Genoa Block

[Capri]

Hi, just purchased my '81 22 foot boat last year and wonder what the difference between these two blocks is. See pics. The one on a track further aft seems to be what I see used mostly with a genoa sail. But the smaller one which is forward has me confused.

 

[JRT]

Looks like the jib block to me.

 

[Capri]

Thanks, John. So I would route my jib sheet through the stand up block and directly back to the winch, right?

 

[JRT]

Yes, I think your 22 is pretty similar to my 25. Just a hint but run the jib sheets to those blocks on the outside of the lifelines, not the inside. After the blocks it should be a pretty straight run to the winch on the deck.

 

[Joe]

In this picture it appears the jib lead block is a non movable stand up type. Look at the gap in the toe rail below the rear window's back corner.

In the sail plan drawing below, A large overlapping genoa is depicted with the sheet leading well aft.. past the winch.

So... it would appear that the fixed block was a factory installation for the OEM working jib.... and perhaps options for the larger genoa sail would have included a genoa track, sliding car for the lead block and probably a larger winch.

What ever you do.... learn how to position head sail lead block for optimal trim... this information is not boat specific and can be obtained in any sailing guide.

 

[JRT]

Looking at Joe's picture I'd run the jib sheets on the outside of the chainplate too,

 

[Jackdaw]

If you want to be able to point AT ALL, sheet your headsails inside the lifelines. For jibs, if the leech does not touch the rigging then rig inside the chainplates. Genoas always outside the plates.

Interestingly, in that factory shot, the boat has no lifelines.

 

[jwing]

Thanks, John. So I would route my jib sheet through the stand up block and directly back to the winch, right?

Unless there is a problem with the angle between the jib lead and the winch. There must be a reason that the boat in the stock photo has two fixed leads.

If you run the sheet through both the fixed lead and then the adjustable lead, then you eliminate the functionality of the adjustability. The aft lead may have been installed to handle a larger genoa, but it won't work if set even with or aft of the winch, unless there is a turning block on the aft end of the track.