genoa snatch block track

[Tom Monroe]

I have what I guess is a stock '73 boat with a non adjustable block for running the jib sheets to a standard jib. I'd like to use a genoa, but have no idea where it should lead to, or how to mount an adjustable track for a snatch block, etc. Anyone done this? I saw an old 22 in poor shape at another marina where someone had screwed a track into the teak toe rail aft of the winch. Will that handle the load?Thanks!!

 

[Justin - O'day Owners' Web]

Do you have roller furling?

Tom -The block for the genny sheet should be set up so that when the boat is close hauled the lead from the sail bisects the angle described by the leech and the foot. Does that make sense? Ideally, you would move the lead so that on any point of sail the sheet led evenly, but practically speaking, nobody except serious racers and cruisers who will be on one point of sail for days actually does it. If you don't have roller furling I wouldn't mess with track. I'd figure out where the lead need to be for your sail, install a pad eye and mount lead blocks. Roller furling complicates things by adding reefed positions, so track probably become necessary. I wouldn't scerw track down; I'd through bolt it.Justin - O'day Owners' Web