Dennis:
At least 8 decent size machine screws threaded into tapped holes in the
mast. It was one of those “what the hell was that” moments.
Your spin halyard discussion raises an interesting issue that I’m wrestling
with (okay, English majors, with which I’m wrestling). On my boat, whoever set
up the halyards put the two genny halyards on the port side of the mast, and
the two spin halyards on the starboard side of the mast (all internally led).
My brain doesn’t work that way, so I moved a genny halyard and spin halyard to
their respective opposite sides. I have since noticed, however, that the deck
mounted turning blocks were sized for how they were previously configured – two
beefier blocks on one side; two less beefy blocks on the other. I have toyed
with the idea of moving two of the blocks around, but I know that the holes
won’t line up and it’ll turn into a big project. I have enough of those
already.
Does anyone else on the list have a setup with two genny halyards on one
side and two spin halyards on the other? Is there any advantage to doing it
this way.
MLW
From: Dennis C. via CnC-List
Sent: Tuesday, December 12, 2017 11:04 AM
To: CnClist
Cc: Dennis C.
Subject: Re: Stus-List new haylards - now re-configuring halyards
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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