Dutchman on the Cheap

[Dan]

Hi all. I'm intrigued by the very positive comments many here have regarding their Dutchman systems. As I understand the system, however, it seems as though it's fairly simple. If I were to retrofit one, would I have to go through the Dutchman company? Would I be able to gather the materials and do the work on my own? Do plans exist anywhere?

 

[Steve O.]

Dutchman or lazyjacks?

A Dutchman system requires modifying the sail. Lazyjacks are simple to make and install and don't require modifying the sail. There should be articles in the archives, or Google it and see what comes up.

 

[soling42]

Lazy Jacks el cheapo

From the archives for a smaller(260) boat but may work scaled up.http://www.ne-ts.com/ar/ar-402jacks.htmlMichael and Kelli2004 H260s/v "Plan B"

 

[mortyd]

dutchman

first, i love my dutchman. there's a good reason catalina and so many others equip their boats with dutchman and nothing esle, no matter how less expensive, that said, installing a dutchman requires putting holes in the main among other things, and i think this is best left to good sailmakers who have experience doing so. don't be penny wise and pound foolish.

 

[droopy]

Dutchman system is much cheaper than

inboom or inmast!

 

[Hank]

Dutchman

I currently have a Dutchman system on my boat. I've also had Lazy Jacks on previous boats. I prefer the Lazy Jacks. It is easier to use and doesn't require any modifications to the mainsail.

 

[Bill Roosa]

Yes you can make your own

The modifications to the sail are just some simple stitching. The system is simple to install. The calculations for getting it right are somewhat involved however. Your best bet is to find someone with a dutchman and copy it. You can use proportions if the sails are not an exact match. The sail stitching is just webbing sewn on both sides of each slot where the ductchman line goes through the sail. Stitch around the outside and then make a second stitch around the place where you will later cut the slot. Cut the slot last. Then all you have to do is make a tab at the foot of the sail where the line terminates and Rub Goldburg a removable fastener for it.I have had both dutchman and lazyjacks and the amount of work to install is about the same except for the sail modification which only added about 2 hours to the job once I got the sail home.I personally do not like the dutchman system. It is always effecting the set of the sail unless you have the sail trimmed fairly flat. With older sails they are just a general hassle all the time.Good luck

 

[Steve Dion]

Nothing wrong with a Dutchman if adjusted correct

Dan:The Dutchman is a great product. It is actually worth the money that it takes to convert your sail. If you put one on an existing sail and then have another sail made for the boat, they send you another kit at a greatly reduced price (but you need to pay for the labor again).I am not sure that there is an easy method of making a Dutchman. The Dutchman has the pockets and fittings for the line in the foot of the sail. One improvement that I think would be good is to use brass grommets for the slots for the line.I personally think that Lazy Craps are the biggest pain-in-the-ass things I have ever used on a sailboat. Trying to get a sail with full battens raised without fouling is a major drawback. Then you need to worry about tightening and loosening the lines. Give me a Dutchman!My new boat does not have a topping lift. It also has a very large roach, so I am not sure that a Dutchman would actually work on my boat. If it would, I would have one installed in a minute.

 

[Bill Roosa]

Steve and I are pretty typical

You either hate the dutchman system or you love it.

 

[mortyd]

dutchman

you either read the dutchman instructions or you don't.

 

[Malcolm Young]

Dutchman System

I too think the Dutchman is the greatest. The simple rule for use is only tension the system when you are dropping the sail. At all other times the system should be slightly slacked and the sail will take perfect shape (at least as good as shape as the sail is capable of). Normally, you tension the system to drop the sail, however even when the Dutchman is slightly slacked for sailing, the main can be dumped (for example for a MOB) by releasing the halyard and the sail will still be kept under control although it won't be neat...It must be installed correctly - it is easy to do once you know how (it is fairly clear by looking at it and understanding how it works - as Morty suggested indirectly - read the instructions.As for building your own - you probably could, however my advice it to buy a system. It is a heck of a lot cheaper than roller furlling and you do need adjustment capability as described below.I have some comments which may impact whether you build your own system. 1. The Dutchman System works better with a full batten main.2. The holes in the sail need to be put in the right place. On my sail theye are reinforced by provided plastic patches which are glued on the sail and screwed together. You could do this yourself by using sail strapping around the hole as has been suggested previously.3. You need clamping devices between the sail lines and the topping lift arrangment to initially adjust the angle the Dutchman lines goes through the sail when it is tensioned (this is an important but easy initial adjustment). 4. As has been said the Dutchman system also provides individual adjustments for individual Dutchman line tension at the boom. This is quite easy to do.Both 3 and 4 have to be initially set correctly, however once set I have not had to adjust these lines for the last 3 years.The link below takes you to the Dutchman site.