adjustable outhaul

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walt

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Jun 1, 2007
3,511
Macgregor 26S Hobie TI Ridgway Colorado
I used an adjustable outhaul on a windsurfer for years and it makes a big difference. I have a loose footed main on the 26 classic and first put in an 8:1 outhaul with the line lead to a cleat in the cockpit. I dumped the 8:1 as it didnt release well in lighter winds and went to a 4:1. I also changed some angles on the control (per advice here). Still doesnt release well.

But Im finding that I just dont use the outhaul very much - and it also doesnt do that much that I can see. I have tended to set it once or twice on a many hour sailing outing. Ill flatten the sail if its getting pretty windy and loosen for lighter winds but dont find much reason to constanly adjust like I did with the windsurfer outhaul.

So Im thinking of simplyfing and going back to a cleat on the boom with 4:1 to make the boat setup quicker, less complicated. Ill have to get hold of the boom to adjust out on the water but really dont think this will be much of a problem..

Im curiuos about others experience using the adjustable outhaul.
 
Jun 3, 2004
309
Prindle 18, beach catamaran Chicago (North Edgebrook), IL
No one bites

I have a Mac25, and since no one has replied, I thought I would chime in.

I find my outhaul does not do much either. I should disclaim my mainsail is on it's last legs. If it was in better shape, maybe it would make a difference. Sorry I am not much help, but at least your question gets bumped back to 24 hour activity!
 

Timo42

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Mar 26, 2007
1,042
Venture 22 Marina del Rey
My outhaul line

hangs from the middle of the boom and can be tightened by someone standing in the hatchway, I can loosen it from the side, doesn't complicate setup, I only adjust it when wind conditions change, so it doesn't get moved all that often. A side benefit is when I drop the main, I can wrap the tail of the line around the boom to secure the sail. Tim
 

Nik

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Mar 15, 2008
247
MacGregor 26D Valparaiso, Indiana
I've just....

allways just used the cleat on my Mac26. I am not into racing (any more) and find it is easier and simpler to just tighten the foot and go. If I was concerned with "perfect trim" and squeezing an extra .01 - .5kn out, that is a different story. Going back to a cleat with 4:1, what will you gain? Maybe an extra 1/4" on the line, is it worth the expense in hardware; unless you already have it on hand... Just MHO...

Nik
 
Apr 21, 2006
13
Macgregor 26X Pirates Cove, Alabama
8:1 Outhaul

Started using my new 8:1 outhaul this Spring and like it a lot. And yes sometimes in light air it will be slow to release, then I just give it a pull manually, and off it goes. I managed to put the blocks inside the boom with the line coming back to the cockpit, which was kind of tricky.

I really like having more control on sail shape.
 
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