main sheeting

groundhogyh · Feb 26, 2009

One thing, if u convert to mid boom. U will not
be able to use the roller reef.
R

Vega1447 · Feb 27, 2009

I think I remember reading that mid-boom sheeting can place over-design
loads on the boom leading to the boom breaking?

Though I would prefer it if it could be done safely.

Only other negative - access to the companionway would be restricted..

John

V 1447 Breakaway

Groundhog wrote:

pjacobs55 · Feb 27, 2009

One way to distribute the load on the boom for mid-boom sheeting is
to install a second bail on the boom, as was done on this Pearson
Triton 28.

http://www3.telus.net/sailing/mainsheet.jpg

That way the load is shared on two points of the boom, instead of
one. I have seen booms with three bails, but I think that would be
overkill for a main the size of the Vega's.The loss of roller reefing, in my opinion, is a good thing. Slab
reefing is so much easier and gives excellent sail shape for sailing
close hauled.

Peter
#1331 'Sin Tacha'

pelagicasd · Feb 27, 2009

I did break the boom on Lyric with a preventer riigged to the vang attachement. If I was going to sheet from mid boom I'd also install a 2nd bail. I seem to recall some concerns in the past about the cabin top not being designed for that kind of a load. I'm not sure why, it doesn't seem like it would be horribly excessive. Walt
To: AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com
From: prjacobs@...
Date: Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:55:48 +0000
Subject: [AlbinVega] Re: main sheetingOne way to distribute the load on the boom for mid-boom sheeting is
to install a second bail on the boom, as was done on this Pearson
Triton 28.

http://www3.telus.net/sailing/mainsheet.jpg

That way the load is shared on two points of the boom, instead of
one. I have seen booms with three bails, but I think that would be
overkill for a main the size of the Vega's.

The loss of roller reefing, in my opinion, is a good thing. Slab
reefing is so much easier and gives excellent sail shape for sailing
close hauled.

Peter
#1331 'Sin Tacha'

txsailcouple · Feb 27, 2009

After I snapped my boom in half a few years back a machinist and the rigging guy who looked at it said it was due to go anytime from corrosion on the inside. I replaced it with a tear drop shaped boom that has considerably more strength,
John

sailshiva · Feb 27, 2009

We have our main sheeted from the end of the boom. We used to sail in the riotous conditions on the mid-Columbia River, and never had any problems. Sometimes on the Columbia, with a 6 knot current flowing down the river and a 40 knot wind blowing up the river, we'd come about rather sharply, and I'd think everything was going to rip right off the boat and end up in the river, but everything was always fine.

SVFlyAway · Feb 28, 2009

I wasn't going to comment as I didn't have time, but have a minute. I am no
means an expert but have worked at one time as the ops manager for a small
rigging shop. I saw a lot in my time there.

First, I would suggest you just leave the track where it is. There are two
reasons for mid-boom sheeting. First is because of the design of boats
starting I guess in the mid-60s or 70s to high aspect ratio mains. This
means the boom is shorter than in the older days. The problem with this is
that end-boom sheeing often put the track right in the middle of the cockpit
on these boats. That was not convenient (I've skinned many a shin racing on
these types of arrangements). So more boats went to mid-boom sheeting to
move the traveler out of the cockpit. Also racers seem to like it as there
might be a little more control, but probably not much if a vang is used
well. Maybe racers like it since they are used to the high aspect ratio
boats they raced on!

The Vega doesn't have this problem since the track is well aft-- because of
the small size of the boat and the long boom. Actually many boats are built
today with aft boom sheeting, so it isn't old fashioned. Hallberg Rassy uses
this because of the center cockpit and Freres is best designer in the world
to day in my opinion. Some of the J-boats I have owned also use aft boom
sheeting as it worked out better for the design of the boat and rig. I guess
that is the main reason for the difference -- you gotta the rig to fit the
boat.

But, if you are going to attach the track to the cabin top build an arch
that is supported by the sides of the cabin as well at the top to help
transfer the load (I think it would look ghastly myself, but beauty is in
the eye of the beholder). You need to attach the main sheet to the boom in
three places -- one forward, one just above, and one aft the traveler. This
means lots of rigging (AKA $$$). Also the aft line, leading forward would be
a real problem on the Vega with the low boom and short cockpit, seems to me
anyway. Then comes the question of a dodget --

As for the comment on the boom being bent when a preventer was attached
mid-boom. My answer is never, never attach a preventer mid-boom. Run it from
the aft part of the boom as far forward as you can for the very reason that
a preventer can put thousands of pounds of force on the boom in a jib
(especially when you forget to remove it -- been there, done that). It is
more convenient to run a preventer mid-boom but you only break or bend your
boom once in you life, unless you are incredibly wealthy.

pjacobs55 · Feb 28, 2009

Bill,
I had a San Juan 24 that used a "horse" to mount the traveller to. It
was attached to the cabin sides, rather than the top, and spanned the
sliding hatch opening. It was 'original' and worked well.

http://www3.telus.net/sailing/traveller1.jpg

I added a dodger (spray hood) to a Lancer 25, and had to relocate the
traveller. I made a "horse" for that, and attached it to the sliding
hatch garage, which was a lot heavier-built than the one on the Vega.

http://www3.telus.net/sailing/traveller2.jpg

http://www3.telus.net/sailing/traveller3.jpg

Hope this helps,
Peter
#1331 'Sin Tacha'

j.hunter9999 · Feb 28, 2009

I once saw a Vega with the mainsheet rigged mid-boom. In this case,
the traveller was mounted at the forward end of the cockpit right
above the ignition switch. It seemed like a decent rig and I've often
considered it myself. However, one would have to get used to the
mainsheet being there when you come up the companionway. It would
free up space in the back. But you'd lose space in the front.
However, it would probably more structurally sound mounted there
versus on the cabin top.

Just some more food for thought. Are you getting full yet?

Jack
V2620
Bella

deltavol · Mar 1, 2009

My Vega has the mainsheet traveller mounted at the forward end of the cockpit above the ignition switch. I bought the boat rigged like that 6 years ago, and I do like the arrangement. The original traveller is still in the cockpit, so I have been able to try the mainsheet in both locations, and I do prefer the mid boom arrangement using the forward traveller. The mainsheet does get in the way of using the companionway sometimes, but it is well away from the tiller, which I like.

John
V1750
Billy Ruff'n

stevebirch2002 · Mar 1, 2009

Hi All

The AGM for Vega Association of Great Britain is to be held at Fareham Sailing Club on 7th March 2009 at 16:00 - 18:00

I am barman that day so feel free to come early - Bar opens at 12:00

All welcome but please let me know if possible: steve@...

Cheers

Steve Birch

bobnlesafloat · Mar 1, 2009

We saw a yacht; not a Vega but similar size/design in Portugal which had clearly had a similar boom-end detail as the Vega, but as it had a somewhat (in relative terms) shorter boom, the problem of it cutting down at an angle and interfering with the Helmsman was exaggerated.

The owner had fitted a sleeved extension to the boom end, effectively extending it by about two feet, so allowing the mainsheet to descend vertically and so be out of the way; I even have a couple of photos somewhere. Having been reminded of it by this thread, I might well look into the feasibility of applying it to the Vega when we go back to the boat next week; I should think it'd only need the boom extending by a few inches to clear the cockpit main cockpit area on Spring Fever.

Bob Carlisle.

j.hunter9999 · Mar 1, 2009

John,
Do you have a Bimini? What special considerations are there
considering the location of the traveller?

Thanks,
Jack
V2620
Bella

deltavol · Mar 2, 2009

Hi Jack,

I don't have a bimini. I'm going down to the boat later on this week, so I'll take a pic of my traveller and I'll try to post it. The traveller is bolted through the wood above the instrument panel, and then through the GRP on either side of it.

Cheers,

John

groundhogyh · Mar 2, 2009

I'm not totally following this thread, so pardon if I make a silly statement (everyone is probably used to it anyway.. lol).

I am looking into a bimini and dodger/spray hood right now.
If you are thinking that moving the main sheet forward and that that will make more room for a bimini, I think that will be true only if your bimini is very low. Below the boom.

For a normal height bimini, you will more likely bump into the topping lift or the leech of the mainsail.

My bimini plans are to make it small and deploy the bimini-dodger connector only when at anchor.

If there is a way to have a full sized bimini fully deployed while sailing, I would like to hear about it before I place my order.

roy

j.hunter9999 · Mar 2, 2009

OK, you're going to love this. Caveat, this is only a theory. I have
not gotten to this point, yet. (Too many other things to do.)
Depending on the series Vega you have, you may or may not have a track
on the mast in which the boom rides. If you don't, you can convert
the current boom setup, with roller reefing, add a track on the mast,
add slab reefing and a downhaul, and you'll have the ability to raise
the boom probably another 4-6 inches (conservatively) without the main
being at the very top of the mast.

Leave the main sheet at the aft end of the boom and the aft end of the
cockpit. Then add a rigid frame for the bimini and dodger.
Presto-chango, 96 hours of work later and 2500 dollars and you have a
bimini with which you can sail.

My plan is to end up at this point some day. But this year was not
the year. I also like the main sheet at the fore end of the cockpit.
So I may have to design something else.

Take care.

Jack
V2620
Bella

groundhogyh · Mar 2, 2009

Thankyou Jack.
I have heard some things about this, but didn't know some Vegas came that way.
I will look into it.
Roy