Hardware at the end of the boom

[rdcvsmith]

The two holes in the hardware at the end of the boom. I figured the one closest to the mast for the outhaul, and the one on the end for the topping lift. ... so whats up with the hole on the end of the tang opposite the main sheet blocks?

-Ray

[capt_nemo]

Nothing, other than I believe a number of stock tangs are manufactured with the hole pattern you have.

capt_nemo

[skip1930]

Ray, just for poops and grins, you may wish to do away with factory side by side four purchase block at the end of the boom and replace that block with an inline four purchase block to prevent the side by side block from twisting up the main sheet in light winds. I only have a one hole tang.

Here is what I mean by an inline block. Gahauher has several.

Note that I use no topping lift. But rather a cable u-bolted to the back stay and a Q/D for the back of the boom.
 
It's pretty handy to have a vinyl coated anchor chain as this holds the arch and stays neat and stays put on deck.

That boom vang bail above skippy's head is pop riveted on, while the bail was tapped with a hard plastic hammer and form fitted to the shape of the boom's tube. One pair of rivets at a time, working my way to the back of the bail. The bail was a tad too long and I cut a pair of rivet holes off the wishbone bail.

Also look~see at the port holes. They stick out a tad more with the XL interior which is thiner then the other boats with wood inside.

skip.

[rdcvsmith]

Yes, i saw yor pics and i will eventually relace as you suggested. I'm hoping the old blocks can get the Coconut T. out sailing for now - this spring we've done enough - new OB, motor mount, new halyards & blocks to lead both aft, new handheld VHF, rewired the trailor, and i still need to update the flares and other safety equipment!

[Bob23]

I use the large hole in the tang for my topping lift which remains attached at all times. Comes in handy when reefing- supports the boom nicely. It'a also a quick although unorthodox way to quickly spill wind from the sail. Not that I would know.
I like Skips' in-line block although I plan to retrofit for mid-boom sheeting...maybe this summer.
Bob23

[Salty19]

Captn Nemo is correct...the top hole in the boom "chainplate" is just there because the strap manufacturer put it there..probably was meant for a true chainplate. It serves no function at all on these boats.

Have fun with the new boat, Ray!

[SMOKEY]

Hi, on Seahawk my 1981 compac 16 the hole in the tang is for the topping lift. with the boom roller reefing this lets the boom rotate when reefing without winding the topping lift. I didn't know I had roller reefing till I read about it in trailer sailer. when the boom is attached to the mast,the boom pulls aft about an inch and then rotates to wind the main sail around it, thus you have many reefs, one per half turn till you have as little a sail as you want. Sail shape can become a problem and this is why many owners have put in slab or jiffy reefing, for better reefed sail shape.
hope this helps. Have fun sailing.
larry