After countless "hang-ups" by the jib-sheets on the anchor light socket which is positioned on the almost vertical part of the cabin just forward of the mast, I think I've come across an effective solution short of removing it and plugging the hole.
I bought a "soft" half-round white door stopper at HD for about a buck and a half (each). Removed the base, cut a small (penny sized) circle in the middle (there is actually a mold line in there that you can follow with an X-Acto knife). Removed the cap and chain (which I stored safely on board... somewhere). And voila! problem solved. To keep water/moisture out of the exposed socket, I stuck a round piece of self-stick chair leg thingees directly to the socket. The 1/2 round stopper seems to be held fairly tightly by the threads of the socket (make the hole a bit undersize for best grip).
As far as accessing the anchor light, heck, if I need to do it once a year, that's a lot. Even so, I just have to peel the sticker off and I can plug the mast lead from the light right in.
Marty K.
P.S. Disclaimer: Although I've made this "fix" (about 20 minutes ago), I haven't tried it out yet. But, I'm sure that It'll work! Stay tuned.
I've had this same problem - having the jib sheet hang up on the aft side of the electrical plug. I couldn't find a solution I was happy with so I've just been dillgent to keep my leeward jib sheet taught as I tacked. This has reduced the number of times I've had the sheet hang up, but it still happens. How about a photo? I can't picture how the stopper prevents the sheet from getting trapped behind the plug.
Over the years I've had jib sheets foul on different boats on several different fixtures forward that were in the way of an errant jibsheet when tacking.
In every case a light line (or quickly detachable bungee cord), attached to the stemhead forward and then attached to the mast slightly ABOVE the offending piece of hardware, solved the problem cheaply and efficiently. Just be sure to lead the jibsheet OVER the line.
And, if you are concerned with friction between the line and jibsheet or even the sail itself, a piece of 1/2" PVC pipe over the line (bungee cord) serves quite well.
Just the voice of experience talking - hope it helps.
capt_nemo
Elegantly simple solution Don! ;D
Well, my outing last week on Lake Nockamixon was to be an opportunity to test my jib anti-fouling thingee. One problem - it was a dead calm! Stay tuned...
Marty K.
Nemo:
I've done exactly the same thing on my 23. A light line from the forward cleat to the whisker pole ring on the mast. Mid span of that line, a second line that runs to the stanchion base to either side of the boat. This creates a kind of cage that the loose jib sheets rest upon. I've never had a problem since I installed this. The end of the line going to the whisker pole ring has a simple snap shackle...easy to remove, easy to install.
Bob23
Clear your foredeck of all the things that snag the head sheets.
No anchors hanging on the bow pulpit, ect.
Actually I'm having a problem 'seeing' the problem with the steaming light plug. The wire pops out of a hole in the mast near the bottom and runs over to the through the deck-house overhead plug. The wire spans the gap between the mast and the plug keeping the sheet out.
None of my sheets even touch the deck. And certainly don't lay across the dog house.
skip.
I made the mistake of installing a gps antenna just forward of the mast, port side. And my solar panel is on the forward hatch. Both tended to snag the jibsheets. While sailing, I also tie the 5 gallon jug of extra gas on the foredeck. Plenty of potential snags. Not any more, though.
A few feet of line and some good old Bob23 ingenuity has saved the day! Again!
Bob23
After considerable experience going down the wrong paths, now I always try to look for the SIMPLEST solution to any problem encountered.
All too often we tend to overthink or unnecessarily complicate a problem to such an extent that a simple solution is overlooked!
capt_nemo
Another outing on Nockamixon. Only about 3 mph wind, so no jib flapping observed! Maybe one more try before Pegasus rests on the hard 'til next season (yeah, I know, you Florida guys are thinking: What's he talking about? Seasons?).
Marty K.
Oh, they definitely have seasons in Florida too. The one that's just starting now is the nice one.
Wes - Thanks for the come-uppance. I needed that! :-[ I remember, many years ago, I flew into Jacksonville in late December and it was snowing! Of course I was on my way to Miami Beach, so I didn't get too upset. ;)
Actually, in the NE, the sailing is better this time of year although can be a bit chilly. I try to keep Pegasus ready to roll through November. Last year we got a snow that stuck in October, yet I was able to sail in November! ;D
Marty K.