considering new sail slides

[Anonymous 121765]

JONNY,

You don't want a boom kicker pal. Better spend the money on a sturdy vang, to make your sailing more trouble/stress free & a non-issue.

Just my thoughts, as I was once there & learned the hard way, just hoping to save you angst..............

CR

 

[oldiesrocker2001]

To Weh 5748 & Johnny Quest,
Captn Ron is right on all counts. On my V21, unless it's really calm, I disconnect the pigtail and ease the mainsheet. This leaves the topping lift which is adjustable (but I rarely need to) holding up the boom several inches lower than the pigtail did. I don't sheet in the main on raising but do somewhat on lowering to keep it centered a bit. On raising the boom is free to move with a gust that hopefully wont knock me overboard , and I ususally have the kicker just barely pushing to make my own head-on breeze. My main has never dropped all the way down even when the slugs were new and in minimal wind. I have a standard vang, but since I dont race I dont worry alot with optimum sail shape and leave it off so I can give the dog more room on his fave spot.
I was considering rigging a downhaul, but just another line to attach... We were out yesterday 15-18mph breeze mostly steady. Great fun but even I had trouble bringing down the last few feet of main. Still not as much trouble as the stinkpotter backing into the ramp as I was on the last 5 feet of my approach or 'Gomer&Goober' taking up 2 ramp spaces in their fishing boat while I idled there for 10 min :cussing:

 

[weh5748]

Thanks for the great inputs. Yes its a pigtail, and very tight such that on a windy mountain lake with lots of wind shifts its nearly impossible to maintain luff even while trying to head directly into wind while raising main with the thing clipped. And the chance of a strong gust from the side with the boom clipped to pigtail is ever present. So it sounds like I need a rigid boom vang, or boom kicker (?) or a topping lift. I'm not sure what these devices are or where to obtain but can do a web search unless someone has a good lead on a supplier. Thanks again.

 

[Anonymous 121765]

Wey,


If I may make a suggestion, as it sounds you need some technical guidance. A 19 footer can get tender in a hurry, so control of the boom is most inportant, especially if not having head room.

The best direction at this stage would be to go to a book store & look for books that describe small sailboat (possibility of your size) terms, gear, sails & techniques. Get one that has alot of pictures & illustrations. The more techy info the better.

Add this to your "toolbox" of knowledge. You will be happy you do. I'll bet Stu will post info or a link for this.

I think a pigtail is not a good way to go from my personal experience, but others may disagree. You may find that a boom kicker will be adequate for your size/weight boom.

Time to do your due diligence, and look into options etc. There is alot of info on the net to help you.

CR

 

[bffatcat]

sticking slides

first things first: My 50+ years of experience tell me its not the slides. If there is anything wrong its probably the sheave so check it first by attaching a messenger line to the halyard
Hoist it up and down , work it back and forth. If it sticks your gonna have to replace it.
If its ok try some track ease on the slides and track. If they are still sticking replace em.