Hunter 260 Main Sheet Block Mod

[dkh260]

Looking for any ideas to get the Main Sheet block out of the center of the cockpit with a travler. Some of the newer Hunters have a travler arch, any thoughts from anyone on a mod like that? My concern would be structrual integrity of the mounting points if I were to have an arch fabricated.

thanks
Dave H

 

[BrianW]

The previous owner of my H26 put a small (short) traveler on the lower surface of the companionway. It has some use for sail control, but also gets the mainsheet tackle out of the cockpit. BrianW

 

[George H260]

The mainsheet attaches to a "U" bolt in the center of the cockpit this can be inconvienent if you have a wheel. Some have placed a traveler at the base of the cabin hatch but I don't like that solution because then it is in the way.

Here's Richard's solution in the knowledgebase: http://sbo.sailboatowners.com/index.php?option=com_mtree&task=viewlink&link_id=6797&Itemid=257

I've spent a lot of time thinking about this. The Mac26 attaches the mainsheet at the wheel and I've experimented with this notion but don't think it's realistic for the typical Hunter 26/260.

When singlehanding I typically use the sport-a-seat (don't accept imitations) so on either the leeward or windward side so I can sit forward. That way reaching the mainsheet is easy. Go to: http://www.sportaseat.com/uses/http://www.sportaseat.com/



Also, when behind the wheel I sometimes attach the mainsheet to the rudder post. That works well.

More on this issue at this link: http://h260.com/mainsheet/mainsheet.html

 

[Bob 04 H260]

On my previous boat I moved the mainsheet attachment point forward to the bridge deck and installed a traveller. I was concerned it would be in the way all the time. We found that was not the case at all and liked it much better. I have thought about doing the same thing with the H260. However I like to use a boom tent at anchor and so the mainsheet would not be able to be moved to one side with a traveller in order to clear access to the companionway. I could move it back to the u-bolt when using the boom tent I guess.
I think if you move the lower anchor point on a mainsheet you need to consider how the forces will change on the boom, the attachment point on the boom may also need to be moved. If the boom was designed to be sheeted near the end and you move the sheet a lot closer to the mast the forces will increase significantly. The angle the mainsheet makes with the boom must also be considered.