Tender in Tattoo's cockpit . .

[tattoo]

JonLee asked about Tattoo's tender. Pluto is a "Nesting Eastport Pram," a kit by CLC. She rows nicely and is fun to sail. And she tows very well behind Tattoo. Towing weight: Bow section 36 lbs, aft section with transom seat 60 lbs, oars about 7 lbs for a total of 103 lbs. If you bring along the complete sailing rig, that adds another 27 lbs. The two sections in the cockpit (w/o transom seat) but with her removable chocks, totals 98 lbs. Her loaded position so far aft in the cockpit reduces the tongue weight on the tow vehicle a fair amount.

She's a bear to load single-handedly. I've done it by standing in the cockpit and pulling each section up-and-over the coaming. Very hard on my back. I've used the peak halyard which has a x2 mechanical advantage. That works quite well but requires removal of the boom and gaff. That's more setup and takedown time in the parking lot. Two men can load her fairly easily without removing either boom or gaff and with mast raised or not. At the launch ramp I can usually recruit the help of an innocent bystander.

By-the-way, Pluto replaced my Copycat, a 7' 7" Nutshell Pram by WoodenBoat Magazine. CLC manufactures their kit. She has a beach dolly, oars, and a complet sailing rig. AND SHE's FOR SALE!

[jwv630]

Tattoo:

Looks great! Hope you're getting some time on the water now that the weather is nice.

Regards,
Jimmy Vitale