H38 - Jacklines and boom preventer

[flightlead404]

In preparation for heading south again this winter I'm starting to plan adding some jacklines and a boom preventer and am soliciting advise and pics. Since these arrangements are likely very boat specifics, Hunters in this size range especially encouraged to respond, and pics to please!

We're double handing, I have at the moment three tethers. I cannot think of a way to be clipped into a line in the cockpit and keep the same tether on when moving up the side deck, so the plan would be to switch tethers when needed.

For the jack lines I was considering using some flat webbing so it wouldn't roll underfoot in a Y arrangement from the stern cleat on each side to the front of the mast and thence somewhere up front perhaps the anchoring cleat. Unfortunately that means in the aft of the boat the jackline/tether would be close enough to the lifelines to potentially allow a crew to go over, so I'd like to hear some better arrangements.

What's a good material? Where should I run it? How to tie or what fasteners to use? Is it suitable to stitch loops with my sewing machine?

Second, boom preventer. The boom end has some fittings, I could maybe use a line with a carabiner there, but I hate carabiners. Then what? I was thinking forwards to a snatch block on a soft shackle at the midship cleat then back to the cockpit, but to what? To the cabin top winch maybe? Running under the dodger? Or the genoa winch, but that will have the genoa/spin sheet on it. I like the idea of having a preventer/block arrangement rigged on both sides, that allows me to control the boom with the preventer as well as the mainsheet as I gybe downwind.

Thoughts, advise, pictures, experience solicited.

 

[sail sfbay]

What's a good material? high-strength, low-stretch webbing Jackline Materials Evaluation - Practical Sailor (practical-sailor.com) AND The 12 Best Jack Lines For Sailboat (2022 reviews) - Why We Like This - USA or West Marine jacklines (that is what I use)
Where should I run it? stern cleat to bow cleat on each side, and if you can up the center of the sailboat to the mast then to the bow
How to tie or what fasteners to use? Cleat hitch knot
Is it suitable to stitch loops with my sewing machine? Not necessary
Second, boom preventer. Attach to mid-boom ithen to the bow then back to midship cleat
Tie in off vs. a carabiner Tie off
To the cabin top winch maybe? No
Running under the dodger? No
Or the genoa winch, but that will have the genoa/spin sheet on it. No
I like the idea of having a preventer/block arrangement rigged on both sides, that allows me to control the boom with the preventer as well as the mainsheet as I gybe downwind. Good plan
One other recomendation...........install pad eyes in the cokpit to attach tethers

 

[jssailem]

I found the advice from John Harries regarding both Jacklines and preventers to be sound and practical. I use both of his ideas

Jacklines are run down the middle of the boat. When you come to a break in the line you use the tether for the next section of the boat. As an example. My tether in the cockpit gets me to the tether on the cabin deck> It runs from the cockpit to the mast. I clip on the next leg and off the cockpit, setting the tether down so I can grab it when I return to the cockpit. Solo sailing I feel secure with the lines in the center. It keeps me inside the life lines should I loose my balance.

Read about Jacklines and preventers here at " Attainable Adventure Cruising " Attainable Adventure Cruising.

 

[Will Gilmore]

My tether in the cockpit gets me to the tether on the cabin deck> It runs from the cockpit to the mast. I clip on the next leg and off the cockpit, setting the tether down so I can grab it when I return to the cockpit.

Does the tether stay where you left it? Could a wave across the deck wash the tether back into the cockpit? Maybe it could be clipped into the next section to prevent something like that from happening.

-Will

 

[jssailem]

Does the tether stay where you left it?

In calm to moderate conditions, yes. Note it is attached to the jackline at one end and available to attach to me at the other. It can not stray too far. The jackline from the mast to the cockpit allows me on tether to get into the cockpit where I can reach the next tether if it has fallen to the cockpit deck.

At the mast the same applies. To make it simple I hook the loose tether to a ring on the mast. That way it is always in the same place. My next planned modification is to add a set of granny bars near the mast base. An extra hand hold or place to brace my body while working at the mast.