main sheet question

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Sherry

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Jun 1, 2005
212
Hunter 30 Pickwick Lake, TN River
I have a question specific to my 1992 Hunter 30. We went out Saturday in 20 knot winds and had a difficult time releasing the mainsheet when it was under full load. The PO flipped the cam cleat so that you pull the sheet up (instead of the orignal down) to pull it out of the cleat. We had a hard time getting over it high enough to get enough leverage to pull it out. I asked the PO about it, and he said he flipped it because he had a hard time releasing it downward when it was under load. So it seems that it is difficult whether it is up or down - I guess one of the inherent limitations to a cabin top traveler. Would a different cam cleat help? Any other suggestions? Thanks! Sherry
 
W

Warren Milberg

Releasing main sheet

Although I've got dual mainsheets on my H28.5 that give me either 3:1 or 6:1 advantage, I sometimes have a hard time releasing them when the main is under very high loads. What works for me is to try to pull the 6:1 side (as if trimming the main) and then release it from the cam cleat once it begins to move. Also, try releasing the vang or moving the traveller to leward. That sometimes takes just enough pressure off the mainsheet to allow it to be released. All this presumes your main sheet cam cleats are in good condition, springs oiled, are working properly....
 
J

john

Reason

I can't figure why you would need to release the main under full power. I use my traveler for dumping wind under sail, then release the main sheet.
 

Sherry

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Jun 1, 2005
212
Hunter 30 Pickwick Lake, TN River
releasing main

The main needs to be released under two different scenarios: 1. While we were out the wind built from a steady 10 knots to a steady 20 knots, and we had not reefed the main. Therefore the traveler was all the way down, and we were still overpowered. Need to dump a bit more. 2. At one point we were close-hauled and wanted to bear off to a broad reach - needed to release the main there, too. HOpe this clarifies.
 

Alan

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Jun 2, 2004
4,174
Hunter 35.5 LI, NY
This past Saturday we were out racing and the winds were 25kts gusting 40kts. I was trimming main on a Pearson Flyer (30ft). The mainsheet had been upgraded to 4:1 course 24:1 fine tune system. Makes for real easy trimming and release. On my 35.5 I upgraded to a 5:1 course, 10:1 fine. With 360sq/ft of main you need all of that in 40kts. I would definately upgrade your mainsheet system, it will make your life sooo much easier and you will be able to trim so much better.
 

Alan

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Jun 2, 2004
4,174
Hunter 35.5 LI, NY
Warren Milberg

...for clarification. What you said about releasing the vang is backwards. Pulling on more vang will help to ease the load on the mainsheet. Releasing vang will only add extra load to the mainsheet.
 

Sherry

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Jun 1, 2005
212
Hunter 30 Pickwick Lake, TN River
course/fine adjustment

I've been racing on a Beneteau 36.7 recently, and I really enjoy the dual mainsheet system. (I'm the main trimmer.) But its traveler is in the cockpit and has quite a bit more length between the traveler and the bottom of the boom. I'll have to measure mine, but I know it's shorter, since the traveler is mounted cabin top. How much length does one need to install an effective dual mainsheet system?
 
M

Mike Jaeger

We Replaced Our's with a Ronstan Fiddle RF876

We race our 1993 H30T for 18 weeks every Wednesday night. See the link below. Look at After 'Ours section rating. Anyway, The biggest complaint we had was from our Mainsail Man about the Schaefer Fiddle is non adjustable. I beleave it was designed for a cockpit mounted travler. The Ronstan Fiddle is adjustable and much larger. I also used a Twist Shackle on the top to prevent line chafe. I bought my Ronstan Fiddle with a Becket, Swivel, Cam, with a Cleat on E-Bay brand new for $28.06. Plus shipping $3.50. Then I sold the stainless steel Schaefer Fiddle to another Hunter 27 for $25.00. I might add the reason I wanted to change it was twice the main sheet slipped loose. Our mainsail man thought it was cleated solid but it wasn't. The Ronstan Fiddle is much easier to uncleat because it is bigger at the cleat. If you want I can send you a pic if you give me your E-mail address. Also, check Ronstan site for a full decription.
 

Sherry

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Jun 1, 2005
212
Hunter 30 Pickwick Lake, TN River
MIke - would love a picture

Mike, Thanks for your offer of a picture. I would love one. swhitten@midsouth.rr.com Sherry
 

Alan

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Jun 2, 2004
4,174
Hunter 35.5 LI, NY
Sherry

The fine/course mainsheet system we use is cabintop mounted, its 5:1 10:1, but can be reduced if you like.
 
W

Warren Milberg

For Alan

Alan: Yes, I think that you may be right about tightenting the vang -- if you can. In most cases on my boat (H28.5), when I'm having trouble releasing the mainsheets, I also cannot tighten the vang. I have a simple 4:1 rig and so the mechanical advantage of it is not great. What has worked for me however is turning slightly upwind to create a very small luff in the main, releasing the vang, and then releasing the mainsheets. So, at least in my case, I suppose it actually works both ways. Whatever works, works.
 

Alan

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Jun 2, 2004
4,174
Hunter 35.5 LI, NY
Warren

This is the reason I upgraded my systems. I think that it's wrong to keep substandard gear on your boat just because the manufacturer put it there. Whenever I come across stuff that doesn't do the job, I replace it with something that does, vang, halyards, mainsheet systems,..whatever.
 
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