As i will be removing the cutter rig on our 37 leaving it as a sloop, is there any reason in keeping the running backs?
Keep or remove running backs when converting to a sloop?
- Thread starter Pilotocopilot
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No. you will not need them any longer. But you are keeping all the cutter rig bits for that inevitable day when you want to return the boat to the best damn cruising rig ever...right?
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Contrary to what Jim says, the boat as a sloop is the best cruising rig ever. You gain the foredeck to store a dingy on or sunbathe or whatever you want. You get rid of that ever present quandry of what to do with the staysail when sailing off the wind. Your tacks will be ten times faster. And if you want to strengthen your rig, the hardware is already there. Just add jumpers from the spreaders to the running backstay attachment points. One note of caution, if you don't install rails over your dorades, you will put one in orbit the first time you tack.
Hey Blaise! I have nothing against sloops! If I wanted one, I just wouldn't have bought a cutter
. My Avon Redcrest fits on deck, fully inflated, under the staysail boom. And when I sail downwind, I can put a preventer on the staysail. Cheaper and no need for whisker pole. And nothing tacks faster than a boomed staysail (my favorite headsail above 20 knots!). But if I wanted the upwind racing performance you clearly need, yes, I would go get a big genoa, which would necessitate removing the inner forestay. Different strokes for different folks.(I will definitely be interested to know how Pilotocopilot's 'self-tending blade jib' works out though...)
Jim I did get an email from JC(Diana) about the self tacker and he had no issue with it working but he did indicate to stick a backing plate under the track to reinforce it. I'll also be taking the inner stay chain plate off and putting a dummy plate at deck level to stop me from taking a toe off.
Blaise the rails are a good idea but I may have them cut the foot of the sail a little higher at the sheet attach to clear a lower profile dorades. Where's a good source for rails or are they a custom item that's boat dependent.
Blaise the rails are a good idea but I may have them cut the foot of the sail a little higher at the sheet attach to clear a lower profile dorades. Where's a good source for rails or are they a custom item that's boat dependent.
It is not the foot of the jib that is going to launch the dorades. It is the lazy sheet. Hieght of the clew of the jib is not a factor. Any company that makef pulpits can make the rail. You may be able to see mine in the pictures posted.
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