Hi Dan,

pics are posted now in the "best shots" gallery. Two downwind photos, two different kites (old and new). Not a great close up of the rig, but best I have currently. Hope folks find it interesting.

:: Very "modern" looking with the swept spreaders. In fact,
:: if the express were designed today, I would guess it
:: might have swept spreaders. The dimensions of the two
:: rigs are very close, other than the boom which is a foot
:: longer on the Melges Rig.
::
:: However, all that being said, the boat would be more
:: valuable in the one design config, and I would be
:: eligible for one design events which I would enjoy
:: taking advantage of.
::
:: When I bought her, this plan was on my mind. Having the
:: one design config also allows me to use all the tuning
:: guides, etc which would be a big plus.
::
:: I do plan to sell the Melges rig to offset the cost. I'm
:: sure it will have some good value. I know there's people
:: buying up even broken Melges spars.
::
:: I'll see if I can figure out how to post pics.
::
:: :: I'm curious about what this looks like, you'll need to
:: :: post some pictures before you switch back. 6k doesn't
:: :: seem that bad for a whole new rig, I thought it would
:: :: have been more.
::
:: :: Dan
:: ::
:: :: ::
:: :: ::
:: :: :: :: Hi Jason,
:: :: :: ::
:: :: :: :: Yup that's me. Although good try in theory, it's not
:: :: :: :: going to work. The geometry is not good for carrying the
:: :: :: :: genoa. I am going to contact Buzz, but was hoping there
:: :: :: :: might be some less expensive alternatives. Oh well,
:: :: :: :: still like the boat, but want the one design
:: :: :: :: configuration back. The restoration is great so it
:: :: :: :: should be worth the trouble. Boat lives in Anacortes wa
:: :: :: :: northwest.
:: :: :: ::
:: :: :: :: :: Steve,
:: :: :: :: ::
:: :: :: :: :: I take it you must be the new owner of hull #16. Where
:: :: :: :: :: is she located now? As for the mast, you are probably
:: :: :: :: :: going to only be able to find a mast through Buzz
:: :: :: :: :: Ballenger of Ballenger spars. They run about $6K now
:: :: :: :: :: with everything included.
:: :: :: :: ::
:: :: :: :: :: Cheers,
:: :: :: ::
:: :: :: :: :: Jason
:: :: :: :: ::
:: :: :: :: :: :: Looking to acquire a replacement rig. Any information or
:: :: :: :: :: :: leads would be appreciated. I would like to return the
:: :: :: :: :: :: boat to one design configuration. Currently has a Melges
:: :: :: :: :: :: 24 rig.
:: :: :: :: :: ::
:: :: :: :: :: :: Thanks in advance,
:: :: :: :: :: ::
:: :: :: :: :: :: Steve
:: :: :: Have you considered trying to sell the Melges rig,
:: :: :: perhaps on the Melges websight? That might help offset
:: :: :: the cost of a new class rig.