- Overview: A number of Paper Tiger Catamaran Guides have been produced to assist people to fit out their Paper Tigers. Click on the article to download a PDF copy of the Guide
For many items mentioned in these articles, you can purchase them from the PT Shop - ptshop.papertigercatamaran.org
Centreboards & Rudders
- Centreboards
- An article on centreboard development (by Ian Marcovitch, 2010 International Champion - from "APT" - November 2011).
- Keeping Your Foils Up To Scratch
- by Mike Wold ("APT" August 2012)
- Talkin'bout Rudders
- by Ralph Skea ("APT" August 2013)
Vangs & Downhauls
- Vang - Double-Sided
- A guide to making a typical double-sided vang system.
- Vang - Single-Sided
- A guide to making a typical single-sided vang system.
- Vang Spanner - through mast base
- A guide to making a vang spanner to suit bolting through the mast base.
- Vang Spanner - through mast
- A guide to making a vang spanner to suit bolting through the mast itself.
- Vang Spanners - Use the right one for the job
- Info on the latest trends in vang spanners (from "APT" - August 2010)
- Talkin'bout the Vang
- by Ralph Skea
- Downhaul - Dual-Tail 12:1
- Drawing of construction of a typical downhaul.
- Downhaul - Single-Tail 12:1
- Drawing of construction of a typical downhaul.
- Talkin'bout the Downhaul
- by Ralph Skea
Mainsheets & Travellers
- Mainsheets
- An article on modern PT mainsheet systems (by Ralph Skea - from "APT" - May 2012)
Outhauls & Leechlines
- Outhaul
- A guide to making a typical outhaul system.
- Talkin'bout the Outhaul & Leech Cord
- by Ralph Skea
Masts & Stays
- Masts (AUS)
- A guide to masts used in Australia over the past 20 years or so.
- Mast Base Info
- A guide to the parts on the base of the mast and the beam (includes dolphin striker & jumper strap).
- Mast - Halyard & Locks
- A guide to halyard locks (beaks/hooks), halyard rings and bolt rope entry.
- Stay Lengths
- A guide to typical stay lengths for a Paper Tiger Catamaran.
- Stays - Adjustable Lower Forestays
- A guide to setting up a typical adjustable lower forestay system.
- Talkin'bout the Lower Forestay
- by Ralph Skea
- Mast Considerations
- by Garry Williams ("APT" November 2013)
- Stress Relief (Masts)
- ("APT" February 2014)
General
- Chainplates
- An article on making DIY chainplates (by Ralph Skea - from "APT" - May 2012)
- Sail Numbers
- An article on DIY sail numbers (by Ralph Skea - from "APT" - May 2012)
- FAIL-SAFE: Ensuring your fittings and equipment are 'fit for service'
- Fail-Safe (from "APT" - August 2010)
- Fail-Safe Revisited (from "APT" - November 2010)
- Pre-Season Checklist
- An overview of the things we should all check at the beginning of the season - compliments "Fail-Safe" articles ("APT" August 2013)
- Beams
- Please note that the beams should NOT be made from standard aluminium sections. Off-the-shelf aluminium is too soft and will cause major problems, such as extensive flexing (best case) and breakage. A broken beam can destroy your hulls in seconds, as it will rip the decks off as it collapses. Make sure you specify the correct material when purchasing beams, as is the case when purchasing through our on-line shop. Specifications are:
- 1st Choice - Material: 6061, Hardness: T6.
- 2nd Choice - Material: 6106, Hardness: T6
- Under all circumstances, avoid a hardness of T4, a commonly available material. Anodising is a safe practice for beams and will make the surface more resistant to corrosion and scratching.
- Please note that the beams should NOT be made from standard aluminium sections. Off-the-shelf aluminium is too soft and will cause major problems, such as extensive flexing (best case) and breakage. A broken beam can destroy your hulls in seconds, as it will rip the decks off as it collapses. Make sure you specify the correct material when purchasing beams, as is the case when purchasing through our on-line shop. Specifications are: