Hi everyone,
I'm a new member who collected a bayraider last August and so far has had only a few months of use. Suffice to say we (extended family included) are all delighted with it. We've been out in varied condition from 4 to 20 knots of wind and are impressed with its stability (no water ballast used).
I've used the asymmetric in stiff conditions and it is great fun. The bend in the bowsprit was like a banana but it held. The arms however were nearly pulled off me. I'm fitting a swivel and cam on the centreplate housing that will allow me to lock it off and get the blood back into my hands. It is to be thoroughly recommended. There is great sail area in it at 13 sq m and the boat easily handles it. Recovering the sail however can be exciting and I've just ordered a cloth chute from Jeckells, to assist in this. Approx 2.5m in length and 300mm diammeter eyelets at the head and rigid band sewn into the mouth of it to allow easy recover and launch.
I'll post photos once I get it. Cost will be £85 plus vat - its a bit steep but hopefully will be worth it in the long run.
The second item I have ordered is a spars/sail cover. I have rolled the sail and stored it with the spars, hanging from hooks on the garage wall. both the mizen and mainsail/Gaff will fit into this new cover which will be useful for both storage and transportation. Its 4.5m in length and again 300mm dia. Cost approx £92 plus vat. Jeckells will use a fairly durable acrylic material which will assist in keeping dampness away. To me in a wet country in winter this is a must unless I bring them inside the house!
Again, I'll post some photos when I get them.
All the best
