Dutchman "Twist"?

[rpell1@msn.com]

Hi all,
My '97 Cat30 MKIII came equipped with a Dutchman on the main. When I first rigged it, the topping lift loop had no twists. It really works well for dropping the main into nice folds on top of the boom, until this year when the system slides are out of alignment.
The top at the mast head has a small bloc for the topping lift off the topping lift line that goes down the mast; and a small block with cam cleat at the bottom where it attaches to the boom. At approximately third points along the topping lift are the two slide brackets for the Dutchman. I am at a loss to understand how this braided topping lift can twist up in the three places along the line, when neither the top block or bottom one swivels. I am about to de-rig and reset the whole system. It is such a simple set-up that's giving me a terrible headache. Any ideas or solutions will be greatly appreciated.
Happy Sailing

 

[JoeWhite]

I had that problem. I solved it by removing and washing the 1/4" line and reinstalling. Also I shortened the line loop on the top as much as possible.

 

[rpell1@msn.com]

I had that problem. I solved it by removing and washing the 1/4" line and reinstalling. Also I shortened the line loop on the top as much as possible.

Sounds like a plan. Thanks.

 

[Scott T-Bird]

I think mine is slightly different. I'm not exactly understanding your set-up. When I remove my sail, I bring the tail end of the topping lift all the way down to the aft end of the boom. The topping lift is set up on a rear sheave, just like the main halyard, and the working end is brought back to the cockpit alongside the halyards. My dutchman system has a line with the 2 monofilaments attached at the brackets. This all comes off with the sail. When I put my sail on the boat, I attach the bottom end of the dutchman line to the end of the boom and I attach the top end of the dutchman line to the topping lift. Then I hoist the dutchman line to the top of the mast with the topping lift, where it is set for the season. I adjust the tension of the dutchman line (and therefore the tension of the monofilaments) with the topping lift. Generally, I ease the topping lift when the sail is raised so the monofilaments are slack. I tension the topping lift before dropping the main.

I haven't had any issues with twisted lines. The brackets have been adjusted to the dutchman line and there is no need to fuss with positioning the monofilaments at all, just so long as they aren't tangled when the dutchman line is raised.

 

[LloydB]

While reading these post an offhand thought occurred remembering when I had a long curly extension cord for my telephone. Every once in awhile it seemed that the cord would bunch up all twisted together and I would have to unwind it to be springy again. I think it might be because I am right handed and each time I put it back in its resting position I gave it a half twist to the right (or left) and that eventually shows up on a line that is anchored on one end but not the other. No proof that. A possible solution pull up with the right hand and pull it down with the left but no idea whether that would work.