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Fasten the front and the aft end with supplied Dyneema ropes. Use protruding, bigger attachment
loop at the end of the hiking strap.

On this stage, you can adjust the length of the straps to the crew size. Recommended basic setting is
around 25 cm, measuring the highest point the

hiking strap can lift from the cockpit floor.

Advice: First 18 Class rules define maximum hiking straps length in C 2.2. e) point:

The foot straps

shall be adjusted so, that they do not lift for more

than 50cm

from the cockpit floor at any location.

Keep that in mind if you are planning to participate in one design regattas.

Summary of Contents for First 18

Page 1: ...18 as easy smooth and enjoyable as possible It s leading you through the rigging of the boat in by our experience the most practical steps Assembly Manual is not replacing the Owner s Manual which is the official document delivered with the boat Please read it carefully and familiarise yourself with the boat before using it We would love to hear back from you You re reading the second version of B...

Page 2: ...e sure that the way to the launching slip or crane is free of any overhead power lines trees or other obstacles or they are higher than 9 m which is the air draft of Beneteau First 18 on the trailer These obstacles can damage your boat and are potentially dangerous to yourselves Remember that carbon fibre is an electric conductor Rigging tools equipment The boat comes equipped with basic tools you...

Page 3: ...the block 3 Twist the link anti clockwise 360 i e first twist 180 to form a figure 8 shape then twist again 4 Pass the link through the mounting point taking care to keep it twisted as described above 5 Press the end of the twisted link over the Retainer Clip and firmly back into its recess in the block A little tension on the link may help to settle it into position 6 Snap the Retainer Clip back ...

Page 4: ...ating the red ON OFF knob to the OFF position 2 Slide the black MODE switch firmly toward the red ON OFF knob until it locks into the recess in the knob Repeat with the MODE switch on the other side of the block 3 The block is now in Auto mode 4 To return to Manual mode slide the black MODE switches on both sides of the block firmly away from the red ON OFF knob Now use the red ON OFF knob to turn...

Page 5: ......

Page 6: ...pit floor GRP cover and vertical plexi are used to lock the boat and during road transport When sailing on the water use neoprene cover is obligatory for closing the entrance Warning Prior the road transport always lock the boat with the supplied locking system Locked and fixed wire will prevent the black GRP to detach and potentially damages the vehicle and persons driving behind you Remember the...

Page 7: ...Code at the delivery is set to 0000 Precisely align all four numbers in line with white marks and open the lock by pressing the black button on the bottom ...

Page 8: ...To change the code on your unique 4 digit number please follow the instructions of the lock supplier ...

Page 9: ...Entrance plexi and on deck hatch may be still protected with the protection folio Check both sides of the plexi and hatch and if folio is still installed remove it altogether ...

Page 10: ...nd from top to bottom 2x mainsail A frame Dyneema ropes with spliced ends 3x Ronstan RF55101 blocks 1x Ronstan RF55111 block 2x spliced Dyneema loops 1x textile vang strap 1x Ronstan RF35101 block 1x Ronstan RF45101 block 1x Ronstan RF20202 double block 1x spliced Dyneema vang cascade 2x Dyneema soft shackle ...

Page 11: ...nsail sheet red black 2 2 Jib system equipment Jib system connected parts from left to right and from top to bottom 1x Ronstan RF5121 trapeze cleat 1x Bartels swivel 1x Dyneema soft shackle 2x Ronstan RF35101 block 0 75m 1 5mm Dyneema rope 1x Bartel furler with 4 hole plate shackle and Dyneema loop 1x solent jib cunningham black white 1x jib furling line red white 2x jib sheet blue black 2 3 Genna...

Page 12: ...sheet grey blue tapered 2 m 1 5 mm Dyneema rope for snuffer fixation on the ring 2 m 3 mm nylon rope for snuffer cabin fixation 1 m 3 mm nylon rope for snuffer aft fixation 1x Ronstan RF25100 block with lashing rope 2x Ronstan RF56100 block with ratchet 2x Ronatan RF45101 block 2 4 Shrouds and halyards ...

Page 13: ...p to bottom 1x set of shrouds 2x side shroud 1x forestay 4x velcro safety pin 1x set of open spanners sizes 6 mm 12 mm and 13 mm 1x 6 mm Allen key 1x mainsail halyard red 1x gennaker halyard green 1x jib halyard black white 1x Loos tension gauge 2 5 Hiking straps equipment ...

Page 14: ...ic cord 2x carbon spacer tube 6x 0 5 m 3 mm Dyneema rope 2 6 Steering system equipment Steering system connected parts from left to right and from top to bottom 2x First 18 rudder blade 2x 0 5 m 6 mm nylon rope with a double overhand knot on one side 1x Ronstan RF3132 tiller extension 2 7 Keel system equipment ...

Page 15: ...led keel safety pin Spare keel safety pin screw Spare keel plug 2 8 Standard North Sails set of sails From left to right gennaker in the sail bag jib with battens batten loader and sail bag mainsail with battens tensioning key batten tensioners protective stickers and sail bag ...

Page 16: ...furler drum opening is adjusted slightly on the starboard side when attached on the forestay chainplate In case the drum opening is not facing on the black plastic leading eye on the deck it can be adjusted by opening the nuts on the bottom of the furler ...

Page 17: ...Attach jib furler to the bow chainplate and secure the pin with G ring it should be placed on the inside facing backwards Tape the pin with the electrical tape ...

Page 18: ...Fix the jib furling line on the drum with an overhand knot as shown on the picture Neatly furl the rope into the drum until it s almost full ...

Page 19: ...ling line through two plastic leading eyes on the deck to the cleat on the cabin There should be left about 1 5 m of the furling line aft of the cleat Secure the end of the furling line with a double overhand knot ...

Page 20: ...3 2 Vang double block assembly Remove the shackle from the Ronstan RF20202 double block ...

Page 21: ...Take 25 cm long Dyneema rope with a double knot on one side Check that the knot is melted Lead it through two holes one the mast foot as shown on the picture and attach double block Ronstan RF20202 ...

Page 22: ...Pass the rope in the same way through the holes on the opposite side Secure the end with a double overhand knot as close to the mast foot as possible and melt the end ...

Page 23: ... is easiest done on two wooden supports If they are not available make sure you protect the carbon and stainless steel parts from the floor surface 4 1 Shrouds assembly Unfold the shrouds Be careful you don t twist and force the wires into a small radius which can permanently damage and weaken the wire Set of shrouds consist of the forestay and two side shrouds Forestay can be best identified by t...

Page 24: ...Side shrouds can be identified by the terminal on one side and the eye attachment point of the other Both side shrouds are identical and can t be mixed ...

Page 25: ... branding legible when the mast is stepped Attach the forestay on the bottom of the swivel Warning forestay Dyneema loop requires a regular check up and need to be replaced at least every two seasons In case of visible damage immediately repace it before continuing using the boat Attach both side shrouds insert the pins and secure them with split pins Use pliers to twist the split pins ends and ma...

Page 26: ...nwind them and make sure they are entirely untwisted That s is especially important for the halyards Jib halyard Lead the jib halyard through the jib swivel just above the forestay eye Pull the halyard halfway through and fix both ends on the gooseneck ...

Page 27: ...Pass and fix one end of the mainsail halyard on the top of the mast as shown on the picture Attach the mainsail twisted shackle ...

Page 28: ...eneck and attach it on the boom axe Pass the other free end of the mainsail halyard along the mast and through the bottom starboard swivelling cleat on the mast foot Tension the halyard and secure the loose end with a double overhand knot ...

Page 29: ...mast foot It s easy to recognise it because it s turned upside down compare to the other two swiveling cleats Pass the halyard on the inside of the textile forestay loop and through the pre fitted block Return to the mast foot outside of the textile loop and fix the halyard end on the gooseneck Tension the halyard and nicely coil it for easier handling and stepping of the mast ...

Page 30: ...ion block pass inside the forestay dyneema loop Rotate bottom two swivelling cleats forward and provisionally fix them with the cunningham dyneema rope to prevent cleats from jamming and breaking during the mast stepping procedure You can also fix the block with electrical tape ...

Page 31: ...e mast 5 Mast stepping 5 1 Preparations Before stepping the mast make sure all the halyards and shrouds are set correctly and that they are not tangled All sharp points around the shroud attachments should be well protected with the electrical tape In case of strong wind turn the boat and hoist the mast directly against the wind ...

Page 32: ...ve the mast foot axe and leave it on the cabin next to the mast foot Turn the swivelling cleat aft of the mast base on port or starboard If you keep it in the middle it will collide with the mast and get damaged ...

Page 33: ...the team of two one person connects the mast and the shrouds from the cockpit while the second assists from the ground First person lift the mast foot together with the shrouds and climb into the cockpit while the second person holds the mast around shrouds attachments at the back of the boat The person in the cockpit place the mast foot on the top of the cabin and attaches both side shrouds G rin...

Page 34: ......

Page 35: ... mast Once again check that the shrouds are not tangled around the mast and are free all the way to the attachments on the mast The person on the ground lifts the mast above the head and person in the cockpit fit the mast foot into the mast base To align the holes the person on the ground gently moves the mast left or right ...

Page 36: ...n in the cockpit Insert the mast axe and secure it with the G ring Warning At this stage the mast must be at least horizontal or held with the masthead slightly elevated Lowering the mast too much will damage the swivelling cleat on the cabin ...

Page 37: ... to the middle of the cockpit and continuously raise the mast to the upright position until the shrouds will stop the hoist During stepping of the mast the person on the groud checks that the shrouds and terminals are free and not jammed ...

Page 38: ...While the person in the cockpit holds the mast upright the person on the ground check that forestay is not tangled around side shrouds or the mast ...

Page 39: ...ay on the 4 hole plate Choose the free hole opposite to attachment on the furler Before tensioning the shrouds rotate the mast axe so that the handle is completely covered with the mast base It will prevent catching of the ropes in the manoeuvres ...

Page 40: ...nside of the chainplate It will prevent catching of the gennaker sheets in the manoeuvres Tension the turnbuckles equally on both sides starting with your hands Ensure that the top wires don t turn while adjusting the rig tension and always use supplied 6mm open spanner to hold it ...

Page 41: ...S WIND RANGE sustained wind gusts EXTREMELY LIGHT 0 3 kt LIGHT 4 8 kt MEDIUM 9 14kt gusts up to 17kt FRESH 15 21 kt gusts up to 25kt HEAVY 22 26kt gusts up to 30kt SHROUDS TENSION Loos tension gauge 91 Model A 34 36 40 45 45 For correct use of Loos tension gauge follow the supplier s instructions Adjust the top and bottom safety hole in the terminal and attach all four safety pins with velcro stra...

Page 42: ... the First 18 mast enables also stepping of the mast alone without the assistance of the second person The procedure is very similar to the team of two persons described in this chapter with few differences instead of the second person on the ground you need around 2 meter high support in the back of the boat fence or maybe even a higher car or van works perfectly for securing and fixing of the ma...

Page 43: ...6 Mainsail controls 6 1 Boom assembly Fit the boom on the gooseneck and insert the bolt ...

Page 44: ...uments bracket is ordered it replaces the nut under the boom while the screw stays the same 6 2 Mainsheet assembly Attach the spliced dyneema a frames on the Wichard u bolts on both sides of the stern by pulling one end through the spliced loop so called cowboy knot ...

Page 45: ...Connect both ends of a frame on RF55111 block with simple attachment at 90 Make sure you lead the ropes on top of the carbon tillers and properly close the retaining clip of the block ...

Page 46: ......

Page 47: ...he Dyneema loop lead through the top stainless steel attachment point Both blocks should be attached with a twisted Dyneema link attachment at 0 Attach another RF5100 block for the mainsail sheet in the middle of the boom again through the spliced Dyneema loop Be careful that outhaul is lead inside the loop and again use the attachment of the Dyneema link at 0 ...

Page 48: ...l position Unwind the mainsail sheet and start to lead it in through the swivelling cleat on the cockpit floor Swivelling block on the floor has ratchet function so make sure you start in the right direction Check arrow on the block which indicates the right direction of the rope ...

Page 49: ...Lead the mainsheet through the rest of the blocks as on the picture Finish with a small bowline knot on the block on the A frame ...

Page 50: ...ructions below Besides the mainsheet block on the swivelling cleat has ratchet options Please see detailed instructions in the first chapter of this manual 6 3 Vang Lead the black vang strap through the attachment point on the top side of the boom wrap it around the boom and align both ends ...

Page 51: ...Fix Ronstan RF45101 block on the strap ends with the soft shackle It is not possible to attach the line directly to the kicker block without using a soft shackle ...

Page 52: ...onnstan RF35101 as shown on the picture Warning Make sure you always lead the loaded rope through the RF35101 blocks through the hole parallel to the roller axe not perpendicular on it Wrong attachment of the rope can weaken the block and break it ...

Page 53: ...and finish on the soft shackle on the mast foot Position RF35101 block in the middle of the distance between the mast foot and boom attachment secure the dyneema vang purchase with a double overhand knot and melt the end The melted end will prevent slipping of the knot under tension ...

Page 54: ...Unwind vang purchase rope and lead it through the blocks as shown on the picture starting on the swivelling cleat ...

Page 55: ...Finish on the RF35101 with a small bowline knot 7 Jib controls 7 1 Jib cunningham Lash Ronstan RF5121 trapeze on the only remaining free hole 3 to 4 times with 0 75 cm long 1 5 mm Dyneema rope ...

Page 56: ...Finish the lashing with a series of half hitches and melt the securing overhand knot at the end ...

Page 57: ...h a simple overhand knot attach square securing clip and secure it with a provisional bow knot Jib sheets Unwind and untwist both jib sheets Start leading it in on the swivelling cleat on the cabin and through the standing block on the jib traveller car ...

Page 58: ...5101 block and finish in the front hole on the jib traveller car with a simple half hitch Repeat the same on the other side leading the jib sheet in front of the mast and connect both RF35101 blocks with the soft shackle ...

Page 59: ...n the loose end also gennaker retriever line which perfectly cleans the cockpit of extra ropes in manoeuvres Lash Ronstan RF25109 block on the stainless steel attachment point on the port side of the cockpit Start with fixing the rope on the stainless steel attachment point and continue through the block Lash the block through the roller axe as shown on the picture and repeat it three times ...

Page 60: ...iever block you ve just fixed Be careful you lead the gennaker halyard aft of the vang purchase system Advice if you have Teflon lubricant we suggest lubricating the bowsprit and both bearings before installing the snuffer bag Be careful you don t spray the deck which will get slippery and dangerous Feed the halyard into the snuffer before you fix the back end Fix the retriever line on the U bolt ...

Page 61: ...he tiller extension or sail batten Fix the snuffer on the ring with 2 meter long dark grey 1 5 mm Dyneema rope be careful you don t mix it with black 3mm nylon rope which is for the snuffer fixation on the cabin Start in the bottom starboard corner with the snuffer attachment point lead outside of the ring ...

Page 62: ... 5 mm dyneema rope all along the ring and finish on the hole on the bottom of the bowsprit bearing Don t tie last two holes on the snuffer ring but leave them free to reduce friction between the snuffer and the bowsprit ...

Page 63: ...pply medium tension Advice in case you are rigging the boat a few times in a season for snuffer fixation we suggest using bow knot which can be easily untied Fix the snuffer bag on the mast foot with 2 meter black 3 mm nylon rope on two additional attachment points and Apply medium tension to pull the snuffer inwards It will prevent snuffer ...

Page 64: ...sagging when sailing on the port in stronger winds Advice if you have Teflon lubricant we suggest lubricating the snuffer entrance ring and bowsprit bearings on this point ...

Page 65: ... 90 straight dyneema link and be careful to attach them on the front side of the mainsail a frame dyneema rope Attach two RF56100 blocks on the attachment points on the edge of the deck Be careful to turn them correctly because of the ratchet function check the arrow on the block for help and use an ...

Page 66: ...Dyneema link Lead in the gennaker sheets starting with tapered end grey colour through RF56100 ratchet blocks Again check that the ratchet function work in the right direction it should block the rope when you are releasing it ...

Page 67: ...Continue through the RF45101 block on the stern from inside out Make sure gennaker sheet is lead on the outside of the shroud and provisionally tie it on the bow ...

Page 68: ... approximately 70 cm before the end of the rope and cleat them The knot prevents slipping of the gennaker sheets through the blocks but still enable complete easing of the sheet under tension Advice if you don t have rope bags option you can always store gennaker sheets as shown on the picture ...

Page 69: ...ments with melted overhand knots Failing of hiking straps attachment can result in the men over board situation First orientate the strap correctly front half is a bit shorter than the aft half which is a bit longer Start fixing hiking straps at the middle attachment point with inserting the carbon tube Carbon tube will slightly lift the strap and make it easier to hook your feet ...

Page 70: ...size Recommended basic setting is around 25 cm measuring the highest point the hiking strap can lift from the cockpit floor Advice First 18 Class rules define maximum hiking straps length in C 2 2 e point The foot straps shall be adjusted so that they do not lift for more than 50cm from the cockpit floor at any location Keep that in mind if you are planning to participate in one design regattas ...

Page 71: ...Fasten the elastic cord at the back of the hiking strap Use dedicated smaller attachment points on the hiking strap as shown in the picture Lifted and stretched hiking straps will be easier to hook with ...

Page 72: ...your feet Steering system Rudder blades need rope handles for easier operations Install 0 5 m long 6 mm black nylon rope with a double overhand knot through both holes on the top of each rudder blade ...

Page 73: ...to be protected with epoxy and antifouling they ll form water bubbles under the gelcoat if left in the water Also be careful you don t store them wet in the storage bag Attach the Ronstana Battlestick tiller extension and secure it with the securing clip Warning make sure the securing clip is completely pressed down and locked it clicks when it s locked in its final position Disattaching of the ti...

Page 74: ...n when the boat is not in use or hooking it for the mainsail sheet to keep it vertically Both will significantly decrease the wear of the rubber joint and increase its life time OPTION ROPE BAGS Attach the rope bags on the installed attachment points ...

Page 75: ... you would do it on the carpet or grass In case you are assembling the boat on the concrete or asphalt we strongly suggest using some protection materials for the rigging of the laminate sails The membrane is fragile and could quickly get damaged Try to keep sails nicely folded during the assembly because you will need to move them afterwards ...

Page 76: ...e sail unpack the battens and remove the batten key front the clew All mainsail battens are tapered on one side Insert the battens in the pockets with tapered end leading the way Batten pockets opening is on the leech of the mainsail ...

Page 77: ...the batten pocket ends along the boltrope Adjust the screws of all batten tensioners so they are flat with the top Attach batten tensioners on the battens press them in and hook them for both of the webbings Help yourself with the multitool or pliers ...

Page 78: ...ld stop when the battens start to work against the webbings At the base tension the battens will not bend in the pocket yet After achieving the base tensions of the battens trim the battens according to the table below Because of the square top mainsail battens will be tensioned more than you are used to and especially the top 3 battens will slightly curve ...

Page 79: ...rials will slightly stretch and you will lose the tension in the battens You will very likely need to increase the tensions again If you are in doubts lose the battens back to the base tension and trim them according to the trim guide above 10 2 JIB Unfold the sail unpack the battens and remove the batten loader from the clew ...

Page 80: ... pockets are opening from the top All three battens are identical Insert them into the pockets with square end leading the way Make sure the whole pocket is straight and press them all the way into the pocket ...

Page 81: ...Insert the batten loader on the velcro strap and press it into the pocket over the batten end Be careful that the white loop stays outside of the batten pocket ...

Page 82: ...and Repeat it for all three battens Removing of the battens If you need to fold the jib for winter storage or transport removing of the battens is recommended To do so open the velcro pocket by pulling the white loop Medium force is normal and you can also help yourself by pressing in the batten loader which will unlock the velcro strap ...

Page 83: ...board These should also be enough room around the boat especially when setting the gennaker which will fly on the side of the boat 11 1 Setting the JIB Jib halyard on First 18 is continuous and hidden into the zip pocket on the leading edge of the jib Both ends of the halyard are fixed on the jib head and extra rope pulled into the zip pocket Free and unwind both ends of the jib halyard off the fo...

Page 84: ...Tie the other end of the halyard on the same attachment ring on the jib with secured half hitch Lead both ropes of the halyard and forestay inside the zip pocket and close it ...

Page 85: ......

Page 86: ...Below the zip you get a loop one end for the hoisting of the jib and second end for pulling it down All following steps are described for the halyard end hoisting the jib ...

Page 87: ...Hoist the jib completely while closing the pocket ...

Page 88: ...When the jib is completely hoisted attach the jib tack on the furler with Dyneema loop and shackle Place shackle pin on the starboard side to save gennaker on drops ...

Page 89: ...Tension the jib luff and fold the halyard at the end of the zip pocket Tie a simple single loop on the halyard ...

Page 90: ...Pass the jib cunningham purchase rope fixed on the trapeze cleat through the jib halyard loop and pass it through the roller of the trapeze cleat ...

Page 91: ...Finish by leading the jib cunningham purchase through the rectangular clip and secure the end with overhand knot ...

Page 92: ...Nicely fold the extra jib halyard in the pocket and close the zip Clip the safety strap on the bottom of the jib ...

Page 93: ...Tension the cunningham For a start apply medium tension better less than too much ...

Page 94: ...Tie extra rope of the cunningham around the purchase Attach the jib sheets on the clew and be careful none of two jib sheets are twisted ...

Page 95: ...ler with electrical tape GENNAKER First 18 featured smart gennaker system with snuffer bag Gennaker halyard and retriever line are continuous where one end is fixed on the gennaker head and the other end is used as a retriever line Snuffer system makes hoisting and dropping of the gennaker much easier but preparation is the key point Before you start installing the gennaker turn the boat so the wi...

Page 96: ...ake sure the surface is smooth and can not damage the gennaker Luff easily recognised by the blue edge should be facing forward Attach the tack of the gennaker on the bowsprit with the soft shackle North Sails sticker should be legible ...

Page 97: ...at the gennaker halyard is not tangled on the top and tie it on the head of the gennaker Gennaker head is usually marked with the ticker but can also be recognised by joining point of blue end red edge of the gennaker ...

Page 98: ...Tie port gennaker sheet on the clew of the gennaker with a bowline knot You ll recognise it by red edges Be careful that the sheet is lead outside of the shroud ...

Page 99: ...Tie the starboard gennaker sheet on the clew of the gennaker Make sure the sheet is lead inside of the gennaker halyard around the jib and outside of the starboard shroud ...

Page 100: ...retriever line from the bow and lead it under the starboard gennaker sheet and under the whole gennaker Pass the rope through the bottom attachment point ring and tie it with small bowline knot on the top attachment point ...

Page 101: ...aker and check that the retriever line is not tangled Pull the gennaker into the snuffer bag In case you have some wind from the back open the halyard and focus on the retriever line to rapidly pull it in the snuffer ...

Page 102: ...In case of no wind dropping procedure on land will require some help Clean the ring entrance of gennaker foot before the gennkaer drop to prevent damaging the gennaker ...

Page 103: ... drops will be a bit harder MAINSAIL The mainsail can be attached to the boom on the land or later when the boat is already in the water Last is absolutely recommended in case of stronger winds Place rigged mainsail with battens on the side of the cockpit Start with fixing it on the boom ...

Page 104: ...Round the velcro around the boom Leave space for one finger in between the velcro and the boom ...

Page 105: ...Lead the outhaul through the stainless steel ring and finish on the attachment point at the end of the boom That s how you ll gain 2 1 purchase Fasten the outhaul on the attachment point ...

Page 106: ...halyard is not tangled Warning In case that the mainsail is tangled you may experience problems while taking the mainsail down If the halyard is twisted several times you will not be able to release it and recover the mainsail ...

Page 107: ... the boat If you ll first completely rig the boat on the land again make sure the wind is not exceeding 15 knots in gusts and the boat is still turned head to wind Hoist the mainsail to the top Warning Be careful that the boom doesn t catch for the rudder tillers connection when hoisting the sail Tie the velcro strap around the mast and catch it for double D rings Don t tension it too much leave 3...

Page 108: ...tack of the mainsail will be straight without folds ...

Page 109: ...When adjusted secure the strap with velcro Cross both Ronstan 20 Series block spliced on Dyneema ropes over the goosneck ...

Page 110: ...Attach both Dyneema ropes on the mast with the shackle Tie Cunningham purchase rope on starboard eyelet on the mast foot ...

Page 111: ... blocks and finish on the port swivelling cleat Congratulation through all of the steps you ve completely rigged your new First 18 and you are ready to launch the boat We wish you to enjoy each and every minute under the sails ...

Page 112: ...ed almost all of the time when the keel is in lowered sailing position when the keel is resting on the trailer when you are lifting the keel In locked mode the clutched is pushed forward and is blocking the winch b Unlocked mode ONLY used when you are lowering the keel Warning Unlocked mode represents danger during operation Hold the handle firmly at all times If the handle slips from your hand wi...

Page 113: ...17 turns Loos rope can slip off the head of the keel which could cause a lifting system to stop working Tightly hold the handle unlock the clutch and slowly and in full control lower the keel Always count the turns Sailing position of the keel is 16 5 17 full turns from the upmost position Never lower the keel to the point of losing the tension on the keel rope The keel shall remain lowered about ...

Page 114: ...lifted KEEL SAFETY PIN and RUBBER PLUGS Rubber plugs Upon delivery the holes for the safety pin will come sealed with rubber plugs In case you leave the boat in the water without safety pin inserted due to lifted keel smaller amounts of water can come in the boat through the safety pinholes For that reason we supplied rubber plugs Keel safety pin Warning always insert safety pin after lowering the...

Page 115: ...y tie it for the mast support high enough that it will not get in touch with the water 3 Do not leave the rudder blades laying on the cockpit floor They ll likely slide into the water and get damaged 4 Install fenders and mooring line before launching of the boat 5 For easy launching of the First 18 the stern of the boat needs to float How much you will need to submerge the trailer depends on the ...

Page 116: ...ades from the rudder boxes Do not leave them laying on the cockpit floor They ll likely slide into the water and get damaged Retrieving the boat on the trailer When retrieving the boat on the trailer be careful about the following a Position the boat in the centre of the trailer before pulling it out of the water It s crucial to have the boat in the centre to be able to lower the keel on the trail...

Page 117: ...winch clutch in the locked position Warning after every sailing trip with the boat in saltwater extensive washing of all the equipment including the trailer is necessary Skipping wash and desalting of the boat and all hardware will result in the reduced lifespan of the equipment and potential malfunction TRANSPORT ON THE TRAILER When transporting your First 18 with the trailer there are few key po...

Page 118: ...on of overhead power lines and trees These obstacles can damage your boat are potentially dangerous to yourselves Remember that carbon fibre is an electric conductor 3 Proper closing of the entrance and inspection hatch Always secure black hard entrance cover with the supplied cable and check white plastic inspection hatch on the cockpit floor at the stern is completely closed Both tend to open an...

Page 119: ...pped and fixed release the trailer bow winch tension a bit f Tightly screw and secure the aft supporting leg and front adjustable wheel When on the road regularly inspect all the straps and possible movements of the boat IN THE WATER AND UNDER THE SAILS Warnings Never leave the boat in the water for a longer period of time without proper anti osmosis and antifouling protection Be careful not to pu...

Page 120: ...you need to sail very deep downwind angles which will empty the gennaker and reduce forces Dropping the gennaker into the snuffer at closer wind angles especially on starboard tack is not working well 2 Tension the retriever line to divide the gennaker on half and empty it Keep the retriever line under tension and completely ease the working sheet at the same time 3 Check that the halyard is not t...

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BENETEAU First 18, Assembly Manual

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