ISLAND PACKET 380 User manual

•
•
OWNER'S
MANUAL
ISLAND PACKET 380
Island
Packet
Yachts
1979
Wild
Acres
Road
Largo
Florida
USA
33771-5399
Toll
free
Tel:
(800) 828-5678
Tel:
(727) 535-6431
Fax: (727) 530-5806
E-Mail:
Contents Copyright © Island Packet Yachts
IPHomePort.com Download Version 10102014

•
•
•
®
ISLANI1
H\CKEI'
YACHTS
i
A-Ids
et«ls~
"'ifadit
J!,,.J,,
Hello!
Congratulations
on
the
purchase
of
your
Island
Packet
and
welcome
to
our
distinctive
family of owners. We take
great
pride
in
our
yachts
and
appreciate
your
endorsement
of
our
efforts by selecting the Island
Packet
This
manual
is intended
to
help
you
understand
and
enjoy
your
new
yacht more
thoroughly
and
to assist in maintaining
and
operating
it
in
a safe
and
efficient mariner.
Individual instruction manuals from
the
various manufacturers
of
installed
equipment
may
be
found
in
your
owner's
package
for
more
in-depth
information
if
required.
Also
your
authorized Island Packet dealer should be able to
answer
additional
questions
you
may have,
or
feel
free
to call
our
manufacturing facility for further assistance.
We
wish
you
years
of
pleasurable
sailing
experiences
with
your
new
yacht,
and
hope
that
your
enthusiasm
and
pride
of
ownership
of
your
Island
Packet
will
continue
to
grow
with
every
season.
Best
regards,
1979
WILD
ACRES
ROAD
LARGO,
FLORIDA33771-5399
727/535-6431
FAX
727/530-5806

•
•
•
ii
INTRODUCTION
This
manual
has
been
compiled
for
your
Island
Packet
to
help
you
to
operate
your
yacht
with
safety
and
pleasure.
It
contains
details
of
the
craft,
the
e<J.uipment
supplied
or
fitted,
its
systems
and
infmmation
on
its
operation
and
maintenance. Please read
it
carefully,
and
familiarize yourself with
the
yacht
before
using
iL
J£
this
is
your
first
yacht,
or
you
are
changing
to
a
type
of
craft
you
are
not
familiar
with,
for
your
own
comfort
and
safety
please
ensure that
you
obtain
handling
and
operating
experience
before
'assuming
command".
Your
dealer,
the
Natiooal
Sailing
Industry
Association
or
local
yacht
club
will
be
pleased
to
advise
you
of
local
sea
schools
or
competent
instructors.
Remember
that
along
with
the
freedom
and
exhilaration
of
boating
comes
the
responsibility
that
you
have
for
the
safety
of
your
passengers
and
other
boaters
who
share
the
water
with
you.
Throughout
this
manual,
specific
precautions
and
symbols
identify
safety-related
information.
1le
sure
to
pay
close
attention
to
them.
The
precautions
in
this
manual cannot
and
do
not
cover
every
boating
or
operating situation.
If
a specific
method
or
procedure
is
not
recommended,
you
must
make
sure that
what
you
do
is
safe
for
you
and
others.
Always
use
common
sense
when
boating!
,&This
symbol
means
1
'pay
attention!" Here
is
important
information
for
your
safety.
J£
you
don't
follow
these
instructions,
you
can
damage
your
boat,
hurt
y01ll8elf
or
someone
else
or
possibly
have
a fatal accident.
The
precautions
listed
in
this
manual
are
not
all-inclusive.
J£
a
procedure,
method,
tool
or
part
is
not
specifically
recommended,
you
must
satisfy
yourself
that
it
is
safe
for
you
and
others
and
that
your
boat
will
not
be
damaged
or
made
unsafe as a result
of
your
decision.

iii
INTRODUCTION
Due
to
our
policy
of
continuous
product improvement,
the
illustrations used
in
this
manual
may
not
be
identical
to
the
components,
controls,
gauges,
etc.
on
your
boat.
They
are intended to
be
representative reference views..
Some
controls,
indicators
and
infocmation
may
be
optional
and
not
included
on
your
craft.
PLEASE KEEP
THIS
MANUAL
IN
A SECURE PLACE,
AND
HAND
IT
OVER
ALONG
WfTII
ALL
MANUALS
FOR
ONBOARD
EQUIPMENT
TO
THE
NEW
OWNER
IF
YOU
SELL THE YACHT. PLEASE
HAVE
THE
NEW
OWNER
CONTACT
ISLAND
PACKET YACHTS
TO
REQUEST
ANY
MANUAL
OR
INFORMATION
NEEDED.
Your
Island
Packet
is
certified
by
the
National
Marine
Manufacturer's
•
Association
(NMMA)
as
confoaning
to
standards
for
many
aspects
of
•
construction,
design
and materials.
These
standards cover electrical,
plumbing,
and
fuel
systems
and
many
of
the
products
used
in
constn1ction
(pumps,
navigation
lights, tanks, etc.). For more
infonnation
contact
the
NMMA,
at
200 E.
Randolph
Drive,
Suite
5100, Chicago, IT. 60601,
Tel
(312) 946-
6200.
Your
Island
Packet
also
meets
all
current
requirements
for
the
EU
Directive
for
Recreational
Craft,
Category
A
Ocean
and
has
been
issued
a certificate
by
the
International
Marine
Certification
Institute
(IMCI).
The
EU
Directive
covers a
wide
variety
of
items from
design
and
structure
to
individual
components
approval. Further infonna.tion
on
the
IMCI certification
is
available
by
contacting
them
at
TrevesCentre rue
de
Treves 45, 1040 Brussels,
Belgium,
Telephone
international
+
(32)
22387892.
While
Island
Packet
Yachts
makes
every
effort
to
keep
this
manual
current
and
accurate
note
that
due
to
changes
in
suppliers and/or process
technologies
some
items
or
equipment
may
vary &om
the
description
in
this
manual. All
specifications
and
measurements are approximate
and
subject
to
change
without
notice. •

•
L
IL
Ill
•
IV.
v.
•
VL
iv
ISLAND
PACKET
OWNERS
MANUAL
TABLE
OF
CONTENTS
Page
No.
Hazard
Communication
a.
Dangers
1-1
b.
Warnings
1-2
c. Cautions
1-3
Advisory
statements
ll-1
Construction
a.
Hull
m-1
b.
Deck
m-1
c. Interior
m-1
d.
Deck
to
Hull
Assembly
m-2
e.
Rudder
and
Steering
m-2
Spars
and
Rigging
a.
Spars
IV-1
b.
Standing
Rigging
IV-1
c.
Running
Riggiug
IV-2
d.
Tuning
the
Rig
IV-2
e.
Roller
Furling
System
IV-4
Sails
a.
Sail
Selection
V-1
b.
Sailiog
your
Island
Packet
V-1
c.
Reefing
V-2
Motoring
your
Island
Packet
VI-1
'.

v •
ISLAND
PACKET
OWNERS
MANUAL
TABLE
OF
CONTENTS
VIL
Operation/Maintenance
a.
Fiberglass
VII-1
b.
Bottom
Paint
VII-1
c.
Wood
VII-2
d.
Engine
System
VII-3
e.
Plumbing
VII-5
£.
fileclrical
System
VII-7
g.
LPG
VII-10
h.
Deck
Hardware
VII-10
•
i.
Sail
Care
VII-11
j.
Rigging
VII-12
k.
Roller
Furling
System
VII-12
l.
Upholstery
VII-13
m.
Sette..jllerth
&
Table
VII-14
VIll.
Maintenance
Charts
&
Winterizing
a.
Maintenance Charts
VIIl-1
b.
Winterizing
VIIl-10
IX.
Appendix
IX-1
x
Technical
Drawings
X-1
•

•
•
•
.
--
__
-.
& DANGER
_.
Oeno~!Js
an
eitre'!le
~ntrinsic
hazard ex:ists
wh!91t
,
..
;
w91.1ld
f'.e!itilfin
ti19tf'pro~ability
ot
deatti or
irreparJ:ble
·
inju")'.,if'IJroJ>er-"pl'!'.!~iJ~ons
are
.noftaken.;·
---
··-
- - ·
- - ' - -
_-
-_
-
-:o-:~:c-_c_-'-"-::;:,
>-~;,-
-:
-:_--
--
-
---
-~:c:,-
_,_
The
following
items are danger warnings and
must
be
reviewed carefully
prior
to
using
your
yacht.
Item Page No.
Boom
IV-1
Propeller
Vl-1
CO
Gas Vll-3
LPG Gas Vapors Vll-10
CO
Gas Vll-10
There are other potential aspects
of
"danger"
in using
your
yacht
which
can cause death
or
irreparable
injury
thatare
not
listed
above. Traditional Watercraft, Inc.
is
not
responsible
for
those
occurrences.
1-1

•
•
•
The
following
items are warnings and
must
be reviewed
carefully
prior
to
using
your
yacht.
Item Page No.
11
SV
hot
water heater Vll-6
11
SV shore power Vll-8
Master panel service Vll-9
Lightning strikes Vll-9
Cleats -towing Vll-11
Stress corrosion Vll-12
Cockpitcushions Vll-14
There are other potential aspects
of
"warning"
in using
your
yachtwhich can cause death
or
irreparable
injury
that
are
not
listed above. Traditional Watercraft, Inc.
is
not
responsible
tor
those
occurrences.
1-2

•
•
•
The
following
items are caution warnings and
must
be
reviewed carefully
prior
to
using
your
yachts.
Page No•
Oily rags
Vll-2
Batterycharge
Vll-8
Lifelines Vll-10
There are other potential aspects
of
"caution"
in
using
your
yachtwhich can cause death
or
irreparable injury
that
are
not
listed above. Traditional Watercraft, Inc.
is
not
responsible
for
those occurrences.
1-3

•
•
•
NOTE
Signals a general
advisory
statementthat clarifies
or
highlights
a particularsection
of
the text.
Messenger -instrumentpod
Emergencytiller
Emergency
tiller
test
Chainplates
Maintenance
of
rigging
Furling system
Sail maintenance
Fixed blade propeller
Propeller pitch
Engine stop
Gelcoatcracks
Propeller paint
Teak cleaners
Interiorvarnish
Intake
thru
hull
Hotwatertank
Holding tank vent
Battery switches
Batterycharger
Hard aground situation
Maintenance recommendation
Engine maintenance
Antifreeze solutions
Antifreeze solutions
Shower
door
latch
11-1
Page No.
111-3
111-3
111-4
IV-2
IV-4
IV-4
V-2
Vl-1
Vl-2
Vl-2
Vll-1
Vll-2
Vll-2
Vll-2
Vll-4
Vll-6
Vll-6
Vll-8
Vll-8
Vll-11
Vlll-1
Vlll-1
Vlll-10
Vlll-11
IX-2

Ill. CONSTRUCTION
• Ill.a Hull
•
The
hull of the Island Packet is molded
as
a single unit offiberglass laminate consisting
ofalternating layers of hand laid mat and triaxial roving saturated with vinylester
and
polyester resin. Triaxial roving is a fiberglass reinforcement that provides certain
structural benefits compared to conventional woven roving materials. A solid fiberglass
(vs. cored) laminate is used
for
all
Island Packet hulls because of its superior impact
strength and resistance
to
puncture, factors of vital importance
to
the cruising sailor.
The
exteriorfinish of the molded fiberglass hull is made
up
of
a two step gelcoat process
consisting of PolyClad®2 belowthewaterline (which
has
resistance
to
osmotic
blistering)
and
Durashield™ (which exhibits superior gloss
and
color retention qualities)
applied
above
the boot stripe. (For information concerning osmotic blister prevention,
see the Island Packetwarranty and section V.b. of this manual).
The
boot stripe
color
is
applied with a polyurethane paint, and the gold cove stripe
is
a weather-resistant vinyl
tape. A striker rail
may
be
installed in lieu of gold cove stripe and this
is
made of
extruded vinyl.
The
bowsprit structure is molded integrallywith both the hull and
deck
and
becomesa
unit
structure during the joining of the
deck
to
hull. It
has
fiberglass surfaces
on
all
sides with a solid core of plywood set in a polyesteradhesive compound.
111.b.
Deck
The
deck utilizes a cored laminate construction
for
the advantages of lighterweight,
increased stiffness, and improved insulation.
The
entire deck, cabintop and cockpit are
molded
as
a single unitwith a hand laid fiberglass laminate, consisting
of
layers of mat,
biaxial and triaxial "E" glass saturated with polyester resin
on
either
side
of a core of
PolyCore®, a matrixof glass microballoons and polyester resin.
PolyCore®,
in
our
opinion, is the most durable
deck
core material available.
It
is
impervious to rot, is not prone
to
delamination
or
voids,
and
has excellent physical
properties.
The
exteriordeckfinish is also molded with Durashield™ (see above).
The
contrasting tan color coarse diamond slip resistant areas
are
molded integral with the
deck
in a two step gelcoatapplication process.
The
interior
of
the deck is finished off with a molded fiberglass headliner.
This
is
a
separately molded part bonded to the underside of the
deck
structure during
the
molding
process
to
produce an interior surface that is attractive, practical and durable.
•
111.c
Interior
The
interior construction
of
the Island Packet
is
based on a molded fiberglass structural
111-1

pan that is unified with the hull to produce a strong, rigid unit. This structural pan forms
the entire sole, all settees and bunk surfaces, the engine bed, and miscellaneous other
surfaces, and is molded with a grid system of plywood and fiberglass reinforcing webs. •
The
full perimeter of this pan and the gridwork of reinforcing webs are bonded directlyto
the interior of the hull with multiple laminates of biaxial "E" glass and mat. Then all large
structural bulkheads and various furniture assemblies are installed, attaching directlyto
both the pan and the interior hull surfaces with a combination of mechanical fasteners
and multiple laminates of biaxial "E" glass and mat.
This interior construction method should not be confused with "full liner" systems in
popular use. Major structural interior assemblies in the Island Packet are bonded
directly
lo
the interior hull surface, whereas a "full liner" typically has substantially less
direct structural bonding. It is more labor and material intensive to build an interior using
the structural grid,
as
in the Island Packet, but wefeel
ii
produces one
of
the strongest,
most reliable assemblies available.
111.d.
Deck
to Hull
Assembly
The assembly of the deck to hull
is
one of the most important steps in the construction
of
a yacht.
The
method used on the Island Packet is simple, strong and reliable. The hull
is molded with an integral flange turned inward around the entire perimeter of the hull.
The deck isfirstfastened to this flange with 3M's 5200, a resilient urethane adhesive •
sealant that, when cured, provides a strong bond. Stainless steel bolts, washers, and
lock nuts
are
also used every six inches
to
assure a secure hull-to-deck fitting. This
joined area
is
then covered with a teak cap and side rail bedded in the same urethane
sealant. This cap is screwed in place through both deckand hull, adding further to the
strength of thejoint. A diagram in the technical drawing section
at
the end of this manual
shows this assembly in detail. All rail mounted hardware such
as
genoa tracks,
stanchions, and cleats are through bolled either into threaded 1/2" (12 mm) aluminum
plates,
or
through 1/4' (6
mm)
aluminum backup plates with stainless steel washers and
lock nuts, adding further strength to the assembly. Decktop hardware such as winches,
turning blocks and sheet stoppers are similarlyattached.
111.e.
Rudder and Steering
The rudder is made of
two
fiberglass
haW
"shells' and a solid stainless steel shaft with
welded steel blade interlocking with a core of high density, structural grade urethane
foam. The rudder "shells" are molded using PolyClad® gelcoat, multiple layers of biaxial
"E" glass and mat saturated with vinylester and polyester resins, and
are
bonded
together by the foam coring and additional fiberglass material covering the seam.
111-2
•

•
•
•
The
rudder is supported
by
three bearings.
The
middle bearing, built into the hull
immediatelyabove the rudder, is a combination packing box and bearing. Routine
inspection and adjustment
of
this packing boxshould be made to ensure a continued
watertight seal
of
the packing material. Repacking
of
this requires square packing
material (See Appendixfor size). Access to this area is through the cockpit locker(s).
The
upper bearing
is
bolted to the cockpit sole and is visible inside the steering seat
base. A bronze locking collar supports the rudder verticallyjust above this bearing, with
low
friction plasticthrust washers minimizing friction. A greasefitting
is
provided
for
routine lubrication.
The
bottom
of
the rudder has a welded stainless steel heel strap engaging
the
bottom
of
the rudder and running to the lower aft end
of
the keel.
This
strap serveswell as a
deflectorfor lines and debris as well
as
the bottom bearing (provided
by
a Delrin® insert)
adding additional strength to the entire rudder assembly.
The
bottom
of
the rudder shaft
is locked into this strap with a roll pin, which must be tapped into
the
shaftto disengage
the rudder. Access isfrom the aft end
of
the heel strap.
Your Island Packet is equipped with a console mounted rack and pinion steering
system.
This
direct drive system has been engineered to provide exceptionalfeel and
reliability.
Your
owner's package and the technical drawing section
at
the
end
of
this
manual containsadditional information about the steering system.
Routine maintenance should include
at
least annual lubrication
of
all bearings and gear
teath. Greasefittings are provided and use
of
a high qualityautomotive "Moly" lube is
recommended
for
its exceptional lubrication properties.
Over a period
of
time, especiallywith a
new
yacht, some looseness may develop
causing some free play,
or
"backlash", to be felt in the wheel. This can be minimized
with proper maintenance and checking to be certain thatall assemblies and bearings
remain properlytightened.
Note: A
nylon
messenger
has
been
provided
in
the
console
instrument
pod
to
facilitate
installation
of
wires.
Note: A two-part emergency
tiller
is
provided
that
fits
over
the
top
of
the
rudder
shaft. The
tiller
pieces
are
stowed
in
the
brackets
located
in
the
starboard
cockpit
locker
outboard
just
below
the
hatch
cover.
This
location
allows
good
access
even
if
the
locker
Is
filled
with
gear
.
111-3

Note: We
recommend
an
initial
test
fit
of
this
emergency
tiller
to
insure
a
complete
understanding
of
proper
operation
prior
to
need.
111-4
•
•
•

IV.
SPARS AND RIGGING
• IV.a.Spars
•
•
All spars are extruded aluminum alloywith a clear anodized coating applied for corrosion
resistance. Internal mast guides secure all wires and prevent unwanted slapping
againstthe mast interior. A nylon messenger is provided in both the mast and the
yachfs
interior to run additional wires. A radio antenna coaxcable wire has also been
installed
in
the mast (and below, from mast step
to
nav station) which is ready
for
dealer
or
owner installation
Of
end fittings and antenna.
The mast
Of
your Island Packet is stepped through the deckand onto the keel. A
rubber wedge tightly secures the mast at the deckwith a stainless steel pin locking the
mast
to
the collar and deck. The mast must be drilled to receive this pin. Do this after
the rubber wedge is in place and the rigging is attached, but before tuning the rig. Also,
it
is
advisable to coatthe rubber wedge with a compatible lubricant such
as
WD-40®
brand tofacilitate installation and later removal. A vinyl boot provides a weatherproOf
seal at the deckwith some silicone sealant applied
in
the mast track areasfore and aft.
When installing
or
removing and replacing anyfasteners from the spar, we recommend
using a silicone grease applied to each fastener and contacting hardware surfaces
to
minimize galvaniccorrosion and facilitate removal at a later date.
&
DANGE~
SallbOatbo®'s
may
causeserto~lnju~
or}death.
Usecauti~
.
· when
boom
is
In
use
to
i;tay
..
,till!lll'Of contact.
AIWa.ys
be
~e
.
..·of
th9
poslti.<>n
of
the
boom
.:.Mien
s8illng
aslt
can
cause sjll'(owi
injury
<>r
death.
IV
.b.Standing Rigging
Standing rigging includes all fixed wires which supportthe
masl
All Island Packet
standing rigging is made
Of
stainless steel alloy 1x19 wire with rotary swedged
terminals for strength and durability. A standing rigging specification list is included
in
the technical drawing section for your reference when replacing wire.
If
youryacht has a
bobstay, it
is
made
Of
solid stainless rod (Navtec) adjusted by an open body turnbuckle.
The
bobstay should be verytight and have no play when the rig is properly tensioned.
The
chainplates are attached to the hull by a combination
Of
fiberglass bonding and an
interlocking assembly.
The
technical drawing section at the end
Of
this manual shows
this installation in detail. The hullside chainplates to each side
Of
the mast are a
single welded unit, with welded crossmembers on
each
chainplate interlocking them
IV-1

under the integral hull flange. Also, a stainless steel strap bridges
the
side
chainplates with continuous strand fiberglass wrapped around each chainplate/strap
intersection.
The
strip bridging these chainplates is also covered with biaxial "E" •
glass and mat.
The
twin backstay chainplates are installed in a similar manner except
that
they
are
individual units. Twin backstays
are
used (vs. a single backstay) on
all
Island Packets
because they provide an open central
area
aft
for
easy stern boarding and unrestricted
helm sealing.
The
bobstay chainplate
at
thewaterline on the stem (if
so
equipped) is
also
installed
similarly
to
the
others, except
it
has solid stainless steel rod crosspieces
that
are
interlocked with a bundle
of
glassfibars bonded
to
the hull interiorwith
mat
and
roving,
joining it into
the
hull laminate.
Note: The
seal
at
the chainplate cover.;
may
open
somewhat
due
to
"working•
of
the rig. A
small
leak
could
possibly
develop,
with
water
finding
its
way
Into
the
lockers
below
the chainpfates. In
this
event
it
is
necessary
that
the
chainplate
covers
be
re-bedded
by
unscrewing
the
cover
plates,
prying
them up,
and
re-bedding
them
with
a
silicone
sealant
such
as
Silpruf®.
Screw
the
covers
back
in
position
after
applying
sealant
and
wipe
a
"finger
bead"
around
the
•
chainplate where
it
exits the cover. This
should
now
provide a
durable seal,
but
we recommend a recheck each season.
IV.c.Running Rigging
Running rigging refers
to
all lines
that
are used
to
hoist
or
control sails. Examples
include halyards, sheets, topping lifts, reefing lines, etc. All running rigging is
color
coded
for
your
convenience.
The
halyards provided with
your
Island
Packet
are
made
of
special
low
stretch dacron.
The
main halyard is run to the starboard
side
of
the mast
and headsail halyards are run
to
port.
To
help reduce halyard chafe, tape over the
edge between the spreaders and the base casting.
IV.d.Tuning
the
Rig
The
shrouds and stays supporting your rig require periodic inspection
and
adjustment to
keep the mast straight and properly supported and the headstay adequately tensioned
for
good upwind performance.
The
mast rake is preset
at
thefactory during installation
of
the mast
step
and partner
(deck collar).
As
long
as
the mast is not bowed
fore
and aft (checking
by
sighting up the
IV-2 •

•
•
•
mastfrom
deck
level) proper rake will
be
obtained when installed. It is recommended
that mast rake be kept
at
factory specifications. Helm balance will be optimum
at
this
setting, and engagement
Of
the mast base in its cast step will be uniform.
Tuning ofyour rigging will be periodically required, especially with a
new
yacht aftera
sail in heavyair.
If
you
are
not experienced with tuning a rig,
tt
is
recommended
that
you
have a qualified parson showyou the techniques involved. Consult
your
Island Packet
dealer
for
assistance. Tuning is somewhat
of
an art, with development
of
a "feal"
required to properly set up and maintain a propertune. However, it is
not
difficultto
learn. Initial tuning begins
at
the dock. With the rigging attached and snugged up, make
sure the mast
is
raked properly and is straight both fore and
aft
and
side to side. Sight
up the mast
by
putting your eye
at
deck level and looking up along the
spar
as
if
you
were aiming a gun.
When
you are satisfied thatthe mast is straight
and
properly raked,
tighten the headstay and the backstays equally.
They
should be taut
but
by
no
means
straining. A rigging tension guide is provided in theAppendix
for
your use. Next, center
the mast amidships and starttightening evenlywith the lower shrouds.
Think
of
the
spar
as
individual sections, between spreaders, deck and masthead.
When
the bottom section isvertical amidships and tensioned equally, move
to
the upper
section(s)
and
upper shrouds.
At
this stage all the shrouds should
have
equal tension.
Be
sure that
the
spreaders
are
angled upward approximately6 degrees.
Now
secure
the
shroud to the spreaderwith wire wrap and tape. Fine tuning musttake place under sail -
twelve
to
fifteen knots
of
wind is ideal. Trim the sails in hard and sight
up
the mast. Both
sections
of
mastmust remain in column. If an adjustment is necessary, first ease the
sheets off completely
to
remove tension from the rig.
If
after a series
Of
adjustments you
make a mistake,
go
back
to
where you started and retune. Note that
the
leeward
shrouds, particularlywhen the boat is close hauled in a strong breeze,
may
be
slack.
This is normal
but
the mast should remain in column (supported solely
by
thewindward
shrouds)
to
get
maximum performance. A
few
other key points to remember regarding
setting
up
and
tuning the rig:
1.) Never over-tighten rigging with pry bars.
Too
much tension can damage
fittings
or
the yacht
itseW
(see rigging tension guide in theAppendix
for
maximum allowable tensions).
2.) Check the tuning under sail on both tacks.
The
mast on the Island Packet is
designed to stand
as
a straight column.
No
pre-bend is necessary
or
desirable.
3.) Headstaytension
is
essential
for
good upwind performance.
Too
little tension
will cause excessive luff sag and noticeably reduced pointing ability.
IV-3

i:
'"
'
."
..'t'l
:l:
Note: See
section
Vll.j.
for
further
information
concerning
maintenance
of
your
rigging.
IV.e Roller Furling System
A. Furling
and
Reefing:
1.)
To
furl or reefthejib, first slack the sheets completely. Iffurling staysail,
slackouthaul. Unless the sail is adequately luffed,
it
will
be
difficulttofurl
the sail.
2.) Pull the line. The line should pull readily.
If
the sail will not furl,
or
if
furling requires a great deal
of
effort, there
may
be a problem with the
system. Consultthe furling units owner's manual for troubleshooting. (In
extremely light air
it
may
be necessaryto place a very slight drag on thejib
sheets to insure a neatfurl).
3.) Cleatthe furling line and secure the sheets (outhaul).
Note: See
Owner's
manual
provided
and
section
Vll.k.
of
this
manual
tor
more
information
regarding
your
furling
system.
IV-4
•
•
•

V.
SAILS
• V.a.Sail Selection
•
•
Your Island Packet is cutter rigged and may be sailed with a variety
of
sail combinations
to suitweather conditions. The staysail provides added sail area (about 25% more) plus
increased versatility. Light
air
sailing can be markedly improved with the use
of
main
and double headsails, plus a variety
of
reduced sail area combinations are possiblefor
strongerwinds: main and jib, main and staysail, reefed main and staysail, etc.
V.b.Sailing your Island Packet
Assuming one has competence in basic sailing and yacht handling skills, a
few
additional comments may
be
useful pertaining to the Island Packet. One may puta
yacht in irons, especially in light air,
if
the helm is putdown too rapidly and/or the
jib
is
released too soon during the tacking maneuver. The counterbalanced rudder used on
the Island Packet
is
easy to tum and provides excellent control, however,
it
can also act
as an effective "brake" if too much helm is applied too quickly.
To
avoid this "braking·
effectwhen tacking and the potential for
an
incomplete tack, gradually apply helm when
tacking (as opposed to snapping the rudderover to full lock) "steering the boat around"
while leaving the jib sheeted in until
it
backs, helping to pull the
bow
"across thewind".
Then release the windward jib sheetand quickly sheet
in
on the opposite sidefor the
newtack while gradually bringing backthe helm. This method is especially effective
when sailing with the cutter rig's double headsails, as thejib should pull through the slot
between the staysail and headstaywith little
or
no assistance
if
it is allowed to backwind.
Bestwindward performance will be achieved by sailing "full and by"
as
opposed to
"pinching". Boat speed will drop
off
quickly
if
sailing too close to thewind, reducing your
"speed made good" to weather. Trim your jib in first (making sure the sheet lead is
properly set to cause the luffto break simultaneously
at
head and foot when heading up)
then adjust your main (and staysail) accordingly. Be careful not to overtrim the
main...ease out the mainsheet until some back-winding
or
luffing occurs and then trim in
slightly.
Properjib and staysail halyard adjustment and headstay and forestay tension are vital
for good windward performance. Likewise, the main luffand foot should
be
properly
tensioned forcorrect sail shape and best drive. A boom vang is particularly effective in
increasing performance when reaching
or
running before the wind in all conditions.
In
general, an Island Packet will achieve best performance when sailed in a prudent
manner. One may be tempted to carry sail longer than is actually desirable. A reef in
the main
or
a change to reduced sail may not cause any loss
of
speed and could
V-1

improve comfort and control. Once wind strength increases beyond the level
thatwill drive the yacht at hull speed, sail area may be reduced without loss of boat
speed. The result will be a far more controlled and comfortable ride. •
V.c.Reefing
Tha mainsail
of
your Island Packet is equipped with a dual single line reefing system
or
an optional in-mast roller furling system thatallows reefing while remaining in the
cockpit.
Briefly. the single line reefing procedure entails the following steps:
1) Make sure the topping lift is secure.
2) Ease the mainsheetto luff the main.
3) Release the halyard, dropping the main sufficiently
for
the reefdesired and
resecure halyard.
4) Pull the desired reefing line until both clewand tack are drawn down to boom
with
desired
tension,
then
resecure
line.
5) Retension main halyard and secure.
6) Retrim the mainsheet.
7) Adjust topping lift, if necessary, to remain slightly loose.
8) One can nowelect to either gather the excess sail hanging from the boom and
tie up with lines at each reef point
or
allowthe sail to remain
as
is,
if
it
is
lying •
quietly and/or you anticipate shaking out the reef soon.
Note: see section Vll.i.
for
sailmaintenance information.
•
V-2
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