Main sheet line Hunter 326

[RobAL]

My mainsail sheet line has been set up as in the attached photo from when I purchased the boat. I noticed the user manual shows 3 blocks on the boom and arch, mine only has one. The user manual also illustrates the boom protruding further beyond the arch than mine, and in order to make room for one or two more blocks I would have to move the bales along the boom towards the mast. It looks like the bales have always been in their current position. Could anyone advise me how it should be set up?

 

[JamesG161]

Could anyone advise me how it should be set up?

Note line 2 of the manual diagram.
"Opt Traveler System"

Not sure by your Photo but it looks like you don't have the "Optional Traveler System"

The Traveler prevents Excess Boom Swings.
Jim...

PS: What you have looks ok.

 

[Joe]

Easy conversion. you'll need an additional Single block, and a single block with a becket. The block/becket goes on the arch. Investigate the small bale to see how it's secured inside the boom. Once determined, relocate it similar to your owner manual diagram. install both single blocks per the illustration and you're set. Remember you'll be using quite a bit more line with the optional method when you push the boom out for off wind sailing. Good luck. appears to be a good project. One more things.... when you add more purchase to the system, you'll also experience more friction in the blocks. Be aware of that when purchasing the blocks or new line (if needed).

 

[RobAL]

Thank you for your replies. I've since come across another Hunter 326 with a 2 block arrangement like the photo below and that looks like how mine (also with the traveler) was originally set up. The manual however appears to show a longer, higher boom with ample room for the 3 blocks, probably the in-furling version. I'll try mine with 2 blocks, if further ease is needed for sheeting in then I'll reposition the bales to make room for 3 blocks inc. becket.

 

[jssailem]

Rob. Not sure you need the additional blocks.
Is it too difficult to adjust the boom position and trim the sails?

What is different about your rig is that the boom is being managed at the end rather than closer to the middle of the boom (as shown in your attached diagram of a boat with a longer boom and greater sail area). End of boom rigging has greater purchase/control of the boom with less force required than mid boom rigs.

In the second photo the additional block looks to work as a fairlead and or turning block. The fairlead would be the case for most of the boom's range of motion. If when your boom is played all the way out on a downwind run, the second block would come into action to help turn the line. Otherwise the line is just running free through the block.

This could also be accomplished with a low friction ring.

 

[RobAL]

Thanks John (delayed reply, just got back from 2 weeks sailing)

I agree and have settled for the 2 block option, the block on the traveler having swivel and tilt. Sheeting is now much easier.

 

[jssailem]

I’m envious of your 2 weeks cruising.

You need to write up the experience.

 

[RobAL]

I’m envious of your 2 weeks cruising.

You need to write up the experience.

Hi John, I've been signed off for a while. There's not a lot to report, after sailing to Douglas Isle of Man we hung around for a while waiting for favorable winds for sailing to Scotland but that didn't happen so we returned to Whitehaven, Cumbria and stayed there a few days. Following that we sailed to Peil Island, Barrow then back to our home base in Lytham, Lancashire. The normally grey and choppy Irish sea was very blue and calm, scenic but not good for sailing!

 

[jssailem]

Beautiful scenic water. Kind of explains why boats developed so many different sails. Trying to capture the wind.