Chrysler Sailors Forum

Looking through the posts looks like a resent surge of C-20 buyers. We too have just purchased a 1978 C-20. In good condition, waxed hull w/ NuFinish and really brought lift back into the gelcoat. Could use new bottom paint but we are planning on dry docking it at Lake Red Rock in Iowa so it's not an immediate concern. We haven't had it in the water yet but wondering a few things...owners manual says that the mast can be raised "by 1 or 2 people by pushing up". Doesn't say anything about mast raising systems. Are we going to be able to raise mast without a mast raising system? Secondly, does anyone know approx how deep the water needs to be at then end of the trailer to float the boat up and over the trailer rails/supports? And third, do most people pull the boat back on to the trailer using the motor (has a 5hp) or getting it close and pulling it on with the winch? I've mostly just sailed smaller boats...have a Hobie Hawk and a Laser and dad has a Pintail. Looking forward to trying a larger boat. We've got 4 kids and the large cockpit was a huge selling point for this boat. Any advice before we step the mast and put it in the water for the first time would be great! I can send pics of the boat if someone can help me figure out how to add attachments. Thanks! [/img]

Hi, I haven't had my boat in the water yet, but I have put the mast up by myself in my backyard without a problem. I had all of the stays connected except the forestay, put the base in the j hook, pushed the mast up and then connected he forestay keeping tension on it so it didn't fall back, seemed pretty easy.

Thanks...seems like a tall heavy mast and when you're used to smaller boats just wasn't sure what it was going to take to step it. Hoping to sail it for the first time this coming Friday if weather permits. Need to replace some haylards yet. Then should be good to go![/img]

Hello JB.....I have a C-20 and found you "can" raise the mast by yourself if you're damn strong and no cables get hung up as the mast goes up. I figured there had to be a better way, so I built a very inexpensive mast raising system that works great and takes all of the pain out of the raising process. I wrenched my back the first time I tried to raise the mast without a mechanical assist.....guess i should have hit the gym some more. Here's a link to photos of my mast-raising device. Search the Chrysler archives too and you'll find a post bout it. You'll enjoy your C-20....the size of the cockpit is awesome. - Wes

http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af1 ... ler20pics/

Hello and welcome.
I owned a 20 for a while and I second the mast raising system option. Much more control and much safer. I recommend a gin pole system. Go ahead and make dedicated lines and keep everything in one bag. I had no problems on the ramp while launching the boat, didn't seem to have too go deep with the truck and didn't need any extensions or anything like that. As for motoring the boat on the trailer, I never did, but it can be done. I just pulled her up with a long bow line then winched her up the rest of the way. Seemed quicker and easier. It's a long way back down to the water or truck when your on the boat and on the trailer. Good luck and I hope you enjoy the boat.

Hello jbb and Welcome aboard!
I just acquired a C-20 at the end of June and let me tell you that this is a wonderful boat, especially for family day cruisers. It took me 3-1/2 hours to set her up and launch her the first time. My previous boat was a 12'4" O'day Widgeon. There's a bit more involved in the set up, but it's mostly a learning curve that you're dealing with. The mast isn't that bad to raise with 2 people. One to steady and check and one to lift. Just follow the instructions in the manual posted on: http://chryslersailing.lizards.net/ The problem is organization. I have a bit of A.D.D. It's a real bummer finding out that stays haven't been cleared or that halyards are at out of reach at the top of a 26 foot mast AFTER it's been raised. So it should probably take about 1/2 hour to 45 minutes to ready her and get her out onto the water. Single hand mast raising is a bit frightening. It can be done, but a little wind or a wrong move and it could be curtains with a rig this big. I am going to try Mizzousailor's device. ( it looks like it makes sense. (thanks Mizzousailor!) Also, I have an OME trailer and a Dodge Durango and have launched the boat successfully without utilizing the tongue extension. You need to have her in about two and a half feet of water, which usually brings me right up to the tailpipe in the Durango. So far, not a problem! All in all, aside from the fact that this is a BIG daysailer, it's a riot to sail and I totally love this boat!

Also, will be pulling out of the water with a 2005 Toyota Sienna. Any experience from anyone pulling a boat out of the water like this with a minivan. Previous owner didn't think it would be a problem but still have a few concerns. When we bought it it pulled fine. I pulled it about 200 miles at 65-70 mph with no issue. Thanks for all the input so far. I think to start we may try to raise mast with 2 people and see about a mast raising rig later. I will be leaving the boat in dry dock so I'll be leaving the mast/boom up/on. I've tried to attach some pics of the boat from photobucket. Hope these come through!

http://s1180.photobucket.com/albums/x401/jbbkamp

Hi JB,
Nice boat if I do say so myself..and I do!':lol:'
The Sienna has just enough towing capacity (3500 Lbs) for this boat, but I think you may have an issue when it comes to pulling her out of the water. It depends on the ramp and if you utilize a tongue extension. Most ramps are slippery the further you have to go in and with front wheel drive you may not have enough grip with all that weight in the back. I've had many FWD Chrysler Minivans and initial starts pulling a trailer became a bit dicey on wet roads, especially on uphill grades. You may want to have someone with a RWD around to help just in case you can't get the boat out.

Thought about that with the secondary vehicle on hand. Red Rock Marina has a tractor that they said they could have on hand for the first launch. Someone also told me to give it a lot of gas coming out of the water since the boat doesn't have a lot of weight initially. Also, buying an anchor for the boat and have only had anchors for smaller boats. Thinking about a danforth style 10lbs (said it was for up to 27' boats). Lake has mostly dirt/mud bottom. Thinking I'd do about 4' of chain then 75'-100' of nylon rope (lake is typically 15-40' deep). Mostly just for anchoring for picnics/swimming. Any thoughts?

Should work just fine. If your careful you could just beach her.

Thanks for all the input...ya'll have been very helpful. Guess all that's left to do is to sail the boat! Then I'll have a new list of things to do.

Continuing the 'surge' in C20 buyers, my wife and I purchased a 1978 C20 on the 3rd of October. We have had the boat out several times and it fits us perfectly. The previous owner had done quite a bit of upgrading and repair, so the boat is in great shape; it came with new bottom paint and a brand new Tohatsu 6Hp outboard that was not even through break in. Trailer needs some work, but nothing that a few hundred dollars would not fix. The previous owner was transferred out of the country, so we were able to get the boat at a very good price, especially considering all the refit that was done. We are based in the Indian River down in Melbourne, Florida. If there are any other Chrysler owners in the area, perhaps we can get together sometime. I'll post a few pics if I quit sailing long enough to snap a few.

Welcome aboard pbagwell!
Glad to have ya here! . . . . and yes, we'd love to see some photos!

Congratulations on your new C20!

Scott

Welcome aboard (again). I'm enjoying the recent uptick in the C20 list. I think they are a great part of the Chrysler family..

Hey,

for all you C20 guys,

we have a copy of the C20 manual online here to share with you!
Go to our home page mouse over documents, and follow the menu!

http://www.chryslersailors.com

If you have ANY original documentation that we do not have for your boats,
I would love a soft copy to share! Just let me know what ya have! I can scan them for you or can take very large emails!

Thanks!

Scott

Welcome aboard pbagwell!
Glad to have ya here! . . . . and yes, need photos.

Thanks Guys. Glad to be a part of the group. This is my first sailboat (well, first boat period unless you count my kayak!). I think it will be ideal for learning to sail, and much more 'user friendly' for my better half than the small 16 footers I was looking at. They are forecasting a beautiful weekend here in Florida with winds of 10-15 on the Indian River, so hopefully I can put in some quality time figuring it all out.

I did not get any original documentation with the boat. In fact, what I got was actually a copy of your online manual that the previous owner had printed out. If I run across any other Chrysler owners around here, I will collect whatever they have.

Phil

Welcome aboard pbagwell. Glad to see another C-20 owner out there. We've had ours out 5-6 times now since we bought it in July. Absolutely love sailing it. We went this past weekend again in 20mph winds. This time my wife requested we just fly the jib. Still had plenty of fun. I'm envious that you still have plenty of sailing days ahead in the months to come in Florida. This last time out might be the last for us till Mayish when the weather warms up again. If you every have any questions please ask. I've always sailed smaller boats, 9-16'. It's been a very easy transition to this boat and my wife loves the stability compared to previous boats. I'd love to see some pics also!

Thanks for the comments.
We are just coming into the best sailing months of the year here in florida...the threat of afternoon thunderstorms and hurricanes is almost over. I really feel for you guys up north. Then again, you can sail the summer months when we are huddling inside trying to keep dry and avoid the mosquitoes. We have to do with the winter months, but then it all averages out in the end.

The marina where we keep the boat is having a 'Pirate Scramble' next week. It is a 'race' to a small island about 26 miles south of here. Once there, it is dingy in, campfire, lots of food and drink and overnight. Dingy in for a 'hangover' breakfast and sail home. This will be our first, of course, but the guys say it is a lot of fun. Will be a good test of the boat and crew! At least with the C20 we won't have to dingy into the island!

I will try to get some pics of the 'event' and post for you snow birds.

P

A belated hearty welcome aboard from me too pbagwell. As the prior happy owner of a 12 1/2' Oday Widgeon, my shins just couldn't take the beating they were getting anymore from hopping over the centerboard trunk every time I changed tack. I too was attracted to the open cockpit and stability of the C20.

One time my wife and I were out in the Widgeon. It started to heel a bit and a little water came pouring over the rail. She absolutly FA-REEAKED and afterwards refused to sail ever again. Of course, the fact that I was on the foredeck instructing her and trying to attach the jib at the same time didn't help. I finally talked her into coming aboard the C20 and all is good now (as long as I refrain from doing anything too stupid while she's aboard).

Enjoy your boat! I can hardly wait to see her, she sounds wonderful