Boat Parts and Hardware Archives

Tag Archive for: Boat Parts and Hardware

Why a Sailboat does not tip over?

January 13, 2014/by Grant Headifen

Why doesn’t a sailboat tip over? Here’s an animation that shows the balance of forces actually it is technically the balance of moments.

Sailboat Mast Height

March 9, 2011/by Grant Headifen

Know your sailboat mast height! Some lessons learned from encountering over-water power lines during a bareboat sailing trip.

Weather Helm Vs Lee Helm – What is it? How to use it?

June 16, 2010/by Grant Headifen

Most of us sort of understand the concept of weather and lee helm, but few explanations go into how it gives your boat a sailing advantage.

Hello down there

July 29, 2009/by Grant Headifen

The sailing lesson today is to use Loctite on screws on your boat when you don’t want to lose them or when you don’t want to climb the mast.

What are they and what’s the difference? These two terms were established when vessels were fitted with tillers rather than wheels and so the term weather helm refers to having to pull the tiller (helm) “to weather” in order to sail in a straight line. Lee helm is when you need to push the tiller […]

Sailboat Rigging and Some Nomenclature

January 24, 2009/by Grant Headifen

Learning to sail can be a bit overwhelming at the start because of the nomenclature. But don’t worry it’s just a matter of learning a few at the start then adding to them as you progress in your sailing education. The following illustration shows the parts of the sail and associated control lines. Of note […]

Moving the car forward under tension

January 6, 2009/by Grant Headifen

Moving the jib sheet car forward when the jib sheet is under tension presents a bit of a problem and many times you’ll just wait until you tack to the other side to move it. Or more dangerously, you can release the tension a little then put your foot on the jibsheet forward of the […]