| Subject: Re: 501 - or 500 |
Author:
brian henry
|
[
Next Thread |
Previous Thread |
Next Message |
Previous Message
]
Date Posted: 1/02/06 11:31:41
In reply to:
Peter
's message, "501" on 27/01/06 11:13:47
I was struck by two words in your posting – “or solo”. I’ve just sold Beachcomber, a 1980 Trapper 500 with 501 interior, after 24 years of ownership. I spent a lot of time single-handed - especially during the past three years since my retirement when I spent much of every summer cruising the Adriatic - and I personally would not consider her a suitable boat for single-handing. Like many of us I had to use what I already had but I repeat, she was perhaps not the best choice for my none too typical requirements.
The main reasons are threefold, two are correctable, the other not. The correctable ones are:
1) the original mainsail reefing system, a roller boom that is the devil to reef when alone and the ship’s head falls off the wind and the mainsail fills and will not roll properly. Indeed, if the luff bolt rope runs in the mast groove the friction of the entire length of sail pressed against the slot will jam it completely – I changed to sliders that at least would run down under such conditions. The source of the problem is the boom that must be kept in-line with the ship or the knuckle joint of the through-the-mast turning handle cannot rotate with the boom at any significant angle to the handle mechanism. Many owners have changed to slab reefing.
2) The original engine of 8hp – this is not sufficient power in extreme conditions, say against strong tides or gale force winds with a short, steep sea. After a number of hair-raising experiences I fitted a Yanmar 18hp that was a perfect solution for me, although others consider 12hp adequate.
The third point is not so easy to correct, if at all, the rudder, a balanced spade that, in the Trapper 500, is so far aft that it is vulnerable and in conjunction with a fin keel, too sensitive. This results in a twitchy ship whose helm cannot be left for more than a few seconds. I countered this by a fixed line across the cockpit well with a clamp on the tiller through which it ran and an almost-always-connected Autohelm 1000. That rudder was also impossible to control in reverse due to the immense leverage effect when off-centre, needing an entire 180 degree reversal of the tiller, after which, easy control would be restored. I have never sailed a 501, the different rudder on that model may well have corrected many of the problems, including that of the long, swan neck tiller that sweeps the cockpit together with any crew that are too slow to jump out of the way when tacking.
Nevertheless, I have to say here that with a properly fitted and sized sailplan the sailing balance when under control of the helm is delightful. The important thing is to reef adequately and timely, the key being, as pointed out by others, mainsail reefing.
Other important points to check are:
1) Rigging and connecting fittings. Loss of either forestay or backstay could lose the mast very easily because both single lower and cap shrouds are laterally in-line (in fact, they lead to the same chain plate); nothing is led either fore or aft to provide longitudinal support.
2) Stanchions and bases. These were insufficient in the original installation. I replaced all with adequate backing plates. Check for leaks both at the bases and also the deck chain plate fittings, leakage at any of the places can cause rot in the balsa core of the sandwich deck composition, so check for softness of the deck in these areas.
3) For a bilge keel model check the rudder movement for a bent post, easy to get when there is so little clearance for the rudder on taking the ground, especially on the Trapper 501 where the rudder is deeper.
4) On the Trapper 500 there was no access to the port cockpit drain seacock, check if an access panel has been fitted to the inboard side of the quarter berth – this is a critical modification, which I far too late added, to be able to maintain, or worse, close in an emergency.
However, all of the above is not to detract from what is a great little ship that sails well and has a cosy cabin; with a small crew she is a dream to sail, cruise and race in club events, but alone in a rising gale she can be a handful until snugged down with a suitable sail area (or none). The Trapper 500/501 is basically a well-designed, well-built boat with a few disappointing superficial features, mostly ones that can be rectified over the years. Every boat is a compromise – the Trapper is a good one.
Last October I sat in Beachcomber’s cabin after transferring my personal effects to my new boat and thought back over my years with her. I was surprised how sad I felt. On balance she had given me wonderful service and saved my skin on more than one occasion when I had been foolish and got us into situations that I should not have done. All of the above is one man’s very subjective opinion and worth what you paid for it, to be taken with the proverbial pinch of sodium chloride. Good hunting for your new boat, A Trapper 500/501 could be a sensible choice despite the caveat about single handing, if you can find a good one.
Fair winds and calm seas, Brian.
[
Next Thread |
Previous Thread |
Next Message |
Previous Message
]
| |
Feedback: 