Rocky: Here's the problem I had with inboard & outboard tracks and it centered around the safety lines. They presented a problem, which I couldn't solve. My Catalina 30 (1981) came with outboard tracks but it had a a set of tracks on the cabin top, which I really wanted to use closehauled. I spent many an hour and a few beers trying to figure out how to use both tracks using a Garhauer snatch block, which I operate with one hand but the safety lines always got in the way. Finally, I settled on a barberhauler setup, which got the job done.
I know that you're trying to educate yourself on sail trim and I think I can help because I was in your position years ago (we all were because we were not born with sail trim knowledge). The first thing you need to understand is what all the sail trim controls for the main and jib are adjusting. They are adjusting ONLY 4 elements (draft depth, draft position, twist & angle of attack). Next, you need to know which element each sail trim control for the main and jib is adjusting (buy my SAIL TRIM CHART and a free "quick reference" is included, which will outline it for you and will tell you which way to push or pull the sail trim control to obtain the result yo desire. Once you get the basic of sail trim down pat you can then worry about track placement.
I notice you live in Honolulu. What a wonderful place to live. Maybe Stu J, Joe from San Diego and myself and our wives could fly over, of course on your dime, and help you out with sail trim!!! We could probably complete the deal in 2 hours but would have to extend it for 4 days!! What do you think about that? Should we start making airline reservations?? Brian D, who started this topic,and his wife would also be included. When we finish you'll know more about sail trim than 75% of the sailors worldwide. A free SAIL TRIM USERS GUIDE & a SAIL TRIM CHART is included.
Joe, Stu, Brian -start packing, I know he'll go for this deal. If he doesn't, some other forum listers, maybe in NZ or Australia, will be interested!!