Mac 26M main halyard leading to cockpit - problem

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AndyS

The Mac 26M has a rotating mast. My initial set-up to lead the halyard back to the cockpit uses a block mounted on the bottom of the mast step (on the rotating part), then a block on the starboard lifeline stanchion. Here's the rub: when the halyard is run like this and cinched up tight - it rotates the mast all the way to the right and holds it there, not allowing it to rotate at all as you trim the sail or tack. Given that the halyard block at the top of the mast is on the starboard side of the mast, I'm wondering if a block mounted on deck would allow it to rotate. Does anyone have either a 26M or another rotating mast set-up (catamaran?) that has the halyard led aft sussessfully? I like to singlehand so I really want the line led aft. Thanks, AndyS
 
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Bill at BOATS 4 SAIL

26M (and 26X) Halyards Aft

AndyS - I use Harken #168's, remove their shackles, and replace with twist pin shackles. I shackle them (main halyard on starboard side and jib halyard on port side) in the holes used for the mast raising pole, after it is removed. Run the halyards through the blocks, through the blocks at the stanchions, and back to the cockpit. When you want to use the mast raiser, simply unshackle the blocks. They can't escape as they are between two blocks. I trailer with the blocks this way.
 
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Ken

Picture possible

Bill, is it possible to post a picture of your set-up? I want to modify my 26X for single handed sailing. Unfortunately, my limited experience causes the terminology to confuse me. Thanks, Ken
 
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Kory

This may help.

I am fairly new to sailing but here goes. I have a 26m That is setup with the main halyard leading to the cockpit (Jib too). My manual states: "If the boat is equipped to bring halyards aft to cockpit, the main halyard would come straight down the mast and down through a pulley at the bottom of the mast on the starboard side, then straight out to the side and through a FLAT BLOCK near the starboard edge of the deck, then straight back just inside the starboard edge of the boat and through a rope clutch. With that configuration , the mainsail can be raised from the cockpit. Pulling the line through the rope clutch and can be lowered from the cockpit by opening the rope clutch". This system has worked very well for me. I never have to leave the cockpit and its worked flawlesly. I also utilize a boom vang for better control of the mainsail. I hope this helped. P.S. if you would like a picture of the flat block and its location, let me know. Kory
 
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Bill at BOATS 4 SAIL

Halyards Aft

Ken - I don't have a clue as to how to post a picture, being computer (and other) illiterate. If you contact me ("Send this thread to a friend", just below, with your FAX #, or address I could send you details. You would need sail-slugs on your mains'l, a longer main halyard, your present main halyard could be used for your jib halyard.
 
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AndyS

I'll try that Bill

Thanks for the inputs, guys! I will move the block that is currently on the bottom of the mast to the hole for the mast raiser just forward of the mast. Hopefully with the block there, the mast will rotate freely while the main is up...
 
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Andrew J

How to make it work

I've just completed bringing the halyards back to cockpit clutch jammers + installed topping-lift. With slugs on the main both sails can be up and snug in about 2 minutes. Installed swivel blocks (Ronstan gear) at the base of the mast, lines run around stacked cheek blocks (like the one for the dagger board) just forward of the hatch tracks - keeps side decks clear. By installing the swivel blocks at the base of the mast in line with the base plate bolt, and having the main and jib halyards on opposite sides, the mast does rotate through most of it's range in a reasonable breeze. For light breeze work I am putting a couple of mini jammers (Ronstan) on the mast to take the pressure off the halyards (but this will need me to quickly leave the cockpit to engage them). Not having the mast rotate completely freely in heavy weather doesn't worry me as it may help de-power things a bit. Need to run a down haul for the jib (not roller furling) and then everything can be done in the comfort of the cockpit. Hope this helps
 
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Kirk Magee

more halyard aft questions

I have been following this thread with some interest ever since I posted on the same subject about a month back (thanks for the great response, Andy!). This will be my second summer with my M26 and I have to confess, I hadn't even thought about the issue of the rotating mast. I really don't want to loose the theoretical advantage of this technology and was wondering whether anyone has sailed with the proposed halyards aft configurations that have been described is this thread and how did the boat perform? As well, any pics people could post would be a real help. Boat goes in the water in 2 weeks and all this talk just makes the wait that much longer! Thanks guys! Kirk
 
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