New to MFG's. We just acquired an MFG 17 Redhead.S/N 83 Lots of questions for the forum...
What years did MFG produce the Redhead? Our title says this one is a 1971.
Does anyone know the water ballast capacity? We're thinking of adding a "flood valve" to the hull in order to speed up the fill and empty process of the ballast tank. Basically, a 1.5" thru-hull with a shut-off capability and 5" deck plate above it for air escape. Has anybody else done this before?
Is the boat sail-able without the ballast tank filled (empty or partially filled)? If it were partially filled, is the tank baffled to prevent sloshing and stability issues.
Is the entire cockpit floor a plywood/fiberglass construction?
Has anyone had drop keel issues? Ours is stuck in the retracted position.
With it's enormous main sail, what kind of wind speeds are approaching the limits of the boat? What kind of speeds are people getting under sail?
We cant figure out what the rear "traveler" cable is all about. Seems that the boom will swing where it wants to - within the limits of the cable length. Has anyone installed a traveler track before?
Thank you in advance for your help. We are really looking forward to sailing the Readhead!