Catalina sliding gooseneck recommendation

[yelkenli]

My C27 has the sliding gooseneck shackled at the bottom to a loop screwed into the mast track just underneath.

When I purchased, I noticed the sail did not go all the way to the top. IF the sail was cut correctly, this means I can adjust the sail higher or lower, which is part of the discussion in this thread.

I am assuming I would need to move the screwed loop further down the mast and put in some different lengths of line, different length shackles (not sure what lengths are available), or a block and tackle with a cleat?

Am I on the right track? (apologies for the pun)

What have others done to secure their goosenecks when underway?

 

[dlochner]

Sails do not normally go all the way to the top, they are typically a few inches lower to accommodate splices and knots for the halyard shackle. The splice for the halyard shackles will leave the line fatter and it may not go around the sheave.

A downhaul on the gooseneck will allow you to tension the luff of the mainsail independent of halyard tension. This is similar in function to a cunningham. Rather than different lengths of line use a single block at the gooseneck and a single block with a cam cleat at the bottom to tension or ease the luff.

 

[yelkenli]

Any idea of the working load for a C27 downhaul? Under 100lb ? 200lb?

I have an old (I think) 29mm Harken block from my 3:1 Hobie Cat downhaul. 300lb rating probably.

I could set this up like my Hobie, with a cleat down below. This would not be easy to tension or ease on the fly.
Any idea if mast track cleats are available for this mast - has raised track.

The other idea is to have a block with cam at the gooseneck, and an anchor on the mast track below. This provides no mechanical advantage, but is easy to tension and ease. Does this sound about right?

I might be able to move the loop shown in the picture down. But would probably want some stopper in the current spot for when the main is dropped.

 

[jssailem]

I can not imagine the need for a block and tackle for a downhaul on a 27ft sailboat.

You say downhaul. Are you thinking you need to pull the sail down, or are we talking about tightening the sail luff?

On a 27-footer, just go to the mast and release the halyard. The sail should fall down to the boom for the most part. If you need help, just grab the sail and assist it in coming down.

 

[jssailem]

On my 35-foot boat, I release the halyard, and the sail falls down without any assistance. If your sail is sticking, then you need to clean the slug track and or add some dry lubricant to the slide. SailKote is what I use.

https://www.mclubemarine.com/sailkote/

A little goes a long way.

 

[dlochner]

Any idea of the working load for a C27 downhaul? Under 100lb ? 200lb?

I have an old (I think) 29mm Harken block from my 3:1 Hobie Cat downhaul. 300lb rating probably.

I could set this up like my Hobie, with a cleat down below. This would not be easy to tension or ease on the fly.
Any idea if mast track cleats are available for this mast - has raised track.

The other idea is to have a block with cam at the gooseneck, and an anchor on the mast track below. This provides no mechanical advantage, but is easy to tension and ease. Does this sound about right?

I might be able to move the loop shown in the picture down. But would probably want some stopper in the current spot for when the main is dropped.

The cunningham is not normally adjusted on the fly. It is set up once when the sail is raised. Experiment with the parts you have, change them out later if need be.

I doubt the tension needs to be higher than a couple of hundred pounds. If it needs more, it is time for a new sail. Tightening the cunningham moves the draft forward and helps to flatten the sail a bit.

 

[kappykaplan]

SailKote is what I use.

 

[Joe]

The reason the gooseneck slider is locked is because everyone has adopted the cunningham method of controlling luff tension. The cunningham is much more effective at this trim adjustment and has rendered the boom downhaul method obsolete. Boat builders will put a black band around the mast up top (and also on the outboard boom end) to indicate the maximum extent of hoist. So...Hoist your sail to the black band, and use the cunningham to control luff tension.

I don't see anything wrong with your boat's method of immobilizing the boom's vertical movement. Simple to remove also. So, rather than invest any time messing around with the boom downhaul.. assuming the sail fits well enough that you can hoist to the black band... I suggest you rig a cunningham... at least 4:1... to handle your mainsail draft position. You want to put enough purchase on the line so you can adjust it without using a winch.... and so it can be adjusted from the cockpit. 5/16 or 1/4 line... so it runs through the blocks smoothly and won't be too expensive. There's very limited space on the roof of the cockpit bulkhead. So a narrow cleat, such as a clamcleat or Vee cleat will be easy to operate without taking a lot of room.

Good luck, have fun.

 

[yelkenli]

Thanks for the responses all.

This question has nothing to do with getting the sail down.

As discussed, I need to ensure the tack is secured during sailing. Otherwise I run the risk of pulling the sail up the mast then down through it, resulting in the need to fish a new halyard - just kidding, but you get the picture.

If fixing the sliding gooseneck is sufficient, and changing the luff tension is not typical on a keel boat, then setting tension with the Halyard will work with the gooseneck shackled to the loop just below.

Based on the linked threads and others' comments, it seemed having the ability to adjust the luff tension can be useful.

@Joe Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Joe]

Thanks for the responses all.



Based on the linked threads and others' comments, it seemed having the ability to adjust the luff tension can be useful.

@Joe Thanks for the suggestion.

Adjusting luff tension is a primary mainsail control. Luff tension control keeps the mainsail's draft in its optimal position. As wind and boat speed pick up the sail's curve begins to be pushed aft, creating a poor aerodynamic shape. A good resource is Don Guillette's book, available in the SBO store

 

[Indysailor]

I have a line connected to a shackle on the underside of the gooseneck that leads to a track cleat. This line controls how high the boom travels when raising the mainsail. My Cunningham is secured a few inches below the boom on the port side of the mast, runs through the cringle, down to a block at the mast step and back to a clutch. I also put a track stop below the boom so that it will not bottom out, but that is just to keep a higher clearance for our boom tent.