After much distress over being told that my working jib is blown out and needs replacing, I am now wondering if it really is......this is why.....there are two stand up blocks mounted on the deck forward of the winch. I rigged the jib sheets thru these and on to the winch, consequently I am suspicious of there being too much downward pull on the leach of the sail, and not enough aft pull. It seems to me that the sheet pulling downward thru the block on mid deck would cause the sail to have a parachute appearance instead of the proper "flattened" shape. NOW.....I began looking for pictures to see how others have routed sheet lines and found one submitted by Rick here: http://www.sailboatowners.com/album/display.tpl?id=Leger73117661135&fno=60 As you can see, he has routed the sheets around the blocks mounted way back on the rear quarter, and then forward to the winch! I couldn't figure out what those blocks would be used for, but now it all makes sense to me. Could this be why I can't sail into wind? Anxiously awaiting your advice. THANKS......Gary
- Status
It's All A Matter Of Size
Hi Gary, I sail an O'Day 26, just about the same boat as yours. The two stand up block located at mid-ship, are for a standard 90% or 100% jib, anything larger and you will need to run the lines to the aft blocks. Call in sick today, and go give it a try. Ben Allen Montgomery, AL "Latte Dah" O'Day 26
Hi Gary, I sail an O'Day 26, just about the same boat as yours. The two stand up block located at mid-ship, are for a standard 90% or 100% jib, anything larger and you will need to run the lines to the aft blocks. Call in sick today, and go give it a try. Ben Allen Montgomery, AL "Latte Dah" O'Day 26
The deck blocks are correctly placed
Gary, The deck blocks are in the right place for the stock working jib. The most forward position on the genoa track is to far aft for a proper lead for the working jib. The line run aft to the block and then to the winch was for a larger genoa or was being used as a turning block for a better lead to the winch. Sounds like it's time for a new jib. Good luck, PM
Gary, The deck blocks are in the right place for the stock working jib. The most forward position on the genoa track is to far aft for a proper lead for the working jib. The line run aft to the block and then to the winch was for a larger genoa or was being used as a turning block for a better lead to the winch. Sounds like it's time for a new jib. Good luck, PM
Oh what a difference!!!!
Ben....I told em to pack sand at the office and went sailing (not really). I ran the sheets to the rear blocks and then forward to the winch. Though seen through inexperienced eyes, this was a correct sail shape....quite different from before. What an experience! This sailing thing is really getting in my blood. If the picture posts, check it out and see what you think. Thanks much.....Gary
Ben....I told em to pack sand at the office and went sailing (not really). I ran the sheets to the rear blocks and then forward to the winch. Though seen through inexperienced eyes, this was a correct sail shape....quite different from before. What an experience! This sailing thing is really getting in my blood. If the picture posts, check it out and see what you think. Thanks much.....Gary
Attachments
You Have It Right Now
Gary, The sail that you are using is at least a 120%, according to the shadows. So for that size head sail, you are right in running the sheets to the rear blocks. Hope to see you at this years B.E.E.R. Cruise in Pensacola. http://www.knology.net/~ballen1/BEER2003.htm Ben Allen Montgomery, AL "Latte Dah" O'Day 26
Gary, The sail that you are using is at least a 120%, according to the shadows. So for that size head sail, you are right in running the sheets to the rear blocks. Hope to see you at this years B.E.E.R. Cruise in Pensacola. http://www.knology.net/~ballen1/BEER2003.htm Ben Allen Montgomery, AL "Latte Dah" O'Day 26
Good Point Ben
I was wondering the same about that sail, from the picture. Gary, check the size next time your at the dock. Pull the clew back towards the mast and determine what percentage of the sail extends beyond the mast when pulled straight back. What you are calling your 100% could be bigger, and if it is then you have used the correct jib block placement . You can still tweek it by moving the blocks along the jib track depending on wind speeds and point of sail. A 100 %will fill the triangle between the forestay and the mast. It doesn't look that bad from the picture. You may have a bit of life left in her yet. Don
I was wondering the same about that sail, from the picture. Gary, check the size next time your at the dock. Pull the clew back towards the mast and determine what percentage of the sail extends beyond the mast when pulled straight back. What you are calling your 100% could be bigger, and if it is then you have used the correct jib block placement . You can still tweek it by moving the blocks along the jib track depending on wind speeds and point of sail. A 100 %will fill the triangle between the forestay and the mast. It doesn't look that bad from the picture. You may have a bit of life left in her yet. Don
Trimming the jib
Gary, I think the the previous advise is correct. Remember that a 100% sail with the right foot length may not fit the factory set 100% jib blocks. If the clew is higher, the leech will tighten before the foot. Also, the distance between the stand-up block and the blocks on the tracks is almost 3 feet. A jib between 100 and about 130 would have to be custom made to be correctly trimmed from either the stand-up blocks, or the track blocks. When you are sailing, look at the main shape. Is your jib the same shape? The idea is for the jib is to funnel air EVENLY over the main to create lift. They should look similar in shape. The picture looks like your jib is trimmed well. It is nice to have a new ambitious sailor out there. I hope you are enjoying the sailing. r.w.landau
Gary, I think the the previous advise is correct. Remember that a 100% sail with the right foot length may not fit the factory set 100% jib blocks. If the clew is higher, the leech will tighten before the foot. Also, the distance between the stand-up block and the blocks on the tracks is almost 3 feet. A jib between 100 and about 130 would have to be custom made to be correctly trimmed from either the stand-up blocks, or the track blocks. When you are sailing, look at the main shape. Is your jib the same shape? The idea is for the jib is to funnel air EVENLY over the main to create lift. They should look similar in shape. The picture looks like your jib is trimmed well. It is nice to have a new ambitious sailor out there. I hope you are enjoying the sailing. r.w.landau
It's gonna take some time....
to get the hang of all this. All I know now is whatever I'm doing, it's causing my boat to move in the direction I want to go. That alone is exciting! And I don't have to scream over the howling of an engine to talk to wife and kids. As you can see, I am just beginning to enjoy the essence of sailing. It is true that you can learn the fundamentals of sailing in a weekend, but can't perfect it over a lifetime. I will get the foot measurement asap to learn exactly the size jib I have. Last time out, the main and jib seemed to be working together ok, but with time I'll get the trimming thing down pat. If my knotmeter worked it would help in that process. The impeller is free but no movement on the dial type gauge....another project. Got a wedding to attend this weekend, so no sailing. I'll just hope for bad weather. Thanks for you guy's patience with a green sailor. Thank God for this forum.....Gary
to get the hang of all this. All I know now is whatever I'm doing, it's causing my boat to move in the direction I want to go. That alone is exciting! And I don't have to scream over the howling of an engine to talk to wife and kids. As you can see, I am just beginning to enjoy the essence of sailing. It is true that you can learn the fundamentals of sailing in a weekend, but can't perfect it over a lifetime. I will get the foot measurement asap to learn exactly the size jib I have. Last time out, the main and jib seemed to be working together ok, but with time I'll get the trimming thing down pat. If my knotmeter worked it would help in that process. The impeller is free but no movement on the dial type gauge....another project. Got a wedding to attend this weekend, so no sailing. I'll just hope for bad weather. Thanks for you guy's patience with a green sailor. Thank God for this forum.....Gary
- Status