I would like to know how your mainsheet runs on your 23? Description of setup: Tiller mounted single block with cam to lock mainsheet (free spining) Port single block Starboard single block End of boom, double block The mainsheet travels thru the block on the tiller to the port side block, up to the boom block down to starboard block back up to the boom block and inserted in metal eye on port side block (held in place by a figure 8 knot). I have 2 problems with that setup: 1) Since the mainsheet runs from the tiller to the port side block, it is very awkward to handle when sitting on port side (to pull sail in or let out). I don't like sitting near the water when running at 20/25 degrees. 2) In light air, I need to push manually the boom when letting the sail out. Is my mainsheet diameter to big? Can you describe your setup? Can you offer some advice? Tx Yves
Mainsheet run
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Unusual
That is one unusual mainsheet system you've got there. If I understand correctly, you have blocks attached to the tiller? I've never heard of that before. Doesn't the mainsheet pull on the tiller? On my Oday 23 (1979), I have two fiddle blocks, the upper fixed to the end of the boom, and the lower block (with a cam and becket) affixed to the backstay. This setup (the good people at Oday designed it, not me) has its disadvantages too: no traveler, and more strain on the backstay. However, it does give me end-of-boom sheeting and keeps the sheet out of the cockpit. I have thought a lot about different set ups and have come to the conclusion that it's too expensive to switch. The main constraint that I see is the tiller; it comes over the transom. You can't build a new traveler track or other new attachment point over it unless you want to restrict your ability to raise the tiller vertically. I know some people have done that, but I like to move the tiller out of the way while at anchor. I bet I am misinterpreting your description of your setup, but it does sound restrictive. You can always switch to a system like mine (you would need to buy a new backstay), or mount a traveler track in the cockpit. Another option is to try and adapt a Catalina 22 type system for the Oday.
That is one unusual mainsheet system you've got there. If I understand correctly, you have blocks attached to the tiller? I've never heard of that before. Doesn't the mainsheet pull on the tiller? On my Oday 23 (1979), I have two fiddle blocks, the upper fixed to the end of the boom, and the lower block (with a cam and becket) affixed to the backstay. This setup (the good people at Oday designed it, not me) has its disadvantages too: no traveler, and more strain on the backstay. However, it does give me end-of-boom sheeting and keeps the sheet out of the cockpit. I have thought a lot about different set ups and have come to the conclusion that it's too expensive to switch. The main constraint that I see is the tiller; it comes over the transom. You can't build a new traveler track or other new attachment point over it unless you want to restrict your ability to raise the tiller vertically. I know some people have done that, but I like to move the tiller out of the way while at anchor. I bet I am misinterpreting your description of your setup, but it does sound restrictive. You can always switch to a system like mine (you would need to buy a new backstay), or mount a traveler track in the cockpit. Another option is to try and adapt a Catalina 22 type system for the Oday.
My mainsheet is secured to a becket block portside just forward of the transom. It runs through a double sheave block on the end of the boom, then to a block forward of the transom on the starboard side, and then back through the block on the boom, ending at the block and cam portside. It gives me 4:1 ratio and does not interfere with the tiller. Passengers sitting aft, have to be vigilant of the sheet, though. Mel
Same as Mel
I have a 1973, and the setup is the same at Mel describes and is typical of the earlier generation 23. The blocks are original. My mainsheet is 3/8" double braided. Mike's description is typical of the late 70's and 80's boats, where the sheet is rigged to the backstay. You can see it in the rigging diagram for the later 23's in the info section of this website. Never saw your setup before.
I have a 1973, and the setup is the same at Mel describes and is typical of the earlier generation 23. The blocks are original. My mainsheet is 3/8" double braided. Mike's description is typical of the late 70's and 80's boats, where the sheet is rigged to the backstay. You can see it in the rigging diagram for the later 23's in the info section of this website. Never saw your setup before.
split backstay
My boat has a split backstay. The split is about 8 feet above the cockpit sole. Your setup would not work because the split would be higher than the boom block. There wouldn't be anything to keep downward pressure on the boom. The boom would fluter around on a close haul. I don't have a boom vang either and have 3 side stays per side.
My boat has a split backstay. The split is about 8 feet above the cockpit sole. Your setup would not work because the split would be higher than the boom block. There wouldn't be anything to keep downward pressure on the boom. The boom would fluter around on a close haul. I don't have a boom vang either and have 3 side stays per side.
Same as Keith and Mel
Yup, yours is the earlier generation with the heftier standing rigging. Backstay is split as you describe using a triangle plate (I use the extra center hole to fly a burgee), and you have 1 upper sidestay and 2 lower sidestays on each side. The setup described by Mel is the factory, and puts excellent down pressure on the end of the boom. The factory boom also had a vang (look for a key-hole bracket on the underside of the boom). D&R Marine lists it for your boat, and can make up the ball fitting that goes into the keyhole. You'll also need an eye near the base of the mast, mounted into the mast track same as your downhaul cleat.
Yup, yours is the earlier generation with the heftier standing rigging. Backstay is split as you describe using a triangle plate (I use the extra center hole to fly a burgee), and you have 1 upper sidestay and 2 lower sidestays on each side. The setup described by Mel is the factory, and puts excellent down pressure on the end of the boom. The factory boom also had a vang (look for a key-hole bracket on the underside of the boom). D&R Marine lists it for your boat, and can make up the ball fitting that goes into the keyhole. You'll also need an eye near the base of the mast, mounted into the mast track same as your downhaul cleat.
Keith, Do you have the split backstay?
Keith, If you have the split backstay how is your mainsheet ran? I don't think there can be a block on the backstay triangular plate, it is higher than the boom. It would pull the boom up and deform the sail shape.
Keith, If you have the split backstay how is your mainsheet ran? I don't think there can be a block on the backstay triangular plate, it is higher than the boom. It would pull the boom up and deform the sail shape.
Yes, our early models have the split backstay
I agree with you that the mainsheet system described by Mike for his 1979 (later generation) does not work on ours. Mike's boat has a single backstay that includes a triangle plate a few feet above the transom, but lower than the boom. The mainsheet block is anchored on this backstay plate. This is shown in the rigging diagram for the later 23's on this website. Mel's description is for the earlier generation that have a backstay that splits high, also using a triangle plate, and goes to separate chainplates near each end of the transom. The mainsheet is also split, using a block on each side of the cockpit just in front of the transom. The starboard is a simple block. The port includes a becket and a cam to hold the sheet. Sheet is reeved as Mel describes. This end-boom system works very well, especially when you have a boom vang to help with sail shape.
I agree with you that the mainsheet system described by Mike for his 1979 (later generation) does not work on ours. Mike's boat has a single backstay that includes a triangle plate a few feet above the transom, but lower than the boom. The mainsheet block is anchored on this backstay plate. This is shown in the rigging diagram for the later 23's on this website. Mel's description is for the earlier generation that have a backstay that splits high, also using a triangle plate, and goes to separate chainplates near each end of the transom. The mainsheet is also split, using a block on each side of the cockpit just in front of the transom. The starboard is a simple block. The port includes a becket and a cam to hold the sheet. Sheet is reeved as Mel describes. This end-boom system works very well, especially when you have a boom vang to help with sail shape.
Mel description
My boat still has everything describe by Mel. The other tiller mount block must have been an addition to free the cockpit a bit more. I will try the traditional way next time. Tx
My boat still has everything describe by Mel. The other tiller mount block must have been an addition to free the cockpit a bit more. I will try the traditional way next time. Tx
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