MARTIN m244 DOCKSIDE ORIENTATION

Docking Lines: Recognize limited attachment points; use pad eye on foredeck, shrouds, cleats on transom rise

Lighter boat: Note that boat heels easily when stepping on rail as you board

Tiller & Tiller Extension: Boat meant to be sailed & motored using extension

Headsail: 105% Jib with furler below deck; furling line runs inside cabin; furl on extreme broad reach so that headsail is blanketed behind main. Headsail halyard Runs inside luff of sail and is tensioned above drum using a cunningham-like affair

Headsail sheets: Go around drums and then cleat on opposite side - keeps active sheet cleated on "high side". Keep the lazy sheet clear and set for the next tack.


Mainsail: Mainsail halyard on port side and runs thru spin-lock cleat -(demo its use); mainsail halyard is also used as topping lift; to rig detach from end of boom, thread thru webbing loop on mast attached (top) sailtrack slide and then attach to ring on headboard.


Raising Main: Note: 2 feet of pull for every 1 foot of rise (this is why halyard is doubled at shackle)


Cunningham: Blue line on jam cleat on port side of cabin top - remember to release when raising main


Outhaul: Green line on jam cleat attached to boom (roughly over companionway hatch), need to crank it on hard for stronger winds; less so for light winds.

Battery and Switches: Aft of companionway step - way aft!


Knotmeter & Depth sounder:  Port side "bulkhead" of cabintop.

Companionway Door: Heavy chunk of plastic - stow under cushions below - else it will fly around down there and be a nasty weapon of destruction


All running rigging and lines: Spectra - hence of smaller diameter then we are used to - gloves a consideration


Traveller lines: Slightly forward of centre down in cockpit - should be cleated crossed on opp. sides for strong winds and on same side for light ones. Note that these lines control the white ones which are mounted on the boom-end, crank it to leeward when closehauled in high winds.

Mainsheet: Nifty double line affair that lets you trim coarse - using both lines or fine - (one line only), note when sitting on the rail you must lean over to cleat and uncleat the mainsheet - may have to use your foot to engage smartly. Keep it clear for next tack / other manouever


Boom Vang:  Red line on port side is opposed by the kicker - need to engage this almost any point of sail off the wind from close hauled - minimal room to ease mainsheet before sails go onto extreme swept back spreaders.


Reefing Line: Slab reef for main still to be rigged - interim - switch outhaul to leech cringle; luff has both ramshead hooks and cunningham. For now leave it at dock reefed. (note: as of May 18th reeffing lines now rigged)


Helm Position Under Power: Best spot is sitting on rail with back supported securely by starboard pushpit rails. Easy access to outboard and its controls as well as tiller and good view forward. Note: Must ensure co-pilot screw on outboard is snug enough that engine does not turn when you let go of the outboard tiller. Carefull when tilting it up for sailing easy to get your c of g too far aft and end up taking a swim. Can turn tilted engine fully to stbd to keep it fully clear of tiller.


Operating under power: Very light boat - speeds up and slows down fast. When no forward (or reverse) motion - slightest wind will tend to blow boat around. Wind causes bow to weathercock downwind quite readily. Be ready to use both tiller and outboard steering to manoeuver - especially if attempting to reverse with wind on bow. Using reverse to slow down not yet verified.


Helm position under sail: Look to be just aft of barney post mounted mainsheet block - preferably on rail. Note foot rest on cockpit seat. Slack lifelines act as a backrest.