Jib Line

[alexkniffin]

Hi,
  Just recently purchased my first boat, a Com-Pac 16 (Hull ID to follow, but I think it is in the 2100's).  I took it out onto a lake last night, and I couldn't figure out where to run the Jib Line.  I have a standard working jib (I WANT a Genoa...suggestions on where to go for it are appreciated), and "quick release" cleats on the 4' track.  The thing is, I can't figure out if the line should go to the outside of the side stays, or the inside?  The Stays have a ~10" long piece of plastic covering, presumably to stop the jib lines from rubbing, but when the lines are on the outside of the stays, I feel like I can't trim the jib as much.

Suggestions?

Lastly... I need a battery charger.  Will any car battery charger do, or is there something specific I should be looking for?

Thanks!
Alex Kniffin
East Hartford, CT

[dusty]

inside the stays.

[K3v1n]

Funny you would say that Dusty because I run mine outside the stays.

-Kevin

[Paul]

I run mine outside the shrouds.  Look at other boats in your area to see how the jibs run.  I believe that is why the pvc is over the turnbuckles, to prevent chafe.

Also, keep in mind that the adjustable jib blocks (quick releases) help shape the jib as well.  Moved forward, the blocks pull on the leech (aft edge of the jib) making the foot (bottom edge) fuller.  This typically deepens the draft and provides more lift (pull) from the sail, especially when on a tack.  On the other hand, move the block aft, makes the foot flatter and dumps air out of the leech of the sail.

Likewise, the main sail can be adjusted in a similar fashion by using the downhaul and outhaul.  Loose to make it fuller in light winds.  Tightened down to make it flatter in higher winds.  Of course, if the winds are too high, reef the sail.  The owner's manual has details on the jiffy reefing system.

You could almost think of this as changing gears.  Light winds, full sail (by moving block forward).  Higher winds, flatten sail (by moving block aft).  Experiementing with these different set ups will give you an idea fo the cause and effect. 

In addition, on the CP-16, you want the mast to lean forward a bit (raked forward).  This will help balance the feel of the boat as she sails.

As for the battery charger,  that depends.  If you have a regular car battery, then the type of charger you mention is probably OK.  However, if you have a deep cycle battery, then get a smart charger that will optimize your battery without over charging it.  ID the type of battery, then choose the correct charger.

I know, a bit much of an answer.  Hope this helps.

[alexkniffin]

This is excelent!  I hope I didn't cause a rift in the Com-Pac community :-) .  I can definately trim the jib better with the sheets going to the inside... my guess is that's the way I will sail when I am alone.  When I have people on board, I will throw the sheets to the outside, to keep the lines out of the cockpit.  I don't need to go quite so fast with guests anyway.

So far it has only been lake sailing... her real destination is the Long Island Sound.  We'll see what a bit more wind does to the setup!

[dusty]

just seems to work best for me that way, i guess, definitely something to suit to one's taste, i'm sure. of course i've seen it done both ways, sometimes out of necessity due to the arrangment/size of the boat.

[dusty]

in my mind's eye i went sailing with a 100% jib's sheets ran outside the stays. i envisioned some potential power just out of my reach due to a slightly stalling jib when i could not bring it in just a few more degrees on a closehaul.

disclaimer: i've been wrong before, i'll be wrong again, i could be wrong here.

[alexkniffin]

The greatest thing I am learning about sailing (having owned a boat for TWO WEEKS!!!!) is that it is more an art than a science... because everything on a boat is a compromise, each individual sails slightly differently - based on what he/she values more from the boat (stability, comfort, speed, etc...).  Unlike my marriage (11 months), I am NEVER wrong on the boat!

[dusty]

i'm not that far ahead of you, only by about a couple of months.... and it's just the relaxment my overworked soul needed.

i think theists would agree with you, it's an art. the athiests, however, may still contend it's a science.

i'm rather agnostic. if the matter that comprises my brain is somehow capable of thought (no jokes! 8P), then what thought is the entire universe capable of? we may never know, until the unbinding of death allows us to be as one again.

[alexkniffin]

Very well then... I shall read from the book ("Things I wish I'd Known Before I started Sailing" by John Vigor:  Specifically, the Foreward by the great Don Casey)

"... but the truth is there is no orthodoxy where sailing is concerned.  You need only ask the advice of two sailors on one issue to confirm this."

For a good laugh - and some excellent advice - I recomend the book to anyone and everyone.

[B.Hart]

In the com-pac owners handbook it shows outside the stays for a 16

[dusty]

ah, Hart, thank you. very definitive. pardon me one second, please....

oh, poseidon, son of cronus, i lament my misriggings and ask your forgiveness. praise be to you, lord of the sea, for suffering my passage despite. so, how's your sea-nymph? What hades it must be to have titons as your in-laws, eh? but, anyway, thank you. homonym.

[ilbuildit]

I am like some of you and I am new at this as well. Have had my CP-16 only 8 weeks now and didn't know if the jib lines should be outside or inside the stays.
  Manual says outside, but I have tried it both ways, inside and outside, and my experience with this is it doesn't matter where my adjustable jib blocks are when I run the lines on the outside, I can't trim my sail good enough to stop it from slightly lufting. When I run the lines inside I get good sail shape no matter how tight or loose I run the jib so I run them inside all the time now.
  Supposedly it is wrong but for me it works the best. Hope this helps...

[dusty]

i wonder what the manual on the legacy says - it looks like these test-pilots are lined inside....

http://www.gisails.com/boatpictures/legacy/289

i plan to run all lines and a tiller extension up the mast so i can single hand from the crow's nest i'm building for my 16.

[NormD]

A quote from Keith at The Sailboat Company in answer to a customer's question on jib sheet positioning on a 16.

"Message: Mary and I have been out five times and we are enjoying the experience of learning to sail. We've seen calm winds where we had to give it up and 15 kt winds whith lots of heel. One question though; Is it advisable to run the jib sheets inside of the shrouds in order to trim the jib closer to the center of the boat? Thanks

Answer: The 16 is designed to sail with its jib sheets outside the shrouds. I move them inside when there isn't any wind. The idea is to squeeze what little air you have between the jib and the main. Getting airflow to the main is where all the power comes from. I grab the clew and hold it at the right distance from the main with my hand. I call that cheating when I'm racing

The best grove for the 16 is 25 degrees. If you're healing too much, point up some more and bring her back to 25 degrees. It sounds like your doing a good job on learning how to sail. "