Puppeteer Design and Maintenance

Original Sales Brochure

Step back in time with this vintage sales brochure for the beloved Puppeteer 22 yacht, originally published in the 1980s. This classic design has stood the test of time, showcasing the timeless appeal and excellent seaworthiness that made the Puppeteer 22 a favorite among sailors decades ago. Flip through the pages to discover the yacht's key features, specifications, and customization options as they were presented to prospective buyers all those years ago. 

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Tips from designer Chris Boyd (c1982)

Setting Up for the New Season.

Maintenance:

A well maintained boat that looks tidy and efficient is a real boost to the owner in more ways than one.

  • Firstly, the psychological lift while racing is very good (you have to believe your boat is as good as all the rest).
  • Second, real benefits in performance can be gained from good preparation.
  • Third, a well maintained boat is worth so much more.

Anyone who has tried to sell a boat that looks good will know that it is a very much easier task. Look for an example at the Motor-trade!

Maintenance is very much a case of stopping deterioration, rather than buying new gear. Woodwork should be maintained by applying enough coats of varnish to prevent moisture getting in. When discolouration starts to appear is not the right time to varnish ... that is too late! Varnish before you think its necessary, you will save many hours sanding and have a boat that keeps its 'new' look.

Glassfibre surfaces should be cleaned to remove grime and then waxed as one would a car. The underwater surface presents a big job if maximum potential is to be gained. The paint which is inhibiting rust on the keel should be renewed if necessary using at least 4 coats. Antifoulings vary in method of preparation and application. The makers instructions should be followed.

Essential points are:- remove all loose or flaking paint then provide a 'key' for the new paint, afterwards sand the new antifouling to remove brush marks.

On-shore preparation ends with a careful inspection of ropes, cleats, winches, mast, rigging and sails. Replace or repair as necessary. Remember grease for the winches. Remember to look for broken strands in the standing rigging. Remember to check rudder fittings.

Rig, launch and go sailing ... don't worry about tuning till the sails are up.

Tuning:

Tuning can be divided into two parts, balance and reduced drag. Reducing drag by cutting down unnecessary windage is easy - just look up and around at the boat and rig,

Is everything necessary?

The drag of the hull in the water is even more important but if you have got a good bottom finish this drag will be low. Note that low-drag boats benefit from more speed in light airs and higher pointing in all conditions!

The balance of the boat refers to the 'feel' of the tiller when sailing close to the wind (beating). In moderate wind with full sail and about 5 deg heel while sailing to windward the tiller on a well balanced boat will tend to want to move to leeward (turning the boat to windward).

If there is no 'feel' then rake the mast aft or tighten the leech of the mainsail. If there is too much 'feel' then do the reverse.

The only other adjustment to make is the relative tension in the two (upper and lower) shrouds. Tighten the upper and loosen the lower till the mast is straight while sailing hard on the wind. This will mean that when at rest the lowers will be fairly slack. These two parts of tuning for 'balance' should be done together. Your boat is now ready to win races, the rest (sailing technique) is a larger topic which I will tackle some other time.

GOOD SAILING, CHRIS BOYD