sail controls

[Rick Klages]

Changed the configuration of the main sail outhaul by adding a small Harken block and shackle.  I didn't like how the outhaul ran through a hole in the boom end cap. Anyone else do this?  How about other changes in the sail shaping controls?  Anyone add a boom vang?  Depending on sail twist / excessive boom lift I will consider this also.

ick

[Killjoy]

Got any pictures you could post of the new arrangement? Sounds like you are a more experienced sailor than I am and are making those minor adjustments that make a big difference in performance.

I like to keep things simple, even at a potential loss of speed. I'm actually even considering changing to a loose footed main and tossing the boom altogether so my little passengers don't get bonked in the head.

[KPL]

My boat came with a shackle and block on the outhaul, definitely a smoother operation.  When I get a new main (hopefully for spring) I'll go to a loose-footed main, and the outhaul will be much more important...

I also added a vang using some 1/4" line a couple of Harken micro fiddle blocks.  Works well, especially controlling twist off the wind and flattening the main when the wind picks up. 

My current sail does not have reef points, so I can't use the vang when reefed (roller reefing) so the new main will have 3 sets of point, since it can really kick up on my lake.

I also replaced the the double block and main sheet, which gives much smoother control.  In the spring I want to replace the bullseye and cleat with a block and cleat, which should smooth out the system even more.

FOr more ideas, check Multimedia_Smiths photos.  I think he's added just about every concievable thing to his boat....  Rumor is he's installing a radar this winter

Kevin

[multimedia_smith]

HI Kevin,
Would that be the micro radar / cruise control combo?  Naaa... weighs too much... and mostly, I have my daughter posted on the pulpit as a "lookout". 

Yes, I did add a block at the boom end for the outhaul... also I made the line long enough to reach the cleat on the forward end of the boom.  This lets me adjust it while the boom is not on the centerline (which is most of the time).  It was awkward trying to lean over to get to the cleat on the rear of the boom, not to mention that it moved my personal ballast to the wrong (downwind) side.

I think you're going to like the loose footed main.  It offers a LOT of sail control.   I had it out a couple of weeks ago and the winds lighten up and I was able to let the outhaul out and create the exact angle of curve as the 155 genoa... wish I'd had my camera.
This was to be my heavy air rig... Since you're having one made... Dirk at National has the dimensions of the one he made for me on hand.  It has two "substantial" reefs of three and a half feet of luff each.  I arrived at these numbers by experimenting with the roller reefing in different really strong conditions combined with my 60% heavy air jib.   I like the idea of being able to use the vang in heavier air when you really need to flatten out most.  The thing is... once you reef, you're losing the luff rope on the foot anyway... so you're essentially "loose footed" at that point.  I just wanted to try it overall...

It's fall here and I've finally been sailing every week.  Went out Saturday with the full batten light air main and 155 in 8-12 kts and lumpy conditions on Lake Ponchartrain.... we got a little wet but had a great time...  oh and the new "hatch board" worked well.

Enjoy
Dale

[Rick Klages]

Last loose foot I sailed and raced regularly was a Laser!  And that was years ago!  Lasers and Com-pac's have little in common except that they love the wind!

ick