I would like to move the Main Sheet from in front of the companion way to over the cabin top so I can put on a larger dodger, has anyone done this on a 28.5? Are there alternatives to the Harken Track Risers? Bill
Hain Sheet placement
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Hear, hear!
I'd also like an answer to this problem. I'm looking at getting a 28.5 and this is the first (and at this point only) thing I'd like to change. My Dad and I did something similar to our Ranger 26, using a Harken track and car on our own teak risers and it worked beautifully, gave us more control over power and twist while keeping crew from getting smacked in the face by the sheet tackle! It involved moving the sheet attachment point from the clew end of the boom to roughly the middle of the boom and a doubling of the sheet blocks to restore the mechanical advantage. So, yes, I'd also like to know whether anyone's done this. Is the cabin top of the 28.5 is up to the job? It doesn't look like the boom attachment point would move all that much-- from 2/3 the way out to 1/2 way. John Tennyson San Francisco
I'd also like an answer to this problem. I'm looking at getting a 28.5 and this is the first (and at this point only) thing I'd like to change. My Dad and I did something similar to our Ranger 26, using a Harken track and car on our own teak risers and it worked beautifully, gave us more control over power and twist while keeping crew from getting smacked in the face by the sheet tackle! It involved moving the sheet attachment point from the clew end of the boom to roughly the middle of the boom and a doubling of the sheet blocks to restore the mechanical advantage. So, yes, I'd also like to know whether anyone's done this. Is the cabin top of the 28.5 is up to the job? It doesn't look like the boom attachment point would move all that much-- from 2/3 the way out to 1/2 way. John Tennyson San Francisco
Think about this some more
Bill, I have a Hunter 285 (1987) with a dodger that I purchased from this site. I've seen past posts about moving the main sheet but, if I recall, most advised against it for two basic reasons. First, the cabin top was not designed to have the travler placed there and so it would need to be re-inforced to take the loads. Also, the connection point on the boom would move from about 2/3 to 1/2 way out, as John points out. This makes a BIG differance on leverage. Second, I (and others) find that having the sheet next to the cockpit is a big advantage when sailing short handed or solo. I have an auto-helm and using it and being able to easily reach the main sheet and traveler lines is a big plus. I understand about the rigging getting "in the face" if the cockpit is crowded but how many times do you sail with a crowded cockpit? If it's just you and maybe two others at the same time then I would consdier leaving things as they were designed. That's more than my 2 cents worth!
Bill, I have a Hunter 285 (1987) with a dodger that I purchased from this site. I've seen past posts about moving the main sheet but, if I recall, most advised against it for two basic reasons. First, the cabin top was not designed to have the travler placed there and so it would need to be re-inforced to take the loads. Also, the connection point on the boom would move from about 2/3 to 1/2 way out, as John points out. This makes a BIG differance on leverage. Second, I (and others) find that having the sheet next to the cockpit is a big advantage when sailing short handed or solo. I have an auto-helm and using it and being able to easily reach the main sheet and traveler lines is a big plus. I understand about the rigging getting "in the face" if the cockpit is crowded but how many times do you sail with a crowded cockpit? If it's just you and maybe two others at the same time then I would consdier leaving things as they were designed. That's more than my 2 cents worth!
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