PDRacer Sailboat

There are many types of snotters, this is one very simple type. It is just a snap clip that is laced to the mast, and the lacings are held in place by a small cable clamp. You could also keep the lacings there by running one thru a grommet on the sail.

The end of the sprit boom has the snotter line permanently attached to it, this line is pulled back thru the snap clip and then goes down. The tension you put on this line controls the tension on the sail, and how flat the sail will be when sailing. If you loosen the line, the sail will have a more fuller shape, if you tighten it, the sail goes flatter.

Down to a cleat on the mast. This sail rig is free standing, and can completely rotate in the mast socket. If the mast doesn't rotate, then the snotter will get tighter or looser depending on where the line is cleated.

The clew and aft end of the boom are simple, just 2 lines are taken thru the boom. One is the outhaul from the sail, and the other is the main sheet. Both are just tied thru the boom. You really can combine these, the only reason I had them seperate is because I swapped main sheets around.

Notice that there is no hardware on the boom, so during storage there are no metal fittings to rust and damage the sail. Also nothing to scratch your body as you set and take down the boom.

Dousing the sail is very easy and quick. Just release the snotter line and point the loose end of the boom towards the head of the sail.

Start wrapping it up, and tuck the main sheet in there.

Keep rolling ....

With a bungee, the sail is completely stowed away.

The last problem to solve is where do you store such a long mast? This is my favorite solution so far, haning from the garage ceiling.

With the far end of the mast supported by a ceiling hook, the other end is supported by mounting a line to the ceiling as close to the open garage door as you can. Then just lift up the hook on the line, put around the mast and presto the mast is put away.

Before I heard about this technique, I used to use a pair of ceiling hooks, but the only way I could get it up there was to close the garage door. I found myself opening the garage door to get the boat out, then closing it to get the mast down, open to go load it on the car.... Was rather funny, every trip to the lake involved so many garage door opening cycles. :)

NOT JUST FOR PDRACERS
And to prove that the mutton isn't just for home made sailboats, here are a few links to commercial boats that use the mutton:
Dovekie 21
Nonsuch Cat Boat
Windsurfers

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