Downhaul for jib

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Eric

I purchased a Cat22 this year and did a good deal of work to restore it to "almost new" condition; new paint, cabin cushions, electronics, etc. but the best investment I've made that gets used every time I sail is the jib downhaul I put together for about $5.00! I purchased a thin (1/4 or smaller) pliable line (about 30 ft)and a (rounded egded) "U" shaped part with a clevis pin closure (this part looks like the "u" shaped component of your stay turbuckle). All you do is attach the "U" to the bow of your boat, attach your thin line to the jib halyard clasp(stays attached to halyard clasp at all times) then run the line through the "u" and back through the supports at base of each stanchion (for guidance) to the cockpit. That's it! I have a very small cam cleat near the cockpit in the water "run off" portion of the starboard deck which I use to tend/secure the downhaul when the jib is down but you could just as easily tie it to a rear mooring cleat. This is a great "little helper" on those days when no one wants to venture to the bow to take the jib down! The jib "takedown" method I use is; when I am on a reach I tack without releasing the jib sheet until the jib backwinds, then I harden up the free jib sheet and cleat it (so both jib sheets are cleated now), then I just pull the jib down with the downhaul and cleat the loose end of the downhaul. The jib sits nicely on the deck until you get back to the dock. best $5.00 I ever spent!
 
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John Visser

That's great!

Thanks for sharing that tip. I had a Com-pac 16, and wish I had thought of that myself! I now have aC-36, adn I'm thinnking of rigging something similar for the main, 'cause it doesn't want to fall quickly when the halyard is eased. Makes single-handing tough. jv
 
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LaDonna Bubak - Catalina Owners

Fantastic!

You should send that in to one of the sailing rags. They LOVE tricks like this!! LaDonna
 
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