Better Outhaul

[geehaw]

I have a Oday 25 and the out haul is just a 1 to 1 pull. It goes from the clew to a block at end of boom then to a cleat about a foot ahead of the boom end. I would like to make this a 2 to 1 pull at least. But to me there seems that there is not enough room between the clew and the block at the end of the boom to add a fiddle block or other block to increase pull. Any ideas on how to do this? Greg

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[Ross]

Just fix the end of the outhaul next to the block and lead the standing part through the clew and back through the block and then forward to the cleat. That will give you a two part tackle without too much friction. You can grease the line where it runs through the clew grommet.

 

[thinwater]

A common method is to put the tackle on the side of the boom. Take the line that currently is led to the cleat, cut it short, and tie on a single block. Then take a second line, fix one end to a pad eye near the cleat, through the single block, and back to the cleat on the side of the boom. 2:1 with about 8" of range, which should be enough. I would use knots and leave the tails long at first, so that you can fool with the lengths.

See here, as "external cascade."
http://www.harken.com/rigtips/outhaul.php
... but instead of the way they used block a and b, stay with what you have.

 

[Ross]

We are too quick to go to blocks when deadeyes will serve just as well at a fraction of the cost. We don't constantly adjust the outhaul so the chafe factor can be ignored.

 

[All U Get]

I have a Oday 25 and the out haul is just a 1 to 1 pull. It goes from the clew to a block at end of boom then to a cleat about a foot ahead of the boom end. I would like to make this a 2 to 1 pull at least. But to me there seems that there is not enough room between the clew and the block at the end of the boom to add a fiddle block or other block to increase pull. Any ideas on how to do this? Greg

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Don Guillette has an option using micro blocks, makes a 6:1 if you use triples like I did. Using two single pulleys, rig a "Z" system and get 3:1.
All U Get

 

[JerryA]

What I did...

Here's a picture of what I did. I had several inches at the end of the boom though where you may not.

JerryA

 

[Scott T-Bird]

Add a block

I think what you have is actually a 2:1. You could easily make it 3:1 by adding a block (maybe a good cheek block) forward on the boom and relocating your cleat aft so that you are pulling aft when tightening outhaul. There is no need for a fiddle block, they are typically found with an internal boom set-up.

I disagree, respectfully, with Ross ... I think for an outhaul, which I use frequently, it is necessary to reduce friction losses for an outhaul. I would consider upgrading the block at the end of the boom, maybe with a larger diameter sheave if the bearings are stiff or the block is tiny on your current setup. With good blocks, I think that 3:1 would be sufficient for your size sail plan.

To put it in perspective, I am sure that Ross still has his first nickle ...

Just saw Jerry's, which is even better ... his would be 4:1 with the block at the clew.

 

[OldCat]

We are too quick to go to blocks when deadeyes will serve just as well at a fraction of the cost. We don't constantly adjust the outhaul so the chafe factor can be ignored.

In addition to others here, I adjust the outhaul every time I sail - often multiple times because the wind changes so much - blame Don Guillette.

To the OP: How much outhaul power you need depends on the type of sail and size of boat. A bolt rope foot has more friction and the rope needs to be stretched so it needs more power than a loose footed sail would. The outhaul on my C22 is 6:1 - similar to the Harken 4:1 cascade system - a bit of overkill - 4:1 would be fine for my boat. My entire system is on blocks for low friction - easier to operate.

OC