path of jib dhaul line issue....

[MacGyver]

Guys, and gals,
Looking at the boat today (no wind and invited wife out to sail after I clocked out at work...) and trying to solve this jib downhaul.
I have ordered line from defender, it is 6mm by 55feet. same as line used by harken to roll up the roller furlings.
I figure that is more that enough to help the jib down from the comfort of the cockpit.

BUT, I have been looking at using Harken Micro blocks for the path, utilizing the stancions, so I keep it out of our way on deck.
But I am not sure I like how that will work due to the bow pulpit and how much more forward it is, the path doesnt look as clean as I imagined in my mind.

They do make these "pass throughs" that connect to the stancions and the line just goes inside it, no pulley action here, just friction, and I could run the first pass outside the first bow pulpit upright and continue till I get inside from there......

What have you all done? Jib is hank on, no money for roller furling, and new sail, so must deal with this as it is for now.
I suppose the route back to the cabin/ cockpit could be the same as a run for a furling setup as well....

Thanks everyone. much appreciated!
Going to go to lowes to get supplies to make us some lifeline cushions!

Mac

[Billy]

Jason,
I'm in the same boat (litterally and figuratively). I set up a down haul and just ran the line through the base of the stanchions. Ihave a small block attached to the chain plate as well. And I really didn't like the look either. It also got jammed and didn't work like I want it to.

Anyone have a pictures of how they ran their down haul or furling lines aft?

[MacGyver]

Billy,
one idea I do have is using harken 292 swivel blocks and make some rope ties to attach them to the stanchions. That way they can be free to move some and make it easier to attach to the stanchions.

I have tried to think of a cheaper way but if we run into trouble I don't want it to be cheapness that gets us. This way I would think we could get the jib down in a hurry if needed.

The friction lessening hole things that can be attached to stanchions are on plenty of boats at Marina but they cost just as much as these blocks from what I have seen and also attach with a hose clamp that I feel is a potential sail catch point should it blow into it maybe.....

I might be over thinking but I also figure sails aren't cheap

Mac

[NateD]

My 23 came with a couple simple fairleads mounted to the deck that route the furling line back to the cockpit. They are like this one: http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=461533&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151&storeNum=50045&subdeptNum=50046&classNum=50053

I would probably use a small block up at the bow where the downhaul heads up to reduce friction there, but I think inexpensive fairleads the rest of the way back.

[Billy]

I bought 4 of those at a swap meet about a year ago. Just haven't had the guts to drill them into the deck. I did see Franks pilot house at the St. Pete boat show and Hutchens had attached those to the side of the deck, just above the rub rail. However, they are too big to fit on my 19. West marine does have very very small fairleads that might work. Just need to measure.

And I agree hose clamps on the rails is a bad idea. Looks sloppy too.