Catalina 27 '84 std - tack block for ASpin

[Kopite]

Hi, my boat came with an ASpin, but there is no block for the tack. I have a Harken furler. Any recommendations on where to mount a block for the tack on this boat ? Easy place would be to the top of the anchor roller, but not sure if it will take the loads. I'll be using a collar around the forestay to keep the tack line contained within the pulpit. Also, I see a lot of posts about needing a crane on the mast head. My boat has the dedicated Spinnaker Halyard ahead of the forestay. Is there some reason that this will not work with the ASpin ?

Thanks,
Andrew

 

[justsomeguy]

Hi, my boat came with an ASpin, but there is no block for the tack. I have a Harken furler. Any recommendations on where to mount a block for the tack on this boat ? Easy place would be to the top of the anchor roller, but not sure if it will take the loads. I'll be using a collar around the forestay to keep the tack line contained within the pulpit.
Also, I see a lot of posts about needing a crane on the mast head. My boat has the dedicated Spinnaker Halyard ahead of the forestay. Is there some reason that this will not work with the ASpin ?

Without looking at your foredeck setup, the anchor roller sounds like the best spot to mount a block. Got photos?

If the possible load on the anchor roller unnerves you, check its fasteners for backup washers. If they're small, switch them out for large diameter ones. You might even add a well-placed fastener or two.

Using the collar will certainly help to limit the side loading to the tack's anchor point, too.

It could work without a crane just fine, I think. You might want a strong swivelling shackle between the halyard and the head of the spinnaker, such as

http://shop.macgregorowners.com/cat.php?51404

 

[Kopite]

Thanks for reply. I'll post up a pic when I get back later this afternoon - I'm in Japan at the moment - which is why I have time to think about things.. I do have a snap shackle set up with swivel, so should be OK there.

Thanks, Andrew

 

[Kopite]

Here's some shots of the bow. The anchor roller is offset to starboard. There are a series of mount points on the boat centerline behind the forestay. One of these had a snap shackle attached as I've put back for the last two images, which might be what had been used to affix a tack block, but it's kind of twisted to get around the forestay.

 

[justsomeguy]

Good, not too much overhang, which would increase leverage. That looks plenty strong for a light air sail, provided those fasteners are backed up well enough.

I say go for it, and mind the winds.

 

[weinie]

Attach a block to the hole in the front of your anchor roller.

 

[Kopite]

Thanks guys, I'll go that way.

Andrew