Interesting. Never thought one of those old 90 degree exit blocks would rip out but there's proof.
Here's some more thoughts on re-configuring running rigging. While I did mention that as part of Touche' running rigging reconfiguration I'd removed the two 90 degree exit sheave blocks at the mast base, I didn't mention that I installed halyard exit plates well above deck level. All the halyards exit high enough that the mast person can easily grab and "hump" the halyards. (Not sure that hump is a local term or not. Refers to the repetitive grab and hoist action for hoisting sails.) I covered the holes for the old exit blocks with metal plates. When re-configuring the running rigging, I wanted to ensure that the loads were carried by the mast, not by the collar. In some boats, the halyard turning load is transferred to the collar or to a deck mounted turning block. In my opinion, that is not optimal. Some boats have a short turnbuckle or such which connects the collar to the mast to prevent the collar (and deck) from lifting. After some research, I found Garhauer had some nice hinged mast base turning blocks. Guido even offered to countersink the bracket for flat head fasteners. I think Garhauer was making these blocks for Catalina. They can be seen here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_sb5TfIENvsdTZpUEFRcjZ1SEE You can also see the top of the metal plate covering the exit block hole behind the black line (which is the pole topping lift). The red line is Spin 1. The aftmost white line is the main halyard. The blue line on the forward part of the mast is the spin pole car sheet. Keep in mind that Touche' is rigged to race. I had been racing as crew on many boats for nearly a decade so I'd seen a lot of racing rigs and knew how I wanted Touche' rigged. Of course, converting an early 70's boat to approximate today's efficient racing rigs is a compromise. Although I was able to cross the port jib halyard to exit starboard, I haven't crossed the wing (spinnaker) halyards to the opposite sides. Touche's spinnaker halyards are external. I think Touche's masthead is unusual. Seems C&C (Klacko) used several different mastheads. Touche's is a single ear projecting forward. My buddy's Hull 61 has two ears or bails projecting at about 45 degrees. Touche's original spinnaker setup had a shackle with two blocks. It can be seen here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_sb5TfIENvsQ1R6SkRkTThKZEE One of the issues with that was the top of the furler extrusion extended upward between the two blocks. When the furler spun, it whacked around between the blocks. Not optimum. I replaced the shackle with an eyebolt and eye nut to spread the distance between the blocks. I also replaced the two old Schaefer blocks with Harkens. See the new configuration here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_sb5TfIENvsMWFpLTdLaUpoVkE Crossing them externally is not a good option. In order to cross them, I'd have to install exit sheaves just below the masthead in order to run the halyards inside the mast. For non-racers, the reason you want to cross halyards is to put the mast person on the high (windward) side of the boat as you approach and round race marks. It is not only better for weight distribution, it is safer for the crewperson. Hoisting a sail from the low side of the boat while the boat is heeled 15-20 degrees (and your butt is hanging over the lifeline) is intimidating. We most frequently do port roundings (leave mark to port). Dennis C. Touche' 35-1 #83 Mandeville, LA On Tue, Dec 12, 2017 at 9:04 AM, Matthew L. Wolford via CnC-List < [email protected]> wrote: > James: > > If you’re looking for general feedback, I’ll add my two cents. The > main halyard on my 42 was wire-to-rope and was led internally through an > exit box near the base of the mast. In my case, a winch on the deck near > the mast was used for the main. A few years ago we were heading out for a > race in about 20-25 knots of breeze, started to raise the main, and the > exit box ripped out of the mast. Something about that 90 degree angle > results in a lot of force. We made a semi-permanent repair that got us > through the season. At the end of the season, I decided to do several > things: 1) instead of using the old configuration, I eliminated the exit > box and started using a mast-mounted winch that was already on the mast but > wasn’t being used for anything (which I found curious); 2) a short distance > above the winch, I installed a mast exit plate so the halyard would stay > internal; and 3) I replaced the wire-to-rope halyard with a low-stretch New > England rope. I forget the name, but it was more high tech than Sta-Set. > I like the new configuration, although someone needs to raise the halyard > at the mast (which is no different than it was before but may be a drawback > for shorthanded sailors). The only issue I have is that the high-tech line > is not as low-stretch as manufacturer claims, and I use the Cunningham more > than I care to as the wind picks up. That said, the run from the winch to > the top of the mast is over 50 feet, so some stretch is to be expected. > When the current halyard is retired, I will replace it with something that > is really low stretch, and may possibly go back to wire-to-rope. > > MLW > >
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