Dennis, Nice blocks. We "jump" halyards up North. And 30 years olds don't date teenagers. :)
Joel On Tue, Dec 12, 2017 at 11:04 AM, Dennis C. via CnC-List < cnc-list@cnc-list.com> wrote: > 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 < > cnc-list@cnc-list.com> 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 >> >> > _______________________________________________ > > Thanks everyone for supporting this list with your contributions. Each > and every one is greatly appreciated. If you want to support the list - > use PayPal to send contribution -- https://www.paypal.me/stumurray > > > -- Joel 301 541 8551
_______________________________________________ Thanks everyone for supporting this list with your contributions. Each and every one is greatly appreciated. If you want to support the list - use PayPal to send contribution -- https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
