Peak Halyard

[MarshHen]

I'm pretty sure this is right but am just checking. I guess there is no way around the peak halyard against the gaff will be stretched/tensioned on a port tac (sail to starboard), correct?

Thanks, Michael

[bruce]

I sail a Picnic Cat, but the running rigging is basically the same. We have the same bail and turning blocks at the masthead, and turning blocks down on the mast stub, cheek blocks in our case, on the port side for our peak halyard. The peak halyard needs to swing to stay with the gaff, and can rub on the gaff a little, especially on a port tack in our case, but I haven't noticed any chaffing, and I'm more concerned about the sail chaffing on the shrouds when on a run.

You can see the 2:1 throat halyard in the photo (I went with a fixed block on the throat gooseneck to avoid the twist). I use a traveler track on the gaff so the peak halyard adjusts on the gaff automatically when reefed. Traditionally a gaff bridle was used, but there isn't much room between the gaff and mast, the track and car set up works fine. I've since trimmed the track to just the range I need to avoid extra weight aloft, reducing it about a third.

I think Dick Herman rigged a gaff bridle on his SC, Muddy Duck, but I don't find a photo right away.

[bruce]

I found the gaff bridle that Dick Herman rigged on Muddy Duck. The block at the masthead appears to be mounted without a bail, possibly pivoting on the mast cap to keep it fair to the gaff. This keeps the peak halyard running tight to the mast so I would expect no rubbing on the gaff. I also see the purchase as 1:1. Easy enough to temporarily rig your peak halyard as 1:1 to see it that would work for you.
https://cpyoa.com/forum/index.php?topic=11836.0

I do like the throat and peak halyards to have to same purchase so the lines can be hauled together until the throat sets and then hauling on the peak further until it sets.

[MarshHen]

Thanks Bruce.  I wasn't thinking so much about chaffing but a change in sail shape when the gaff swings to starboard (or to port in your case), especially on a run.

I need to quit looking for problems before I get out there and see.  Nonetheless,  you have confirmed I have her rigged correctly.  Thanks again!

[bruce]

Spot on, Micheal, get to know the boat before making changes. I enjoy tinkering, but that's personal. I rate my mods for usefulness, some work great, and may be better in theory, but don't offer much real benefit.