Hi, new member here.
I recently purchased a Nacra 18 sq. and have noticed on some videos that there are people running set-ups without link arms between the cross-beams. I am wondering how it is possible to run a set-up such as this, given that the front cross-beam, it seems, would be free to rotate.
Also, I would like to make my own fins and was curious to know if there are some models available that I could use as a guideline. I'm sorry if some of the terms I used aren't quite clear, I am from Quebec and there doesn't seem to be a good translator available for technical terms.
Thanks in advance to anyone who can provide help.
Hi, for the
link arms
I recall that the NACRA guys used to put rivets in to hold the beams and straps to stop the rotation. (it was one per corner, but I think you would be better off with two per corner.)
And yes you should consider new boards, after the mast those centerboards are the heaviest parts on that boat <img src="<>/wink.gif" alt="wink" title="wink" height="15" width="15" />
I'm sailing an A now and use CB that are 130 X 15 cm so if you subtract what's in the hull they are 90 X 15 cm (in the water) with an aspect ratio of 6:1 .
Any thing with an A/R of more then about 6:1 and you might run into torsional stiffness issues.
you should consider a little larger boards seeing as you have another 43 feet of sail area.
Also think about a modern square top sail some time in the future.
good luck
Les