main sheet configuration

[Ron F.]

I just purchased this as my first boat.I will not sail it until late May. I find the configuration of the main sheet "unusual" compared to several other boat i have crewed on. Can it or should it be configured differently? Is it fine the way it is? I appreciate the feedback.

 

[Bob Camarena]

Depends on what you have.

Depending on your boat, the configuration can vary. Is it sheeted to a track in the aft portion of the cockpit? This is known as end boom sheeting. Or is it sheeted to a track on the cabin top? This is known as mid boom sheeting. You can probably find several posts in the archives on the pros and cons of each. End boom is quicker to trim, requires less muscle and is more accessible to the helmsperson. Mid boom looks classier but is harder to reach, requires more power due to the reduced leverage and is harder to trim from the helm.

 

[Joe]

Be more specific if you can.....

What do you mean "unusual"? How is it different from the other boats with which you are familiar. Look at some of the Catalina 27 pictures in the photo gallery on this website or go to the Catalina 27 website link below for lots of information on the boat.

 

[Ron F.]

main sheet configuration clarification

The main sheet is a mid-boom type with the traveller across the top of the coach. The main sheet leads from the traveller back to the boom. then to a deck pulley which leads the sheet back to the cockpit. I am thinling about changing the bottom block to one that has an intergrated cam cleat to handle the sheet at the traveller.What do you think?Would this arrangement require less muscle?Thank you for your responses.

 

[Bob Camarena]

Consider End Boom

If you have a tiller instead of a wheel, you might want to go ahead and convert to an end-boom system. It will have all of the advantages you're trying to get and be more accesible.

 

[Joe]

Don't change it till....

...you've sailed it. There are many ways to rig a sailboat. This one may be fine, it sounds okay to me. If you plan on single-handing a lot you may want to do some modifications. As I suggested before, I would look at other C27's for ideas. Check the aforementioned websites to download the factory manual. Keep reading this website.