the wallet recovers I am sure I'll get the mod bug!

-Robert

Re: Help a new owner in No. VA rig a brand new Tattoo 26

Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2014 4:29 pm
by Gypsea Wind
I'm in Fredericksburg and work in Fairfax. Have a 2013 26m. Also going to the NC Pirate event. I would be happy to meet up to help with your new boat.

Re: Help a new owner in No. VA rig a brand new Tattoo 26

Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2014 4:58 pm
by GBhole
I see there's a hand-full of us from NoVA!

I'm in Reston. :macx:

Re: Help a new owner in No. VA rig a brand new Tattoo 26

Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2014 5:21 pm
by Tenacious
Bnix and Victor, I sent you PM's. Let me know if they don't come through. Right now it says they are in my 'outbox' instead of my 'sent' folder. This is the first forum I've seen with an 'outbox' instead of just a 'sent' folder.

Anyway, I appreciate the offers and look forward to getting together so I can get the new :tat26: sorted out.

Thanks!

-Robert